Seabourn or Silversea??

[crystal808]

I certainly hope you're right...that's the way I've taken these boards, as well. I'm traveling alone, and booked onto the Legend April 9-16-06 a few weeks ago! I gather that these folks "do it right", and, if these posters are any indication, I expect to be well-received and welcomed.

 

I've yet to read anything "discouraging" about Seabourn, except, perhaps, the lack of a "full" balcony for most of the suites. Considering the intimacy and the layout of the ship, I can't see that as much of a negative!

 

I have 2 cruises planned before then on "massive" ships, and wanted to experience the intimate setting that Seabourn provides.

 

Happy sailing to you and yours!

Paul :D

[LaPaloma]

There will be a few of us on the April 6th legend. We will be meeting at the skybar for a drink just prior to the lifeboat drill. Come join and introduce yourself. You are in for a treat on this ship. In the meantime, enjoy your other trips...before you are too spoiled for them, ha!

[LaPaloma]

She meant April 16--to meet our favorite Capt., you should go to the previous site--Favorite Capt.'s Pictures--I'm pretty sure he will be in charge on our trip. Hope to see you at the Sky Bar before we depart--another regular Jane Pond will be there--she's lots of fun!

[crystal808]

Hi...and thanks for the invitation! (See Rick, I was right!)

 

I'm seriously looking forward to my first Seabourn cruise, and I fully expect it to "spoil" me! That's why I'm doing it!

 

But I'm on for the week of the 9th...you and Jane must be getting on when I disembark... :(

 

Ah well... c'est la vie! Another time, perhaps? (I certainly hope so!)

 

Thanks again!

Paul

[Jane Pond]

Yes, Paul, unfortunately we shall be, dare I say, as ships crossing in the night. And, might I add, woe to you should you leave us no breadstics or champagne!

 

Jane in PHL

[crystal808]

I promise to leave some breadsticks... the champagne I'm not too sure about! ;)

 

Paul

[Jane Pond]

Ah, don't be so sure to rule out scarfing down the breadsticks, you haven't had them yet, right? I daresay that a search under the word 'breadsticks' would show several comments about them.

 

Jane

[crystal808]

Now you're being too cruel! Even the breadsticks??? :eek: OMG! And I have to wait 'til April to try 'em!

 

This is getting harder and harder! Thanks a lot, Jane.

 

;)

 

Paul

[Jane Pond]

Speaking of Memphis, I just ordered ribs from Corky's to be sent to my niece and her husband for their wedding anniversary. Our favorite spot, Rib City in Florida, stopped their mail order service.

 

Jane (and they would go well with the breadsticks...)

[crystal808]

Hi Jane...

Can't go wrong with Corky's...really good hickory-smoked flavor (I prefer dry...I'm sure sauce comes with it for the "wet" lovers!)

 

But breadsticks with ribs? Give me garlic bread! (Or get me to the Seabourn to double check my decision, thankyouverymuch!)

 

Happy Sailing...

Paul

[LaPaloma]

Rest assured...Seabourn is not clique oreinted! Each day you meet and enjoy new people...the crew and staff are available and friendly at all times. What you are observing for the most part on the threads...people are missing the ship...and this is sort of a fun exchange! Sometimes it is informative, and the rest of the time pure drivel..ha!

[crystal808]

Hi Jane:

 

You've stated the reason(s) I signed up in the first place! Although I'm not overly gregarious, from reading the boards I felt that I would be comfortable sailing as a single with Seabourn, expecting to easily mix with others who love traveling first, and seem to be accepting of their fellow travelers. It just sounds like my idea of a "fun" cruise! Something tells me I'll "be back for more"....

 

Thanks for your input!

Paul

[Jane Pond]

You are right, ribs need a hearty bread. I was just pulling your chain to wet your whistle for the bread sticks. And, they serve the most delightful spreads in which to dip them. I am embarassed to admit that usually I am the first one at the hosted table and the wait staff will move the breadsticks closer to me if my boarding hourse reach won't make it.

 

Jane (confessing all today)

[Cruizin_NYC]

Would anyone recomend either seabourn or SilverSea for a couple in their 20's. Looking for a Med Cruise for a Honeymoon???

 

Thanks.

[LaPaloma]

Of course I recommend it...but..you must be the type to like all ages of people..or not care who you are surrounded by. We have been on trips will quite a few young people in the last couple of years, but then there is no way of knowing what the psgr load will be. When we first started taking the small ships, it seems to be much older. Young people seem to be more mobile and capable of paying the fees to travel now. Seabourn is our ship of choice..the staff and crew are very sociable and make you feel special and at home imediately. Hope you decide to go "Cruizin"...the Legend is our favorite, but the sister ships are all wonderful.

[Cruizin_NYC]

How would you find the scene at night. I understand we arent looking for clubs and parties, but we are looking to socialize with other passengers. We would like to have a quiet, elegant atmosphere with excellent service, but don't want to be singled out as the "Kids" on board. It seems like in order tofind the service we want we need to go on a small ship.

[LaPaloma]

You are correct about the service and elegence of the small ship. The dining service is lovely and the food wonderful. We always go to the lounge for cocktails prior to dinner and there is music at that time. After dinner, there is usually dancing if you want, or a show. The entertainers are generally the cruise directors, assistants..etc. They are always fun and front and center with the passengers. There are 2 formal nights, 2 informal nights, and 3 casual nights. One evening is generally a deck dinner party..with dancing and entertainment. You will not find the gaudy upscale shows of the big ships..that is not what most want. They simply enjoy an hour of fun. The type of shows vary from Opera..to Broadway..to Pop. Strangely, one of our favorites was an Elvis impersonation. Sounds tawdry..but was fun and well done. There is a small casino which is fun, black jack, roulette and machines, this is close to the bar where music, etc. takes place. There is always lots of socializing at the bar.

 

You meet lots of people on the tours...it becomes a very friendly atmosphere. When you want to be alone...there are a couple of cranies that you can find on deck. One being a hot tub and deck chairs on deck five...way at the end of the hall by the classic suite. It can be windy there is the only draw back. We are in our seventies...and have been amazed at the young people who seek us out and like to be with us. We still keep in touch with some. Two marriages are taking place because of us..ha! We also are in touch with "partners" from Australia that we just loved. We have been corresponding now for 10 years. This is not unique, many lasting friendships are formed here. Our daughter is single and went with us last Oct. The first day she was grumpy as she hadn't yet seen the young people. When she did get to know them, and enjoyed them, she found that she like the older ones as well. Hope this helps!

[Jane Pond]

Well, now, Lola..since you seem to have matchmaking skills, I might need to hang out with you more! <G>

 

One wonderful aspect of being alone or of an age group not in the majority is the ability to have dinner at a hosted table. They are put together rather randomly as I can tell, and I think that it would be a good thing to mention when one is filling out one's passenger information form. I think on my first cruise I mentioned how Mother and I really enjoyed that and it's been a pretty constant invitation after that. Now traveling alone, I like to meet many others over dinner and even if we don't plan on being fast friends, it's nice to have someone to nod at when catching the early morning BBC at the Sky Bar. One does not have to accept an inviation and there or other dining options, but I really enjoy this way. Also, then, one couple is not asked and put on the spot to see if they would accept another couple or single diner.

 

Jane

[venicecruiser]

Jane - I'm with you! I need to start hanging out with LaPaloma, too!!!

 

The Club is great for cocktails prior to dinner. I also spent some time there later in the evenings. Although a friend was with me, she is not much for socializing so in essence, I was a solo sailor. Trust me when I tell you that I had absolutely no trouble meeting people onboard! There were invitations to a hosted table for dinner almost every night-some I accepted and some I declined- but after the first day or two onboard, I usually was invited to dinner by others.

 

One of the things I like best about Seabourn is the small number of passengers onboard any sailing. Makes it very easy to meet almost everyone onboard if one wishes to. I found everyone very friendly, approachable, and very enjoyable!

 

Claudia

[Jane Pond]

So, VeniceCruiser, are you in Venice? I know Ft Myers and Naples, but not much else. How convenient to have Tampa as a port. Philly will get busier, I guess, but until Seabourn docks and boards there, I am doomed to travel elsewhere.

 

Jane

[Host Dan]

So, VeniceCruiser, are you in Venice? I know Ft Myers and Naples, but not much else. How convenient to have Tampa as a port. Philly will get busier, I guess, but until Seabourn docks and boards there, I am doomed to travel elsewhere.

 

Jane

The day Seabourn docks in Tampa or St. Petersburg will be the happiest day!

 

Host Dan

[bldsld]

I wish Seabourn would sail out of San Francisco again!

[LaPaloma]

Host Dan and bldsld--it would be nice-- Tampa- St Petersburg and SFO would be nice! In 07 we do have a departure from L.A.--(if its still there}--Its Mexican Riveria--I'll will book it on our Istanbul--Athens trip!

[JimmyTheOne]

Rapunzel,

Sorry to have taken so long to reply to your question. I think previous responses more or less echo how we feel. BOTH are excellent in our opinion, sorry about the fact we cannot forsee the number of children on a particular cruise. On our Seadream trip last November, there were only one or two younsters PLUS one infant who made dinner less than enjoyable. The outdoor eating areas on SeaDream 1 were very nice although from the brochures, we thought , as on Seabourn, that outdoor dining was a option to the main dining room. Nor so, we had dinner in the dining room 2 nights all others had to be on deck. Food very good on both, edge to Seabourn in suite size etc, Did miss the few nights where we could dress up a bit on Seabourn. Would travel either line before Silversea.