jjs217

Of course! I was talking about other people.

On our last SS cruise (which was Sep 23), my husband and I had to have an early room service lunch a couple of times because of tour times. We found the room service pizza to be excellent. I'm sure some may disagree, but we really enjoyed it. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I would suggest giving it a try.

It took me a couple of minutes - but I eventually got there.

I wonder why the OP hasn't responded.

Nor do you have to be as good looking, slender, beautiful or stylish as those in the pictures.

My husband and I are fanatics about using the hand sanitizer - what we didn't know until reading this thread (and further research) that it doesn't work on the Noro Virus. Very interesting. I can remember when all the hand sanitizer machines made an appearance (well before Covid) in response to ships having large outbreaks of Noro. Was it just for show? Or, did "they" not know it wasn't a deterrent. Hmmm?

The itinerary floats my boat - thank you very much. If you like going to the same old places over and over again I guess your boat gets floated too. Bon voyage.

Sorry - no extra room. I usually bring about 8 pairs of shoes for a two week cruise. My husband has stopped trying to understand.

The biggest difference is diversity of itineraries. With only two ships, Crystal's itineraries are worn out and boring. At least with SS you can get diversity and range.

Bring a pair of bigger shoes.

I was just looking at a Voyager Feb 2026 cruise. Perhaps I should wait? I don't want to book a cruise only to have the ship pulled out from under me.

Also, you can do expedition cruising anywhere in the world - not just Antarctica. I would do an expedition in the Med and instead of trudging around a city I have been to several times, they could offer something a little more wild and wooly - from snorkeling, to scuba to kayaking, etc. This is all moot of course as Regent does not have an expedition ship on order.

My husband and I have been to Antarctica twice and would definitely consider going again. We love it. Both times we have been on a Seabourn Expedition cruise and would like to try another line. Since we also really like Regent we thought it would be a nice way to go again - something different. I know we can try Silversea, and no, we don't want to do a drive-by.

Good to know. Thank you.

I'm very surprised Regent isn't entering the luxury expedition market. It seems like that is what a slightly younger, wealthy demographic wants.

I'm curious about this too. Also, you may go over the 139 if you have booked shore excursions. I think it is one day for every thousand spent - not sure about the amount.

When I see others coming to the dining room dressed like a slob, I always get disappointed with myself for not taking the initiative to dress like a slob too. 😈

There was a short period of time Seabourn Room Stewards were wearing these awful green scrubs while cleaning the rooms. It kind of makes sense, but they looked underdressed.

I believe, and I may be wrong, some of this increase is due to people wanting/demanding the old, real luxury level of service to return. If those kinds of price increases will do so, I'm pretty sure there are people on this board who are willing to pay that amount. We will have to see if that is the case. Exclusivity has a cost.

It is too early to determine if SS had priced themselves out of the market. I plan on cruising with SS with the understanding that with inflation, the price of goods of services are increasing. It is necessary to raise the price of a cruise. I assume there are cheaper lines one can take, where the dress code never includes a jacket.

I found the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo absolutely fascinating. It is a little creepy, very sad, but very unique. I'm glad I went. However, the young crew member who went along as our minder, broke down in tears. I had to comfort her for a little bit, and then she was fine.

My husband and I were on the Venture for a holiday expedition in Antarctica in 2022. There were only 5 kids on board (all very well behaved) ranging in age from 9 to 16. I specifically asked each what they thought of the cruise as I was interested on behalf of my niece and her son. All of them said they loved going ashore and the zodiac rides, and kayaking (for those who could) and the submarine. However, all of them also said, when they were not actually doing those things they were bored to tears. There just isn't anything for them to do. They weren't old enough or interested enough to enjoy the talks. Just something to consider.

That's because the Maitre d' wasn't enforcing the dress code. Some others do.

Trekking poles - we have our own and brought them (they collapse) both times. We used them on just about every landing the first time (lots of snow), but only used them once the second time. So, that is a judgement call. Boots - they were included (no rental fees) on the Venture in Dec 2023. This year on the Quest (Jan 2024), they had to be rented. I don't know what the current policy on the Venture/Pursuit is and the Quest is no longer going to Antarctica.

My spouse and I are of the age, "wearing nothing but a smile" (for either one of us) would put us off alcohol forever. But thanks for the suggestion.