Thinking about trying Seabourn

[rafinmd]

There have been several threads about people considering Seabourn recently, but let me add one more. I love Crystal, but also have a preference for smaller ships. I did try Silversea, and was not impressed. Among my disappointments I had with them: They talked about “eat when you wish”, but when I got on the ship found that the dining room did not open until 7:30, and it was usually at least 8 when a table was assembled and an order taken. That was coupled with late production shows every evening in a small enough venue that I always felt obligated to go, conflicting with my normal schedule as an early bird. I also left the ship with a feeling that while Crystal’s staff was there to meet my needs and desires, Silversea felt I was there to use the services they wanted to give me. A prime example was one morning when I went to a lounge for a cup of coffee to take back to my room, and was pretty much told that I should have gone back to my room, called room service and waited for it to show up.

 

With regard to Seabourn, my questions:

 

1. What are the typical dinner hours?

2. Are there big shows every night that I’ll either not want to miss or will feel obligated to attend? If so, what is the usual time frame?

3. I usually cruise solo. The Seabourn web site mentions a “run of ship” supplement at 125%. Is this typically available and viable?

4. On a transatlantic crossing, what enrichment programs and other activities are offered?

5. Do all the ships have appropriate places for walking on deck?

6. Is there anything else I should know?

 

I would be particularly interested in those who have sailed either Crystal or Silversea.

[JaneBP]

I am speaking for the triplets, not the 'O'

Usually, dinner is 7:30-9.

No big shows; intimate reviews and guests artists.

The ROS gets snapped up early, but is great. Plan ahead as much as possible.

The enrichment programs are usually very interesting; other activities are Trivia, cooking lessons, bridge classes, galley tours and putting and I forget what else.

The other 'stuff' you might find helpful will be gleaned by reading many of the threads in this BB. Too many to recount.

There are walking decks, but the route passes by people at the Sky Bar, so earlier or later are better times for brisk walking.

I have never sailed SS or Crystal.

[rafinmd]

Thank you.

I am speaking for the triplets, not the 'O'

Usually, dinner is 7:30-9.

No big shows; intimate reviews and guests artists.

I'm not thrilled with 7:30-9 but my expectations are now set and it won't be a problem if I'm not always staying up late for the shows.

The ROS gets snapped up early, but is great. Plan ahead as much as possible.This fits me perfectly. I usually book about a year in advance.

 

The enrichment programs are usually very interesting; other activities are Trivia, cooking lessons, bridge classes, galley tours and putting and I forget what else.

The other 'stuff' you might find helpful will be gleaned by reading many of the threads in this BB. Too many to recount.

There are walking decks, but the route passes by people at the Sky Bar, so earlier or later are better times for brisk walking.

I am an early bird, so no problem there. I just took a look at the deck plans and was pleased to see there are no suites to disturb on the deck below.

 

I have never sailed SS or Crystal.

 

I hope to be on a Seabourn ship sometime in 2011

[italycruiser]

I have sailed Silversea and Seabourn and I much prefer Seabourn. The staff and officers are much friendlier and work to assure that you have a wonderful and memorable holiday. The staff of Silversea is generally aloof and the officers are hardly seen.

[Len2006]

My wife and i have sailed aboard Crystal. Our friends really like it and talked us into trying them. We took a panama canal cruise and enjoyed it. In comparison to Seabourn it's like staying at a holiday inn with really good food compared to the four seasons with a private butler. We have had the good fortune to enjoy one or two cruises a year for the past sixteen years. We've run the gamut from Holland America, Crystal, Princess and others. About five years ago we settled on Seabourn because we have never had a bad time aboard. If you don't like the hours at dinner, you can be served a course by course meal in your suite that is identical to the one in the restaurant. The crew and staff are hands down the friendliest and most attentive of any of the many cruise lines we've been on. The ship is small and intimate. Most of the guests are college educated and sophisticated. You will be hard pressed to find anyone aboard who is difficult to hold an interesting conversation with. I am an early riser, as well. Prior to sunrise, I usually leave my sleeping spouse in our cabin, take my book or laptop and go to the observation lounge at the top of the ship, take a chair, help myself to the pastries and assortments of tea and coffees that are put out for early risers and watch the sunrise. We find Seabourn to be much more comfortable than Crystal, mainly because of the personalized service. Crystal felt much like Holland America to us but with fewer people aboard and better food. The bottom line is that luxury once enjoyed becomes a necessity and once you've sailed aboard Seabourn all other cruises seem lacking in one aspect or another. On the negative side, if you are a whirlwind of activity desiring 24/7 entertainment, you won't find it as much here as you would on one of the larger ships. Much of the enjoyment of the cruise is you can do whatever you wish, when you wish to do it. We most recently were aboard the Legend for the crossing from Lisbon to Fort lauderdale in November. We enjoyed it so much that we are taking the return voyage in April. Only one stop, Funchal Madeira - which proved to be a VERY interesting port. My wife read four books, entertainment was wonderful - small productions with a great deal of talent and a CREW TUG of WAR that was brutal. They were serious about winning. One of our waiters broke his wrist fighting to win. The crew is like that, they want to excel at everything they do, whether it's serving you or fighting in a tug of war.

[lincslady]

There have been several threads about people considering Seabourn recently, but let me add one more. I love Crystal, but also have a preference for smaller ships. I did try Silversea, and was not impressed. Among my disappointments I had with them: They talked about “eat when you wish”, but when I got on the ship found that the dining room did not open until 7:30, and it was usually at least 8 when a table was assembled and an order taken. That was coupled with late production shows every evening in a small enough venue that I always felt obligated to go, conflicting with my normal schedule as an early bird. I also left the ship with a feeling that while Crystal’s staff was there to meet my needs and desires, Silversea felt I was there to use the services they wanted to give me. A prime example was one morning when I went to a lounge for a cup of coffee to take back to my room, and was pretty much told that I should have gone back to my room, called room service and waited for it to show up.

 

With regard to Seabourn, my questions:

 

1. What are the typical dinner hours?

2. Are there big shows every night that I’ll either not want to miss or will feel obligated to attend? If so, what is the usual time frame?

3. I usually cruise solo. The Seabourn web site mentions a “run of ship” supplement at 125%. Is this typically available and viable?

4. On a transatlantic crossing, what enrichment programs and other activities are offered?

5. Do all the ships have appropriate places for walking on deck?

6. Is there anything else I should know?

 

I would be particularly interested in those who have sailed either Crystal or Silversea.

 

Just a quick reply to question 1. Recently the small Seabourn ships have been opening for dinner at 7. If you are cruising solo you will almost certainly be invited to join a hosted table most evenings, at 7.30, but if you do this obviously actually eating is a bit later. As a twosome we almost always dine on our own, soon after 7, and rarely go to the shows which are fairly small scale though enjoyable.

 

Having sailed about 3 with Silversea and over 100 days on Seabourn, there is no doubt which we prefer, and also feel solos would feel more at home on Seabourn. The staff on Seabourn are, generally, the most personable and friendly and accommodating as compared with Silversea or Regent. Haven't tried Crystal.

[the_dylaness]

7:30-9!? Wow. That's late (to us, anyway.) Not a "maker or breaker" but still...

 

If given a choice we invariably sign up for the early seating on large ships (usually 6pm). By mistake we ended up with 8:30pm in Alaska and the late time in addition to the time change had us practically falling asleep in our salads. I am surprised to hear Seabourn's dining rooms don't open until so late. Even on a cruise we're usually in bed by 9:30 or so and up before 7.

[lord of the seas]

7:30-9!? Wow. That's late (to us, anyway.) Not a "maker or breaker" but still...

 

If given a choice we invariably sign up for the early seating on large ships (usually 6pm). By mistake we ended up with 8:30pm in Alaska and the late time in addition to the time change had us practically falling asleep in our salads. I am surprised to hear Seabourn's dining rooms don't open until so late. Even on a cruise we're usually in bed by 9:30 or so and up before 7.

 

Six O'clock for dinner,most Seabourners are just recovering from lunch.

I suppose the mass market lines have to accomodate the masses,unlike Seabourn who accomodate a selct few on their small ships.

Dinner for me is 8.30pm although I am usually in bed by 2.00am Sharp!!

1.00am if I am feeling tired. :)

[dmb707]

Six O'clock for dinner,most Seabourners are just recovering from lunch.

I suppose the mass market lines have to accomodate the masses,unlike Seabourn who accomodate a selct few on their small ships.

Dinner for me is 8.30pm although I am usually in bed by 2.00am Sharp!!

1.00am if I am feeling tired. :)

 

Nothing to do with the wine then the 1.00 am bed time:D

 

deb

[Martita B.]

Lord John

YOU kill me......ha ha ha! Sooo it's 2 a.m. sharp? (I don't believe a word you say....:confused:) Truth be known......you're sound asleep by 10 pm!

Many years ago I would enjoy the Club with friends untill wee hours~ (the sweet brass polisher would always escort me home) Now, I try to stay awake until after desert in the dining room!:eek:

I've already inquried as to making one of the small Sister's my retirement home! Who wants/needs to go to a "Manor?"

Have a grrreat weekend~stay warm!

Martita B.

[the_dylaness]

Six O'clock for dinner,most Seabourners are just recovering from lunch.

I suppose the mass market lines have to accomodate the masses,unlike Seabourn who accomodate a selct few on their small ships.

Dinner for me is 8.30pm although I am usually in bed by 2.00am Sharp!!

1.00am if I am feeling tired. :)

 

I'm not sure what "accomodating the masses" has to do with offering a wider variety of dining times for the convenience and leisure of the customer... surely I missed something here.

[lord of the seas]

I'm not sure what "accomodating the masses" has to do with offering a wider variety of dining times for the convenience and leisure of the customer... surely I missed something here.

 

Don't knock it until you've tried it. (Seabourn)

I do not know any Seabourn guests that would wait for the Restaurant doors to open at 6.00pm.

24 hour room service is available if you are desperate.

Seabourn would open the restaurant if they thought that the guests wanted it.

[lord of the seas]

Lord John

YOU kill me......ha ha ha! Sooo it's 2 a.m. sharp? (I don't believe a word you say....:confused:) Truth be known......you're sound asleep by 10 pm!

Many years ago I would enjoy the Club with friends untill wee hours~ (the sweet brass polisher would always escort me home) Now, I try to stay awake until after desert in the dining room!:eek:

I've already inquried as to making one of the small Sister's my retirement home! Who wants/needs to go to a "Manor?"

Have a grrreat weekend~stay warm!

Martita B.

 

Yes Martha,

I am asleep by 10pm normally during the show.I get a second wind when I am carried to the club.I'll have to try the Sweet brass polish instead of the brandy alexander next time.:D

[lord of the seas]

Nothing to do with the wine then the 1.00 am bed time:D

 

deb

 

No Deb,I have an electronic tag that's conected to the police.I must not break my bail conditions.

[Martita B.]

John

Funny story as to "my brass polisher" ~~for several years aboard the Pride after I left the Club (late) he would indeed escort me back to my suite ~~well, last year I didn't see him polishing the stairwell.......then surprise: he brought my early morning coffee ~~he had been promoted to Night Bell Captain!:D

I was thrilled ~~such a dear, sweet fellow!

MB

[lord of the seas]

John

Funny story as to "my brass polisher" ~~for several years aboard the Pride after I left the Club (late) he would indeed escort me back to my suite ~~well, last year I didn't see him polishing the stairwell.......then surprise: he brought my early morning coffee ~~he had been promoted to Night Bell Captain!:D

I was thrilled ~~such a dear, sweet fellow!

MB

 

I suppose the night bell is well polished.

[dmb707]

No Deb,I have an electronic tag that's conected to the police.I must not break my bail conditions.

 

Glad to see that the Police let you go on holiday for good behaviour;)

[the_dylaness]

Don't knock it until you've tried it. (Seabourn)

I do not know any Seabourn guests that would wait for the Restaurant doors to open at 6.00pm.

24 hour room service is available if you are desperate.

Seabourn would open the restaurant if they thought that the guests wanted it.

 

I'm not knocking it.

And, I'm trying it in April.

 

I simply didn't understand why early dinner was necessarily associated with "the masses" and the seemingly negative implication. I'm sure we'll be quite able to enjoy dinner later in the evening even if it wouldn't have been our preference.

[wripro]

It's associated with the masses because in order to accommodate the masses large ships need to have two seatings, therefore the first one is too early and the second one is too late. Small ships like Seabourn accommodate all their passengers at the same time and to open at six PM means they would have to keep the restaurant open for four hours. PLus I doubt you would get more than six people at that hour anyway.

[JaneBP]

>"I'm not sure what "accomodating the masses" has to do with offering a wider variety of dining times for the convenience and leisure of the customer."

 

I don't think it's a negative connotation but the larger ships have to have two seatings to accommodate the large number of cruisers, many with young children.

[Chairsin]

Not only are we still recovering from lunch at 6PM but afternoon tea as well. And then there is the fact that there seems to be a cocktail party with substantial nibbles alsmost every other night. And if you STILL are starving by 7:30PM you can order something from room service to tide you over.Every now and them we will order some smoked salmon, caviar, shrimp or a fruit and cheese platter to enjoy with a glass of wine in our suite as we get dressed for dinner.

[lord of the seas]

dylaness,

For Masses read,Large ships with 600- 3000 passengers (Not Guests) ie the mass market lines that can accomodate 600-3000 people in the restauarant with two sittings (too early for some and too late for others)

It is a long time since I have had to suffer that sort of thing.I now consider myself fortunate to sail with Seabourn and Silversea and you will too after your first voyage with Seabourn.

Have a great time and do report back to us with your findings.

[lord of the seas]

Not only are we still recovering from lunch at 6PM but afternoon tea as well. And then there is the fact that there seems to be a cocktail party with substantial nibbles alsmost every other night. And if you STILL are starving by 7:30PM you can order something from room service to tide you over.Every now and them we will order some smoked salmon, caviar, shrimp or a fruit and cheese platter to enjoy with a glass of wine in our suite as we get dressed for dinner.

 

I wondered why you always arrive at dinner, the worse for wear.

[Chairsin]

Ah, now my secret is out!!!:D This is of course why I take off a few pound BEFORE Seabourn rather than after. Rather bad timing though with this upcoming cruise coming so soon after the holidays.

[rafinmd]

7:30-9!? Wow. That's late (to us, anyway.) Not a "maker or breaker" but still...

 

If given a choice we invariably sign up for the early seating on large ships (usually 6pm). By mistake we ended up with 8:30pm in Alaska and the late time in addition to the time change had us practically falling asleep in our salads. I am surprised to hear Seabourn's dining rooms don't open until so late. Even on a cruise we're usually in bed by 9:30 or so and up before 7.

 

Six O'clock for dinner,most Seabourners are just recovering from lunch.

I suppose the mass market lines have to accomodate the masses,unlike Seabourn who accomodate a selct few on their small ships.

Dinner for me is 8.30pm although I am usually in bed by 2.00am Sharp!!

1.00am if I am feeling tired. :)

 

I'm having second thoughts about trying Seabourn after seeing the reactions to the_dylaness post. I can certainly adjust to eating at 7:30 or 8, but would not enjoy 2 weeks of people looking down on me just because I have a preference for a choice that Seabourn does not provide. the_dylaness, please share your impressions when you get back from your first Seabourn cruise. Also, I just posted on the Celebrity forum, I'd really value your input on the Mercury.