CabinBoy2020

Thanks for alerting me to these cruises. I'm booked on the Serenity Dec 2 - 16, 2023 Miami to San Juan. Also in a solo stateroom. I was able to use two Exceptional Initiative certificates! I hope to see you onboard. Bill

Hi Keith, I don't have a Crystal Society number as what were to be my first two cruises on Crystal were canceled due to the bankruptcy. I did file claims with Michael Moecker as I'm out nearly $10,000 in deposits. The claim form did not ask for a Crystal Society number. As far as you know, will I qualify for these credits? Thanks! Bill

If you disembark in Aqaba, you could easily travel to Eilat, Israel (about 30 minutes) by taxi or bus. Then continue on to Tel Aviv or fly Eilat to Tel Aviv (about 1 hour). Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv has hundreds of flights per day. As to the mention of violence in the area, there is always conflict of some kind in the Middle East. I have spent several weeks in Israel and never felt safer in my life. Unless there is a very serious conflict that affects these ports, I personally would not be worried. BTW, I also looked at this cruise with interest, especially because of the visit to Saudi Arabia. I'd love to do it, but I'm already booked on the two preceding cruises (Athens to Athens), so I think that's enough for now :) Good luck with your plans!

Absolutely! They haven't responded to my TA, so we will follow up. Bill

Thank you, Terry. Much appreciated. BTW, I'm considering the Ava Hotel in Athens. I see from your informative review that you stayed there.

I'll be on the Moon in Nov/Dec 2023 for 3 weeks. I want to leave the ship in Ashdod, Israel and spend two nights in Jerusalem. I would then reboard the ship in Haifa, Israel. The cities are all within 1-2 hours drive. I've asked my TA who has contacted Silversea, but we have not received an answer. Has anyone done something similar? Does Silversea permit this if cleared in advance? This will be my first Silversea cruise. I appreciate your help! Bill

I think you should definitely try Seabourn. I spent a total of 50 days this year (2022) on the Odyssey and Sojourn. I've cruised on several HAL ships, but not since the pandemic. Seabourn is definitely a more luxurious experience. No crowds, excellent service, most everything included, no showing your key card, spacious suites, and more creative cooking. That said, my experience on the Odyssey was disappointing and I doubted I'd try Seabourn again. But when a friend told me she booked the Sojourn, I decided to give Seabourn a second chance. I'm glad I did, because that cruise was excellent. I would cruise Seabourn again. As another poster mentioned, the dress code has just been relaxed. However, I would still guess that people would dress up more on Seabourn than on HAL. There will still be a formal night or two in the MDR, but there are more casual options as well. As far as accessibility goes, IME the majority of Seabourn passengers are 60+. And there were a number of wheelchairs, scooters, etc. The lack of a real promenade deck is unfortunate, but there are numerous outdoor viewing areas as mentioned above. Deck 6 forward has a hot tub, loungers, and usually very few people. It was great for viewing the Panama Canal. I think Alaska on Seabourn would be a very special experience. Good luck. Bill

Bravo! My one recent 29-night Seabourn cruise was disappointing. A friend convinced me to try Seabourn again and I will be on the Sojourn next month. My expectations are lower, but I'm hoping for the best. I've not encountered staffing or other issues on the three other cruise lines I've sailed this year. In any event, I'll be grateful to be at sea with nice crew members and congenial fellow guests.

Hi Lisa - Thanks for blogging about your MSC cruise. I look forward to your blog. I, also, was disappointed in the filet in the YC on the Seashore. I did enjoy the risottos and pastas they featured every night. The bartenders in the Top Sail Lounge were top notch IMO. I know from your blog that you enjoy a good cocktail, so will be interested in your opinion of MSC's. Have a super time! Bill

Hi Nancy, I hope you will post a review of your Seabourn cruise. I respect your opinion. Bill

This may not be the right forum, but I'd love to hear more about the "different social vibe". I'll be on Silver Moon next year (first time Silversea) and would appreciate your comments. Perhaps you'll review your cruise on the SS board? Bill

As others has said, of course, you can leave the ship and spend the day in Long Beach or Los Angeles or wherever. As soon as you're cleared by customs with the other B2B guests, you're free for the day. I've done this on HAL, Seabourn, and Azamara. You're considered an in-transit passenger. In my experience, it's usually around 10am. Enjoy your time with your family and the next segment of your cruise!

Thanks for your report. I'm looking forward to hearing about the cruise. I'm on the Miracle right after you. If you have a chance, can you please tell me your impressions of the Alchemy Bar? Thanks and have a great cruise!

I was on the same cruise with you and, in fact, am still onboard until tomorrow in Vancouver. I agree with you and Host Dan. I posted on the Crystal board about the totally unacceptable situation with my cabin. The problem was rectified to my satisfaction one week into the cruise. I agree the condition and design of the ship is disappointing. The low ceilings and heavy curtains and clunky shades on the windows in public spaces are depressing. The constant cleaning/maintenance on deck 5 made it frequently unusable for walking. I, too, wished for more variety in menus and dining options. IMO the food was better than a recent cruise on Azamara, but just barely. The crew were overall excellent. Many were genuinely kind, worked hard to please, and eager to chat. That’s one reason I cruise. Also many nice guests onboard. I did just two SB excursions. One in Costa Rica to a Andalusian horse ranch was excellent. Another in Chiapas for a cooking demo and lunch was fun. Maybe the Saudis will inject some much needed cash and improvements into this line. It would be great if they bought the Crystal ships as well! Bill