highplanesdrifters

All so very interesting, thanks for taking the time to post.

You hit the nail on the head with this statement. You are not alone. One feels taken advantage of. The problems can only be solved by going back in time and not filling an understaffed ship with passengers. Things are so hit or miss on Seabourn and Silversea right now. We all long for the pre Covid excellent food and service era across the fleets. It may take a bit more time, but in reading the boards it seems there are more hits than misses these days. Hope springs eternal. And yes you are correct, we are all so fortunate that we can continue to have amazing experiences. Alhambra vs. Ephesus - I have not done the Alhambra but Ephesus was a great experience. Ephesus is called a Seabourn 'Signature' event. There was no charge. Something to check for when reading descriptions.

Thanks for all the great info and pics! Keep em coming!

Whoa, that's a weird one. Looking forward to your report! Just disembarking Seabourn Encore. After a less than stellar preformance, not sure if we'll do a big ship again.

@Lois R & @Port Power and all, thanks for the feedback.

Nor have I ever encountered rude staff in the past. Rather shocking. We have encountered a few rather snippy waitstaff. One of them has disappeared. We have also had numerous problems dealing with accounting and destination staff. No one willing to admit their mistakes with condescending arrogance being the norm. The list goes on. All very frustrating. I have agreed to meet with the hotel director. I am always happy to provide constructive feedback, but it will take more than a quiet word to solve the problems. My heart goes out to the fantastic staff on board who are working double time to provide decent service.

Hey Port Power, Would love to hear your thoughts on the Dawn. Thinking about booking something on her. I know you are fair and can tell it like it is. Food, Service, ect. Currently on Encore and there are plenty of issues. Maybe I should just stick to expedition ships. 😁

We are currently on Encore. We were told last night that multiple Chefs boarded in Istanbul to practice Solis dishes. It will then be rolled out on the Quest. Except for a few good meals at Earth and Ocean, food has been mediocre at best. Service even worse. We have even had to bus our own tables at Colinade to get a seat. While we have been able to find classic Seabourn amazing staff, we are shocked by the plethora of rude staff. They will need a massive culinary team to help this ship.

@machotspur. Thanks for the heads up. Something from the Polar Journal. https://polarjournal.ch/en/2023/10/24/avian-influenza-reaches-south-georgia/

Fletcher, thanks for the entertaining report. We are currently on Seabourn Encore with a similar itinerary. Same dismal report on staff and food.

I suspect Indian Market is popular because there is spice and flavor. Presently on Encore. Already tired of the recycled mundane menu choices. Poached or broiled protein, gummy starches and barely a vegetable in sight. The sushi isn't bad if you compare it to a grocery store. Would it hurt to throw one ethnic dish on the menu? It feels like an assisted living dinning room. Even if it isn't up to London standards - Indian food, sign me up! Before anyone suggests it, we are trying to arrange some special meals with flavor, spice, and vegetables. My heart and stomach long for Chef Pia.

Just wondering if there are any plans to replace the Expedition ships. Thanks for the great report.

We had a fabulous private guide for Venice if you're interested, did St.Marks and Doge Palace. He scored us last minute skip the line tickets. Big help. Venice is a zoo. The Maritime museum is a short stroll from St. Marks. Empty, and highly recommend. You don't need a guide.

Thanks for the weather wishes. Sad to miss Croatia, but happy for a sea day. Our private transfer came with the suite. Hotel and air rez made on our own. Friends who stayed in Seabourn hotel ( Ca Segrado) although they booked hotel separately, were able to book private transfer through Seabourn.

Thanks again @cruiseej & @ozecruiser We are happily on board Encore. The Seabourn transfer from our hotel never showed. I'll fight it out with them later. Fortunately our hotel, The Londra procured us a private boat which delivered us to the Marittima. We were met by Seabourn staff who took our luggage. We then had the option of a shuttle or short walk to the terminal for check in. Smoothest Seabourn entry ever. A bus ride to the ship at Fusima. Suites ready with our cards in them. Interesting, they did not take our passports. Two firsts for me. Headed into a nasty storm. First port in Crotia canceled.

@ozecruiser. Thanks so much for chimming in. Good to know we might go directly to Marittima. Either way we will be prepared.

Opps didn't load on last post. 20180105_160606.mp4 20180105_160102.mp4

Gotcha! Here's a few if the thousands if cuties.

@cruiseej. Again, thanks for all the info. Great visual. Somehow we always get where we're going. 😁 It will be interesting to see if we can get to the dock inside the port area.

@FlyerTalker & @cruiseej Thanks for all your helpful, entertaining and straightforward information. You are assets to CC.

We were just talking about the pushing of shoulder season in Antarctica. As you have experienced in Greenland, pack ice is volatile and does not read the newspapers. You can find recent records for both more and less pack ice. Get your dice out. @drron29 Great article. As for the aggressive seal pups, yes we experienced that in early January. It was pretty darn cute. Some hissing but mostly puppy dog eyes. Nothing I'd be concerned about.

Thanks for the helpful info, you are always so kind. @cruiseej We are travelling with someone who can only walk limited distances hence the concern. We have been told that you cannot take a water taxi directly to Marittima. One must take it to Piazzale Roma where you must transfer to the People Mover or take a Taxi to Marittima. Does that jive? Seabourn said they would send a limo as usual...ha ha. We asked about the transfer at Piazzale they had no clue. I will rely on the hotel to make our arrangements. Would like to make an informed decision about those arrangements when the time comes.

Seabourn is being less than helpful with our transfer. Out TA is ripping her hair out. If anyone could chime in on their preferred method to reach Marittima Terminal from their hotel in Venice and how best to find Seabourn check there, it would be much appreciated. We are staying at The Londra.

Have a fabulous crossing. Wishing you Fair Winds and Folliwing SEAS! Looking forward to your reports.

I sent mine to usreservations@ponant.com with the requested proof of status. Make sure you reference the name of your Club as opposed to Cruise Line Name - e.g. Captain's Club by Celebrity For those in the US still looking for status match a follow up email to: usreservations@ponant.com. did the trick. See above. Thanks again JP and Jim!