Our First SB Cruise - Tips/Tricks from Regulars, please?

Hi all, my husband and I love to cruise and have about 10 cruises each on Crystal, Silversea and Regent. We have been wanting to try Seabourn, but were turned off by the smoking policy. Now we are thrilled that we will be embarking on the Encore in just a little over a week (Feb 2 - Sydney to Auckland). I have been reading this board and know that people who have been on the Encore are really positive about it (let's don't talk about the Retreat, though!) and it seems that most people on this board are fans of Seabourn without being cheerleaders. So, I thought I would ask everyone for some advice:

What do you love about Seabourn and also the Encore, if you have been on her? What should we be sure to do, check out, sign up for, order, not miss, etc. - and what are some things we might want to avoid?

We really enjoy the hosted tables at dinner (maybe other lines you use have this also). Mention to the Cruise Director or assistant Cruise director if you are interested. Our last cruise we had four dinners - with the lecturer, comedian, Assistant Cruise Director and three members of the entertainment crew - as well as 2 or3 other couples each night. Very enjoyable and a great way to meet interesting people.

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Shopping with the Chef if you can get on the list. We went with Chef Jez (who I believe is running the Colonnade) when we were in Corfu. It's a fantastic look behind the scenes and he is an absolute character!

You can try asking at Seabourn Square but they were a bit cagey and said it would be advertised in the daily Herald so keep your eye on this invaluable newsletter which is delivered with the turn down service.

We had a rough idea it would be in Corfu so I would try to get a copy as early as possible (definitely before dinner) and as soon as it is advertised, go to Seabourn Square and book a place (or two) - well worth it.

Oh yes - i second the thought on the shopping with the chef. We did it in Quebec City and Tallin Estonia. Great for foodies.

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We've cruised with all the so-called luxury lines and Seabourn is our favourite. It's hard to explain exactly why, we just prefer the whole "vibe" and the pax are by far the most friendly and unpretentious. The ship's are understated and elegant with spacious accommodation and very well designed public areas, Seabourn Square in particular.

I think the enlightened and long overdue new smoking policy will see many people giving Seabourn try now.

Hi all, my husband and I love to cruise and have about 10 cruises each on Crystal, Silversea and Regent. We have been wanting to try Seabourn, but were turned off by the smoking policy. Now we are thrilled that we will be embarking on the Encore in just a little over a week (Feb 2 - Sydney to Auckland). I have been reading this board and know that people who have been on the Encore are really positive about it (let's don't talk about the Retreat, though!) and it seems that most people on this board are fans of Seabourn without being cheerleaders. So, I thought I would ask everyone for some advice:

What do you love about Seabourn and also the Encore, if you have been on her? What should we be sure to do, check out, sign up for, order, not miss, etc. - and what are some things we might want to avoid?

Thank you NJBelle, we will be new as well on the Encore later this year and I am glad that you started this thread.

Yes, it is refreshing to not have the hype of constant cheerleaders that become so annoying. I think for you and and I Seabourn will be a nice change with fun and genuine people who tell it like it is.

We have sailed on the new Encore twice now, and I would recommend having a predinner drink in the bar at the new Thomas Keller Grill, even if you are are not dining there. The lovely Katie is the pianist there. We were also able to get a table there at the last minute, due to cancellations, apart from our bookings. We also tried all the side dishes, as the meals there do not come with many vegetables. The lamb and steak dishes were our favourites.

If the Colonnade is busy at lunch time after Trivia, there is also a shaded, outdoor area, behind the T K Grill on the 8th level. The stair access is in the Colonnade, near the outside door. This area offers the cold dishes from the Colonnade, and you can order any of the hot dishes of the day. The staff are excellent. I read a review criticising the fact that this area was completely shaded, but we found it a calm, cool venue on a hot, humid day.

The sushi bar is also a lovely alternative at lunchtime for a bento box, and for dinner we asked the charming waitress to let the chef decide what he gave us and had excellent sashimi and sushi, all fish and vegetables.

Don't miss any of the production shows, with the Seabourn singers, and the dancers, Sascha and Yuri. They are all new shows, and this cast is magnificent, the best we've ever heard. The Tim Rice show is really special, with introductions by a virtual Tim Rice, although he personally was on board from Singapore, and very affable around the ship. Also, you are in good hands with the wonderful Cruise Director, Handre and Jacqueline, his assistant.

Take a look at the new Venture Tours, which provide some great active tour alternatives with the zodiacs and kayaks, and great lectures by the volcanologist, botanist and island historian. Also, we greatly enjoyed the ideas offered by Dr Andrew Weil, the integrated medicine specialist and his wellness programme on board.

We have sailed on all the Seabourn ships, and really loved the Encore, although we wouldn't want any larger ships. We always find other passengers very friendly, and actually took these cruises with friends we have made on previous cruises. The staff are the line's best asset, always helpful and very professional. We like the direction that Seabourn is going, with its new programmes.

After I posted this, I thought that I come across as a Seabourn cheer leader, which I'm not! We just had a great time on board, and it was really interesting to explore the venues and nooks and crannies on a brand new ship. The major downside was the lack of a laundry, well discussed by all on board, and we also thought that the Patio Grill, where we have dined many times before lacks shade in its new position on this ship, especially as the Singapore to Bali was very hot and humid. We were pleased to get an acknowledgement of these concerns by Seabourn headquarters after filling out our review after the first cruise.

Hello to Henry, Able Sailor. Thank you again for you great videos.

Get a referral coupon if you are a first time Seabourn cruiser

Get a referral coupon if you are a first time Seabourn cruiser

How do we newbies get a referral coupon?

Go to the stickie at the top of this board and either respond to someone who has posted they have one to give a newbie or post on it yourself that you are looking for a coupon. This only world if you are not otherwise getting any shipboard credit as the credits are no combinable.

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Thanks to all who have responded. This is exactly the kind of stuff I hoped people would share. When I was graduating from my college, I fantasized that I might take a section of my brain that knew all the good spots, professors, shortcuts to buildings, etc and transplant that into a freshman. So, I really appreciate all the insights for the freshmen among us (Suite Travels included!).

Both the positives and negatives are helpful - I love that I now know about the shaded area outside the TK Grill (I seek out that shade). And really all the rest of the great tips will be helpful too.

We would really enjoy the Shopping with the Chef, so I will be on top of that.

And no one here has come across like a cheerleader. Every cruise line has pros and cons, but all the ones we have been on so far have been wonderful (even with some of the warts). We are just excited to have one more to choose from.

And please do continue to share anything else you can think of!

Here is my two cents. Read the names on the crew name tags (especially those unsung heroes in the deck department) and address the crew members by name. They will appreciate it and I can assure you will get great service with a smile. And if you you feel you have received very good service from the crew and want to show your appreciation mention them in your post cruise survey and before you leave the ship make a nice donation to the Crew Welfare Fund. But PLEASE do not tip individual crew members -- the no tipping policy assures that all passengers receive equal treatment.

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I will echo the TK Grill bar as being a great place for pre or apres dinner drinks. Katy is a star and Bobby behind the bar will look after you.

The cast shows are indeed excellent and not to be missed.

Don't forget to have a read of your Daily Herald (delivered to the suite on turn down) so you don't miss anything.

You will be offered various wines throughout the venues often with a featured wine of the day. If you find something which you particularly enjoy then don't be afraid to ask for it at any time. The recommended wines are only that, you can have what ever you like from the selection of included drinks.

If you have any issues, concerns or questions pop along to the concierge desks in the square (which in now round) and let them help you.

You will have a great time, after 34 days we were sorry to get off.

Henry :)

Just to add, if you hadn't seen it already a little something to whet your whistle :)

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Henry :)

If you find that you like Seabourn and would like to do another cruise with them, see the cruise sales person on-board (before you disembark) and leave a future cruise deposit (or two). These will save you 5% on your next cruise(s) with Seabourn, and are fully refundable if you later decide not to cruise with Seabourn. If you use them in the future, they are transferable to your travel agent of choice.

If you find that you like Seabourn and would like to do another cruise with them, see the cruise sales person on-board (before you disembark) and leave a future cruise deposit (or two). These will save you 5% on your next cruise(s) with Seabourn, and are fully refundable if you later decide not to cruise with Seabourn. If you use them in the future, they are transferable to your travel agent of choice.

In addition to the 5% discount do you receive another discount for paying in full after the onboard discount?

If I am reading your comment correctly, you just get the 5% discount, which is deducted from the overall cruise total price. However, one can still get additional discounts from passenger referrals and the Carnival stock ownership plan.

Just so it is clear -- the Carnival stock and passenger referrals mentioned here are in the form of OBC (on board credit) -- not a discount from the cruise fare. The Five percent onboard future cruise booking discount is taken off of the cruise fare you are quoted by Seabourn or your TA. Apples and oranges!

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Yes, Chairsin is quite correct, passenger referrals and Carnival stock benefits are OBC (On Board Credit). Sorry if I confused anyone.

Very happy to hear that there is a Crew Welfare Fund. On the other ships we have been on, tipping is inclusive as well, and we do not hand out additional tips to individuals (except maybe on rare occasions like Christmas Day or if the butler put on a party for us) and instead see the Crew Welfare Fund as a more equitable way of rewarding the good service we usually encounter. And appreciate the comment about making sure to get names and especially to include those individuals in the comment cards. We always fill them out both mid-cruise and at the end and make sure to be specific about who the stellar employees are.

Thanks to all for the comments here - I see many similarities to what we have experienced on other lines, but also am hearing about some new things to try on the Encore. Getting very excited!

Hi there, I have a quick question for the regulars:

On Crystal, SS and Regent, they talk about embarkation being at 2:00, but also allow boarding about noon and have lunch options available on board for those who do embark early (although not allowed in rooms until announcement around 2 PM). I notice on my SB documents that they say embarkation at 2 and that there are some lounge facilities. Can someone let me know if this possibly translates to being allowed to board the ship at noonish - and if there is the possibility of lunch available if one does board before 2 PM? Thanks!

Hi there, I have a quick question for the regulars:

On Crystal, SS and Regent, they talk about embarkation being at 2:00, but also allow boarding about noon and have lunch options available on board for those who do embark early (although not allowed in rooms until announcement around 2 PM). I notice on my SB documents that they say embarkation at 2 and that there are some lounge facilities. Can someone let me know if this possibly translates to being allowed to board the ship at noonish - and if there is the possibility of lunch available if one does board before 2 PM? Thanks!

Yes, you can board noonish and there will be lunch at the Colonnade.

Thanks, Marazul, that is exactly what I was hoping to hear!

Ahh - that first glass of champagne in the Colonnade means the holiday has started - two weeks of decadence :D