SLSD

Just curious. Does having so many first time Seabourn cruisers make a difference in the experience for the crew? for other guests? That is a big number of first time cruisers!

OK. You have a valid point if you want to plan everything down to that kind of detail. However, I have found that the best laid plans are often stymied by events beyond our control. I will say that formal nights are often held on sea days--so there would be no excursions off the ship.

I have never really understood why some people feel a need to know which nights are formal nights. For us, it makes no difference. We have gone to the TK Grill for formal nights as well as to the Restaurant. It doesn't change our choice of dress. We have also dined at Earth and Ocean on formal night and not dressed formally. Just go with the flow. It's easy to adjust what you wear--or what you expect.

I have no idea. He asked about experiences in the Montreal airport. We didn't have to change terminals--so that is different. We were flying to Chicago--another difference. All I said is that the airport was chaotic.

I asked Mr. SLSD and he reminded me that we DID have to go through customs at the Montreal airport. It was in the same terminal where we landed. There was a very long line for doing this--but it was not a difficult procedure.

We flew through the Montreal airport last June with a connecting flight to Chicago and it was a total zoo. The airport seemed very disorganized and somewhat chaotic. We were on Air Canada. Perhaps our experience was an aberration. It is hard to say. We did not have to change terminals. I think 75 minutes is too close. What if your flight is late? (Ours was.) I would try to book a flight giving yourself more leeway through this airport.

We use a service which checks on our house every few days. Our mail goes in through a mail slot--and the service places it in a designated box for us. An across the street neighbor does keep an eye out for any packages which may arrive.

https://www.wsaz.com/prnewswire/2023/11/09/seabourn-reveals-additional-dishes-new-solis-restaurant-by-master-chef-culinary-partner-anton-egger/?outputType=amp&fbclid=IwAR3CIJITbBqkI3SnnKg0VLUAjHLLQ9UVvM69o4Gd_LXEGeoec008G5JJfVU "Lighter, fresher, and healthier"---I'm all for it! However, I don't quite understand how the 32oz Porterhouse steak meets this criteria.

It sounds like there are a number of staff who should not be on the ship. While we have never encountered anyone rude or arrogant, I did encounter a very whiney staff member last summer. He brought our (small) room service breakfast one morning and filled my ear about how hard he was working (I know everyone works hard) and then was one of our waiters a few days later in the TK Grill and was less than ideal in that position. I can only figure that he was very very unhappy and not cut out for being part of a ship's crew.

I am right there with you on this.

Wow. I have never encountered rude staff on any Seabourn ship. Exactly what are you referring to?

We have a daughter in law who is not a native English speaker and we enjoy trying out idioms with her. I don't think I've ever mentioned cheek by jowl to her.

I just looked it up and it was used during Shakespeare's time. Evidently the word jowl is pronounced differently though. According to what I read, the American pronunciation of jowl is closer to how it was said in Shakespeare's lifetime.

If they have had mild cases in the past, they would probably have the same kind of case if they caught Covid on a trip with flights and a ship. I say they should go--and recognize that they are not going on a mega ship with people cheek by fowl all day long . On our cruise last June, we did not get Covid and the only precaution we took was moving (discreetly) away from people who were sneezing and/or coughing.

I was wondering the same thing.

Thank you for writing such a detailed analysis. I want to make one comment. We sailed on Ovation last summer and I found the service and professionalism of the crew to be at an even higher standard than before Covid. We'll be sailing on Sojourn this next summer, so I will be interested in what we find. My thought is that each cruise can be different and will depend on who is the chef onboard, who is the captain, and what crew are onboard at that particular time. One word about the refrigerators. We were told when we first started sailing on Seabourn that these are not really refrigerators--but are chillers. We were warned to not put food that needed to be refrigerated in them as they are not cold enough. This was unsoliicted information (we never save food onboard), but I have remembered it. I wonder if anyone else has been told this.

I think the Colonnade is very popular for dinner. Your parents might enjoy Earth and Ocean for dinner as it is outdoors around the pool. It is great in good weather.

OK. I'll make a comment. You might suggest to your mother that hanging out at Seabourn Square which is an indoor venue might not be a good idea. It can get a bit crowded during the day. Having breakfast through room service might be a good option for her. I have always enjoyed room service breakfasts on Seabourn ships. Perhaps she should wear a mask if she takes excursions which include buses. If your mother is vaccinated, she would hopefully have a milder case of Covid if she does come down with it.

Because everyone knows this is out of the hands of Seabourn and out of the hands of all of us. There is so much suffering going on in Israel and in Gaza--our concerns about cruise itineraries pale by comparison. That is probably why there has been little comment. Such a tragic and sad situation for everyone engulfed in that conflict.

Since the 2024 itineraries were already set, SB is probably working on the changes and will announce when that is done. As another poster said, SB has informed cruisers about 2023 cruises. I think you may need to be patient--and tune in for some news from the US or perhaps from the BBC on this conflict.

Perhaps you are not getting as much news about the conflict as we are getting in the United States. Right now (late 2023)it looks intractable. I doubt seriously that the area will be safe for tourists by early 2024.

Most cruise itineraries are planned several years ahead. Right now, there is a danger that the conflict will widen. There are no signs that it will be over anytime soon. I think it is a smart move on the part of Seabourn to plan ahead and not expect Israel to be a safe place to take guests in 2025. A conflict like this one is not something that can be turned on and off. This is the why explaining what Seabourn has done.

Ok. I thought I would ask. I have a new favorite drink that incorporated apple juice or apple cider.

Very little added sugar is important to me as well--for caloric considerations as well as other reasons. Do the bars stock plain apple juice as a mixer?

And what is the serious issue? Do tell!