Catlover54

I think some confusion possibly arose about there possibly being TKG "haters" when you and 3 others upvoted Fletcher's comment, (shown below), wherein he said "the unchanging menus in the TKG are simply dreadful. Seabourn should start afresh in this department", which was then followed by another post with the "yuk" etc. comment. Many SB pax like their large slabs of upscale comfort food 50's style, complete with the loud music, so TK will likely be with us a while. DH likes it more than I do simply because they make a good steak and he likes the attentive service, not always present in the sometimes chaotic MDR. Other than the huge portions TK is hesitant to shrink, already discussed, like you, I "hate" the loud music, and they usually refused to turn it down when I asked them to. YMMV with success on getting the volume down. Again, we prepare before we go -- if possible, we eat right when they open (so there is less din of loud guests on top of the loud music), sit at a table away from the loudspeakers, and I have even taken to putting in weak ear plugs, to muffle everything a bit (of course that unfortunately also muffles conversation with DH). I much preferred the prior use of that venue before it went TK, e.g., I think it was called Restaurant 7 (or was it Restaurant 8?), where small portions of several different delicacies were served, with wine pairing options (for extra charge). That was my idea of a special meal, a meal I could not reproduce at home as easily as grilling a prime cut of meat.

No worries. The fridge is more than cool enough to hold an already *cooked* piece of wrapped steak for a night without creating a "health hazard" of any kind, much less one that would require evacuation of a passenger from the ship. Also, ice in the ice buckets doesn't melt by morning in the cold fridges I have had, and things easily can go in there. I've also at times kept cheese, milk, butter pats, and smoked cold cuts in cruise ship fridges for emergency snacks, and this over many years of cruising. No butler has told me to remove them, (or have even added to my collection), nothing stunk, and I have never gotten sick eating them the next day. Nothing raw ever goes in, however (e.g., no leftover steak tatar, no herring!). I also know what the temperature in the fridge is, since I use it for medication. I carry around a thermometer, for both fridge and room, for a variety of other reasons. Long ago when we were young and spent a few years in foreign countries that were not wealthy, we learned what *really* needed a western-style "fridge" (mostly delicate raw and cream things), what only needed a weaker cooling area (cheese) ,what could be kept on the shaded window sill any season except summer (eggs), and what to put in the attic or the basement (potatoes, bottled beer cider, and bottled water), or just in a pile next to the table, with no cooling at all (it was a very interesting pile). Foodstuffs (and people) in relatively clean countries are fortunately surprisingly resilient, at least for short amounts of time. 😉 So the fridges we had in our homes (if any) were tiny.

Yes, you will be fine on ALL nights, because you are going to Alaska, where "formal night is optional" per the SS website (and practice of late). So husband won't need a dark suit or tux for formal night in the MDR, just the jacket will be fine for the main dining room in Alaska. From SS website: " Clothing Suggestions – Shipboard Attire Shipboard attire ranges from casual to formal. Casual wear is appropriate for daytime aboard ship or ashore and consists of standard sports outfits as worn at five-star resorts. Shoes should be flat or low heeled for deck activities. Evening attire falls into three categories: casual, informal and formal. On casual evenings, pants, blouses, skirts and casual dresses for ladies; open-neck shirts and slacks for gentlemen are appropriate. On informal evenings, ladies usually wear dresses or pantsuits; gentlemen wear jackets (tie optional). Appropriate formal evening wear for ladies is an evening gown or cocktail dress; gentlemen wear tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits. Tie is required. On formal nights, guests may dine in La Terrazza and choose to dress informal; dresses or pantsuits for ladies, jackets for gentlemen (tie optional). This option also applies to Seishin and Stars on board Silver Spirit. Dining at The Grill is optional casual all nights. Following dinner, all guests are free to take advantage of any or all public spaces, however, jacket is required. Sailings of 9 days or less typically feature 1 formal night, while longer voyages usually have 2-3 formal nights. Details will be provided in your final cruise documents, but the chart below provides a basic guideline to assist in packing the proper attire. Please note: On 7 day sailings in the Baltic, Mediterranean and Alaska, formal night is always optional; guests may choose to dress informal, a jacket is required for gentlemen. Evening Dress Code* Number of Cruise Days -> Formal -> Informal -> Casual 4 -> 1 -> 2 -> 1 5 -> 1 -> 3 -> 1 6 -> 1 -> 3 -> 2 7 -> 1 -> 3 -> 3 8 -> 1 -> 4 -> 3 9 -> 1 -> 5 -> 3 10 -> 2 -> 5 -> 3 11 -> 2 -> 6 -> 3 12 -> 2 -> 6 -> 4 13 -> 2 -> 7 -> 4 14 -> 3 -> 7 -> 4 "

My guess is the one coughing was not the one with Covid (lots of things make people cough that aren't Covid, even today). But yes, 34 pax on 1 bus means the intent was NOT to have appropriate distancing and to hang all their Covid prevention hats on the masking.

If masks were still required on the excursion buses (likely), and the family wore them (also likely) , sadly it appears the masking did not prevent the family from still getting Covid from the infected couple, and thus getting quarantined. Soap box: Since Covid, I have noticed that on cruise ship excursions (5 different lines, 4/5 of them luxury), though much lip service was paid by all to masking masking masking on excursions, the most important Covid infection prevention rule (for pax presumptively already vaxxed, and arguably more effective and important than weak masking) -- namely distancing of 6 or more feet from strangers -- was often not emphasized (or at least not emphasized as much as I thought it should have been). Lines also save money on excursions by stuffing more people into small numbers of buses, instead of having more buses which would allow more distancing. It would increase costs to the lines, and thus the pax, and lines are still struggling financially. Catch 22. We all still roll the dice on getting quarantined for Covid when we travel post-pandemic . Even if we do not get very sick, getting quarantined changes the experience. I'm still waiting to turn positive (have had other infections traveling, but not Covid). I just hope when it happens (likely, given my travels) , I will either be at home, or in a country with a nice hotel 🙂 Nice review, and you have a lovely family! Thank you for taking some of your vacation time to post.

When you were on a few years ago, was it this jacket SB provided? https://seabourn.shiptoshoretraveler.com/parkaform-ak Or something different? If so, do you have a picture of it to post? If it was the jacket shown in my link, for a late September cruise, when it can get down to low 40's (plus wind) if you're unlucky, this California sissy who even felt cold on rainy windy days in July and August in Alaska, would definitely bring something warmer (and also put a sweater on underneath).

We tried the "come a little late" approach a few times pre-Covid, when on full ships, coming 5-10 minutes early already showed all tables occupied. Unfortunately many people who came early liked to sit and chat chat chat in the pleasant venue long after they had eaten their last morsels, oblivious to wait lists, thus blocking others from dining. Also, with long waits, twice, the staff "forgot" we were waiting and seated other parties who came after us instead (maybe this is where on-board intra-cruise tipping helps some pax get 'what they want and when they want it'). In a ship that is not full, e.g., post Covid, or in inclement weather, luck to get a table may be better, we will see. We love the small and creative plates, when we can get them.

". . . .If you are going on a cruise, leave the day before. Count it as part of your vacation. Stay in a hotel in a new city and explore.. . . " The day before ??? Seriously??? Was this written in 2018? Maybe for those living in the risk-taking fast lane one day before is enough, but since Covid, two or three days before is what I consider reasonably safe for a cruise that is either very expensive, or you really care about not missing (or both) to allow time for rebooking if there is a short-notice cancellation, weather, mechanical, or "unexpected staff shortage."

It is odd, but as long as the robe belts do not come undone to reveal the next layer (if any), I'd rather see people in luxury bathrobes at SB Square, than guests wearing jeans with pre-made style-holes, T-shirts with in-your-face messages, and backwards baseball caps (e.g., as on a holiday SB Caribbean cruise, which I now know to avoid). Recall, also, that SB sometimes used to organize outdoor "morning champagne in your bathrobe" events on special scenic sail-ins.

Unable to get coffee at 6AM in a 5 star hotel, neither with room service nor with an in-room machine??? Lame. At the prices they charge, you should be able to get it at 3 AM, if you would like it, even if it were instant coffee from a jar. Or perhaps their guests are such gentlemen and ladies of leisure that none rise at 6AM. It reminds me a bit of last year when DH wanted a "sandwich -- with lunchmeat, any kind" , delivered to the suite at 10:30 AM on the 6 star Crystal Endeavor, and there was no sandwich of any kind on the 24 hour room service menu (he was going to be leaving on a long hike and would be missing lunch). It was our first and only "special request" the entire cruise. No way was it going to happen. Or when I was at a Four Seasons and wanted a bath mat because the tub was very slippery on the surface and there was no grab bar, and had already fallen twice. You would think I requested a skinned cat. Being unable to get coffee at 6AM is just another example of the modern trend toward rigidity in so many faux-luxury faux-5-star establishments. You pay a lot for nice lobby decor and artwork, rather than for truly customized service. If rising at 6AM, us addicts want COFFEE! 🙂

I am also in the camp that I hate food wasted. So in TK, I planned ahead: I had them put leftover meat (e.g., leftover DH steak) into a doggy bag (but have a big ziplock with me just in case, and foil in the room when I travel). This makes for a nice steak sandwich (with fresh bread) for the next day! Leftover Dover sole, on the other hand, without a microwave . . . 😛

I'm confused. My understanding was that you have not been on board SB, or any other cruise for that matter, since the pandemic. ??

It is not just BA, sadly.The queues are pretty bad on many other airlines too lately, e.g., Air Canada in Toronto has been and mess, and Lufthansa out of Frankfurt is almost always obscene lately (seniors who cannot stand 2 hours due to medical problems or frailty, especially in warm weather, absolutely must be in business class or have a wheelchair arranged in advance, and even then, things go wrong a lot , like late-notice gate changes that leave people scurrying, or worse, stranded and stressed). Also more things go wrong with luggage, the more one has to have with one as part of hand luggage, which then makes it even harder to navigate airports, along with worry about getting space to put it unless one overcomes the "gate lice" blockades. And the 4th of July weekend in the U.S., 10,000 flights were either canceled or significantly delayed (hours, not minutes). For many, flying has become a physical endurance test, where you have to be as ready as you would be for a soccer stadium scrum with 20-year-olds. Fortunately flying out of San Francisco is still relatively civilized for me, but the stress over outbound connections elsewhere, and the returns (especially from Europe), require fortitude, and are disincentives to us for more frequent travel

Is it correct that for Antarctica on Ponant, the flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuia and return allow only 20kg of luggage per person, counting carryon?

I love your blog and pictures. On really hot days, was the AC in your suite (and in indoor public areas) able to keep up and keep the room cool?

One thing to consider is that a TA on a smaller SS ship may have more instability, (if you have any issue with sea-sickness) compared with X and Princess you have been on. Going on one of the larger and more modern SS ships (Moon, Muse, Dawn), with roughly 600 pax and the latest tech, instead of 400 pax and the older tech on the smaller ones, might be preferable IF sea-sickness could be an issue. . You would also have more dining venues on the "larger" (though still small) ships. On Edge, I absolutely loved that the bed in the Sky Suite faced the window/sliding door. On SS, unless you are in one of the larger suites (and not even always then), the bed is sideways to the window, and further away from it as well, if that matters to you. The eating table in the base SS veranda suites is also smaller than in the X Sky Suite (if that matters, e.g., you do a lot of room service), fine for 1 person, borderline for food for 2 (especially with all the plate covers and elaborate dishware) I really liked the Edge having so many loungers that faced out towards the ocean, which should be ideal for sea days, , but did not like that overhead pop music blasted at all hours even if there was no party (which interfered with the sound of the sea), so I would flee to my suite and sit on the balcony. SS does not blast pop music everywhere, so therre is less need to retreat to a large suite for peace and quiet. It is truly peaceful and calming, a great part of TA appeal. Be aware that the internet on X (at least on Edge class) is superior to that on SS, even the modern SS ships. So be sure and pre-download any books or movies you will want to read/see on your TA, as the on-board pickings are slim. If you are cruising solo, SS caters to solos beautifully, and usually sets up gatherings and dinners, ideal for people who love to socialize. Have a great voyage whichever ship you decide on!

Thank you! So far, the mask rules sound identical to what we had in January on the Moon, at the peak of Omicron, irrespective of distancing (we had 20% occupancy). Some pax may like this, many (from what I have seen in situations where masks are "recommended but not mandatory", most do not. DH was informed that even if he was *alone* in the gym, he had to be masked, so the rule had nothing to do with distancing. Again, my pre-thanks for any and all upcoming information you provide . It know it takes work and time. Norway will be spectacular, whatever the rules!

Thank you for your excellent (as usual) and objective dress code quotes for SS. The only thing I would add, if you agree, is that *expedition* voyages do not ever *require* a jacket or tie on any night (though some may choose to put on a jacket to meet the captain).

Lois, I am so sorry about the health issue that did not allow you to maximize enjoyment of your voyage. Hopefully you will get in to see your regular doctor or oncologist ASAP after arrival for re-review of your diagnosis, *in the context of all your prior health background*, (i.e., don't rely on just what you were told when you first got symptoms and had a local medic see you, but get a fresh, informed opinion) and to likely get monitored, appropriate, and targeted physical therapy going to speed your recovery. I have been in your situation and it is not fun, to say the least. Safe return, and hang on tight when the guys who push the wheelchairs at airports take a corner :).

Am enjoying your blog and especially the photos. The girl in the mini-skirt could just as easily be from the late 60's.

Am looking forward to your review, so I can compare progress since I was on in January when I wrote my blog (height of Omicron then). 1. Can you tell how full the ship is? (That helps put service issues in perspective) 2. Are masks no longer mandatory in the Venetian Lounge or gym, per announcements you have had? Very recently, per a review, they were. Can you tell (per announcements) if they will still be mandatory on excursion buses, both inside and outside (per either SS or Norwegian/local authorities)? If so, must they be surgical or N95, or is cloth allowed? 3. I would be interested in learning what they are serving in the SALT restaurant on a Norway cruise (am assuming salmon will be part of it) 🙂 The SALT option is what had lured me back to SS after a few years of absence, and it was our favorite venue last January on Panama Canal cruise. 4. Is the little outside thermal pool aft behind the gym open/working? I loved that magical little spot for reading, with just the sounds of the ocean, and on a cold weather cruise (if open), could be nice for semi-private soaking. 5. Are you in a standard veranda suite? 6. Are independent excursions allowed and, if so, are masks required on private tours? No pressure to answer questions, and I thank you in advance for any offerings and contributions. Enjoy!

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/russias-invasion-of-ukraine-has-affected-baltic-states-tourism/

DH and I completed two 7-day back to back cruises on the Seabourn (SB) Odyssey, 12/22/18-12/29/18 and 12/29/18-1/5/19, Caribbean in depth’. The food, beverages and service offered were very good overall ( I gained 7 lb), though service was definitely not perfect. Overall we enjoyed our trip, especially the food, the entertainment, and the great AC. I give it four out of five stars, with the deduction for periodic service and communication issues, mediocre enrichment lectures, mediocre to bad (for this day and age) internet and interactive TV services, and the closed MDR at breakfast and lunch, which necessitated standing in buffet lines at lunch if on board ( though lines were short) and scurrying around to find seating unassisted. The Saturday Philipsburg/ St Martin disembarkation experience was also suboptimal, and our ten-hour SXM airport experience on a Saturday was uncomfortably loud and generally horrible (aggravated by constant, very loud 93 decibel announcements). I cannot blame SB for SXM airport problems but I would be hesitant to book another cruise on SB or any other line requiring disembarkation in SXM. Ports visited the first half included Philipsburg (embarkation on St. Martin island), Saint Kitts and Nevis with Carambola Beache caviar in the surf, Road Bay, Anguilla; St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda; Terre-de-Haut, Iles des Saintes; Port Elizabeth, Bequoia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Castries, St /Lucia, and finally Bridgetown, Barbados. The second half was to include Saline Baby, Mayreau but sea swells prevented tendering). We also stopped at Roseau, Dominica; Basse-Terre, Guadaloupe; Gustavia, Saint Barthelemy; and Great Harbour, Jost van Dyke, and ended back in Philipsburg. Captain: Othello Ghoshroy (a man of few words) Cruise Director: Robert Brendan (lively, friendly, he also sings) Executive Chef: Marco Matteucci (excellent!) Hotel Director: Peppi Schuppler ( who tried to be helpful, even personally served me a pina colada New Years Eve when bartenders were busy)