are wehavingfunyet

How did the fare you paid for your Med cruises on Crystal, Silversea and Seabourn compare to the excellent price you got for this sailing on HAL?

 

 

 

Hi Sail7Seas,

I wrote a detailed response to your question yesterday, but it never posted [iPad glitch?]. To recap:

The up front cost of our cruises on the luxury lines, which we booked at what were deep discounts for those companies, were about 2 1/2 times the upfront costs of HAL. After you subtract out the prepaid tips, all-inclusive drinks and specialty restaurants, and generous cabin credit, they probably came out to twice the daily cost of HAL In the final analysis, that $3 can of coke on HAL probably wound up costing a bit more on the luxury lines.

Sailing with the luxury lines was an extravagance for us, but we were celebrating significant milestones so we splurged. As someone's signature on this board advises, "Life is short; drink the good wine first."

I would have to be out of my mind to compare the luxury ships with HAL on a head to head basis and expect HAL to come out favorably. Crystal, Seabourn, and Silversea have small ships that cater to people who are very demanding about details and don't mind paying top dollar for their comforts. They provide a totally different [and I am not saying necessarily better] experience than larger ships, which have a more exciting atmosphere and a lot more to do. What I was comparing was the fabulous Med-HAL with the disappointing Caribbean-HAL; our Noordam vs. Eurodam experience.

On the Noordam, our veranda cabin seemed bigger and brighter and more inviting, as did the public areas. The food was better and the service was much more gracious. Nobody was complaining about anything. We were delighted about every aspect of the cruise, even more so given the bargain combination fare HAL offered for the cruise and air.

The Eurodam seemed disorganized, the food was mediocre, our veranda cabin seemed dark, and the staff were doing their best but were clearly over worked. In addition, hearing so many people complain about so many different aspects of the ship did not enhance the ambiance of the cruise. Maybe these complainers were misrepresenting their Mariner status, but why they would is a mystery to me.

If money were no object [but alas, for most of us it is], I would spend as much of my life as I could on Seabourn and Silversea [Crystal loyalists, please don't start], But, life being what it is, I will continue to select a mix of vacation options, from bargain cruises and bus trips to some luxury cruises here and there and try to find enjoyment in all new experiences. Linda

Will I be able to get a taxi without too much trouble at 4:30 AM or so to get to FLL for a 7:00 flight? Trying to decide if I should stay at/near the airport for a post cruise night in January or try to enjoy a beach area hotel for my extra day.

1. Which airport hotel is most convenient for a crack of dawn departure?

2. Should I rent a car?

3. Why did I think flying home 7:00 in January was a good idea?

Thanks.

Feeling incorrect and need assistance. I have found all the dress code information very confusing. I am having particular difficulty figuring out what the difference between resort casual and elegant casual means for women. It seemed like the directions for Crystal and Silversea were much clearer.

Here I am packing for a 20 day Med cruise for me and my husband.

For me: Do I bring 2 - 4 cocktail dresses and a few other casual dresses for dinner? Should I throw a long gown in? Will long white slacks [until I spill red wine on them] and a casual top do it for dinner most nights?

For him: White dinner jacket or tux needed? Or will a dark suit suffice for formal nights? Or, can he get away with a sports coat all the time?

Thanks for your help.

We are looking for pick up from the port and then about a half day's touring outside of Athens with drop off at the airport no later than 3PM. Would you recommend Sounion or Corinth? Or something else? Would prefer not to take the ship's Athens city tour with airport drop off as have been in Athens twice recently. THANKS

Hi Cruise Mom

One more request:

lsmeadephd @ aol dot com.

Thanks so much

"I am a tourist trying to see foreign cities and have great experiences. I can see how the travelers among us would do things differently"

I have been to Paris many times [?15] and learned some things from your post. It seems like you really maximized your time and saw some of the best things. Enjoy your next trip there - you'll never get tired of Paris!

I agree with Keith: Why take a chance? I became very ill in Madrid a number of years ago and will never know if it was from drinking the water or something I ate in a restaurant. At least you have control over the water.