frantic36

Not all Seabourn regulars as I would never have implied that as it isn't that easy using it in the Med. There is a lot of boat traffic and getting permission can be difficult. On some Med cruises it is never used and I have done quite a few. I don't keep tabs on how often it is used because I am off exploring the port and finding some nice local food.

I avoid that source as I find them generally negative and why do I want to go into a cruise with a negative mindset?

I read the blog for Ducie and it stated they tried to go ashore but the swell was too strong so they did the zodiac tour. Experienced sailors know you can't guarantee a landing if there is a problem with swell or weather. At least the snorkelers and divers got a good experience and hopefully some on the zodiac trips. I am on the 28/29 May Sailing so I have a vested interest in following the blog. I am hoping to snorkel but am sadly no longer a strong swimmer and had a scare a few years ago snorkelling so if we can't land I will just have to enjoy the zodiac trips and the ship. I'm glad to follow the blog as it helps with managing expectations.

I was on Seabourn Sojourn last in February 2024 and I saw a gathering of solo travellers many nights in the club hosted by one of the entertainment staff. I think they met around ?6 - 6.30. @Astride I saw your reply as I posted. I wonder if it was different on my sailing as it was part of the world cruise or because Ross was CD and he was more pro-active?

It only took an hour. I remember we needed to be there a bit earlier then our booked time so we had a wait then but they were very efficient getting people through. I also remember a young woman who didn't have a ticket but she was prepared to wait in case someone failed to turn up. Her chances were slim but you never know because the organisers wouldn't wait if people were late.

When we did this in 2019 it was a guided tour. They want to make sure that people get in and out at the same time as they only allow so many down in the caves at one time. They also had the guide to make sure people didn't touch things they weren't supposed to. This is also why you need to arrive at the correct time of your ticket. We did this as part of a private tour so I can't help with taxi recommendations.

I was curious about Regent dress code and have been pleased to read the descriptions of standards and also photos from current reports have shown people dressing Elegant Casual. Seabourn made the mistake of allowing "elegant" jeans in the dining room without clarifying what they consider elegant. No one is wearing ripped jeans but faded, baggy jeans is more often the norm and impossible for staff to push back against because the owner says they think they are elegant. Last night I was talking with my husband about an upcoming Seabourn Expedition cruise and though the norm is casual. I will still take some elegant casual to wear in the evening. I dress casual at home most of the time and like to wear some nicer things to a restaurant meal. It adds to making our holiday special.

Why do some people think the rest of the world wants to hear their loud conversations. Be it in person or on their phone etc. Something I'm looking forward to experiencing in Japan is the notion that when using public transport it is frowned upon to chat on your phone. What a good looking boy 🥰.

Thank you for your review. We are sailing Pursuit in a couple of months and it will be hot and humid weather. I definitely won't be taking jeans due to the heat. Loose and lightweight evening clothes, including silk dresses, and hiking shorts & tops for the day. I am surprised re the complaints by passengers as it is an expedition cruise. Do you think it is lack of insight from their TA that they don't understand how things would work? I do suspect that because of the number of expedition staff required the crew cabin situation would mean a reduction in normal crew. I would be curious as to how much entertainment they would have on the Silversea and Ponant expedition ships? I hope they change this soon as I agree the themed nights in Colonnade are not good, apart from Indian, and I wish they would revamp this fleet wide.

Staying there in October as our TA recommended it so good to hear you enjoyed it.

On our cruise in October we will be getting into Kobe the second day @ 12pm so hopefully they will do the same on our cruise. As I first time Regent cruiser it would be great to get an idea of what to ask for at dinner. What is the mark up like for revenue wines?

I do mainly private tours and this group having someone who is paraplegic it makes sense to cater for them. However blaming the cruise line is wrong. I always make sure that we tell the guide we need to be back 1.5 to 2 hours before all aboard time. This is especially important if it is a tender port.

As a regular Seabourn passenger I would put Seabourn and Regent on par. In fact since Seabourn now allows "elegant Jeans" in the MDR I would put Regent ahead. I still like to dress up so I wear what I want and it doesn't worry me but some other people's definition of elegant jeans and mine are very different. 😆. What they choose I would wear to my sister's farm.

I think that is wise. My husband has a small, lightweight but sturdy backpack that he uses when we travel and hike. It has water bottle carriers on the side and is easily accessed. We found the Seabourn ones we received last year not as good though adequate for a short trip. We left them on the ship and Seabourn planned to donate any articles left to places Seabourn visited later.

Enjoy your cruise.

Seabourn's dress code has become more relaxed but they still don't allow shorts or ripped jeans in the MDR or even Colonnade at dinner. So if that is what you mean by not dressing up you would be confined to Patio Grill, which is very popular, or in room dining. Also meals can take awhile in the MDR due to most people wanting a less hurried experience. The pool areas are quite small so not suitable for playing any pool games and definitely jumping into the pool and splashing others is not appreciated. I do see children on Seabourn during the Summer break but not many and so if you and your children can accept there are no activities for children and be mindful of others it might work.

My youngest son has become a good cook and likes to try different recipes from different parts of the world. So I do bring him back recipe books and look for ones that have a some history of the recipe written in the description. He enjoys reading them and has done various recipes for family meals.

Thanks shark b8. Enjoying your stories and photos so much. I haven't been to Japan yet but have already bookmarked to look for matcha Kit Kat when we visit in October.

What's wrong with the bordello look 😁?

I understand the cabin attendants reasoning was to make life quicker and easier for herself the next day. That reasoning is never acceptable and I would be sure she understood this in a firm but polite manner. Thank you for your wonderful and detailed report. It confirms why I have chosen not to sail on Oceania. For all the pluses the negatives outweigh them.

Could you please let me know if there is hot water available for tea/coffee when you have time, thanks.

😆I guess it depends where you live as coming from Western Australia those summer temperatures sound cold to me.

Thanks for the warning re breakfast as we are also doing Hilton for the post cruise tour. We aren't big breakfast eaters and often skip it entirely and some of the places look possible to grab a snack on the way. We have opted for Conrad Hilton pre cruise and taken the hotel credit. People we know recommended it.

Whatever floats your boat 🙄. Please have the last word.

Yes I do.Mainly wedges and kitten. I live in a big city.