saminina

So true. Also true that SB will go out with at least 85% capacity. Unlikely Explora goes at 60%

Name of F&B manager begins with L? He should soon be hotel manager. Your comments are interesting and mostly about items in which we have no common interest beyond food.

It took 7 years to accumulate 420 days. An additional 13 years to get to 500. Celebrated with two "free" weeks on Endeavor last summer. First 200 days tops anything since. Second 200 drifted towards "why am I doing this." The final 80 days over 6 years "will I ever get to 500?"

Agree and it was a fine adios to SS. Glass bottles of Panna, not a problem. Even some familiar staff. Good luck with Shadow.....you're very brave.

This thread has proven we sail on ships for different reasons. Why someone would think luxury cruise passengers care about port stops amazes me. Of course, some care. Many do not. The same can be said about a person that cannot understand why anyone would not be happy with the included wine. And crew members can tell one person the real story and another a different version of same story. So much depends on rapport, length of time knowing one another and just plain liking someone more than another. In the end, we are all pieces of cargo. And some crew probably wish some passengers would not leave their container.

You will find many excellent former SB staff on competing lines. We talk, and it is always fun to listen. As this thread demonstrates, we're all free agents....staff and passengers. Almost tempted to get on Sojourn if only to visit Lucca. Yes, Waterside on New Crystal serves breakfast and lunch. They might miss a lunch while in port. Will know for sure next month.....and over the holidays.

Photo number 2. Priceless.....congratulations on your ROI.

Who is (was) hotel manager? So sad you had to have such an experience, but appreciate you sharing it on CC.

If you want guest count, there is one accurate source. It's not the hotel desk, or some officer.

Sounds like the African suite attendant my neighbors had for their cove residence. I mentioned a few of the problems in a previous post. The guests were so put off, Explora lost a super new to cruising couple that will never return.

Post number 8 is closest I see that offers good advice. Mine would be to study Google maps. LAX to Petersen. It's hard to give advice to a stranger visiting LA area for first time. Too many options. There is a Marriott Courtyard walking distance to museum. 2.5 miles and you're on Rodeo Drive with lots of nearby nice, pricey hotels. Just for location, hard to top Beverly Wilshire and their room service breakfast. You could entertain yourself for two nights in this area and save renting a car. Riviera Beach area of Redondo Beach. I've had more good times here. And not much has changed since forever. If you're under 50, I'd consider this area. Safest, cleanest place to stay and play. Not to be confused Redondo Beach Pier area, which is the tourist spot. If you do this after the museum, renting car works best. And if you choose to stay in Redondo, take Palos Verdes Drive to San Pedro.

Yes, I remember your post with that sad story. Very easy to picture. Funnily enough, that is the wine I was referring to as being missing in action on SB. Regardless of line, once opened the bottle stays on our table. Same rule for house wines.

I'm paying much less to be on a ship with favorite restaurants serving consistently reliable food with great service. It's not a stretch to bring my wine aboard. Or, we can sail on Seabourn's dated ships with an excellent chance of being stuck with a lousy piano player in Observation Bar drinking cheap wine because the wine we enjoy on the premium list has not been on board the past eight months.

Curious to familiar faces you recognize among crew. Any, many, lots, few? I've written all I care to write regarding SB in general, wine in particular. I feel your pain. Things will improve for you.

I choose not to believe any of the fuss being made about the wines.

Good, objective review. Sad to say.

I believe she is responsible for dynamic pricing being introduced to Aman....and influencers roaming the properties. She'll be a great fit with Explora.

Queen Anne?

Right after Ripple and Strawberry Hill at rock concerts. Mateus for burning candles. And Greek cruise lines.

It's Acqua Panna glass on land and it has been the same at sea for past 24 years with an exception for Evian. I've been nervous when boarding SB and SS because they have made a point of pushing their own water and not assuring my preference would be available. Or, always including "we might have to charge you for it." Have never had a fail in water supply or an added fee. Today, not enough faith in either to maintain past performance. Not something I think about with other lines.

Last trip on Endeavor a year ago, and most likely final SS cruise. Acqua Panna glass bottles no problem. Wasn't sure they would come thru with the request, but they did as always. Make request thru travel agent and see what happens. Too late? Talk with restaurant manager first day and let him know it's important to have at meals and it will appear. Maybe.

I understand per diem cost, but never the fascination over solo fares. Coming from SS, the solo cabin on Crystal will be a brutal shock. Not something I would attempt because beyond size, there is some setback with location. The difference in passenger mix is noticeable. Get over those two bumps and you could find Crystal a great product. Closer to luxury than the self proclaiming ultra luxury competition. I'd be nervous too if not having tried other brands after 1000 days sailed with SS. I hope Crystal delivers for you as it has for others.

As mentioned by 2SailingNomads, plenty of SB customers.....and former crew will be found on a few other lines. As a longtime Seabourn sailor, you seem to have noticed a different passenger mix. This didn't happen overnight. I don't know why anyone would expect Seabourn of 2005, or when I began sailing SB during 2010 to resemble the same type experience today. Maybe it's their great loyalty program that keeps people returning. Loyalty programs work for airlines and hotels when you have a commitment of hours. Not so bright when tying up weeks/months.

Civility of MDR would be enough for it to taste better, but no surprise if this was delivered from Colonnade. IME, most mains found on buffet line will be listed on MDR lunch menu.

21 GBP is totally believable. 21 GBP for two people......not pp. If you are not a frequent sailor, one might believe what is told to them regarding the champagne, the food, the everything a crew member might tell you. So they believed what the butler told them and they were smart enough to press the issue. Telling lies is part of the job when you are following orders.