SLSD

Ok. I thought it did not make sense--and what about the self administered tests and the medically supervised (for the vaccinated). Perhaps that was dropped as well? I'm one of those who has not taken the post pandemic plunge yet in booking a cruise. I've been reading and watching carefully. We have young family friends who just returned from a more family friendly mass market cruise--all with Covid upon their return home. They said the experience was stressful. I'm not sure that dropping the vaccination requirement and doing away with the testing requirement for most gives me any added sense of safety. I fully recognize that the virus is here to stay. Just trying to figure out how to enjoy ourselves going foward. I think we need to just plunge in.

Interesting. I read the information in the link. What about those taking Back to Back cruises where the total is more than 16 days? And, I wonder why the unvaccinated can submit a self administered test while the vaccinated on a longer cruise have to have a medically supervised test? I'm sure there is a rationale, I'm just not immediately recognizing it.

I agree that we are moving that direction--but a bit slowly. I think the current issue is this---if guests are not Covid free at the beginning of a cruise, they will certainly expose others. And, as long as those who test positive onboard are quarantined, it is a big deal to be exposed and come down with the virus.

All food on Seabourn is complimentary. All of it--all the time.

This is what keeps us from sailing on Silversea going forward. We have sailed with them (once) and it was some years ago. On that cruise, we sailed with friends and dined with them every night. It was our first cruise ever--so I didn't know any different---but when I think back, the onboard experience was not very exciting. The itinerary (Greek Islands) in April/May was wonderful. The entertainment was more than forgettable, the CD was non existent, the Panorama Bar was usually empty and cavernous. The food was good. I ordered from the "spa menu' every evening and loved it. I hear there is no longer a spa menu. We didn't use our butler much and he was seldom seen. Since discovering Seabourn, we have been sold on the more vibrant social scene--more smiles, more fun, more onboard events. We are not party people, but a convivial atmosphere DOES add to our experience.

Shark B8, You are such a delightful reporter. I wish you just circulated among all the SB ships and could keep up a constant report. You have such a good attitude through all the good and the less than good (still remembering your missing luggage which you had paid dearly to have delivered to the ship). One suggestion: I would love to hear Mrs. Shark B8's view from time to time. I have a feeling she is very fortunate to be traveling with such an upbeat husband. Like others, I am looking forward to reports about your rail trip.

So interesting to see this. Thank you for posting it.

Why don't you start a new topic for this--I am interested as well.

I do have a concern about what would happen if the group met an aggressive polar bear. Perhaps the bear would be shot and killed. Of course that would happen if necessary to protect the people who are present. This is the kind of scenario which makes land visits in these areas controversial. It would ruin a trip for me if I thought I had contributed (by. my presence) to the death of an innocent wild bear. I do love all the photos. I read an article today about how the ice has thawed in the Svalbard area. I think we have seen that in the photos.

I totally agree with you---we are not royalty or entitled. But---tucked in shirts and neat (even if long) haircuts are part of the discipline of an organization. So is adhering to SB's long tradition of friendly, personal service. I don't see these issues as "affronts". Sometimes, though, people DO need guidelines enforced. I would have fun on a SB cruise no matter what--but good service DOES enhance the experience. As I said, we are not demanding picky guests--but I do understand how small lapses build up and eventually erode the experience.

Be sure to give him something in writing---that way he will have it on his desk and, after your meeting can refer to it. As my lawyer husband says--always give them a piece of paper they cannot ignore. If he is from a hotel, he is probably on a steep learning curve himself.

Have you considered handing the Hotel Director a written list of your observations? (I fully recognize that you shouldn't have to do this.)There should be expectations for the crew in terms of dress neatness, haircuts, speaking to guests, trying to call them by name, etc. etc. I'm sure with so many new crew members, it is a challenge for those training them. And, perhaps SB could not be as selective as they were previously. Very occasionally (pre-Covid) in the past, we ran into crew members who were clearly in the wrong line of work. Either they had a poor attitude or an inability to do their job well. But, it was always SUCH a contrast to the typical crew member that it was surprising and really stood out. We are low key undemanding guests but do expect to see the service and style for which SB is known, so I understand your disappointment. One other thought--on one of our SB cruises, we got to know a young crew member from The Netherlands quite well. We chatted about a lot of things and he told us that he found the work he was doing to be quite hard. He said he was surprised at how hard he had to work and how long the hours were. He was cheerful, conscientious, and delivered great service--but was so weary. I think not everyone is cut out for working on a ship and perhaps with so many new crew members, there are a quite a few who just don't belong there.

Your comments are quite reasonable. I think what is keeping some of us from cruising has little to do with masking or not masking--but the specter of being quarantined onboard in our suite for five to ten days. When you look at that risk (and all that you would have to do to try to avoid the virus), going on a land trip looks more appealing for many of us. I don't think anyone is actually afraid of the virus at this point--just not wanting to quarantine onboard.

I agree with you--eliminating masking does suggest that the risk is low. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Very well said Henry. I can't imagine NOT enjoying a Seabourn cruise no matter if the menus were just to my taste or the service was a bit less than expected. It is the entire experience we are going for--and it has always been special.

I always read your description of the various social vibes with interest.

We also want to return to Alaska.

I think this has been a wonderful cruise for you and your wife. We loved our SB Alaska cruise and I have been reliving it through your posts.

I enjoy the differences in British and American English. There is a history there. I'll see if I can pull up the UK Channel 5 Programme

All these comments make me very curious. This John Barron must have been quite polarizing. What were the programs on UK Channel 5 like? Note the different spellings of programmes/programs.

I tend to agree with you, which is why we are sitting out cruising for now. We DO fully realize that the virus is with us to stay. It's not a good scenario. While we don't fear dying from the virus and we are fully vaccinated and boosted, we don't relish having concerns while vacationing. So, for now, we are taking land trips.

I totally agree with you Catlover. Being aware of other guests should be something we all think about. Courtesy counts.

I agree that everyone's palette is different when it comes to wine. We are not wine aficionados by any stretch, but do enjoy the Clarandelle Bordeaux when it is on the included list.

Have a wonderful time! Take lots of photos! So glad you are out and about.

I am so sorry to hear this! You have remained amazingly positive. What a relief that you will be freed tomorrow!