mcondition

If you don't mind me to expand the question, as a newb here, I have cruised twice only with SB and both times booked through SB website with my credit card. Is there any advantage to use SB rep or travel agent over booking online?

13 hours ago, poolma said:

We are on the Oct 16 sailing from Rome. I really do not understand Seabourn’s insistence on a PCR test 3 days prior to embarkation. The antigen test is good enough to gain entry into Italy and also acceptable to return to USA. In addition, the test administered at checkin for embarkation by Seabourn is also the antigen test. The inconsistency is very frustrating. We are spending a few days prior in Rome and I found that antigen tests are readily available and cheap whereas PcR tests are harder to find and much more expensive.

The safest bet is to book a PCR test in Rome on 14 or 15 October.

BTW its logical that cruise ships have more strict rules (i.e. PCR instead antigen) than airline companies. The reason is that all airplane passengers are obliged to wear face masks. On the cruise ship, passengers do not wear face masks and sit one next to other in restaurants or bars for long time daily. 

You can not set the same consistent rules everywhere.

well I have to correct as it doesn't let me edit, it is indeed on the starboard side.

Ovation (and sister Encore) has not smoking area on 9th (pool) deck but on the 10th deck, at sky bar.

And there its on the port side (left side).

I also find 7th floor the best in seabourn ships. 

As for vaccination verification, for the EU tourists it will be very simple, they just have to scan the barcode

oh I meant geographically, for example if you ask a restaurant owner which nationality customers he prefers he most possibly will reply U.S.  but it is not only the owner also the waiter but and the hotel owner and taxi driver.

Strong dollar or GDP per capita is not the only reason, the hotel owner charges the same price regardless nationality but generally speaking prefers U.S. tourists because they are more polite and quiet, even when drinking. The waiter on the other hand prefers them as they tip more and so on...

Dear U.S. members 😉 I wouldn't worry at all, in Greece U.S. tourists are considered no1 target group. I think same applies worldwide.

I think so, I am not so good with names.

At least Greek gov made it clear, any restrictions will concern only unvaccinated greeks/turists. This will apply at least in the beginning.

Hello regarding coctails quality my experience has been different. In July I had the same coctail everynight from Portuguese bartender at the Observation Bar and when I tried it in another venue it tasted like other drink. BTW I don't remember the name of the bartender making us evening coctails but he was one of the best I have ever met. 

On 8/19/2021 at 9:09 AM, Mr Luxury said:

I agree Markham with your observation of Silversea passenger stuffiness.

For me the stuffiness was evident in German and Dutch guests but not from US and other British guests.

There is a sense of snobbery around the ship which I have never seen on a Seabourn ship.

The lack of interaction from officers and to some extent the cruise director was a contributing factor that would have made the ship seem like a fine hotel where some people tip toe around and avoid eye contact.

Other than all of that I really enjoyed the experience.

Mr Luxury apart from the stuffiness of some  of the passengers, is there also age difference between SB and Silversea passengers? Thanks. 

3 hours ago, marazul said:

mcondition - 

 

I, and many people here, would appreciate some info from you.  Our friends are arriving in Athens a few days before the cruise.  I know they can get the PCR test at the airport and get the results by email the next day.  However, it would be more convenient  to be tested in central Athens so they don't have to go back to the airport for the test.  So far, I have found this list of clinics, mostly in the suburbs.  We are all staying in Koukaki.

https://payments.iatriko.gr/schedule-en.html

 

Do you know of any clinics or labs in central Athens that administer the PCR test?

 

PS- We plan to get tested at the airport on Thursday when we fly in from the islands, but our friends will be in Athens from Monday on.

Hi, this lab is very close and the same chain that SB also uses for pre embarkation testing and PCR costs 60e and is usually available in 12 hours

https://bioiatriki.gr/kallithea

there is no "Rapid-PCR"  its either PCR molecular test or rapid antigen test. The sample for the PCR goes to the biologist and between 12-24 hours needed for results. So if seabourn requires PCR, you have to be tested the day prior to embarkation.

14 hours ago, Flamin_June said:

One can self-test with the rapid antigen test. A pack of 7 or more tests, or an individual test kit can be purchased online in the UK and are relatively inexpensive. I expect the same goes for the States. Buy some kits and self-test before your flight or in your hotel, when you arrive, or both.

Indeed. SB doesn't clarify who will have to perform the antigen test and the proof can be presentation of a antigen cartridge with negative result (one line). This self test costs 2-4 euros and is available in all pharmacies.

edit: post not valid as per last post of sfvoyage

11 hours ago, wyattsaunt said:

Question about whether or not to bring an empty water bottle:  I figure I’ll need one if walking around in the heat in port. Does Seabourn provide any, or should I bring my own?  Thanks!

Hi every kiosk or mini market in Greece is obliged by law to sell bottled half litter water at 0.5 euro and bottled one and a half litter at 1 euro. You won't find any problem and I personally prefer a small cold bottled water than SB's heavy reusables.

3 hours ago, marazul said:

Is SB providing excursion bags as before?  

Yes we got only one though.

2 hours ago, Hlitner said:

That would be 100%
 

Hank

Thanks Hank, also if you know, is it a Seabourn decision the ships to sail at half passenger capacity or there is low interest for cruising and therefore cannot reach near full capacity? 

Do you know the crew percentage that has been vaccinated? 

3 hours ago, Mr Luxury said:

Any questions, please ask.

Thanks for bringing Silversea on topic. I understand that the room service menu is more complete than Seabourn. I am wondering about the music, how do you find the music on Silver Moon? Seabourn seems to concentrate on past century tunes, but no electronic, chill-house or ambient and especially no modern day hits, either live music or playback.

MDW and I love the attitude inside Seabourn Ships and the crew's professionalism. We only didn't like the early departure from ports of call, like 17:30 last tender and found the music repetitive and little boring. 

Maybe the airline's website hasn't updated to reflect that PLF may be submitted earlier than 72 hours before arrival. 

8 hours ago, Hlitner said:

Many years ago we swore to not go to Greece in July-August because of the potential heat.  But COVID changed our attitude to a place where we are willing to go almost anywhere just to be on a ship.  Sounds like we will pay a price.  On the other hand, as long as the A/C is working on the Ovation, the booze is flowing, and they have an adequate supply of Caviar....Life is Good :).

 

Hank

Hi Hank, the temperature in Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Tinos and other nearby islands is 6-9 degrees Celsius less than greek mainland. It is because these islands are overexposed to the constant north winds. During nighttime in Ovation cabin we switched off A-C and opened veranda door. Night breeze was perfect and the wave's sound so calming. (Seabourn's low speed cruising was another factor to keep door open)

The temperature is so hot for working or walking but perfect for a long day at the beach.

On 7/27/2021 at 2:21 PM, Hlitner said:

I should mention that we are doing some island hopping (Naxos and Paros) after our cruise and the large ferries we have booked are actually sold out!  Apparently the islands are attracting big crowds of tourists as they are all open with some mask restrictions.

 

Hank

This year there are so many U.S. tourists at Athens and at all well known islands of Aegean sea. Or they may seem so many as I have seen very few UK tourists, but you will feel like home.

Hello I am a male 50 y.o. Music returns to Mykonos on Monday. We have just visited with ovation. The island is so packed, more than 90% full, but it is very nice, especially walking around chora. The percentage of positive covid tests is 4% atm at Mykonos. Only Paros and a place in Crete score higher. 

I arrived at the dock about one hour earlier from the indicated time and didn't experience any inconvenience. Ship is half full and not crowded.

18 hours ago, motone said:

Is there anyone on this Board from the UK who can answer a few question for me please. We will, hopefully be on board on the 18th September and wonder whether we need a PCR test to leave Heathrow.  What was the procedure at Athens Airport and also the Terminal before boarding.Is testing happening regularly on board and do you get a test before disembarking which is acceptable to the UK. All we know at the moment is that  we need a PLF for the Greek Government to be completed the day before we go. Any advice would be greatly appreciated - thanks in advance.

PCR or antigen test is required at airports only if you are not vaccinated. If you are vaccinated just fill up the PLF and present proof of vaccination.

The cruise company most likely will rapid test you before boarding, take care!

I wanted to add that Shipbourn pays for the best, less crowded harbor in Piraeus. The staff who are testing the passengers are from Vioiatriki, one of the best testing clinics in GR, considered very reliable.

The weather is so warm at the moment and the A-C so strong inside vessel, making temp difference is immediately noticed.