Corony

Would be nice to see them adding a bit more deck space as there have been a number of complaints about spots to sunbathe on the Encore. I realize this won’t add any more revenue but with the ships normally residing in warmer climates it seems reasonable to accommodate the added passengers with more outdoor deck areas.

Please keep in mind the name of this website is Cruise CRITIC. All cruise lines are changing and adapting to an ever changing industry. Is it the same as it was when there were 200 passenger ships? No but don’t be misled into thinking that there has been an overall free fall of service and quality. I would suggest the variations from cruise to cruise would play a bigger factor than overall company policies. If you get on board looking for problems you will find them. If you get on board with the mind that you are about to explore some great ports and expect great service you normally won’t be disappointed. I’ve never been on a Seabourn cruise without some glitches but choose instead to focus on the vast majority of things that have gone right.

Thanks for the answers. We too are sailing Athens to Singapore next year and although we like to temper all that is available in today's news feeds its nice to hear some first hand accounts. We have no intention of ever cancelling as I too believe that if Seabourn genuinely felt there was a risk to its passengers they would alter their plans. As well, we refuse to be intimidated by some of the current situations happening today without being overtly foolish. Looks like a lot of interesting ports along with a few sea days where we hope there are no mechanical or water supply issues!!😦

Scott

There seems to be more stories out in recent months about ISIS and their intentions to move some of their operations to the oceans. Also lots of so called experts stating how they feel cruise ships are a logical target due to their lack of armed security and the fact that they are clear symbols of western society. I am wondering from those that have cruised the Athens-Dubai route what if any extra measures they take when sailing these waters. Are there any extra steps that are noticeable on a day to day basis?

And thankfully the smoking threads on here are a thing of the past!

When we first cruised we were labelled as the changing demographic. We were in our mid 40's and looking for a better upscale holiday than many sunshine climate resorts were offering. While waiting to board in Ft Lauderdale on the Legend we were terrified watching the majority of passengers come up the escalator. They were far older than us but after spending 11 days we realized that the fellow passengers were great. Being younger doesn't mean anything more than that. We take the cruises for many of the same reasons that many of the older passengers take these cruises. We have always felt that the most valuable thing that we put forward to go on these trips isn't the fare but instead our time. We still are very busy work wise but look forward to an easy format to see a variety of destinations while being waited on in the Seabourn way. When a different demographic is mentioned I can't help but think it is the younger crowd but they too are as diverse as any demographic already on board.

Don't be depressed. We have sailed on the triplets and also the Odyssey class ships. Although there are differences between the experiences we have felt that all of our trips have offered good value. I agree with other posters that there have been cuts from our first cruise to our last cruise but it hasn't fundamentally changed the overall experience. As far as the demographics on board I feel the itinerary is a bigger factor than anything else.

We are now booked on the Ovation next year for 38 days and although we expect a different experience once again, we feel that it will also have some minor issues as all of our cruises have. Overall however, we expect the ship to be filled with fellow passengers that will probably enjoy many of the things we enjoy as well as a hard working crew that will do their best. It is a time of growth within the company but overall we will enjoy our time on board. We too tend to focus on the vast majority of things that go well vs worrying about the odd service glitch. If I have to go get a drink myself once or twice in a while I will survive.

Don't be depressed, be excited that you are about to be on vacation with the knowledge that your experience will largely depend on your perception of how things unfold each day.

I'm sure we will Henry.

As for drsel's question we took a Princess cruise in the late 90's and after 14 years and a bit of therapy we decided to cruise again but with Seabourn. The rest as they say is history. Totally different experience head to toe and we always comment on what good value our cruise has been. This will be our 8th cruise and look forward to more adventures.

Scott

Thanks for the tips and the video link Henry all great info. We shall take advantage of your experience and try some of those outings.

We are taking the same cruise next fall Henry. Quite excited as it offers all new destinations for us. Any advice you can offer for either leg?

Thanks in advance.

Don't let this bug you. I get the stupidity of them wanting $50 but inform them when you hand your bags in and problem solved. Don't allow yourself to start this strip with a negative slant. There's too many good things to focus on vs this. As they say, first world problems...

We have also done three crossings in combination with other segments and have loved it. I agree that the area near Madeira and through to either Lisbon or Barcelona tends to be the most vulnerable to rough seas. We love the sun and pool deck and normally spend the whole crossing outside with exception of one day randomly for weather. It's a great trip to R and R on!

Also reminiscent of some of their Indonesian ports on Java. Couldn't figure out their port choices for the life of us except that they must have saved them money.

Markham do you need to be booked into the Keller grill or is the piano lounge open to all passengers regardless of whether or not they are dining at TK?

We've had both deck 5 and also upper decks and the only time I can remember it making any difference is if you were trying to look out through the veranda at the view from inside the room. Not looking to open up the guarantee suite debate again but we go that route strictly because we aren't prone to motion sickness. Honestly can't say we've ever had a major issue with the fact we are on deck 5 vs other locations. And no we don't buy that expecting upgrades but if we get one it's strictly a bonus.

You can mostly order any drink you want but occasionally it's nice to see a menu to remind you of some drink you may never know you even wanted!

Thanks for the information. We are on the Odyssey for 4 weeks this winter and wondered if there were some new enticements for our consumption!!

Does anyone know if their new drink menu has been rolled out yet onboard? I saw some marketing on it but didn't notice a date as to when it was scheduled to start.

And of course the crew fund.

We often ask our room stewardess if she likes coffee and we get her a coffee each morning from the square. They love it!!

Only problem is you'd have to sail on Azamara. I'm happy to wait a little longer:)

We will be on the Odyssey during the change. We board in Barcelona Nov 23 and are on until FLL so we look forward to seeing the Observation lounge be smoke free as that's our favourite spot. Good to see this change.

I agree with the comment re South Pacific. Maybe try a couple of years exploring the many beautiful locations that the Pacific has to offer. In my experience people tend to travel at similar times each year and tend to get stuck with a familiar set of itineraries. Having the boats not repeat the same Itinerary year after year would offer loyal clients a refreshing change. It was better a few years back with the 6 ships and hopefully once the two new ships are online the choices will once again de more diverse.

Great info. Thanks very much for the pics. Look forward to trying them on the Odyssey in November.

Looks very interesting but I'd love to see a pool area which I didn't notice on any of the concept drawings.