Camillus112

20 hours ago, Tonopah said:

There are some overviews of the kennels on YouTube. Also, a reservation for the kennels is harder to get than a stateroom, so you must book far in advance.

Thanks for the suggestions!!

As I said, I have bookmarked this "Spanish" cruise, although I will probably be paying through my nose, since I will have to wait to book.  My last cruise was on Regent, ending early March 2020.  My DH is overly cautious, and I just want to rush in...not only fools do that...So excited!!

On 8/22/2021 at 12:59 PM, BigMac1953 said:

Can't help thinking that your dog might be happier in a proper kennel with dog runs etc..

 

We've never taken pests/pets on holiday.

 

On QM2, I have seen a passenger with a dog wearing a "Service Dog" coat that jumped up on the seats beside the owner all the time. Utter nonsense and should not be allowed. No problem with guide dogs or real service dogs.

Our dog is an 8 pound Morkey.  Although he may not need a dog run, we would be very unhappy if the kennel does not provide adequate space to play with other dogs and do some exercise.  I understand the kennel provides a space to visit and play with your dog.  Thanks for bringing up the subject, and I will research into the kennel offering.  I totally agree that pets should not infringe upon passenger space and comfort.

2 minutes ago, Silver Spectre said:

Where have you seen this advertised?

Received an email from SS earlier today.   I am bookmarking the November cruise on the Dawn.

Thank you both for your response!  Great to know we would be enjoying the swimming pools!   We understand about the dogs in the kennel...as it should be. Even we would be bothered by dogs around the passenger areas.  Now to decide which TA to book!!!!

My DH and I are considering a QM2 Transatlantic Return Trip NY-SH in 2022, and we would choose the Queens Grill accommodation.  Some questions:

1.  Are drinks all inclusive, or would we have to choose a drinks package?

2.  We enjoy using the pool.  Is it in good condition?  Is it heated?  

3.  We have read we could take our small dog...is this still permitted?

Thank you in advance for your help. I'm sure I will have more questions...

JP and Lois,  I also recommend this hotel.  Not exactly downtown... a good 15-20 minute walk.  However you can easily walk in the opposite direction to a charming museum called the Guilbekien (not sure of spelling), and to the Lisbon branch of Spain's Corte Inglés department store (excellent quality merchandise).  Apart from vinho verde and Portuguese tarts, hand made embroideries and other textile crafts are worth looking into.  Enjoy Lisbon...and hopefully return!!

On 7/13/2021 at 11:53 PM, Gcto said:

In general I would recommend the Regent Hotel experience if you are flying in the day before to then board the ship the next day. Hotels are always nice and no issue. As others have mentioned, the buffet breakfast the next day is nice and gives you the opportunity to already meet fellow cruises and get to know new people from all over. Always fun. Some experiences depend on the local staff, not always Regent or to be exact, most likely never Regent, but local contractors. That can be hit and miss. GoArmy and I were on the same trip, but different hotels. Bus to the hotel was a nightmare due to inept driver and organization. Long story and fortunately a single unique event. Flying into MIA from across the country, we usually arrive late...and all we care about is a nice bed to sleep in. Then the next day...it starts. 

So use the hotel offered, it's a good (and easy ) start to the cruise.  And sometimes there are great stories. Many years ago, we flew into Dubai for a Dubai to Athens Cruise. Flight was nice, Dubai Airport immigration a mess...lots of posturing by border agents. Landed at 10 pm, got out of airport at 1 am. A fellow couple from Oregon (80+) was traveling with us and we tried to help as much as we could. All well...got to the hotel and we tried to push them to the front of the "line" (there wasn't any).... Hotel staff gave them the Honeymoon Suite  ....they were talking about their room for most of the cruise. 🙂

 

I had this same disorganized experience in Miami in February 2020.  The contractor in charge of transportation actually provoked chaos...both by arriving late for registering passengers, and by letting passengers - who had not form the line for the bus - to run and mangle those patiently waiting, in order to board first.  Those in the line that were unable to board (i.e. us) had to wait in line more than thirty minutes until a second bus arrived.  Needless to say there were several elderly people affected.  Based on this experience, I would recommend private transfer to the terminal.

In March 2019, barely knowing about Covid, we took a Regent Explorer cruise from Miami.  The hotel used was the Four Seasons.  We had no problem with the hotel, but not a very good experience with the transport agency.  As we booked a Penthouse, the transport from hotel to ship was included.  We learned that we had to register with the agents at a certain hour in the hotel, and we were there on time.  The agents were more than 30 minutes late, and began chit chatting among themselves while a few of us waited.  Finally we were able to register, and to form a line to enter the bus upon arrival. They continued chit chatting and did nothing when a group of guests ran from the back of the line and pushed themselves  to the bus.  I guess these guests knew that more than one bus was necessary!  Most runners were not young, and several very old people were being helped to run as well.  My DH and I thought our first Regent cruise would be a disaster!  Some of us had to wait around another half hour for the second bus to arrive.  Thankfully, we enjoyed the cruise very much.  I put the onus of this experience in the careless agency contracted by Regent.  Hope enough people wrote about this situation in their evaluations.

On 1/26/2021 at 1:37 PM, johng75370 said:

We’re looking forward to trying Regent after being mainly on Seabourn the last few years.  Any comments on dancing at night, or are there any special dance parties (e.g. Seabourn usually has an on-deck dance party, weather permitting)?  We’re booked on Mariner, but also looking at a Splendor sailing.  

We have cruised Seabourn several times and Regent only once.  You will find a better ambiance for dancing on Seabourn (the passengers are so lively!), but I was able to dance in Regent/Explorer and enjoyed myself very much...maybe I got some stares...  The best dancing, however, has been on Crystal.

On 1/27/2021 at 5:14 PM, moogwan said:

I would also like some new and different class offerings at the fitness center. They're always the same old thing. I keep asking for a kickboxing class (and I'm a 68 y.o. woman) but they say no. 🤨

I would also love Cardio and Zumba classes... and I am a 76 year old woman!

Live and present theatre yes!  It was a rap...and she delivered it as a poetic rap...and it was artistically clever and and full of substance.  Not a political clap trap... it was true art.

1 hour ago, clo said:

But you will be able, IMO, to do non-cruise travel more safely and sooner.

Yes, I will by car, but probably not by airplane.  When the vaccine/s are disseminated throughout, I would be protected by others' protection (as is happening now with the Flu).  However, I have read that airplanes will most probably require proof of vaccination in order to board, just like cruise lines would.  At some point (at which I may or may not benefit), the virus will be generally controlled and I will be able to cruise!!

Then there are travelers like me, who cannot get a vaccine due to an immunological condition which could be triggered.  I do not even get a Flu shot!  With regards to the Flu, it's been great that most people get vaccinated and I have never gotten the Flu, even though I am very active and sociable.  People like me will have to wait years for all to get the vaccine before I can enjoy cruising again.  So I'll wait, and will travel virtually with all your posts. 

39 minutes ago, CLOU said:

  But,  I am not a walking junkie, so each person has to cater to his or her own priorities.

I like your phrase..."walking junkie"... I certainly am.  I find that there is nothing to cruising so physical and emotionally rewarding as walking briskly where you can savor the salty sea air and reward yourself mentally with the infinity provided by the sea.  I have cruised with Seabourn prior to retreat limitations and, you are so right, Seabourn has provided excellent facets otherwise. 

One important asset of Silversea is the "Solos and International Hostess", one of which (Monia) I remember very fondly.  I understand she hosts a Solo's Mingling cocktail hour early on in the cruise.  Also, she usually has dinner with the solos and international passengers.  I know she would be happy to arrange for solos to be included with other passengers at dinner time, if they so choose.  Another option is to ask to be considered as guest to a "hosted table", which will be chaired by an officer or one of the entertainers.  Others will contribute experiences I have forgotten.

I am also interested in an answer to Edgee's question.  A walking/jogging track is very important to me.  Thanks!

You will find that neither in Seabourn nor in Crystal there will be a need for reserved seats in the theatre.  There are ample opportunities for good seating, especially if you arrive a bit before showtime.  I think both these lines cater to a lot fewer passengers than MSC.  Contrary to bigger lines, there is actually no difference on how you are treated or serviced by the staff, regardless of you cabin category.  Since Seabourn does not have butler service, and their basic stateroom is comfortably spacious, I would recommend a decision based on your desire or not for a veranda.  I understand Crystal's basic cabin are much smaller than Seabourn's.  You may take this in mind.  Both are great lines, however.

I'm glad I was able to help.  You were certainly pampered with escorts in the Meraviglia!  

4 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

If you care to do so, I would appreciate learning what services you requested from your butler.  In Yacht Club on MSC Meraviglia, I had a Butler along with a Stateroom Attendant.  I really didn't request much from my Butler; really didn't know of anything more that I really wanted or needed.  My most important request was on Embarkation late afternoon when my luggage had yet to be delivered.  He went searching for it, finding it, and delivering it.  

I'll answer with pleasure.  DH and I enjoy an afternoon snack in the veranda.  In Seabourn or in a non-PH cabin in Crystal, you will order from from Room Service every day and specify your wants every time.  A butler will ask your range of tastes and will surprise you with exquisite snacks, not always in the room service menu.  Also, should there be any issue in your stateroom (we've had stuck glass doors; not enough waste baskets, etc.), a call to your butler will avoid calls to the engineer, to the room attendant, etc.  The butler will collect men's shoes for polishing, laundry to be sent out, etc.  The butler will make reservations to specialty restaurants, change/cancel excursions, etc.  These are just a few of the services offered and, very importantly, a cordial and professional relationship can be established as most are very well trained.  

Unfortunately, my last Seabourn cruise was around three years ago, and since we decided to try Crystal and Regent.  My best highlights from Crystal were the enrichment activities, the dancing classes, the theatre shows, the Magic Castle, and Waterside, their main dining room.  What I personally disliked was Marketplace, their buffet venue for breakfast and lunch.  It felt extremely cramped!  My best takeaway from four Seabourn cruises was the passenger mix.  I met so many lovely, funny, happy people, who helped make those cruises delightful!  Contrary to Silversea, you are not allotted a butler with every cabin.  I found myself missing many services that the Seabourn attendant could not offer.  Crystal offers butlers in PH and higher, and we splurged to gain this wonderful service.  Another negative for us is the lack of a walking/jogging promenade on Seabourn.  However, once we decide to cruise again post-Covid, we will certainly consider Seabourn.

Oh, I do hope it ends at 11/03 at midnight.  Happy New Year!

13 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I can relate to that.  I grew up about a mile north of Hancock Airport and have great memories of the area.  I used to watch the barges go through the locks west of Brewerton and my swimming spots were Oneida Lake and Green Lake.  I became infatuated with the canal due to a scout leader who led a canoe trip on one of the feeder canals to the main Erie Canal.  His enthusiasm was infectious and he had actually been on the canal as a boy.

 

Roy

 

Roy

We are originally from the Caribbean (Puerto Rico, exactly) and first came to the Finger Lakes Region (Ithaca) around 30 years ago.  We moved to this area upon retirement and enjoy all the natural wonders around us.  We do miss our beautiful island and our Caribbean Sea!!

Hi Roy, I submitted an earlier message that might have been left in the bin.  I commend you for your exciting trips which we all get to enjoy.  I just wanted to say that I live in a neighborhood near the halfway mark of the New York State Erie Canal and was pleased to read that you traversed part of it.  It has an outstanding history, especially meeting commercial needs along its vast area.  DH, our dear pandemic puppy, and I walk the trails at least twice a week and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.  BTW, I learned that we disembarked with you early March from the Serenity, sorry we did not meet!!.

9 hours ago, mysty said:

 

Nicely done Flying!  Hope you enjoy the trip!  😁

Hello friends, should you need to take a detour between Ithaca and Syracuse (and not take the highway), you would need to pass through VENICE.   I understand that the surveyor in charge of naming these lands was a classicist.  All this lovely area I call home, and all we need to make it perfect is an ocean to cruise through it.