chewbaka

I did a quick read through of the reviews and found them to be sort of a mixed bag. Most of the severely negative ones were from first time Seabourn cruisers and were also first time reviews, which I tend to disregard as having been written by a person who became disgruntled about something. I also tend to think that when people sail for the first time on a more expensive line and it doesn't quite meet their expectations, they may post a very negative review because they don't feel they got bang for the buck.

I think a lot can be explained by the review posted by brittany12 where there is a comparison of a January 2017 trip with an April 2017 trip. It seems there were problems on Sojourn earlier. We took a 21 day Trans Pac trip on Sojourn in May and found it to be a great experience.

There were SB company staff on board who seemed to be assessing, evaluating, instructing. So corporate must have felt they needed to intervene and/or prepare for Alaska.

As first time SB cruisers we got a lot of feedback and advice from the experienced cruisers and they did not seem to find anything out of the ordinary SB experience. Satisfied customers do not do a lot of posting - only those with issues will complain via CC. For our first SB cruise our expectations were met in fine fashion by the Sojourn. The couple of minor issues we had on board (21 days something will go wrong) were taken up directly with Seabourn - along with the kudos to the specific outstanding staff we met. Seabourn is now our favorite cruise line.

I'm considering a cruise on Crown , which would be my first Princess Cruise. I heard that it, and most Princess ships, had an outdoor promenade deck, which I would​ expect to use extensively, for walking and relaxing. I was not aware of the glass that you speak of, which is discouraging. Which ship was it?

It was the Island Princess. If you take a look at pictures of the ship on the Princess website you will see that the upper decks of first half of the ship are surrounded by pale blue glass. It was very annoying for a Panama Canal cruise. Other ships may not be quite as bad. Also, if you are interested in promenade decks be aware that the Princess ships I have been on - about 5 - have stairs at the bow because the promenade goes up one deck and back down as you walk around. On HAL there are many more walkers as the promenade decks go around the circumference of the ship on the same level deck.

There are many good reasons to travel Princess. Views from outside decks just are not that great, IMHO.

We're Silver and I wish it was one free load per seven days but those Terms and Conditions are dated 2012 and I am willing to bet if you called the Seabourn Club, they'd tell you they're no longer valid or it's just an error since everywhere else it shows one bag per cruise regardless of length. In fact, I just found it in yet another place ... click on this link, then click on Frequently Asked Questions and scroll down to Item 32 (found under On Board Benefits) which goes into even more detail re: laundry and dry cleaning:

 

https://www.seabourn.com/pageByName/Resp.action?requestPage=seabourn.club&showHeader=true&showFooter=true#14

I understand there are inconsistencies. I am only stating that this is a means to advocate for laundry if you wish to. This is one time where the fine print benefits the customer.

All through the web pages you are referred to the Terms and Conditions. In fact they supersede. Sure, it can be changed, but it is what Seabourn has stated now. It is not quite the same authority of the Cruise Contract, but it is what Seabourn says is the rules of their loyalty program under Seabourn Club.

I have not seen it mentioned, but a big difference for us is the fact that HAL ships are obviously built for scenic cruising. There are plenty of venues from which you can view the world as you pass by. We have done many HAL cruises where we freely moved around the many outdoor decks and had many different great views.

No such luck on Princess. We did a Panama Canal cruise on Princess last year on a lark and the scenic part was terrible. Never Again On Princess where a big component of the cruise is scenery. The ship has this blue glass completely surrounding most decks - particularly facing the bow. If you want unobstructed views, or are taking pictures, you are constantly jockeying for position against other passengers for the few areas without glass or trying to shoot between glass panes. I observed fighting over placing deck chairs for good views of the Canal. Possibly most Princess passengers are not as interested in the scenery, good food, brewed coffee, unhurried adult cruising, etc.......

We just finished a 21 day Trans Pacific cruise on the Sojourn with one 7 day stretch of sea days. There was plenty to do. Besides the great service, food, events, etc., there were SIX lecturers covering history, world events, media news, whales, bears, and cooking - typically three each day. Entertainment was also amped up with two different shows each night and many shows during the day. Also many semi-silly games each day for SB prizes. Hardest working CDs I have ever seen.

Hey, you don't want it to be like a floating amusement park, but they did well with a full schedule on a 450 adult oriented passenger ship.

We just became eligible for Silver benefits so I have been following this discussion with interest. I have looked at the benefit chart and noticed the fine differences in footnotes, etc. for the bag of laundry varying by benefit level.

However, that is not what the fine print says. Under Terms and Conditions of the Seabourn Club pages on the Seabourn webpage I find the following under Onboard Benefits::

Complimentary Internet: Complimentary internet up to the number of hours indicated per membership level. When logging in on board, guests must select the corresponding package. No refund or credits on unused minutes.

Complimentary Telephone: Complimentary use of telephone up to the number of minutes indicated per membership level. No refund or credits on unused minutes.

.....

Complimentary Laundry: Complimentary bag of standard laundry and pressing. One bag per 7 days sailed, with an additional bag on the first day of the next week on board for sailings of 7+ days. Does not include dry cleaning or same day services.

The description for Internet and Telephone states that the award was "hours indicated per membership level". It does not indicate membership level for laundry. Instead it simply says one bag per 7 days sailed.

We are not going out on a cruise soon so I am not in a position to argue the case effectively for laundry every 7 days - but I hope someone else who is Silver level can bring this up and push the matter...

We certainly could have used laundry every seven days on the 21 day cruise we were on three weeks ago.

In a bar or at the grill, do you order it from the bar/grill staff?

 

Anyone will take the order. Most of the time we order from beverage staff because they are usually first to provide service. The order is called in to the room service staff in the Restaurant galley since that is where ad-hoc orders are filled. The order is delivered to the bar/grill and beverage staff serves it.

I understand it's available every night as well as the special by the sea. What size portion do you get? Is it good?

We just completed a 21 day Trans Pac on the Sojourn two weeks ago. Not being caviar aficionados we would not be able to tell you if the particular caviar we had on board was "good" by whatever standards this is judged - but it tasted good... Early in the cruise it was jet black. Late in the cruise it was very dark grey. Seven sea days is a long time to keep anything in stock so I suspect the better caviar was used first and they went to the next grade as the trip continued.

More importantly, in addition to events, the caviar is "on-demand". Anytime you want it they deliver it anywhere you are. It is served complete with all the trimmings. As this was our first Seabourn trip we set a goal of caviar and champagne everyday. We had it in the Observation Bar, Patio Bar, Poolside, in the Suite - anytime it occurred to us to order it. It usually was delivered within 15 - 20 minutes after ordering. That's OK because you are drinking as you wait. A group of 4 diners we observed in the Restaurant started every meal with a standing order of double portion of caviar and champagne for each person.

We cruised on the Island Princess last year through the Panama Canal and would never, ever, sail on this ship on a "scenic" cruise.

I am aware there has been a lot of discussion about the alterations, etc. but my objections are fundamental to scenic cruising.

There is blue glass everywhere on the open decks that limit viewing of the scenery you have paid to see. Consequently there is constant jockeying for unobstructed views and occasionally conflicts arise between passengers. If you are taking pictures it is a constant chore to try and shoot in between blue glass panels.

I am not Anti-Princess. We cruise on them quite a bit.

These ships are not designed for scenic cruising. If the view from open public decks are important to you take a close look at the deck configurations and pictures of the ship before you book. If you are in a suite or balcony cabin this may not be a big deal to you.

The whole point of going through the Canal is to see it in operation and enjoy viewing it. There are other ships and lines (blue glass is a Princess trait) that are better suited to enjoying the Canal. We have been through the Canal four times and the Island Princess was our worst experience through the Canal, by far....

Thank you all for your information. It all sounds very reasonable and smacks of common sense....

The only reason I even asked to begin with is that the FAQ on the Seabourn website says:

Elegant Casual

• Men: Slacks with a collared dress shirt or sweater; Jacket Optional.
  

I called Seabourn and they said that this information is incorrect and it should have said "collared shirt".

Not too many "collared dress shirts" in my wardrobe anymore.

Also, thank all of you for not making this dress code thread become the "free-for-all" other dress postings have become.

We hope to have a conversation with HAL - it's not industry wide but may be a Carnival Corp. decision. Waiting to hear back from Cunard (also Celebrity) since they have welcomed bikes - we've sailed with them but not with bikes. I'll post what we hear back.

Thanks

I read through the actual HAL Prohibited Item document and see that the real focus is upon safety. Weapons and items that could become weapons are the focus. Even the conditional allowance of golf clubs, when permitted by prior arrangement, the clubs are kept by security so the they cannot become a weapon on-board.

The scooter exception for mobility is the only real concession as it goes to accessibility on board. It really is an ADA issue anyway and HAL would have no choice but to allow it.

Bicycles do not fit within the accessibility exception since it is not needed on board. They could think that prohibiting bicycles could force passengers on to HAL excursions - which has been a focus in recent years - so it fits in with revenue strategies. Just like HAL not really providing true independent guide assistance anymore like they had in the past. Pushing passengers to excursions.

I guess I am saying HAL needs to understand the bicycle is not going to be a safety issue on board. Instead of prohibiting it from being brought on board by passengers, they simply need to prohibit them from use on the ship. It has to be wheeled or carried to the gangway, not ridden. Unlike a Segway, which I think needs to be ridden to the gangway. (I don't know if a Segway will roll, not under power.) HAL also needs to understand that someone who wants to ride a bicycle in port is never going to be an excursion buying passenger, anyway. Prohibiting bicycles won't generate revenue.

kahtrav

We were on the Prinsendam with you last year. We really enjoyed seeing you guys heading out for your rides. Certainly there were no issues whenever you were moving your transport on and off the ship as you guys were always very courteous and careful.

Sad.

But even sadder for me personally as you inspired me to consider taking a folding bike on board for touring. I had seen it done before on a Princess cruise we had taken earlier, plus we had seen crew members with bikes also. But you guys looked like you just were having SO MUCH FUN! Such a cool thing - a folding tandem....

I just find this decision to be very curious. I wonder if there is anyone we can contact at HAL? I purposely used the phrase "your transport" as it is really no different from wheelchairs or scooters.

Hi all,

First time on Seabourn and I have a question on dress code that obviously affects our packing. We typically try to travel as light as possible with only carry on luggage regardless of length of cruise.

I am not a stickler for dress code but wanted to ask about polo shirts. I will normally wear them during the day and in port.

I don't mind the occasional formal night - especially if the food is special for the occasion. I will wear a business suit, no big deal...

However, on other nights I see that "dress shirt" is specified, with or without jacket.

Where does a nice polo shirt fit in? What if I wear a jacket and polo? Or even an aloha shirt?

thanks in advance, just want to be appropriate

chewbaka

 

If someone is genuine and has a coupon then I think they should ask you if you want to be referred. The coupon lasts for two years once it has been submitted by the referee so they have to sail within that two year period. They ask if anyone is sailing before a certain date because they have a cruise booked and will get the 400 dollar OBC when they sail on that booking. They can hold onto the certificate and present it for their next cruise, but they have to cruise within the two years otherwise it is nul and void.

Hope I have made some sense.?

The coupon is per cabin not per person. Only one coupon per cabin. The referral OBC is not combinable with other OBC's except the Carnival Shareholder OBC.

 

And the coupon you receive as a newbie is applied to a cruise you have booked when you make your final payment. The time issue has more to do with the fact that the person referring you cannot get their $400 credit until you sail (or concurrent with your first time cruise) so for those who have a cruise coming up they only want to give a coupon out to someone sailing before them. However, that person could choose to hold that coupon for to years for a future cruise OBC.

 

And no, usually the person preferring the newbie will secure info from that person (name, address, cruise booking number and date) and submit the original, not photocopied, coupon to Seabourn in Seattle. The newbie does not need to submit anything.

 

And no, this does not appear on Seabourn's website.

 

 

 

 

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Thanks to you both for the info. Now I understand the date issue. I will come back after we book and make final payment and find a fellow cruiser with a coupon for our mutual benefit...

Basic questions from a potential first time Seabourn cruiser:

Is the $400 credit per cabin, or per person? My wife and I are considering a couple of cruises in April/May and are intrigued to try Seabourn. We have a fair bit of experience on mid-level lines and want to try an upgrade.

Since both of us are new to Seabourn, do we need two coupons or just one?

Also, are the coupons time limited? Is that why there are mentions of cruising before certain dates in the posts?

I take it that both parties, previous and first time cruisers, submit coupons?

I could not find a reference to these coupons on the Seabourn website.

Again, cabin OBC, or per person?

thanks for the info...

We took a cruise on the Sapphire a couple of years ago, boarding in Shanghai, immediately following a long period of charters. All service, food, entertainment, and quality was typical Princess. Only differences were that there were more language qualified staff on board, some food add ons were Asian themed. They did a few noodle bars and in lieu of Crab Shack there was Hot Pot.

This was a couple of years ago so I do not know what might have changed in the interim period. Think of it as a chance for Asian customers to experience an American cruise ship and you can see why most all of the experience is typical Princess.

We were on board the Sapphire last year B2B Shanghai to Singapore to Hong Kong. We actually expected a greater percentage of the passengers to be Asian than there were. It made for a mixed melting pot of clientele. This was still a Princess cruise. All rules and procedures were the same. All official communications in English. The entertainment and activities were typical of Princess. Some extra food choices of Asian food - OK, but somewhat Westernized. Instead of Crab Shack there was a very nice Hot Pot meal on occasion. The added Asian staff was very attentive.

If you look at it from the perspective of the "from Asia" passenger, the Sapphire (and Diamond) is an opportunity to travel on a cruise ship with an "American Experience", not one of the myriad of cheap local cruise operators - so it is genuine Princess.

My family took a multi-generational cruise earlier this year for Mom's 90th Birthday. Four generations from 6 months to 90 years old, 14 of us.

While I have no direct experience with Disney, OP originally did address the pricey aspect.

We did a Princess 7 day to Mexico. It was mid-price like HAL and offered more activities that would apply across all our ages. My Grandkids were 6 months, 2.5, and 4.5 years old at the time and they had a ball. Not sure how teenagers would have liked it. Food is not HAL, but OK. A great experience for everyone.

Also did NCL to Alaska with my Grandkids, son, daughter in law and their other Grandparents. The kids liked it, but I HATED it. Service was poor, food inedible, and the ship was always looking for you to pay for something. Yes, there are Nick activities, but they were charging $20 a head for them!

So, Princess worked out for us overall, not just considering the kids.....

I stumbled upon this thread and started reading the first few pages. Then, upon seeing the same old, same old. I skipped and skimmed - and jumped to the end.

This topic reminds me (and I am old enough to remember) of when my workplace decided to not require strict guidelines for dress code, as the "real world" outside was changing. Also, the new hires, relative to those of us who had been around awhile, were getting younger and younger.

No need to rehash the point/counter point opinions of the tread or workplace.

What I take from the stated rule from HAL's website is the strategic nature of what they are doing.

HAL has always impressed me as a well run operational company. They are difficult to beat on how they operate, maintain, service, etc., at a mid level cost structure. Nice to see they are being strategic, as well.

I am not sitting in the decision meeting, but the strategy and adjustment is clear. It is based on demographics. Those who are complaining the loudest may have 5, 10, maybe 20 years left to cruise. HAL has to adjust to the the changing preferences of the customers they wish to attract as times will move on. Those remaining customers may not want "formal", but prefer "gala". The old Trans Atlantic steamship days are over.

We have recently taken a few Princess cruises. A fairly well run cruise line, but I prefer HAL. Their demographics skew slightly younger. They have more activities, sometimes silly. When the older Princess (and other mid lines) clientele will prefer the quieter, more formal HAL like experience, will they want to wear tuxes, suits, or higher end dresses? Nope. Most of them are not CCers with these strong opinions.

Sure, there will be those who will not meet the intent of the rules.

My worst example is not someone who dressed down, but who "dressed up". While we overnighted in Hong Kong he bought a garish red and green monkey suit that depicted the worst Chinese stereotype you would find in an old old movie that did not know any better. He even wore a hat and queue (ponytail). Strictly met the dress code and the HAL staff could only look at him in horror. It took a few passengers to talk to him and point out how insulting he looked. He actually thought he looked cool. He never did understand. He at least took off his hat and queue.

Whatever the dress code, sh*t will happen.

Which ship?

 

Even if there is a USB port, you will still need to be able to change the TV's input source somehow.

We will be on the Golden. If there is a USB port there should be a source control on the monitor/tv somewhere. Just saying I'm gonna try. I don't want to add HDMI/DVI cables to my kit. Otherwise just using the tablet will be fine.

No one has mentioned availability of USB connections on the monitors on board. When we cruise in September I will take a Chromecast with me to see if I can send the screen image from the tablets we always have with us. I would use that to view our pictures taken as we travel, video, whatever.....

The tap water on Princess ships is very good. We drink it all the time.

We use Rubbermaid water bottles that contain a filter with the on board tap water. It works very well to remove the chemicals that are added to the de-salinated water that are necessary to keep the ship's water system clean and operational. You do not need to drink from the bottles (although we carry them onshore) you can squeeze out the water into glasses or other containers. This way we do not need to drag bottles on board at embarkation.

Just downloaded this app on I-phone and I-pad. How do you transfer your saved, bookmarked maps?

So glad to have this!

First of all, I download the maps on each device separately.

To transfer the bookmark file, I go to the bookmark grouping and click the share icon on the upper right. Then I send the kml/kmz file to myself via email. I open the email on the receiving device and click the file. It automatically loads into the app.

I use a differently named bookmark grouping for each trip.

I have been using an Android App called Maps.me (formerly called maps with me) for awhile for our travels. It works offline without any connection on my Samsung phone and my Asus Pad. The GPS function on the devices gives you position on the map and compass direction. It has helped immensely on our travels since I installed it. The maps for each country are free and can be downloaded when you have a connection - then used offline. The developer is very responsive with email requests for assistance.

I received an email from the developer that said it is free for iPhone and 80% off for Android for today (8/17/2014). I paid $5 a few months ago and it has been worth every penny. I started with the free version and it was great. I then installed the paid version because of search capabilities and bookmarks.

I use it to plan travel by identifying key locations at cities and ports- then dropping "pins" (bookmarks) for each. The maps have fairly complete points of interest that help out. It also includes transit stops and stations. I do the planning on my larger tablet and then transfer the pins to my phone to use on the go.

It helps to plan itinerary since we can see where all the places we want to go to on a map and then helps us find each one with GPS.

GET IT TODAY. If you see this too late for the discount, I recommend getting it anyway....

I knew my passport still had over a year left on it, but did not realize until a few weeks ago that I had only one page left. I needed it back quickly due to the need to obtain a China visa for travel in two weeks.

I applied for a renewal thinking I could get it back in 4 weeks, allowing time to get the visa, but then there was news of processing delays and I panicked. I called the status phone line and they doubted I would get the passport in time and talked me into paying for expedited service ($75)

I got the new passport back within 36 hours after I called them.

So, you can go ahead and do regular processing and if something arises and need the passport quicker you can call and pay them to push the magic button and get it back right away.