Mahogany

The answer I received when I called Seabourn was: "reservations for the Thomas Keller Grill for 2024 bookings will open the end of August". When I asked about the rumor that there was an expected change in the venue, he said "absolutely not!". So, I will be trying in early September to confirm his response (and not hold my breath!).

So, they don't have their own bar below deck?

Yes, I tried both places for an April cruise. No luck. I may call Seabourn directly and see if I get the same excuse as Kahuna 21. No problem with excursions, plenty of those for which we have to shell out in advance as everyone knows. 😬

Just booked a reservation for La Dame in December - still $60. And I have one for next month. But easy to cancel since no upfront payment, so will look at the menus and hopefully talk to those who're on my cruise for opinion. Since we know experiences can vary by ship.

Unless the meal includes Chateau Haut Brion and Chateau d'Yquem! 😁

On my one Crystal experience, there was a crew member at the entrance of the restaurants, telling EVERYONE to use the hand sanitizer. Too pushy?

I guess it depends how much time you spend on your balcony. From inside the suite, I didn't notice the metal half, but sitting on the balcony, the view of the water was "cropped". But the price can certainly be a consideration. When I booked the Guaranty, I hoped for an upgrade, but no luck.

I assume this doesn't apply to river boats.

Speaking of kids, my Seabourn travel mate read on Seabourn Facebook page that there was a fight because of kids in the pool on Encore. Anyone hear about this?

And then try and find some tape or a stapler! Dumb...

Has anyone had experience cruising Celebrity's Retreat class on the Edge ships? How does it compare with the Seabourn experience?

Oops, I meant collarless, although maybe it is colorless!

Isn't a colorless short sleeve shirt a t-shirt?😆

I think you travel solo, Lois. I do as well and will be on this voyage, also the prior one in Norway with a friend. Hope to meet you at a singles get-together in Dolce Vita. Fiona

Do you know what time the Silver Note bar opens? Dinner isn't until 8.

I agree, if you are used to large suites. Since I travel solo, I stay in the Verandah suites on Seabourn, 302 sq. ft. plus balcony.

290 sq. ft. plus balcony can contain a lot of little bunnies!

I went to Antarctica on Ponant's Le Boreal. Fantastique! Abercrombie & Kent had chartered it, so English was the first language. Lovely (clean!) ship.

But nothing about Muse, Moon and Dawn?

Is it suggested to tip the Blacklane driver?

I am Platinum status on Regent and Platinum on Seabourn and have cruised several times on Silversea and have 2 planned for this year. We all have our reasons for choosing one cruiseline over another. For me, it's itinerary. If one of your main reasons for excluding Silversea from your choices is because of the "extra charge for dining in several venues", I want to remind you the only extra charges are for La Dame and Kaiseki for dinner. That still leaves 6 restaurants with no surcharge, so many more than Navigator (and Seabourn). I like Chartreuse and Pacific Rim but will continue to look at all 3 lines for my next cruise.

My husband and I did that train. A lot of nothing between Kalgoorlie (a mine visit at night!) and Adelaide. But I love trains, so that was OK. Meals repeated too, but you don't go on trains - most trains - for the food. Enjoy!

Is this the Copenhagen Marriott that you're referencing that is "undergoing a major refurbishment in the reception area"? I plan on spending 3 nights there in August - and will definitely not order a burger, only the fries! I was on Ovation in May and can't agree with you about your staff complaints. But a dirty bathroom and broken fridge are inexcusable. Sooo glad I missed the dog and its nasty owners!

Best thing about Oceania is their specialty restaurants.

A voyage I thoroughly enjoyed was a repositioning cruise after (or before) the Alaska season which includes the Aleutians, then cross the Pacific to Kamchatka Peninsula and then to and around Japan. I went on Silversea Muse.