Seabourn announces 2nd New Ship

[Jim Avery]

What a good idea,all those that cannot stomach a ship with 450 guests can always sail with Windstar although a very different type of service awaits on the once great small vessels.

Software is far more important than the hardware.

 

 

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I think the 450 passenger trio has it just about right. Maybe it will transfer to the bigger sisters. As far as Windstar, I was trying to poke a bit of fun. I really don't expect the same quality from Xanterra.:D:D

[lincslady]

In the (very faint) hope that the powers that be read and take note of what we loyal passengers say, or that Mr. L and Markham can have any input when they hear more about the new ship - and agree with any of this:- may I suggest

 

Improved sightlines in the Grand Salon (probably not possible because of the construction of the ship)

 

Softer sofas in the suites!

 

Colour schemes and carpets that are less 'in your face', especially the very old fashioned patterned carpets, and no plain purple carpets on the staircases, needing constant vacuuming.

 

My previous recommendation about the bar in the Observation Bar.

 

Just a few thoughts. Lincslady

[marama]

What a good idea,all those that cannot stomach a ship with 450 guests can always sail with Windstar although a very different type of service awaits on the once great small vessels.

Software is far more important than the hardware.

 

 

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Well we'll find out next Month in the Carribbean on Windsurf. We enjoyed our cruise on Seabourn Spirit this year, but thought the service was not up to our last Windstar 2 years ago.

Edited December 6, 2014 by marama

[gnld]

What a good idea,all those that cannot stomach a ship with 450 guests can always sail with Windstar although a very different type of service awaits on the once great small vessels.

Software is far more important than the hardware.

 

 

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We're on the maiden voyage of the Star Legend in May, Rome to BCN. We'll see how the service goes with Windstar. We've been on the Odyssey and enjoyed it very much (currently have an "open booking" for a future cruise). Also been on all the other luxury and luxury-lite lines. Figured we'd "give it a go" with Windstar's version of the Legend. And we'll be attending the christening - something new, a first for us.

[Mr Luxury]

We're on the maiden voyage of the Star Legend in May, Rome to BCN. We'll see how the service goes with Windstar. We've been on the Odyssey and enjoyed it very much (currently have an "open booking" for a future cruise). Also been on all the other luxury and luxury-lite lines. Figured we'd "give it a go" with Windstar's version of the Legend. And we'll be attending the christening - something new, a first for us.

 

 

Should be interesting,do report back and let us know,the Legend has been my favourite Seabourn ship.

 

 

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[Mr Luxury]

Well we'll find out next Month in the Carribbean on Windsurf. We enjoyed our cruise on Seabourn Spirit this year, but thought the service was not up to our last Windstar 2 years ago.

 

 

The Windsurf is a different type of vessel altogether it would be good to compare one of the older Seabourn ships being operated under Windstar.

 

 

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[Mr Luxury]

Going back to the new build maiden topic it is my understanding that priority will be given to those guests that did all three maidens on the Odyssey class ships,then any remaining Diamond members will be next based on days sailed and then it filters down to those that are left that wish to try to get on.

 

It's probably as fair a system as Seaboun can do I think.

 

 

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[jimmyw9]

Going back to the new build maiden topic it is my understanding that priority will be given to those guests that did all three maidens on the Odyssey class ships,then any remaining Diamond members will be next based on days sailed and then it filters down to those that are left that wish to try to get on.

 

It's probably as fair a system as Seaboun can do I think.

 

 

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Thank you for the information.

 

This does somewhat put us down the pecking order! I wish this had been explained when we paid our deposit in April 2014, so I could manage our expectations.

 

When I was on the Odyssey in September the Cruise Sales Specialist told me that the first batch of future cruise deposits for the maiden had sold out and they had released a further batch which had nearly gone.

 

I guess this ensures that the cruise is sold out, but under the control of SB by offering their best clients the opportunity to take the cruise irrespective of whether they have put a deposit down or not and then choosing from the people that have committed financially to it.

 

Thanks anyway!

[Mr Luxury]

You'll get your money back if you don't get on.

 

This also demonstrates Seabourns commitment and loyalty to past guests which I think is commendable.

 

I personally think that if you have got a good TA that is a big seller of Seabourn then you have a good chance of going.

 

It is situations like this that sorts the good TA's from the run of the mill TA's

 

 

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Edited December 7, 2014 by Mr Luxury

[markham]

JimmyW9,

I won't argue with you if you say you are "down the pecking order", as you put it. And of course Seabourn looks after their best clients. Assuming you have clients I am sure you do the same.

Mr L is no doubt right... You need a good TA. I could even refer one to you. Then you might get some attention. That's the least I can do.

And think about it... If all goes well you will get on the maiden voyage which I will be joining and which I anticipate will be during my birthday month. You could host a party in your suite for your friends and mine.

Wouldn't that be something?

Happy sailing!

[jimmyw9]

You'll get your money back if you don't get on.

 

This also demonstrates Seabourns commitment and loyalty to past guests which I think is commendable.

 

I personally think that if you have got a good TA that is a big seller of Seabourn then you have a good chance of going.

 

It is situations like this that sorts the good TA's from the run of the mill TA's

 

 

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Yes we know that the money can come back, but it is not about that. For us we like to plan ahead and know what we are doing and when. We have cruises book into the beginning of 2016, so planning ahead is important to us.

 

We are VERY VERY happy with our TA. We think they are the best!

 

Cheers

[Mr Luxury]

JimmyW9,

 

I won't argue with you if you say you are "down the pecking order", as you put it. And of course Seabourn looks after their best clients. Assuming you have clients I am sure you do the same.

 

Mr L is no doubt right... You need a good TA. I could even refer one to you. Then you might get some attention. That's the least I can do.

 

And think about it... If all goes well you will get on the maiden voyage which I will be joining and which I anticipate will be during my birthday month. You could host a party in your suite for your friends and mine.

 

Wouldn't that be something?

 

Happy sailing!

 

 

We need not worry as Jimmy has got the best TA,he's all sorted.

 

When is your next trip?

 

 

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[jimmyw9]

JimmyW9,

I won't argue with you if you say you are "down the pecking order", as you put it. And of course Seabourn looks after their best clients. Assuming you have clients I am sure you do the same.

Mr L is no doubt right... You need a good TA. I could even refer one to you. Then you might get some attention. That's the least I can do.

And think about it... If all goes well you will get on the maiden voyage which I will be joining and which I anticipate will be during my birthday month. You could host a party in your suite for your friends and mine.

Wouldn't that be something?

Happy sailing!

 

Well Markham lets leave the pecking order to the people who know best! If it were left to you gods knows what trouble we would be in!

 

Lets hope it all works out and we are on board………..a party for two is never that much fun!:D

 

Cheers

[jimmyw9]

We need not worry as Jimmy has got the best TA,he's all sorted.

 

When is your next trip?

 

 

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February

 

Forgive me Mr L, I just realised your question was in reply to Markham and hence was probably directed at him.

Edited December 7, 2014 by jimmyw9

[markham]

Mr L,

Our next cruise on Seabourn is the Sojourn from Singapore on 3 Feb., 2015.

Great 40 day itinerary including Ko Kood, Ho Chi Min City, Sihanoukville and the Philippines.

See you at the big event on 16 Dec re the new ship. (I will be the one taking notes for Jimmyw9.)

Happy sailing!

[jimmyw9]

See you at the big event on 16 Dec re the new ship. (I will be the one taking notes for Jimmyw9.)

 

Oh please Markham….don't make me feel special!

 

Just feed back your findings to everyone here as hopefully Mr L will too.

[marama]

The Windsurf is a different type of vessel altogether it would be good to compare one of the older Seabourn ships being operated under Windstar.

 

 

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I'll let you know. If software really is more important than the hardware , I would expect a similar standard to prevail on all Windstar vessels - just remains to be seen if they are still as good 2 years on. I wonder if they still greet passengers with cold towels and drinks at the end of a day's sightseeing. Have to say that on Seabourn we were lucky if we even got a smile when we got home!

[jimmyw9]

I'll let you know. If software really is more important than the hardware , I would expect a similar standard to prevail on all Windstar vessels - just remains to be seen if they are still as good 2 years on. I wonder if they still greet passengers with cold towels and drinks at the end of a day's sightseeing. Have to say that on Seabourn we were lucky if we even got a smile when we got home!

 

As Markham and Mr L have pointed out, Seabourn looks after its best clients.

[Mr Luxury]

Mr L,

 

Our next cruise on Seabourn is the Sojourn from Singapore on 3 Feb., 2015.

 

Great 40 day itinerary including Ko Kood, Ho Chi Min City, Sihanoukville and the Philippines.

 

See you at the big event on 16 Dec re the new ship. (I will be the one taking notes for Jimmyw9.)

 

Happy sailing!

 

 

Sounds lovely,I'm off to Cape Town the day after we are at the event to pick up the Sojourn.

 

Let us leave no stone unturned re the new build interrogation on the 16th

 

You get JD drunk and I'll bowl him a few difficult ones.

 

 

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[Mr Luxury]

As Markham and Mr L have pointed out, Seabourn looks after its best clients.

 

 

To be honest I have always been treated very well even when I was one of Seabourns least travelled guests.

 

That's the good thing about a one class,one size fits all system that Seabourn has,you are all treated the same despite the size of suite that you have or the number of days travelled.

 

The only difference is that you are well rewarded with the best loyalty scheme at sea.

 

My next Sojourn trip is a free cruise earned by sailing a few days,it's a great bonus to have along with the discounts on wine and free internet.

Not forgetting the referral credit that is a nice perk if you put yourself in contact with a new cruiser.

 

Much more of this lark and they'll be paying me to sail.

 

 

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[jimmyw9]

To be honest I have always been treated very well even when I was one of Seabourns least travelled guests.

 

That's the good thing about a one class,one size fits all system that Seabourn has,you are all treated the same despite the size of suite that you have or the number of days travelled.

 

The only difference is that you are well rewarded with the best loyalty scheme at sea.

 

My next Sojourn trip is a free cruise earned by sailing a few days,it's a great bonus to have along with the discounts on wine and free internet.

Not forgetting the referral credit that is a nice perk if you put yourself in contact with a new cruiser.

 

Much more of this lark and they'll be paying me to sail.

 

 

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Yes, I have to agree Seabourn have looked after us newbies very very well apart from one cruise, but JD took care of that for us!

 

Our next cruise earns us a free cruise too! However to to say "earned by sailing a few days" is a slight exaggeration. But yes the benefits are worth the loyalty!

 

Cheers

Edited December 8, 2014 by jimmyw9

[marama]

Don't mistake me Mr. Luxury, we enjoyed Seabourn and put down a future cruise deposit, so we'll soon be trying out one of the larger ships. But after reading some of the Windstar/Seabourn comments on this thread I just thought I should throw in my two penny worth. The only reason we even noticed that one or two things could have been done differently on Seabourn last time round was because of our earlier Windstar experience - but we are still looking forward to booking our next Seabourn cruise.

[Mr Luxury]

Don't mistake me Mr. Luxury, we enjoyed Seabourn and put down a future cruise deposit, so we'll soon be trying out one of the larger ships. But after reading some of the Windstar/Seabourn comments on this thread I just thought I should throw in my two penny worth. The only reason we even noticed that one or two things could have been done differently on Seabourn last time round was because of our earlier Windstar experience - but we are still looking forward to booking our next Seabourn cruise.

 

 

marama,

Its good to think positive and have an open mind when trying a line again that was not perfect the last time that you sailed with them.

The larger Seabourn ships are a great addition to what we have known and loved,they are well designed and have more options for the guests.

Have you decided on which cruise and region that you will do next?

 

 

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[marama]

No, not decided yet. It is likely to be the Mediterranean as there are some lovely cruises there - and it's very convenient for us. We were on Seabourn Spirit on the Venice to Venice in early September, which we thoroughly enjoyed - despite the rain, rain, rain. The Adriatic was having some very unseasonably bad weather. We usually like to go in late Aug/Sept or thereabouts, but it depends when we can fit it in. We thought that being retired would mean lots of spare time, but it doesn't seem to be working out that way somehow.

 

We will also be doing the Boston/Nova Scotia run maybe next year. I have always wanted to see Boston.

[markham]

Yesterday Seabourn's John Delaney, SVP, and Lynn Narraway ,MD UK ,hosted a luncheon jointly with our TA (Seabourn's largest) here in London to preview the new ships, the first of which is to be launched in late 2016. There were roughly 30 in attendance including several interesting CC luminaries including Mr Luxury, friends we have made on past Seabourn cruises, and also jimmyw9.

 

John displayed 8 computer-generated renderings so highlighting various aspects of design inspiration, all based on improvements and enhancements to the 450 pax Odyssey class ships. We were asked not to photograph the boards given that in January, 2015, Seabourn's website will feature a more comprehensive review of plans for everyone.

 

The new ships will hold 604 passengers, be very much based on Odyssey, although longer and wider, with an extra deck of cabins, all with verandas, and, as I believe I heard, the standard suites will be longer and wider.

 

1- The Colonnade will be larger with 70 outdoor seating places, softer in decor, and have "residence" feel. An emphasis on circular flows versus straight lines. And there will be a staircase to the similarly size outdoor seating area of a new specialty restaurant below it.

 

2- Restaurant 2, with its 44 seats, will be replaced with a new and much larger 90 seater specialty restaurant, a softer feel with few straight lines, with its own large bar with a big emphasis on displays of wine including a wine tasting table.

 

3- The Main Dining Room emphasizes the shape of the ceiling and elaborate light fixtures, in appearance almost Gothic, soft lines, and without the white curtains and current square and linear design. I remember seeing more gold/yellow than the current dark/white minimalist appearance. There will be wine racks on many walls.

 

4- Seabourn Square is enlarged with more food service area and an oven to deliver baked goods etc. The center enclosed cube-like area is replaced with curved glass partitions in a circle, with desks and computer terminals facing outwards.

 

5- The main pool area is little changed with the Sky Bar in the same place on the deck above, the shower cubicles at the pool's end rounded (as opposed to right angle boxed) and with a larger swimming pool. The Pool Bar remains, there is more seating for dining and relaxation. The only memorable and noticeable change is that enhanced and expanded Patio Grill and Pool Bar facilities are shifted to the opposite end of the deck area.

 

The question about Seabourn's current smoking policy, specifically about smoking on verandas and after 20:00 in the Observation Bar, was asked. John responded that the issue is being evaluated and Seabourn's position is "evolving".

 

I hope this is interesting and useful in the lead up to the January, 2015 presentation.

 

Happy sailing!