twodjs

The NCL Jewel class ships have a really nice men's only area - not free but definitely worth the price. Several have mentioned it on previous posts. Large windows to the sea in the sauna.

The Eurodam already had machines in the Gallery Bar area several months ago. Is this article old news?

Are you suggesting that smokers spend more money than non-smokers in the casino? Really??? Remember - for those who insist Holland would lose a boatload of money if the casino was non-smoking - Celebrity has been 100% non-smoking in their casinos for many years and their casinos are packed.

If that small no-smoking room on Koningsdam we experienced in November is their answer to offering a no-smoking section, a better solution would be to make that room the Smoking Room, perhaps with doors to help keep the smoke in, and make the majority of the casino non-smoking to better represent the minority % of guests who still smoke.

You do understand that a Club Orange add-on does not REQUIRE you to change cabins - the upgrade option is simply one of the perks of Club Orange. We already had our cabin - just booked Club Orange for the dining option.

Yes! So nice...

Well, in our case, it was the normal American Airlines flight from Barbados back to Miami - it leaves about 4:30 pm. We were at the resort from about 10 am to 1:30 pm - plenty of time to enjoy the sun, beach, bars and lunch. No matter which option you get, it's better than just sitting at the airport!

We had a similar experience last year in Barbados, but because of Covid restrictions at the time, the selected resort required us to be restricted to a limited area of the property. We were still provided with both indoor and outdoor space and a buffet lunch. Even during Covid it was NOT just a bus ride.

We were on Ovation during Dec. and booked our flight through Seabourn. We were taken to a resort hotel in Barbados where we were provided with several lunch options, all beverages and access to the entire property. Very pleased with our treatment. The hotel Seabourn selects depends on availability on your disembarkation day. It was NOT just a bus tour.

You are correct! Thanks for catching my mistake. Let's hope they NEVER touch the men's sauna on Infinity and Constellation!

Yes, but Celebrity gutted the formerly wonderful sauna in Infinity and Summit and added about 10 cabins in that space. They did install a smaller (no window to the sea) single-sex sauna during their "upgrade" ☹ We're on Summit in mid-May.

Sorry I'm not there and that it's not well attended. Thanksgiving week on Koningsdam was crazy busy, with more than 6 guys most times with plenty of stimulating conversation. Others on this board can attest to that! But the following week was crickets! Wierd... BTY - Got a survey from Celebrity about their spa facilities asking for suggestions to improve their offering. I blasted them for deliberately NOT including single-sex saunas or other options in their Edge class ships and said I refuse to book any of their new ships until they fix them. Co-ed only does NOT work for me!!! Rant over...

We are close to 5 star on HAL and have cruised many times to Alaska, living close to Seattle, but we have become really huge fans of Seabourn. We were on Odyssey last July for 7 days in Alaska and have booked the same ship out of Vancouver for 14 days this August. We love the smaller ship, friendliness of the crew and the other guests, and most importantly, being able to access the small ports and places like Misty Fjords (quite magical!) on the ship where none of the large ships can go. Our happy place. I can't think of any public space on Odyssey that would not be "wheelchair friendly". No walk around deck, but plenty of open space for viewing and lots of permanent heaters installed in outdoor spaces for glacier viewing. No crowds. Is your husband able to walk enough to get to a tender? If so, keep in mind that because the ship is so small, you never have to get tickets or stand in long lines for a tender. Looking at our itinerary though, with many tendered ports, if use of a tender is a problem, HAL would be a better choice. Either way, have a wonderful time in Alaska!

Thanks Dave and Nancy for this post. Our TA is working on alternate arrangements as well.

We DO have Antarctica booked in mid-February 2023 and South Georgia IS scheduled for several days of our journey. Sorry to disagree with the author, but this DOES affect us.

Terrible management decision! The rude behavior of one - don't care how much he tips - is totally wrong. He shoulld be denied access to the cabanas. PERIOD! The Captain has the power. He needs to use it!

Whiskey tastings on Koningsdam last week. The pub crawl used to happen on Orange party night and end up in BB King. Haven't seen it since Covid. Always a variety of wine tastings.

Just off Koningsdam - they had crosswords at both at Guest Services AND up in the Crow's Nest. No line up there. Sudoku on the back side of the page.

Keep in mind that the free saunas, men only and women only, are never mentioned during the spa tours the first day, since they want to sell the spa packages. Clothing optional. A hidden gem. Love the space!

Bottles of water are definitely included at no charge in the Pinnacle suite and are replenished as needed. A kettle was also in our P. suite, so if you don't see one, just ask...it will appear. And it does have a large microwave. The refrigerator is also much bigger than normal. Why not have a special afternoon tea delivered and set up in your dining area and invite a couple of new friends - the Neptune lounge Concierge will arrange it and can suggest other ideas as well - lots of good memories in that suite...make the most of it!

Two or three weeks prior is normal and yes specific boarding times are assigned. The group assignment times may adjust a few times until just a few days prior to boarding. San diego port is pretty strict about sticking to your assigned time.

Thanks for the good news on the Koningsdam sauna!

The picture above really helps. I want to say capacity is 60ish...Mostly 4-tops with some higher tables near the center where you can watch the chef prep some of the dishes. We really enjoyed this space and never felt rushed or crowded.

You keep mentioning OB - do you mean an Owner's Suite on Seabourn - OW?

If you're on your way to 4 stars, you know that supply and demand controls prices. If you booked your cruise and felt it was a good value at the time and got the cabin you wanted, that hasn't changed. Sounds like there's a very good chance for an upgrade. Usually prices increase as the sail date approaches. And we all book early expecting that to happen. But, there is risk and for what ever reason, your cruise date didn't book up. Every cruiseline needs a profit now more than ever, so they need as many heads in beds as possible. I simply make it a practice to never look after final payment ... just enjoy a wonderful 16 nights back at sea on an uncrowded ship!