Newbie interested in Seabourn - some questions

[TrinaLC]

To clarify, I'm not a CC newbie, but a Seabourn newbie ... I have a few questions and can't imagine a better place for answers.

 

First question: We've typically cruised on NCL and RCCL (with kids). Looking now for a grown-up cruise. We've always splurged and gotten a great balcony. I just can't imagine not having a private outside area to read and watch the world go by.

 

The seabourne balcony pricing would really be too much of a stretch right now. Is the ship so different (less crowded, more "refined" - more open) that you really wouldn't miss a balcony in order to have some lovely outside quiet time?

 

 

Second question - I gather cocktails are included. Is it possible to get a room set up so you can have a drink while getting ready for dinner? Is it an extra cost? Do they limit to say one bottle per voyage, or can you order what you want?

 

Third question - NCL, RCCL no longer allow TAs to discount. Is that the case with Seabourne? Or does it pay to shop around?

 

Fourth question - many of the Seabourn cruises start and end different places. How do you all deal with the airfare complexities? Getting one way fares is usually tremendously expensive ... do you book through Seabourn or is there some other way around this?

 

Many Thanks in Advance!!!

[blackbird71]

To clarify, I'm not a CC newbie, but a Seabourn newbie ... I have a few questions and can't imagine a better place for answers.

 

First question: We've typically cruised on NCL and RCCL (with kids). Looking now for a grown-up cruise. We've always splurged and gotten a great balcony. I just can't imagine not having a private outside area to read and watch the world go by.

 

The seabourne balcony pricing would really be too much of a stretch right now. Is the ship so different (less crowded, more "refined" - more open) that you really wouldn't miss a balcony in order to have some lovely outside quiet time?

 

From one of my albums

 

I love veranda for watching the world go by, BUT I have fallen in love with the large picture windows with a comfy chair to watch the world go by. One big plus is the Temperature is always just right :). I am an audiobook nut and connect my iPod to the Bose Wave radio and listen to a book as I watch outside my window.

 

 

Second question - I gather cocktails are included. Is it possible to get a room set up so you can have a drink while getting ready for dinner? Is it an extra cost? Do they limit to say one bottle per voyage, or can you order what you want?

 

You can order two bottles to be in your suite plus a welcome champagne. In addition you can order drinks from room service. On longer cruises they will replace dead soldiers in your suite. :D All no charge unless you go real high pricey...

 

I would look at one of the Caribbean cruises for your first time. I really liked my Barbados to Barbados cruise. The two photo albums are a little different, the B2B is mainly island pictures while the St. Thomas to St. Thomas is mainly ship pictures.

 

Things to pay for once onboard Casino :(, Spa/Salon, Shop Onboard, Shore Excursions, Smokes (cigars/cigarettes), and finally Internet... A very simple list and very easy to budget. OK maybe not the Casino :D

[LaPaloma]

To clarify, I'm not a CC newbie, but a Seabourn newbie ... I have a few questions and can't imagine a better place for answers.

 

First question: We've typically cruised on NCL and RCCL (with kids). Looking now for a grown-up cruise. We've always splurged and gotten a great balcony. I just can't imagine not having a private outside area to read and watch the world go by.

 

The seabourne balcony pricing would really be too much of a stretch right now. Is the ship so different (less crowded, more "refined" - more open) that you really wouldn't miss a balcony in order to have some lovely outside quiet time?

 

 

Second question - I gather cocktails are included. Is it possible to get a room set up so you can have a drink while getting ready for dinner? Is it an extra cost? Do they limit to say one bottle per voyage, or can you order what you want?

 

Third question - NCL, RCCL no longer allow TAs to discount. Is that the case with Seabourne? Or does it pay to shop around?

 

Fourth question - many of the Seabourn cruises start and end different places. How do you all deal with the airfare complexities? Getting one way fares is usually tremendously expensive ... do you book through Seabourn or is there some other way around this?

 

Many Thanks in Advance!!!

Question 1 You really don't need a balcony on Seabourn--they really aren't worth the price--the suites are good size and comfortable, and there is no need to hide on a balcony from the crowds--cause there aren't any!

Question 2 Before you leave for your Seabourn cruise you will receive a pre-registration form that will ask what kind of booze you want in your room--one liter per person--no charge--if you run out just ask the room girl for another! It's not cheap booze--we order Johnny Black Label Scotch and Crown Royal--Champagne and beer is also in your room booze closet.

Question 3 Don't know the answer to this--we use AMX Platinum and get a $300 room credit.

Question 4 Everybody has a different idea about this--I know of no one the books there air thru Seabourn. Even tho you leave and return from different ports, we have been able with a little searching, been able to find reasonable costs. I believe to Europe a round trip can be from different cities. Good luck--and give it a try--you will love it!