Rare DrKoob Posted April 11, 2018 #1 Share Posted April 11, 2018 We have never cruised on Seabourn but are considering it for Alaska this summer. My wife is going by herself with our two teenage girls 16 and 14 and we want them to have the best Alaska experience possible. They had a European trip planned but the Syrian situation as put us off that so now we are considering Alaska but I am worried there won't be enough for them to do. Maybe I am better off doing RCL or HAL? My travel agent suggested I ask here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyRollock Posted April 11, 2018 #2 Share Posted April 11, 2018 It depends on the girls. If they can keep themselves entertained and out of mischief they should be fine. But they are likely to be rather bored. Seabourn makes no special provisions for kids and there will probably be a few guests who won't welcome them with open arms. Personally, I'd look at one of the many alternative "family friendly" companies operating in Alaska. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisr Posted April 11, 2018 #3 Share Posted April 11, 2018 We have never cruised on Seabourn but are considering it for Alaska this summer. My wife is going by herself with our two teenage girls 16 and 14 and we want them to have the best Alaska experience possible. They had a European trip planned but the Syrian situation as put us off that so now we are considering Alaska but I am worried there won't be enough for them to do. Maybe I am better off doing RCL or HAL? My travel agent suggested I ask here. I hope I am not being rude. I am curious what the Syrian situation has to do with cruising in Europe? There are no travel advisories that I am aware of. Back to Alaska. I would not recommend HAL or RCI or any other mass market or even premium line if you are used to a luxury style of travel. Unless things have changed Seabourn did have a kids program during the summer when there were 10 kids or more onboard. The teens will be fussed over and spoiled by the staff and will have a wonderful time, based on my personal experience traveling with kids on Seabourn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DrKoob Posted April 11, 2018 Author #4 Share Posted April 11, 2018 I hope I am not being rude. I am curious what the Syrian situation has to do with cruising in Europe? There are no travel advisories that I am aware of. Thank you for your response. And don't worry about being rude. We are looking at the possibility of a full-scale war but then I guess there would nowhere safe. If we attack Syria there is every possibility that a war with Russia may ensue. And with the current people in charge (not political, just nutty comments) you never know what could happen. That said, we have not taken the girls to Europe. Would you feel totally safe with two girls in London, Paris and Rome pre-cruise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunprince Posted April 11, 2018 #5 Share Posted April 11, 2018 I hate to state the obvious...but Alaska is closer to Russia than Syria would be to a Seabourn European cruise itinerary [emoji3] Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DrKoob Posted April 11, 2018 Author #6 Share Posted April 11, 2018 I hate to state the obvious...but Alaska is closer to Russia than Syria would be to a Seabourn European cruise itinerary [emoji3] Sent from my iPad using Forums If hostilities erupt between us and Russia, you better be on another planet to avoid it. But let's be honest, if we get involved in offensive combat with Syria, Europe will (as it always does) bear the brunt of anti-west terrorist activities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisr Posted April 12, 2018 #7 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Thank you for your response. And don't worry about being rude. We are looking at the possibility of a full-scale war but then I guess there would nowhere safe. If we attack Syria there is every possibility that a war with Russia may ensue. And with the current people in charge (not political, just nutty comments) you never know what could happen. That said, we have not taken the girls to Europe. Would you feel totally safe with two girls in London, Paris and Rome pre-cruise? Thanks for your reply. I understand and respect your opinion. I have two separate trips to Europe in the next 5 months and will not cancel. I did not cancel a trip to London after the July 2005 bombings with our family and we did not cancel a Christmas trip to Paris after the bombings there in 2015. I feel safe in both places. I do not expect everybody to act like me/family and I do hope you give Seabourn a try whether in Alaska or somewhere else. And since we are speaking of Russia: Besides Mexico and Canada which country is the closest to the U.S. Answer: Russia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisewmn Posted April 12, 2018 #8 Share Posted April 12, 2018 We sailed on Seabourn in the Mediterranean with my then 14 year old son. Our days were busy touring and there wasn’t a lot of down time before dinner. We’re foodies and enjoyed longer, relaxed meals. He loved it, but was an independent kid who was happy watching movies in the room at night. There wasn’t much else for him to do. It really depends on your kids. Your girls might enjoy some time at the spa, but otherwise, the ship isn’t going to provide a lot of activities. Alaska is such a wonderful destination — they may have such action-filled shore excursions that they’ll be happy to just chill on the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princeton12321 Posted April 12, 2018 #9 Share Posted April 12, 2018 (edited) If hostilities erupt between us and Russia, you better be on another planet to avoid it. But let's be honest, if we get involved in offensive combat with Syria, Europe will (as it always does) bear the brunt of anti-west terrorist activities. It’s just not something that’s going to happen- NATO and nuclear weapons will ensure that. We went through an entire Cold War with tensions way higher than today for decades. Even if there is limited action in Syria it’s nowhere near where you’ll be. Not to mention that cruise lines are multi billion dollar businesses and their shipping assets are extremely valuable. Their not going to put their tonnage at risk unnecessarily just to make a few bucks on a cruise. If they have a hunch of something bad impending they’ll be way more cautious than any individual traveler will be and proactively cancel an itinerary. They haven’t done this. You’ll be perfectly safe in Europe and even safer in Europe onboard a Seabourn ship. Edited April 12, 2018 by princeton12321 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay23 Posted April 12, 2018 #10 Share Posted April 12, 2018 I don't really believe that Seabourn is ideal for teenagers (or children of any age) but Alaska is very port intensive and offers wild life and glaciers etc etc which might be of interest to younger cruisers. There is no entertainment for youngsters on board. Princess cruises may be a better choice. I must point out that if war broke out, as you describe, there would be no cruise ships sailing. (sorry I see the previous poster has said the same thing) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gercru Posted April 12, 2018 #11 Share Posted April 12, 2018 I hope I am not being rude. I am curious what the Syrian situation has to do with cruising in Europe? This is not necessarily about war, but even one isolated missile attack may affect travel severely. European airlines have been warned that there might be problems when flying across the Eastern Mediterranean ( re-routings etc).https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-airspace/braced-for-air-strikes-on-syria-some-airlines-re-route-flights-idUSKBN1HI01E Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stamfordian Posted April 12, 2018 #12 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Would you feel totally safe with two girls in London, Paris and Rome pre-cruise? Also - without wishing to sound rude - they are probably safer there than in many high schools and public spaces in the US:evilsmile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shipcamein Posted April 12, 2018 #13 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Political climate notwithstanding, the odds of something happening on the day you are there in the place you are standing are far less than something/anything happening in your car-ride to the airport. That said, I've received this wise advice many times: If your heart isn't in it, do everyone a favor and don't go. You will never enjoy it to the full extent possible, and you will waste valuable loving family moments and thoughts fearing the unknown. That is no way to spend your vacation, with or without teenage daughters. Go somewhere/anywhere where your fears aren't in the conversation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tv24 Posted April 13, 2018 #14 Share Posted April 13, 2018 We are headed to Europe in 3 days and have no worries about safety vis-a-vis the horrible civil war in Syria. That said, back to the issue at hand. With 2 teen girls, I do not recommend HAL for Alaska. Few kids on board and few activities for kids. Seabourn would be better because of the small scale and the opportunities for the kids to meet everyone, including the staff and entertainers who are very young. The kids should focus on the terrific experiences on shore, learn about Alaska and experience the special wilderness opportunities. Make it into a project. Have them write a blog to share with their teen friends back home, including cool photos. Take a float plane, mountain bike, hike, etc. While on board, have fun dancing in Rock the Boat, etc. And if this does not appeal, find a family-friendly line going to Alaska, but not HAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DrKoob Posted April 13, 2018 Author #15 Share Posted April 13, 2018 I want to thank you all for your wonderful advice. We have decided to go to EUROPE! Thanks so much for all the encouragement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markham Posted April 13, 2018 #16 Share Posted April 13, 2018 tv24’s feedback is very thoughtful and sensible. Don’t expect much of HAL relative to the quality of a Seabourn experience. That applies across the board. Happy and healthy sailing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisr Posted April 13, 2018 #17 Share Posted April 13, 2018 I want to thank you all for your wonderful advice. We have decided to go to EUROPE! Thanks so much for all the encouragement. Very happy that you are doing that. You will have a brilliant time I am sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay23 Posted April 13, 2018 #18 Share Posted April 13, 2018 Have a great time................. Are you going with Seabourn? J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
florisdekort Posted April 13, 2018 #19 Share Posted April 13, 2018 I want to thank you all for your wonderful advice. We have decided to go to EUROPE! Thanks so much for all the encouragement. Excellent decision and one you won’t regret! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Luxury Posted April 14, 2018 #20 Share Posted April 14, 2018 In the UK we have decided to leave Europe [emoji848] Sent from my SM-G955F using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay23 Posted April 14, 2018 #21 Share Posted April 14, 2018 in the uk we have decided to leave europe [emoji848] sent from my sm-g955f using forums mobile app !!!!!!!!!!!!! J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conchyjoe Posted April 20, 2018 #22 Share Posted April 20, 2018 I don't really believe that Seabourn is ideal for teenagers (or children of any age) but Alaska is very port intensive and offers wild life and glaciers etc etc which might be of interest to younger cruisers. There is no entertainment for youngsters on board. Princess cruises may be a better choice. I must point out that if war broke out, as you describe, there would be no cruise ships sailing. (sorry I see the previous poster has said the same thing) Sure hope you are wrong .. if there was a serious threat of war I figured the Owners Suite charged on my credit card for as long as possible would be a good option for my last couple of weeks on earth :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conchyjoe Posted April 21, 2018 #23 Share Posted April 21, 2018 In the UK we have decided to leave Europe [emoji848] Sent from my SM-G955F using Forums mobile app Yes, we have heard that. Apparently the original plan was that the UK be towed to Canada which would have been great because we could have purchased real pasties in Halifax, NS. Unfortunately one of the conditions for the UK moving to Canada was daily episodes of Coronation Street and that killed the plan dead. :') Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
californiacruiseluvrs Posted April 21, 2018 #24 Share Posted April 21, 2018 YES!!!! Do it! Been spending a bit of time on Seabourn recently. If the teens are mature and enjoy company of others, but not requiring tons of other teens (if any) it is a FANTASTIC option! Seabourn is an amazing line for all. Old school. Just returned last month from 14 days on Odyssey and there was single mom (widow) with two teenage daughters and they all LOVED it! We became very friendly. Seabourn is really special and I'm certain that the teenagers will have memories for a lifetime that will be so rich. Much more so than other lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jawmaster Posted April 22, 2018 #25 Share Posted April 22, 2018 Do it. We did it last summer in July with ourdaughter and son (23 and 21). It was the best vacation experience ever,for both of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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