SLSD

I think the biggest mistake SB made was not anticipating the need for more diverse dining venues in keeping with the idea of a luxury cruise line. While they instituted the TK Grill, it has not been universally popular. I think just having it as a third exceptional restaurant would have been more of a winner. I know I sound like a broken record, but a buffet is so downmarket. Silversea was more imaginative and came up with the idea of the Salt Kitchen--an idea I really like. I know you like a walking track and I would like that as well. Too bad they did not/could not design a ship that had one. In addition, I 've never thought the idea of The Club has been effectively realized. Maybe I am wrong about that?

Do you think the lack of people out and about on Oceania cruises after dinner has to do with the fact that alcohol is not included? We know people who book Oceania instead of Seabourn because they do not want "to pay for alcohol for others" when they themselves do not drink alcohol. Or, is the passenger demographic even older than Seabourn? Just curious.

Definitely go if other things are included. It just wasn't our favorite out of so many wonderful places in Istanbul. Definitely go to Topkapi and the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

I am loathe to sail with a cruise line that treats people differently by suite choice. We have NO desire for a larger suite than the basic veranda. It would not increase our enjoyment to have a more expensive suite.

We were not given a tote back in June 2023, but I have read that they have been given out on some cruises. Fortunately, I have a few of them at home and will tuck one into my luggage next time.

I was reading a restaurant review for Indian restaurants in our fine city just yesterday. The food critic downgraded any restaurants which serve only buffets saying, "as we all know, the best food is not to be found in a buffet."

I think our captain's only rudimentary English kept him from meeting and greeting as much as many. No criticism here--just an observation.

I've seen the vibe change considerably even when it is random couples, singles and friends. One of my favorite cruises was an itinerary which began in Amsterdam and included ports in Poland, Germany Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. We then had another week (a B2B) which included St. Petersburg. The passengers who embarked for the St Petersburg leg were totally different. All of us who remained from the first itinerary noticed it.

We encountered an excellent crew on Ovation in June. In fact, we had the best service we have had on any Seabourn cruise so far.

Exactly. Each embarkation group changes the vibe of the cruise.

We have only taken one cruise post Covid--it was in June--the coast of Norway on Ovation. I have to say that in some ways, it was one of our best cruises ever. We were fortunate to experience impeccable service in every venue with excellent crew members. Perhaps we were just exceptionally fortunate. It is hard to tell. I did feel (and this is very subjective) that the food in the Restaurant in the evenings was not as good as before. Others may disagree. We never do the buffet in the Colonnade, so I can't comment on that. We were very fortunate that the Restaurant was open every day for breakfast and for lunch--and we thoroughly enjoyed both and have no complaints. We loved Earth and Oceans. The excursions were ok (not outstanding) and the buses could be crowded. We did see a lot and loved everything we saw--so I don't really have any complaints there either. We never saw the Captain or many of the other officers--which is a change.

I'm very concerned about the same thing. Any time a whole new group of passengers embark, everything changed onboard.

Seriously? I don't think that's our place as Seabourn cruisers to confront anyone. I personally witnessed the dog owners vicious verbal attack on a fine excursion guide. Along with the rest of the Seabourn passengers, we left the room--and later gave our guide accolades, tipped him well, and offered our apologies for the crass behavior.

I have to agree that Ross has the talent of spreading happiness. That is such a good description. My favorite memory is Ross using a slang British term that we Americans were clueless as to the meaning. I did a bit of quick googling and was gobsmacked and speechless. This man can get away with things that no one else can--and still not offend. I know not everyone likes Ross's style. Some may say he is Carnival style. That would be abhorrent to me. I say he is a rare talent. He certainly won us over.

Both Silversea and Seabourn are very good cruise lines. Your experience will vary as every cruise is different. Many who cruise Silversea suggest staying with the newer ships Muse, Dawn, Nova, etc. Others prefer the older smaller ships. It is the same with Seabourn. While we prefer Ovation and Encore, we are sailing with Sojourn next summer. No one likes crowded buses, but they happen. There are always last minute cancellations of ports, excursions etc. It just happens. Whatever you choose, you will probably have a very good time. Personally, we do not book Caribbean cruises because we try to avoid seven day cruises with party people. Perhaps that is what you are seeking. Everyone is different.

The dog is not at fault, so we wish the canine no ill will. It is the owners who are somewhat crass and ill mannered. We don't wish them ill either. We just abhor their behavior.

I totally agree. And the fact that a crew member we had never met before was able to pull up our wine preference from a previous cruise was very impressive. I totally applaud the fact that they have computer help. I did not mean to imply otherwise. We have sometimes sailed on SB where WE remembered a crew member by name (of course they also have nametags) and he did not remember us. That's ok too.

The people with the fluffy white dog were actually quite coarse. The woman was vicious in harping at a very kind guide in Tromso. These people HAD been told by SB staff that their dog had to be on a leash in Norway. They ignored this directive. Let's just say that they were not popular on the ship.

Their memories are helped by computers.

I think he cut his hand before our cruise on Ovation and seemed to be ok when we met him. He told us that he has started a business in Peru--and I am sure he will be successful with that. And yes, that gorgeous smile. He will meet his goals in life.

I'm right there with you Mr. Luxury. We see this the same way and realize it is a subjective issue. We also love both Handre and Ross as Cruise Directors. We have not met John Barron yet. We recognize that Ross can be over the top. Initially, when we met him, we thought OMG---who IS this guy? We came to truly appreciate him and still smile at all his shenanigans and fun. Others may prefer a more sedate CD. To each his own.

That is certainly something that I have learned. We are all placing importance on different things. For example, we are very casual wine drinkers and can make do with many of the included wines. Others cannot. We are also not picky about champagne! Thinking back, on our last cruise, we didn't drink a single glass of it! But, as everyone here knows, we don't like buffets. So--there you have it! We are all looking for different things and have different perspectives.

It seems that the lesson to learn is that no two cruises are exactly alike. Thanks for point that out Nancy.

Actually, many do call us by our names because they have photos and notes about us. We were pleasantly surprised and amused at our first meal aboard Ovation in June when Cristian (whom we had never met before) served us Clarandelle (misspelled) the white wine we prefer among the included wines. He had notes that this is what we preferred and this is what he served. What amazed me is that he had not asked our names and just had to look for us--somewhere.