johng75370

We heard the original contract was 5 years, and last year they renewed for another 5 years.

@rafinmd Roy, I love your sunrise pictures, and was wondering if you've ever seen the "Green Flash"? I saw it once at sunset on the ocean, but according to Wikipedia you can also see it at sunrise (a time I rarely see 🙂). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_flash

In the US I saw today there is an Amex offer for 5x Amex Reward Points for every eligible dollar spent with Seabourn, up to 50K points. Unlike my usual luck, this is well-timed as I've got final payments approaching on a couple of bookings!

Did you get emailed a link ahead of time to order? We're on Odyssey towards the end of the Alaska season, and any feedback on the jacket would be appreciated. Hope you have a great voyage!

But I have to say, I greatly enjoyed your stories from that trip Gary….or do you prefer “Pink Socks”???? 🙂

How cold is too cold for the Retreat? We'll be in Iceland/Norway on Ovation in August and debating if it would be too cold to really enjoy it. I'm assuming no heaters, but is the shelter sufficient to enjoy in colder weather?

How cold is too cold for the Retreat? We'll be in Iceland/Norway on Ovation in August and debating if it would be too cold to really enjoy it. I'm assuming no heaters, but is the shelter sufficient to enjoy in colder weather?

How cold is too cold for the Retreat? We'll be in Iceland/Norway on Ovation in August and debating if it would be too cold to really enjoy it. I'm assuming no heaters, but is the shelter sufficient to enjoy in colder weather?

How cold is too cold for the Retreat? We'll be in Iceland/Norway on Ovation in August and debating if it would be too cold to really enjoy it. I'm assuming no heaters, but is the shelter sufficient to enjoy in colder weather?

How cold is too cold for the Retreat? We'll be in Iceland/Norway on Ovation in August and debating if it would be too cold to really enjoy it. I'm assuming no heaters, but is the shelter sufficient to enjoy in colder weather?

Have always wondered why lines like Crystal do not offer "sea aged" or "ocean aged" bottles to the World Cruisers; have had some wonderful cognac and ports that were ocean aged and would love to have a bottle that was with me and was matured/aged specifically onboard. Missed opportunity! Along with collecting the sea salt from an ocean voyage, but that's a different issue.

Had a connecting room once on Odyssey and we didn't have very quiet neighbors; got moved to another suite and since then have stayed well clear of them.

There once was a line called Crystal Their finances were somewhat abysmal Funcle Albert and his axe Gave the cabins a few whacks Now it’s a ferry from Bristol

Slightly off-topic, but we'll be on Odyssey at the end of the Alaska season and wondering if anyone has been there early October. Will things have shut down already in terms of excursions or shops being open? Any comments on boarding process in Juneau?

FWIW, if you're on Encore you've also got (for extra $$$, or $$$$) the Retreat area which has a special menu at lunchtime (see attached), served in your cabana. It is definitely not worth splurging for the lunch, but in case you are already thinking of doing it you can enjoy a nice lunch along with the other benefits. menu_template_-_the_retreat_-_2023.pdf

TK Grill does not have any upcharge, just limited availability. Only "upcharge" area related to F&B on Seabourn is "The Retreat" on Ovation and Encore; the other three ships have no upcharge F&B experience.

Same here; tried both iPad and Android phone

I'll confess to being one of those people who just didn't like the "taste" of the Nordaq water, but since they rolled it out we've probably been on 4 Seabourn cruises and have never found any issue or pushback in getting our usual preferred waters. Try it and make your own judgements, but it certainly is not being forced on anyone by Seabourn. And welcome back to Seabourn - we're on Ovation in August and looking forward to hearing how your sailing goes!

Yes. It will be interesting to see how they both launch; Crystal's experienced staff and (relatively) known product should help a lot with overcoming issues. I know experienced staff from other lines that have gone to Explora (and think highly of their hires), but it's a truly brand new product. My only disappointment with Crystal's launch so far is I think they've dropped the ball on early marketing efforts and not engaging better early-on with the OC passenger base, but that will soon be in the rearview mirror as they set sail. I hope to be back on board Crystal soon, but Explora got my interest whet (and booking made) first.

My apologies; I was reacting to your comment of changes to this summer (2023), which to me were pretty minor and were generously compensated. Next summer (2024) changes were definitely more extensive as Nancy mentioned (e.g. replacing Alaska with Med), but at least was done well ahead of time and with a good rebooking offer (full credit plus and extra 40% FCC; if you ask for refund you get 100% refund + 20% FCC). To me that seems generous, and another sign that any issues Explora might have are not from their financial situation. With any new line (Crystal, Explora, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, whoever) I'm more looking for how they react to issues rather than them having issues (they all will - look at the massive delays and underwhelming launch of Ritz Carlton Yachts).

Explora has incredibly deep pockets. Nothing seems financial in their decision last October to push the launch by 6 weeks; seems fully supply chain related in their ability to finish the first of 6 new builds. And they offered guest impacted both a full refund and 100% future cruise credit. Since they pushed the launch many months ago they have consistently been updating guests on progress with a lot of detailed videos, suggesting their funding includes a fully staffed and budgeted marketing team. Their website for booked guests is up and running to checkin and choose excursions. Crystal’s marketing and rollout efforts don’t seem quite so…funded.

That worked for me, and our sailing isn't until December (just one port showing for experiences, but it's early).

Thanks for your posts Bob! How's the internet onboard?

And don’t forget if you end up spending much time there you can call for caviar and champagne to be delivered there. Phone on the wall in the laundry area for that reason 🙂

Once again, the very limited emoji choice on CC means many of us remain speechless in expressing our response to this. Deeply appreciate all your efforts in taking us along on this amazing journey!