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Suite/cabin types on the Odyssey


fudge
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I have never sailed with Sebourn so please excuse the question.

 

I have recently enquired about a cruise on the Odyssey with a TA in the UK. They replied by mail stating the cabin category was OB, suite number to be announced? Balcony Guarantee (GTY)

 

Can anyone tell me what or where OB is, I looked on the deck plan and cannot see it? Is it normal for a suite number to be issued just before or while on board? A lady rang me saying there was a possible 5 options but after she explained each I was really confused?

 

Thank you in advance.

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It means you will be guaranteed a suite with a balcony. You could be anywhere from a V1 upwards, although you are more likely to be given a V1 to V6. If you really don't mind where you are situated it's a good gamble and a good way to save money, but if you really want to be mid-ships for a possibly smoother ride, if the se becomes choppy, you may be wise to pay more and opt for a suite number. All A and V suites are the same size, just different locations, and the A suites have a large picture window instead of a balcony.

 

I hope I haven't confused you further. CurlyWurly.

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Thank you for your prompt responses: Excuse my ignorance, is a balcony the same as a verandah? I take it the suites on the decks you mentioned are a decent size. We have only sailed with Silversea but we are keen to experience Seabourn, looking at the forum here the cruise line and all it features sound very good.

 

We have always chosen a verandah suite with SS, does the suites on Seabourne compare favourably please?

 

Thanks again, we are looking at a med cruise in August which has been discounted, we hope the choice of suite does not reflect the price?

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Hi, you will find the room size very similar to SS. The newer SB ships are in my opinion a more modern decor than SS offering.

A balcony room is the same as a veranda, and all of the suites V1-v6 are the same size with the exception of a couple that have slightly tapered balconies or disabled suites which have showers only.

If you look on your deck plans you will see the rooms that are marked with a wheelchair sign etc

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A balcony is the same as a verandah, and all of them are 300 sq. ft. plus balcony. I think they are somewhat larger than Silversea; certainly not smaller. All have a bath and separate shower as well. The description of guarantee suites is unhelpful really - OB is a guaranteed balcony, not a particular grade, and OS is a guaranteed window suite on deck 4 - virtually the same size and shape, without a balcony, but with a fairly large window instead.

 

Usually you get told which one a week or so before, but occasionally not until you board. If any of this matters, you should choose a particular suite and tell your TA you want 'no automatic upgrade', as if given one you cannot refuse it. Normally a good move, but if you don't want to be next to, say, a staircase or staff servery, then refuse automatic upgrade. Usually choosing your suite costs a bit more.

 

You may or may not be aware than unlike some other lines, Seabourn does not have any butlers at all. (We prefer it like this!) We always find room service excellent, and stewardesses very efficient and helpful. Seabourn is, IMO, the least 'class conscious' of the small luxury lines in terms of different grades of suites, all on board are treated in the same way.

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Thank you everyone for your helpful and comprehensive replies.

 

We can do without a butler to be honest, I nice touch if you sail with SS but its a luxury we can do without.

 

I have read the term "automatic upgrade" does this happen often? I would have thought it can only be a good thing, obviously not. Very useful replies which gives me a better insight into Seabourne, its always good to compare cruise lines I am sure we would not be disappointed.

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An "automatic upgrade" is where when you select a particular suite your TA asks you if you want to be considered for an upgrade While you might score a wonderful upgrade you might go from a nicely located V-2 you selected to either a poorly located V-3(too far forward), or a connecting suite( too noisy IMHO) or a handicapped suite( no bath tub). And as with GTY suites if you say you would like to be considered for an upgrade if they give one to you you CANNOT refuse it. To my mind my vacation is too important to play Russiam roulette.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

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Chairsin,

 

Thank you for the explanation. Its all becoming clear now thank you. The TA talked about a suite at the "sharp end" of the ship, the disabled suite, the suite with no bath which would not please Mrs. fudge!

 

I looked on the official Seabourn web site, despite the "fantastic sale" this TA was offering 4 day sale only, it was cheaper booking with Seabourn direct.

 

I am still looking to book because we need to experience this cruise line. :)

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Chairsin,

 

 

 

Thank you for the explanation. Its all becoming clear now thank you. The TA talked about a suite at the "sharp end" of the ship, the disabled suite, the suite with no bath which would not please Mrs. fudge!

 

 

 

I looked on the official Seabourn web site, despite the "fantastic sale" this TA was offering 4 day sale only, it was cheaper booking with Seabourn direct.

 

 

 

I am still looking to book because we need to experience this cruise line. :)

 

 

If it looks like it is cheaper to book with Seabourn then I would run as fast as I can from your TA and find a good TA.

 

There are great deals to be had from Seabourn directly but you can never beat those TA's that specialise in Seabourn cruises.

 

I would also never ever book a guarantee as you can end up in the worst suite on the ship.

I always book the particular suite that I want,it is generally the same suite every time.

Then you will never have problems.

Edited by Mr Luxury
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Also be aware that the balconies (or verandahs) on Deck 5 (categories V1 and V2) are half steel and half glass. If you want an all glass balcony you have to go V3 or above. With the guarantee you cannot choose. Still sometimes the savings is significant so it may be worth the gamble if that is not important to you.

 

I echo MrLuxury though. Be sure your TA knows his stuff.

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Fudge,

 

Glad to help clarify the matter. Don't want you to incur the wrath of Mrs. Fudge.

 

We live on the US but use a UK TA. In my five years of using this company they have always been able to beat the price quoted by Seabourn. As I do have to pay in GBP I once in a while run into an unfavorable currency exchange( last summer!). But the best part about using this company is how helpful and responsive they are --- even these thousands of miles apart. I cannot provide their name here as it is against CC rules but if you are interested and want to give me your email address I will be most happy to provide the contact info.

 

And once you do book do go to the referral thread above to request a $400 coupon. You could use the credit to surprise the Mrs. with a nice a day or a very special bottle of wine( or you could just use it for more mundane items such as Internet packages or laundry services).

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

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If you are looking at V1 or V2 bear in mind that they have 80 cm of metal from balcony floor up. Then there is class and a railing. I would not want a V1 too far forward because the balconies can be smaller with the tapering of the hull, as you can see on the ship deck plans.

 

Happy sailing!

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In addition to what others have mentioned about location and the disabled suites there are two other balcony suites that are in the V class but are different to all the rest. These are 745 and 746. They are the adjoining suites to the Wintergarden Suite and can be used to make the Grand Wintergarden Suite. If they aren't then they are sold as a V2. The suites are 275 sq ft and have a 31 sq ft balcony rather than the full 300 sq ft suite and 65 sq ft balcony. What you do get in return is a great location (about as close to Seabourn Square as you can get, close to the central elevators and staircase without being right beside them, and smack dab in the center of the ship) and lovely views that you would need to get a V6 to match.

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Wow,

What a helpful bunch you Seabourn cruises are, my e mail is: cheshiresteve@yahoo.com, hope this doesn't break the cc rules?

 

I could really be a Seabourn convert from SS? ;)

 

We're two couples who are all now Seabourn converts from SS. ;)

In fact I'm ready to give up on a cruise at Christmas this year because SB doesn't have an itinerary that fits our available dates. SS does, but I really can't imagine going back to them. To be fair there are people who enjoy both lines equally.

 

Interested in the 'Cheshire' bit up there - any connection to the English county? I was born there and am now exiled "up north" to Lancashire!

 

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I was born and bred in Stockport which was then Cheshire in 1950. Spent most if not all my life in Cheshire. Before emigrating to North Cyprus 10yrs ago we lived in a village 10 miles from Chester called Frodsham.

 

I still miss the Uk for all its faults, but do go back 4/5 times a year.

 

Going back to cruising we will sail with Seabourn this year just to compare with SS.

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Had a fantastic quote from a TA in the UK for a med cruise in August. Just mailed to book the cruise looking forward to our first cruise with Seabourn. :)

 

Congratulations Fudge! Did you eventually opt for a guarantee or choose a specific suite?

 

We have exchanged posts before, I realise - I was born in Frodsham and lived there until I got married (a very very long time ago).

 

Hope and expect that you will love your Seabourn cruise.:)

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Hallo,

We now have a holiday home in Frodsham and return 4/5 times a year.

 

We opted for the guarantee option and hope we won't be disappointed with the suite when it is allocated. If Mrs. Fudge does not like it I will have a week of deaf and dumb dinners.:D

 

On the bright side, looking forward very much to sailing with Seabourn, you experienced sailors out there seem a happy and helpful bunch.

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  • 2 months later...

Planning our first cruise on the Seabourn and would love help with the Group you use in the UK. We have read on other boards that their are some excellent ones not in the states

Please pm me at rosie5442(at)yahoo(dot)com

 

I hope asking for help is allowed

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We had a Gty booking for our Norwegian fjord cruise last July and weren't told our specific suite number/location until we reached the gangway! We weren't particularly concerned as SB suites are all very similar (save a few minor details) and we are good sailors so the location didn't matter much either. As it turned out we got a midships suite on deck 6 which was perfect! Not knowing what we'd be allocated almost added to the precruise anticipation and we are happy to let the cruising gods decide. If you're the kind of cruiser who likes to plan every last detail in advance and leave nothing to chance then book a specific suite if you can.

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