Vineyard View

We started with Princess to Alaska and Carnival in the Mediterranean. Decided both companies were not us. Too many people. Too much “noise” so to speak. We aren’t evening show people even though we tried it on both lines. We don’t like buffets. We like nice wines and don’t care for kids, slides, etc. when we sail. That was before all the separate suite ship areas, but in my mind (right or wrong) you still have to leave those areas when you get off and on and it sounds like not worth trying - for us. We then migrated to HAL small ships. Their Neptune suites and perks worked for us. Smaller ships were then sold, so we moved first to Viking Rivers. We really enjoyed their Grand European itinerary. Back then you didn’t have the choice to not dine at ‘communal’ tables unless you wanted a burger or some such on their terrace (I understand that has changed and you can dine as a couple there). We then took Viking’s inaugural oceans cruise in 2015, and have enjoyed them since. When looking for an itinerary for this year, first since Oct 19/Covid, I looked to them first. Same itineraries in the Med they have been sailing for years and we have been to way more ports on their itineraries than not. So last summer we decided we would look for itineraries on smaller ships on several lines. Because of the itinerary and promotion, we are sailing Seabourn next month for the first time. I am looking to next April at itineraries on four different smaller ship lines. I think we have evolved to looking at a select few lines moving forward than just focused on one. There are a couple catching our eye, but at the top of the list is Oceania sailing several islands in the Med we have not been to on Vista. We are looking at itineraries now as much as the narrowed down cruise lines that include ones we haven’t tried yet. CC is a great tool to get a feel on the different boards.

Same. It was a really good decision and no regrets using the private tour company. Top notch.

Thank you for the link. I saw that warning about public chargers recently as wall. Will have adapters and have ordered a charger as well as multi ‘prong’ on a single cable to try prior to sailing. I want to see how efficient it will be prior to sailing. As Nancy posted, of you have recommendations I am sure open to them.

Unfortunately, I do not doubt that you are absolutely correct. We can wish all we want to, but Europe and other places in our world are seeing explosions of travel so yes, economics 101A. That is one of the key reasons we are taking an itinerary next month that is more ‘off the beaten path’ - in hopes that excessive crowds will be at the major ports of which we have been to a lot. That may also be wishful thinking, but it will be great to travel again. Regent certainly has my attention with a couple itineraries next April so I appreciate all this information.

We used a private guide and it went very well. He had us visiting all these highlights, as well as the Bosporus boat ride. We had an overnight there so it was a very full day. The first day we just did DIY including the Grand Bazaar. Whichever way you go, Istanbul is a great port. That said, we enjoyed private guiding without the lollipop.

Thank you. That makes sense. It might be difficult in todays astronomical airfares to know whether the airlines will back off pricing and miles requirements next year, or if Regent will increase for next year. We have miles, but it took so many for this upcoming trip that if that keeps up, they won’t be there as long as I had hoped and planned. I like that there is the option to choose to book with air, or to add air later even though it’s a crapshoot.

We have as well in a few places. We used a private tour in St P and honestly can’t remember if we had to Cairo was our nightmare. Tour van surrounded by young men with long barrel (not a gun expert) guns. Our guard had his uzi, and I think that may have kept them from acting. Police came and just dispersed them so we could continue on. Couldn’t get back to our ship fast enough. It was a real lesson for us in understanding when a private tour might not be the wisest choice depending on location. We’ve used privates in so many countries, but that one didn’t work so well for us. We were land based in So Africa after Safari in 2016. Cape Town, then wine country. I remember keeping our passports locked in the safe in our rooms. Maybe cruise passengers are different or rules have changed? But this horrible situation that just occurred sure was an example of a port where you want to be on a cruise excursion. Really can’t imagine how that was for them. I have an inkling, but I wasn’t there.

I checked around with a few friends about T-Mobile in our area after reading all this. I didn’t get great feedback on the coverage here. Some experience was pretty recent but maybe I will investigate further because you all have a lot more knowledge on this than I do! Our ATT plan is no longer available and newest plans are a lot more expensive, so it has kept me with them. About the same as you are quoting. I called Verizon since they were advertising free 14 to switch. What a scam that is. Only if your trade in is worth $1k or more and then they will do me the favor of charging me $80/per phone. That was a big NO.

I was thinking the same. Due to home commitments our longest cruises have been 3-4 weeks. I have never experienced as many sea days as this itinerary holds. I am not sure how well I would do, particularly with this hot humid weather. I have to hand it to you. That said, being at sea and not looking at doing grocery shopping and laundry tomorrow…..hmm….

Thank you for the link. It was helpful. Between us, aside from the cpap, we need different USB sizes, but all this information is really helping me narrow down the most efficient way to bring the fewest devices for both ship and land.

Thank you. Sounds as if there may be different outlet configurations depending on the ship. I appreciate this.

Thank you. I am buying a new phone 14 before the trip so will wait to figure this all out, so good to know it supports up to 8 eSims. So when you travel do you purchase an eSim for it such as European eSim?

When I go into my iPhone ‘cellular data’ there is an option in blue ‘convert to eSim’. What would be the difference in doing this than purchasing eSim from an outside source? I am with ATT of that makes any difference

Thank you Gamebuoy

Thank you all. I will tip as we have when we feel appropriate when sailing on other lines. We won’t be taking many excursions. I have just noticed that some lines give guidelines, while others did not. Wasn’t sure I was missing anything from Seabourn

Thank you. That is truly a pain for cpap users but if we have an adapter We should be okay if there is an outlet next to the bed even if not,US?

I read that as an option. The amphitheater picture looks pretty amazing. I really will want to use transportation other than a ship excursion. I would think that Uber might be an option? I will look further into this thanks for the suggestion.

I did not realize that. Thank you

Thank you. Seems a bit more complicated than straight forward - so good to be very careful. I appreciate all the advice.

We used to book private tours often in many parts of the world. I know that a lot of tour operators had to find different work with C and never returned. I am having a more difficult time finding them now. Even the ports of call section on CC is expressing the same. Any ideas on different avenues for locating private tours now in various ports?

I have noticed that as well. We won’t be booking anything until after our upcoming trip next month. With Sycamore buying A there is conjecture all over the place - from they may be going under to they won’t let that happen. Who knows. And then Seabourn just sold Odyssey but added expedition. Oceania is bringing on two new ships, and Viking just keeps growing. Seems like SS and Regent are the two quiet ones for now. Who knows, but you have a good point so thank you

Thank you for that explanation

Cruiseej this is really valuable information. I honestly thought there would be outlets by the bed, and hadn’t considered that we would need an extension cord. Thank you

I tried searching this forum but did not see any references to tipping ship tour guides. I am assuming that everyone does this with Seabourn. Seems like different lines advise different levels of tipping. Curious as to the thoughts on how you determine amount. I also know it can vary by location in the world. We will be in the Mediterranean. Thank you

Okay. That makes sense. I am only concerned with having an outlet for a cpap machine and separate one for phones and iPads. Not packing hair dryer and hoping not to regret that!