imescaping

Thank you everyone for the quick replies! Cruise Critic members are awesome.

I have a stupid question. Stupid because it seems obvious, but I have been burned by wording before. Is the “crew appreciation”that is included in the plus package the same as what used to be called gratuities? If so which gratuities are included (housekeeping, per drink, dining??)

I was told only 1/3 of TK spots are allocated before the cruise. Once on board, we went to Seabourn square and easily got an acceptable reservation time for us.

I have never sailed Azamara, I came to check out the boards and get a feel for what guests say about it. Had I not seen this thread and just booked, I would not have known about tiny showers, nor would I have expected a premium (and somewhat pricey line), to have tiny showers.

We only meet the well travelled demo. Our prior cruises have been among the mass cruise lines. Balconies on HAL or mini suites on Princess as our favorites, We only have one Celebrity cruise long ago when all we could manage was an Oceanview, I am sure they would be a fave too. Suites are generally out of our budget, unless we wanted to be less well travelled. We splurged on SB for my 60th BD and our 40 th wedding anniversary. We would love to do it again but it was definitely a budget stretch for us. We are not fans of the ever larger ships, and wish the smaller ships were more affordable as that is what we would prefer.

Not us! LOL But seriously, that is why I put it in “ “ marks. To those who have never sailed SB it appears, by price and marketing, that the demo is affluent, well traveled, upper class.

I am not familiar with the Mediterranean, but on Ovation last week we were supposed to tender just outside the harbor in Heimaey Islands, but the seas were not smooth enough for the tenders. The captain was able to arrange tendering inside the harbor. I guess what I am saying is they will do their best. Also, that was our first Seabourn cruise and we don’t really fit Seabourn’s “usuall” passenger demographic. We had many of the same questions and concerns as you. We had a wonderful time found the other guests friendly, inclusive and welcoming. We didn’t bring formal attire and would have had a wonderful dinner in the Colonnade, except the seas were very rough and my husband had to excuse himself halfway through dinner. I finished dinner on my own and took dessert back to my room. Earth and Ocean was closed a lot on our cruise due to weather, so we weren’t able to experience it, but I think that would be less likely in the Mediterranean. (I have never sailed Azamara so can’t compare)

The patio (Earth and Ocean) was closed due to weather last night and breakfast today. (Wed 8/26) it was quite cold outside. Which made for a very crowded Colonnade. There were people sitting outside, but unless you get a seat close to the windows, the heaters don’t help much against the bitter wind.

There is a Thomas Keller night in the Colonade on Friday, I know this because we have a reservation for it. I believe it is a BBQ night. The Restaurant is not open for lunch on port days, but is open for breakfast on port days according to Seaboirn Source hours. I have been happy with the food for the most part, but food is subjective. I didn’t care for the French Onion soup. I have had much better elsewhere. Not subjective however, I ordered something that was just not done right, chicken breast was tough and dry. It happens, I am definitely not going hungry. The waiter asked how my meal was and I politely answered honestly that the service was wonderful and most of the meal excellent with the exception of the chicken. The next evening I returned to my suite to find a plate of macrons, chocolates and chocolate covered strawberries, with an apology for missed expectations. I felt it was a nice gesture.

I picked up a mini stapler at one of the big box stores with a “ mart” in the name. It was back to school time and I paid less than a dollar.(I think I have seen them at the dollar store also) But that was a few years ago. It’s quite small. I bought it specifically for cruise luggage tags. That and a roll of tear by hand tape stay in my carry on personal item even for non-cruise travel. Both have come in handy on multiple occasions.

PS. Disney, at least for our cruise enforced times (sort of) , you showed your boarding pass got a ticket and stood in the line for your time. ( you can get a ticket if you arrive late, but not early) If I remember correctly they had 3 times lined up at any point. When it was time, your line opened up, you turned in your ticket as you entered the terminal, lined up again for document check, then went to the x-ray/metal detectors, then actual check in. Ours opened early as the time before us had pretty much cleared the security area. It was a fairly quick and seamless process. Other than waiting 20 minutes or so outside the terminal, because we arrived early as my Daughter and her Husband dropped us (me and the grandkids) and the luggage off and then went to return a rental car. From rope drop to boarding took about 15 minutes. Due to the early open my daughter and hubby didn’t make it back by the time the grandkids and I entered the terminal, but they were not far behind, maybe 10 minutes or so. We’d have waited but the littles were antsy. This was a San Diego departure. All that said, while there were definitely many pros, one big con is it doesn’t feel very luxurious to line up like cattle in between separate ropes waiting outside an industrial looking port building, in the whatever weather then getting what was like ticket from a carnival, to be herded toward the security lines.

My boarding also kept changing. I called Seabourn and basically said I was OK with the time but needed it confirmed (and firm). For many of the reasons listed here including transport, hotel extended checkout time etc. The representative I spoke with was very kind and set it manually and said it will not change again once it was set manually by her. It has held since. On another note, Some other cruise lines ( Disney for instance, maybe only Disney) have a set of times and a number of slots at that time and allow the customer to choose their slot. It does create a frenzy of beat the clock, but it would allow someone who wishes to tour the city before embarking or (who has a long drive or whatever) to choose a later slot vs being assigned early, which in turn would open an early slot for someone who prefers that. UGH! I just re-read what I typed I hope it makes sense.

I don't remember when mine showed up but we are 4 days out and ours have been online for a while. In the online registration page, along the top there are links to the different parts of the registration process, (with green checks showing which portions are complete). the last link is docs, if there is a green check they are ready. I don't know if online delivery is something we chose somewhere along the way or if it is all that way now. Sorry, that's not super specific, I hope it helps at least a little.

LOL, I have packed, purged, purged some more and still have a full size carry on, a personal back pack and a checked bag, same for the Hubby.

Thank you, SLSD we will likely head to Veranda, weather permitting, forecast calling for 80% chance of rain on embarkation day.

Is the Colonnade the only option for embarkation day lunch on Ovation? Just wondering if there are less crowded/hectic options. I am sure this has already been answered somewhere but I was unable to find this using the search function. This is our first Seabourn cruise (30 cruises on various mass market line) we are a little out of our element. Thanks for any input.

You begin when we end. Except we have 2 days in Reykjavik before flying home. I am planning on enjoying this vacation rain, wind or shine. We do a lot of travel with adult kids and grandkids. This is the first real leisure trip in about 4 years it’s just the hubby and me. I also hope you have a wonderful time!

Thank you.

I have been checking the daily forecast. Highs in the mid to upper 50’s, windy and chance of rain seems common. We will be on the Ovation 7/23. I have a rain coat, layers, and water resistant shoes, but my pants are not waterproof. I am hoping it is not too heavy of rain. We are leaving temperatures in the 100 degree (and dry) range. so even though I prefer cooler weather, I am sure 50’s will feel pretty frigid. Anyone know how warm the public spaces on the ships are kept. I am trying to decide if I need to bring capris and shorts or just long pants.

What would be considered late? Our hotel is 15-20 minute cab ride from the cruise terminal and we were planning of leaving the hotel at noon. Departure time 5:00 pm

So, my thoughts on flight etiquette. I, too, am a rule follower. Yes, other people may not be. As far as bringing properly sized carry-ons, regardless of me being a rule follower, it is the smart choice. Even though they did not enforce it on your flight, they could. Some gate agents are more strict than others. Some agents are proactive and will assess the situation. (By flight load or looking around the boarding to see how many carry on bags are there) Some simply don’t care and take a “when the space is gone it’s gone” attitude. Basically, I comply with the rules not only because I tend to be a rule follower but also, it is the best chance I have at my bag not being gate checked. Like you, we have a segment on a carrier with more restrictive size and weight than the rest of our flights, causing us to purchase new personal items and possibly borrow a lighter carryon for Mr. Imescaping. My carryon is small lightweight just under 4lbs (1.8kg). Mr Imescaping’s bag meets the size but is nearly twice as heavy (7lbs, 3.2 kg) as mine. Air France allows a total 12 kg combined weight of carryon and personal item. Reading the flyer forums some people have been burned for ignorance to or pushing their luck with this policy. Incidentally, this is the shortest flight segment of our 6 total segments and for that segment alone we had to adjust our baggage. The other five segments would easily accommodate our usual carry-on/personal items. As to all of the above, (Dogs, busses, bags) it happens, some people are not courteous intentionally or not. I am sure I have made my share of etiquette faux pas. This cruise is a stretch for us, we are not in the “typical” Seabourn financial demographic, but are splurging for my 60th BD and our 40th anniversary so I am sure we will make some mistakes. Hopefully people will just roll their eyes and move on. 😊

Thank You, I am really looking forward to this cruise. I am glad we are not relegated to Room Service and Movies on the TV for the evening on formal night.

It will be our first SB cruise July 23 on the Ovation. We don’t want to pack formal attire ( hubby Jacket and an extra pair of shoes, me formal dress and an extra pair of shoes) So, if I understand correctly, on formal night just the dining room is formal attire, NOT the entire ship. I have some casual dresses, slacks and blouses for the other nights. I guess my question is this. Can we enjoy the other dining venues and entertainment if we don’t dress in formalwear? I would have posted this in the dress code thread but it has been locked to comments and figured this may be the next best place to ask my question.

First Seabourn cruise for us. We don’t drink alcohol. What non alcoholic drinks are available for our fridge? Ie. just soft drinks and water or are there juices we can request? (Specifically Apple or Cranberry) What brand soft drinks? (Coke vs Pepsi) Thanks in advance, feeling a bit out of our element.

Thank you all for your responses! This helps us plan what to pack.