cruising46

On 8/31/2023 at 4:27 PM, SLSD said:

It doesn't matter the size of the bottles as you can get another if you need it.  

I have had bottles in my room for 3 cruises.     They have all been regular size, not sure of the size but not mini.

Planning on booking a cruise.   Are there any events, activities planned for solo cruisers. 

On 6/16/2022 at 2:52 AM, John117 said:

We tried to book a cruise around 6 weeks out and managed to reserve a guaranteed suite but flights were not available to book.  This was supposedly linked to the move of embarkation from Venice to Ravenna. (didn’t Venice ban cruise ships from 1^st August 2021? Why was this a surprise 9 months later?) After another week and calls to Seabourn and TA we were advised that flights could now be booked but the only “included” flights involved a change and some very long stopovers. We were offered a cruise only fare and then quoted a fare for the flights and transfers. The flights were with Easyjet so not a great 6 star start but at least we got Gatwick flights which is easier for us. The fares we got were considerably more than those available direct from EJ so our transfers were very expensive.  In normal times we would have taken the cruise only fare and sorted out our own flights and transfers but we decided there were too many Covid problems so went with the Seabourn package.

 

4 weeks out we were told we would need a medically observed Covid test before leaving home. This was supposedly a government requirement but no-one could tell me which government. I emailed Seabourn guest relations for confirmation but I still await a reply. So we had to pay the £70 plus the train fare to go up to Gatwick airport and have the test done even though this was quite clearly a Seabourn requirement introduced after we had paid the full fare.

 

Our flight was slightly late into Bologna but clearing immigration and collecting the luggage was very quick. Unfortunately, there was no Seabourn representative waiting for us. We searched the airport for an hour to no avail then started to make some calls. The ground agents phone kept cutting out but after 4 short interrupted calls I managed to get the message across and as if by magic a young lady appeared holding a Seabourn label.

Eventually after a 2.5 hour delay we finished up with a private transfer which was quite fast (160km/hr for much of the distance) and we were soon on board.

 

We met our suite attendant and her assistant and were given our customary glass of champagne (lukewarm! And no canapés) and sorted out the drinks for the room. My wife asked for some slices of lime for the mini bar but after 3 days some lemon appeared but never any lime. We also called room service for the lime but that didn’t work either.

 

We had a few suite issues such as the air-con failing to cool the room, the shower valve wouldn’t turn far enough to allow a warm shower one of the sinks wouldn’t run away and the balcony divider rattling but these were quickly fixed by guest services (the balcony divider was fixed by me with 2 cocktail stirrers). Then our minibar fridge packed up on day 12 but within 4 hours we had a new fridge

 

The other problem we had was the servicing of our suite. Our suite attendant was based on deck 7 but we were on deck 5. We had no chance to interact with her as we never saw her. We resorted to communicating by leaving her notes. We had several nights when our room was not serviced at all or not done fully, room service dishes were still in our room some 5 hours later, the glasses we used during the afternoon weren’t washed up etc. We always put the service card on our door when we left the cabin but of course out stewardess didn’t see it as she spent all her time 2 decks away. I raised this problem in the comments form after 3 days but never had a reply from guest services until day 10 when I received a phone call. After the first 7 days we were visited by a new suite stewardess and her colleague who were taking over our suite. Most of the suites they have to look after are on deck 9. This seemed to improve things but we still had a few minor glitches like being 1 towel short, and getting down to our last toilet roll and running out of tissues. We also found a large piece of broken glass just under the bed which had probably been there since we embarked. Fortunately, our feet were just too small to step on this. We understand some cabin attendants had over 18 suites to look after.

 

Room service was variable. Warm champagne, portion of caviar for one instead of 2.  Breakfast orders were a bit of a joke and it was a lottery as to what turned up. The coffee was undrinkable sludge and normally cold. How can they deliver an odd number of certain items when you order 2 portions.

There were quite a few “new” staff who obviously needed some more training. Seabourn admit they are training staff but why should I have to participate in it and pay a large sum of money for the privilege?

 

The choice of food at breakfast has been cut quite dramatically with a poor selection of fruit, yoghurt and cereals. Yoghurt now comes in a small glass bowl or a large bowl for you to serve yourself. It was generally very runny and tasteless. It could take in excess of 20 mins for an order of fried eggs to arrive so don’t cut it fine if you are on a tour. Coffee was another issue and even the “French press” coffee was variable.

 

The wine selection was poor and even further reduced from our cruise on Encore in March. No French or South American Red wine. We were advised that some local wine had been taken on board but this was never publicised. On day 12 I got another list and it was reduced even further by 1 red. We tried some of the local Slovenia and Croatia wines brought on board but definitely not to our taste (even the supposedly better quality ones brought on on our second week of the cruise). Warm champagne was served on several occasions in the bars and even by room service. We ordered a $115 bottle of wine from the Head sommelier one evening but she never returned to check we were happy with it and topping our glasses was left to the wait staff.

 

The Restaurant was never open for breakfast or lunch so the choice of dining venues was reduced. On Keller nights in the Collonade a reservation was required there too reducing the choice of dining options. Earth and Ocean was also closed some nights if the CD had arranged some on deck entertainment.

 

The grill was slightly better on this trip (compared to Encore in March) but not great and the pisco sour was really good as was the Dover Sole.  I asked for my steak to be well done and it was but it was practically incinerated. They don’t seem to appreciate the concept of butterflying the beef and prefer to burn it to get to well done. The fries and veg were acceptable at best. We have tried the deserts before and weren’t impressed so gave them a miss (except for one order to test them and I didn’t eat that either).

 

The service in the restaurant was so bad one night as our regular waiter wasn’t there.  Different types of butter were just dumped on the table with no explanation of what each pot was, bread was dumped on our plate without asking what we would like, wine was spilt on the table and down the glass and not mopped up, our order was not taken for 20 mins, food served from wrong side, fish overcooked…. And so it goes on.  We spoke to the Maître d who accepted all our comments without argument. On the way out we were met by the food and beverage manager so we briefed him on our problems again

 

On Seabourn we used to have a problem deciding which restaurant to go to as we liked almost everything on the menu. This time we searched for something we might eat and changed the side dishes to suit us as the recommended ones were pretty bad. This was definitely the worst food we have experienced on any cruise (Viking, Cunard, Regent, Silversea, Seabourn and several river cruises). This includes the three other post Covid cruises taken since August 2021

 

We never saw the chef in the restaurant. He seemed stay in the kitchen so the poor wait staff had to take all the bad comments.

 

The water provided in recyclable bottles we didn’t like so we managed to get enough Evian and filled our own bottles for going ashore.

 

The group of Entertainment staff spent time in the bars drinking on occasions. They were not performing as one of the team was ill. They have not performed in 10 weeks since being employed. They also made themselves at home in the hot tubs and swimming pool

 

They have installed Night lights under both bedside cabinets and the dressing table which can’t be switched off.  They come on automatically as you walk past and stay on for about 10 seconds. They produce an excessive amount of light and this normally wakes your partner if you try to visit the bathroom in the night.

 

We understand our cruise had 280 passengers on week one and 250 on week 2 so not exactly crowded. The cruise following ours they think had 183 passengers.

 

Management of tenders and groups was a problem. We sat on a tender for 25 mins one day waiting for a group to board.

 

Our return transfer was by coach at a much more sedate pace with a Seabourn rep on board. We were dropped off at the bus station but received no help as to where to go to check in. This might not seem such a problem but Bologna airport is quite small and if I tell you our coach took 10 mins to negotiate the airport entrance road mainly due to the drop off car park being full and cars being abandoned and suitcases unloaded all along the road you will realise how busy the airport was and that some help would have eased the journey.

 

So, in summary many of these are small issues and on their own would not have spoilt our holiday. The problem was they appeared almost every day. This was basically 3/4* service and food but at 6* prices. In case you think we waited until we got home to complain I can assure you that we had meaningful discussions with the Hotel Director “Harry” who accepted there were problems and they would “get fixed”. Unfortunately, not in time for our cruise!!

 

If Seabourn don’t have enough competent staff to give the service they advertise, which it would appear was the case on this cruise, then they should not have started up so many ships. The present service level will destroy their reputation as a 6* cruise line.

 

We will definitely not be returning to Seabourn in the near future until they sort themselves out and get back to where they were pre pandemic (if they ever do under new owners?)

 

 

.

I ISad that you had the experience you did.

I travel solo and cruised on 3 Seabourn Cruises and one booked for November.  

With the exception of one incident on the last cruise the service, food, beverages, entertainment etc. have been outstanding.

On the last cruise I had a minor medical issue.   I wa prescribed some meds.    When I got home my doctor said the the treatment I received would be exactly what she would have recommended.  

I am still looking to my Seabourn cruise out of Athens in the fall.

Thanks for all of the responses.   All of the Bowlers I know have Bowls made in Australia.   The best Bowls.   I hope to have them shipped home.    
 

Hockey sticks are our specialty.   
 

I hope I am successful and looking forward to our 2020 season.   Come on spring.  

On 1/12/2020 at 8:53 PM, OzKiwiJJ said:

And I thought I was bad! I'm a mere novice compared with you. 🤣

 On our first cruise I packed so much that a total stranger came up to me in the airport and asked if I had left anything at home ha ha

After 25 cruises I have improved but still bring too much.   The day time stuff in hot weather is the problem as the scent can be a problem so, wash, wash or bring extra.

Shoes are also a problem bring too many

Enjoy your cruise.    So much fun.

Excited heading out from Canada and boarding on Feb. 5 in Sydney.    

I am Canadian and a new lawn bowler.    Australia rules in Lawn Bowling.   Where is the best place to purchase Bowls in Sydney.    Thanks.    

On 12/26/2019 at 5:43 PM, megsie said:

Check out live webcams to see how the weather/ smoke is.

Just now on a live webcam   -    webcamsydney  -  the harbour is showing as fine and clear.  And the Radiance of the Seas is in port.

  Love Radiance.   2 great cruises.

On 1/28/2020 at 5:04 PM, gbenjo said:

We are due to fly to China on the 1st May. I rang Trip a Deal yesterday and they have suspended  trips until 20th Feb and will reassess then and my travel insurance provider were a little hesitant in their response just saying if our trip is cancelled to submit a claim and see what happens. At least we are not going till May so perhaps it will settle down a bit by then (wishful thinking  maybe). Might  just have to book a cheap cruise to the islands instead and with all those extra ships here there will be some good deals around.

Flying to Sydney from Canada on Saturday.   Concerned, not too concerned.   Hoping for the best.    TA has been updating me an no issues to date.   Cruising Feb. 5 to Auckland ; Seabourn.

12 hours ago, disigny said:

Would appreciate some suggestions to keep on track with my weight.  Yesterday it was a full year since I started nearly every morning on a treadmill – 340+ out of 365 days.  I stayed dedicated to an exercise program while on a highly restricted diet.  So far, I’ve lost 64 pounds and donated most of my wardrobe.  Do plan to continue workouts during our sail.

 

It’s been a tough but very rewarding year.  Have a strong resolve to NEVER go back to the size I was.  Want to find a balance of enjoying without guilt and returning home without TOO much weight gain.   

 

Past cruises, we’ve requested a larger table and enjoy meeting and hearing others adventures.  My bride and I have requested to dine alone so we can share plates.  We plan to order extra (healthier type) appetizers and split a main and desert.  We are from the ‘clean your plate’ and ‘waste not – want not’ generation – “starving children in undeveloped lands” --- yada-yada-yada!  Ahhhh – what guilt can do (LOL). 

 

Need some input/suggestions/support; 

 

Would it be best for us to speak with our maître d' or head server? 

 

Would it be ‘better behavior’ to request our meal be split in the kitchen or should we just do it at the table? 

 

Has any asked to have limited or no bread on the table – and – we prefer they NOT present us the desert tray?

 

I sure can use any suggestions or tips to help us have success with our diet while on vacation. 

 

Wishing all smooth seas.  Kevin

26 Cruises.   You can do something like eat salads, etc. etc.   I would eat and drink what you want.   Try to get some expertise and enjoy the cruise.    I have always gained weight but within a week of being home lost most of the weight gain.    Enjoy the experience which includes food and drinking.    Balance just remember balance.

On 1/15/2020 at 4:41 AM, mbswfla said:

I'm booking a cruise on the Encore.  Seabourn will only allow me to make advance reservations for 1 night in the Thomas Keller Grill. This is a 2-week cruise, and I'll be in an Owner's Suite.  Will I be able to make additional reservation(s) at this restaurant once onboard?  How likely is it that I'll get more nights there?

usually allow one per guest.   

On 1/19/2020 at 6:56 PM, CruiserfaeFife said:

We’re just off Ovation travelling from Hong Kong to Singapore so definitely no need for blankets!  We ate at Earth & Ocean several times - we normally got there a couple of minutes before 7 and the waiters were happy to seat us. Never had a problem getting a table but it definitely got busier as the cruise progressed, as passengers found out about Seabourn’s best kept secret 😀 .  Limited menu choices but the food was always excellent and the waiters were really well organised and welcoming. 

LoveE&O.    Limited menu but great.   Had a perfect steak one evening.   If they have  salted Carmel on desert menu.   Have it best desert ever.   Going on another cruise in Feb.   looking forward to dining at O&E.  

Dr Weil was on a recent cruise from Athens to Dubai.    There were guest speakers which were part of his team.  Presentations were made most days.  He did make several presentations.   I did not learn anything new just reenforcement. 
there was a section in the breakfast area with his recommendations.   In addition the patio had a De Weil inspired lunch item.   Usually fish very good.  
I believe some off the other menu items are Dr. Weil inspired.   

11 hours ago, ael123 said:

I just came off of a 7 night cruise on Odyssey and have a 38 night cruise on Sojourn leaving in 62 days. I was very excited to read about Dr. Andrew Weil's partnership with Seabourn. Dr. Weil has written books on health and wellness. Most of his work centers around eating to avoid disease and he has a lot written about his food pyramid diet. Much to my chagrin on Odyssey I did not see any sign of Dr. Weil's health suggestions being incorporated in Seabourn's dining program. When I asked my waiter for fresh green juice (apple, lemon, kale, and cucumber at lunch and at dinner I was told that was a special order that would need to be requested a head of time. I saw these items incorporated in other dishes on board; so they had the ingredients but getting someone like a bartender put the ingredients in a blender to make the juice was a problem. I am not a vegetarian but was trying to get a vegetable forward plate. I looked at the menu and requested vegetables as a side that were listed as accompaniments. For example one menu item came with Brussels sprouts so I asked for a side of Brussels sprouts. When the waiter came out with the food he informed me they did not have any Brussels sprouts despite they were on another guests plate as part of the entree. The waiter brought me a side of mixed vegetables which were frozen cauliflower, carrots and broccoli.  My choice would be to have fresh vegetables not the frozen mix I was given. When there were green beans on the menu as an accompaniment I got 6 green beans on my plate. A waiter supervisor in Colonnade Danjiel told me that special orders needed to be requested ahead of time so I have emailed guest services at Seabourn to make my request known before my next cruise.  When I inquired about the Dr. Weill partnership I was told that this is with the spa only. Not the dining room. Has anyone on Seabourn's other ships seen signs of Dr. Weil's healthy living recommendations regarding diet being offered as a choice at any of the restaurants? In some aspects I am feeling a bit mislead but it may have been my fault for expecting to see his wellness program integrated into the menu in the restaurants. I guess I will see how my request is received by the staff on Sojourn for my upcoming cruise.

On 12/16/2019 at 7:00 AM, floridaag said:

Handre is by far the best cruise director I have ever cruised with.  Makes every passenger feel special and just does a tremendous job.  I also adore Sophie from back when she was an Ass't CD

I heard he was great.   Just missed him on the cruise out of Athens.   He disembarked.   Verity and Olivia were wonderful.  

On 12/17/2019 at 2:15 AM, florisdekort said:

Does anyone know who will take over from Ross on Encore?

sailing on Encore Feb 5 out of Sydney.    
 

On 10/19/2019 at 9:21 PM, SLSD said:

The best steak I've ever had on a Seabourn cruise was a Rib Eye steak in the Main Dining Room.  I did not see that particular steak on the menu on our last SB cruise, but could have missed it on a night we did not dine there.  

The Dover Sole at TK is exceptional.    

On 12/16/2019 at 1:37 AM, fudgbug said:

Currently on Ovation.  Verity is CD, Olivia ACD.

Cruised from Athens to Dubai (Nov. 13 to Dec. 2). loved the cruise.   Verity and Olivia made the experience very special.

Thanks you ladies

I would suggest Seabourn.    Relatively small ships.    Cruised on Ovation (600+) and thoroughly enjoyed cruise.   From time to time they offer special rates for solo travellers.   Solos are treated very well.  Heading out on another cruise in February (sister ship to Ovation) looking forward to it.

I have also cruised solo on Azamara another a great experience.   Would do it again.

From my experience it is much easier to meet solo cruisers on the smaller ships.

Good luck with your and happy sailing.  

On 10/8/2019 at 1:44 PM, smilingcutie said:

there is already a roll call for this cruise.  It's not letting me post on there at all.

 

Why.    Everyone can post.

22 hours ago, raphael360 said:

I’m currently on the Quest too... and I’m speechless.  This is my 15th SB cruise since 2012 and I find SB to be consistently excellent. . As for the TP issue: - so far not one TP malfunction yet.  My face likes soft.  My caboose likes strong.  And, just maybe, a little sand on the paper may help get job done.  

 ha!ha!

On 10/10/2019 at 3:32 AM, wesport said:

We were on the Ovation in June, and it was fantastic. No complaints here. 

Thanks for the info.    Getting excited.  First Sojourn cruise on November 13 from Athens to Dubai.    Getting excited.   

I have only been on one solo cruise on Azamara. It was great.  I joined tables at dinner which worked out.  Many of the cruisers invited me to join them or asked if they could join me.   

Sad for them.   

RCCL Legend of the Seas in 1992.   14 Day Panama Canal Cruise.    Outside room with small pothole.    Had so much fun.    Took excursions, entered every event, (learnt to not do this) and throughly enjoyed it all.    Have since taken over 20 cruises on RCCL, Celebrity, Holland American, Princess, Norwegian.     Travel solo, with friends, etc.etc.  Next cruise Celebrity Summit to Bermuda and Sojourn from Athens to Dubai.