SLSD

7 hours ago, frantic36 said:

 

My son cooks wonderful Indian food but I like it in very small increments over a year. So as I said before you can't please everyone. A restaurant focused on Indian would mean when I do long cruises it would be a place I would only visit once in a 30 day cruise if at all.

 

They do Indian in the Colonnade and you can order a special meal with friends which I have enjoyed. I think they need to be careful not to alienate people who like the clever simplicity of TK and Mediterranean fare.

I totally agree with you Frantic.  I would only dine on Indian food once a cruise--if that.  Same with Asian.  

7 hours ago, lincslady said:

The TK takeover of caviar was not that long ago;  previously SB had a perfectly good arrangement with a company which provided decent caviar.

As I recall, caviar was available upon request before there was a TK Grill. 

Who eats a 72 oz steak? What are they thinking?  We're 4oz steak people--when we eat steak!

That being said, I am happy about the new restaurant concept.  The menu we saw was a sample menu and not all that Solis will be offering.  We like the idea of  Mediterranean cuisine and have no interest in Indian and little interest in Asian.  I think it is important to please as many people as possible.  We might eat one Indian meal a year and that is enough for us.  

29 minutes ago, lisa6191 said:

Can’t promise this is accurate, but I was told that:

 

1) the booking onboard discount (meaning actually booking the cruise) was 5% ocean, 20% expedition. The deposit required would be transferable to a different cruise but not refundable.
2) There is a separate 5% discount given if you buy a future cruise deposit, which is combinable with the ocean discount (for 10% total) but not combinable with the expedition discount. Future cruise deposits are good for 4 years and then can be refunded. So I think you should have gotten both discounts (the book onboard and FCD).

 

I did not ask about the 5% for returning customers because I didn’t know about it. But she didn’t offer that info either and she was trying to get me to book, so I feel like she probably would have offered it? Not sure. Also, the itinerary we were looking at had no further perks like OBC or anything, but some of them did.

I've never heard of the 5% returning customer discount.  We always do the furture cruise deposit and get 5% there.  Are people thinking these are two different things when they are the same thing?  I am a bit confused about that.  

5 hours ago, kej1 said:

Will miss the delicious Caesar salad in TK.  So many are now made with what I’d call “fake” Caesar dressing ( creamy vs the original real thing).  I will miss the TK burger as well as we thought much better than the regular Seabourn burger.  Quality of meat and cheese just seemed so much better but hopefully that can continue without the “TK”.  Also would be great if Seabourn could do a real Caesar salad as that in the real world is not just a Thomas Keller thing although you see it less today. 
 

The new menu looks ok for a change  - not fabulous or earth shattering but fine.  We are always happy to try something new and different.   I’m wondering if some of these dishes can be offered on the Pursuit and Venture even though there is not a separate dining room.  Would be nice and since it seems possible since there is no celebrity chef involved.  

I think an issue with the TK Grill has been inconsistency.  The caesar salad we were served was inedible.  We were so disappointed and were afraid to ever order it again.  We've had both the TK Napa Burger and the regular Seabourn burger and have always been great.  I could deal with the loss of the Napa Burger even though we have enjoyed it.  I don't think Seabourn needs to be paying for a name brand celebrity chef at this point in time.  Instead, I would like to see them spend money on quality ingredients and the brain power to achieve innovation and great food.  As an American, I am used to high end steak houses, but they are not the kind of restaurant we would want to frequent often--too heavy, too caloric, too dense.  Give me lighter far any day.  I look forward to this.  

13 hours ago, kjbacon said:

I hope so but I bet they would have a tough time legally. 

They would have to be careful---but fried chicken is everywhere.  It would not be difficult to come up with a great new fried chicken recipe.  Same with ribs.  

25 minutes ago, adoctor said:

So lis is it? The replacement for TK. No real surprise that Keller's days were numbered but on reading the paragraph upon paragraph of "marketing speak" contained in the release from Seabourn I am now concerned. It's very light on detail about the new menu or menu's .At the very least I would have  expected a sample menu.

I recall  a  meal of the stock rich clam chowder and excellent brined Chicken being one of the finest experienced at sea. The sourcing of the meat and fish was also top draw.

So with an open mind we will sample the new concept but in my view it has a steep hill to climb.

I saw a sample menu which was posted in a Facebook group.  It looked appealing to me.  

1 hour ago, Mauzac said:

Oh yes, I should have realised this as I was typing!  The TKG on the smaller ships is a quite different set up as far as size.  

I know the restaurant area on Quest and Sojourn will be small---but we have found it pleasant to be able to dine in a small cozy area.  I do think additional outdoor dining will enhance the experience on Ovation and Encore.  

I wonder if new decor is in the mix?  Did I see a drawing of the smaller restaurant area with a new look?  I don't mind the look of the TK Grill on the larger ships.  Will they be changing that too?

I'm happy to hear about this change.  I do hope it is light cuisine and includes healthy dishes.  I'm excited about the prospect for more outdoor dining.  I like the looks of the sample menu too.  

15 minutes ago, lisa6191 said:

I take it this means nobody knows the answer to this?

We have never taken a Caribbean cruise (and probably never will) but I have seen many photos of a signature SB event on those cruises.  I THINK it is called Caviar on the Beach, but it is more than that--it includes a meal served on the beach.  Is it lobster?

4 hours ago, stan01 said:

Food is obviously a personal preference, but what we DO NOT prefer is too many specialty restaurants that have to be reserved months in advance at midnight on the opening day of availability when which seems to have become the norm on some cruise lines.  Or having seating at specialty restaurants overly tied to status and cabin fare.  We'd rather be more spontaneous on our vacations than plan down to the last minute when and where we will eat months in advance.  Having most dining choices except TK available without reservations on Seabourn works for us.  Again, personal preference and others will disagree I'm sure.

I follow what is happening on Silversea ships and quite honestly I find all the reservation making to be off putting.  I'm not anxious to sail with them for that reason.  I KNOW we could always go to their main dining room.  It just seems like a lot is going on.  I don't want to have to make a lot of reservations for a cruise.  Ever.  I know others love the variety, so that is great for them.  

21 hours ago, jenidallas said:

Mom and i decided to pre-book the full 14 days for our transatlantic on Ovation next month.  We have tons of onboard credit and like knowing we can have shade while still being outside.  My late husband and I enjoyed The Retreat as a bit of a quiet spot on the ship without having to remain in our suite.

 

I anticipate we'll use our cabana as a bit of a daytime HQ while wandering off to do other things (lectures, trivia) while knowing we won't lose our shaded spot.  I know from past experience that as long as I get one of the cabanas that is on the side (and not the center ones) that the shutters open up for a sea view.  And it's a guaranteed patio table for lunch, which isn't always easy to come by on a nice transatlantic day.  Everything else is just a bonus - we don't really drink but will hopefully make friends with potential dinner partners who don't mine us bringing a bottle of premium champagne to share with the table.  

Jeni, I think you and your mom will have a wonderful time.  I am so sorry to hear that your husband died.  My sincere condolences.  

36 minutes ago, jenidallas said:

 

Thank you!  I'm slowly reemerging from the insanity of the last couple of years and getting back to travel.

That is good news.  We finally took our first post pandemic cruise last June and and are booked for this coming July.  Domestic travel before then.  I am with you on the nonalcoholic offerings.  I think Seabourn is coming late to this game.  

6 minutes ago, jenidallas said:

I'm SO excited to see this and hope it makes its way to Ovation in time for our November transatlantic.  I very rarely drink these days and look forward to being able to enjoy something interesting at cocktail hour (and beyond).  

 

This was one of my criticisms of Silversea earlier this year.  No mocktails on menus, not even on request.  I only found one bartender onboard willing to try to make me anything that wasn't a shirley temple or straight fruit juice - all way too sweet.  I otherwise drank them dry of every bottle of NA sparkling wine they had loaded.  

 

On that note, does anyone know what NA sparkling wine Seabourn stocks?  I know it's been reported they have one.  

 

 

Good to see you posting JeniDallas!

I think it is important for Seabourn to quickly offer this on every cruise.  We drink alcohol, but try to limit it to a reasonable amount each day.  It would be great to be able to extend an evening with nonalcoholic offerings.  

31 minutes ago, whystayhome said:

I always look forward to posts from Mr. Luxury.  What a card!

 

Linda

I have come to appreciate his humor and his good will.  

9 minutes ago, RosieRuby1 said:

We prepaid a shorex. several months before the cruise but the excursion was cancelled by Seabourn two days before the proposed tour departure date. Following the cancellation a credit appeared on our account and the destination services representative on the ship advised that it would be refunded automatically to the CC used for the original payment as long as our onboard account remained in credit. Our final account showed the credit but it has still not been refunded. Our TA advises that a claim has to be made to shoreside guest services and that we should expect that their response could take up to another 28 DAYS, We consider this unreasonable as the cancellation was made through no fault of ours and we think that a refund should have been made straight away. Has anyone else experienced such a delay?

I agree with you.  I guess you could ask for the refund through your credit card and perhaps receive it more quickly.  

Linda,  This thread is such a good idea!!  I think it will be very very helpful to Seabourn cruisers.  I will try to go back and rate some of the excursions in Norway we took last summer.  We are returning to some of the same ports this summer on our 28 days Iceland/Norway itinerary.  I may not get to rating them for a few days.  

I think you will have to try it to know for sure if it is worth it for you.  One thing you need to know before you sign up is that there is not a view of the sea from The Retreat.  Many Seabourn cruisers do not applaud The Retreat because it goes against the idea of Seabourn as an all inclusive cruise line.  I have read reports that others love it.  Do you love champagne? The Retreat offers an upgrade from the champagne served complimentary around the ship.  There might also be a different lunch served there.  You will also have your own cabana with a TV and lounging opportunities.  Only you will be able to determine (after you have tried it) if it is worth it for you.  

In our particular case, we want to support the all inclusive idea for Seabourn.  Also, we would not want to spend a cruise day without a view of the sea.  We don't drink much champagne and don't watch any TV while cruising.  Try The Retreat for one day and then you will know if it is right for you.  It will be money well spent.  

1 hour ago, Khareef said:

Most people on board seem to go to dinner 19.00/19.30, so by the time I get there at 20.45 there are plenty of nice tables ...the one .good thing about coming from a late dinner country I guess 🙂 

 

 

For some it's not about coming from a late dinner country or an early dinner country.  I know in the case of my late mother, her doctor advised her to have dinner as early as possible due to issues such as heartburn and reflux.  Not something many want to talk about, but we accommodated my mother's needs for years by having dinner extra early when she was dining with us.  I'm sure some of the early diners are dining early for medical reasons.  Let's give them some grace. 

24 minutes ago, Mr Luxury said:

I always have had excellent service on a Seabourn ship and good tables with extra evenings in certain venues if I have wanted them.

I don't go in with all guns blazing and waving hundred dollar bills in the air or palming the Maitre d' and telling him which table i want every night.

I have been cruising a long time.

So my conclusion is that this brash behaviour doesn't work and those that are doing it are wasting their money to possibly make themselves feel better.

 

 

We have always received excellent service as well.  I agree with all that you have said here.  

5 hours ago, cruiseej said:

 

I think the concern is that if/when more passengers tip more crew members for service, there are two possible downsides: (1) If enough people do it, it ends up creating some expectation for crew members that they will be tipped, which erodes the policy that tipping is not expected. (2) If people are tipping and getting preferred tables, faster bar service, or more in-room services, then it does use up/tie up those finite resources for other guests, instead of everyone being on a level playing field.

I think you have hit the nail on the head with both of your points.  While tipping is not required or expected on Seabourn cruises, I have no issue with those who choose to tip at the end of a cruise as a thank you for great service.  Donation to the Crew Fund is also a very good idea.  But, as you say, if the beginning of the cruise tippers DO expect preferential service, it may mean that others will not get the same service.  I get the feeling that the beginning of the cruise tippers think they deserve better service because they are willing to pay extra for it.  Personally, I would be embarrassed to tip at the beginning of a cruise, because I would not want others (including the crew) to see me as pushy, elitist, or demanding. Let's face it, any of us who choose to cruise Seabourn can afford to pass out $100 bills if we choose.  Does that mean we all should?  I think it would affect the atmosphere of the cruise and would not lead to a pleasant experience.  What if all of us were plying the maitre d with large bills at the beginning of the cruise? Could she please all of us, or would there be a bidding war for the "best" tables.  Personally, I find that kind of tipping to be distasteful and not respectful of what Seabourn has tried to achieve for ALL of their passengers.  

We did not receive a Seabourn tote bag on our June cruise aboard Ovation.  No explanation was given.  I had not taken one of our SB tote bags and regretted it.  I will tuck one into our bag next time just in case as they do come in handy.  

I am familiar with this laundry room as I was on Ovation last June.  I went down to iron an item for the first evening.  I found the laundry room in a bit of need of housekeeping.  It wasn't that clean and it appeared the machines could have used a bit of upkeep.  For example, there was dried up detergent in some of the units. It was a bit off putting and it discouraged me from using the washers.  I've never heard anyone else mention this--and I wonder if anyone else has made this observation.  

13 minutes ago, Mr Luxury said:

Tips go towards all service facing crew.

That is why I donate a sum to the crew welfare fund so that all crew on board can share in the benefit.

We are used to different ways and cultures.

I suppose if I were a bar owner from the US that frequented Vegas then who knows what I might do with money.

I want to make it clear that while tipping after service is a way of llfe in the United States--mainly because service workers (like waiters, bartenders, etc) are not paid a wage high enough to live well without tips, tipping BEFORE service is NOT a part of American culture.  Of course we don't frequent Las Vegas (by choice)so I don't know what goes on in that corner of the country,  and don't tip bartenders before we are served in a land based bar or on a cruise ship . Not all citizens of the US are alike and not all have the same culture.  

53 minutes ago, Hobar said:

I am a laundry fanatic.  Despite having the free laundry perk, I often use the launderette as I am particular about my clothes and many require a more delicate wash and no iron.  Although the laundry is good, I have not found a way to communicate special instructions and have had clothes ruined.  (The best was when a puckered shirt was ironed flat.). In the launderette, I place all clothes in a large mesh bag so that if I don’t get back as soon as the washer or dryer stops, it is easier for someone to just remove the bag rather than many loose items. (And it also beats having others handle my clean clothes.).  Also a great way to get in more steps so long as you don’t use the elevator. 🙂 

Great idea to use a large mesh bag.  I didn't do laundry myself on our last cruise as it was just 14 days and I didn't need to, but our next cruise is 28 days, and I know it will be necessary.  We do use Seabourn's laundry perk for many/most things, but like you have found, some things need a delicate cold wash and no ironing.  I did put a note on our laundry bag last time asking that our things not be dried on HOT--and my knit top came back not shrunken and I was happy.