secoma4

Does it really matter? We always travel with international adapters.

I have watched the responses to this topic and debated whether a contribution is appropriate. In the end I have decided to respond to, like some others, put some balance into the matter.

We have travelled to many places around the world, including those others sight as controlled by regimes which may not be comparable to those in which they live. The reality of tourism, particularly when conducted by companies like Seabourn, is that they are not going to take risks which have the potential to affect them or their clients.

I have also had experiences in countries that are totally at odds with what would be regarded as "safe" in our own country. These include being in the Arrivals Hall at Heathrow when it was hit by a mortar from the IRA then passing tanks as we exited the airport. Being escorted on our Israel tour by a guide clearly providing a one-sided view of the country and its neighbours. Traveling in USA where the carrying of arms by civilians is commonplace. Being escourted on our tour in Egypt by armed guards and accompanied by back-up buses. Or traveling by road in India where the rules of the road are there as a rough guide only.

Some of these are factors that are largely unrelated to the prevailing government - but they are all reflective of the underlying society and the experience that is to be gained. If where we travelled was to be dictated by our views of the relevant government/regime - views formed based on the views or experiences of others - then we wouldn't experience the countries (including cultures, scenery, living standards etc) that make us want to travel.

If you are concerned, and prepared to handle your own luggage to your taxi etc, then you can disembark as soon as the ship is cleared.

If you happen to do the train to Monaco, consider the helicopter back to Nice airport. It's a commuter service - usually about 5 pax -and cost is not exorbitant. Hugs the coast so you see all of the great homes etc from the air. Or get off she train in Ville France, and see the Rothschild house and gardens. (The lunch there is expensive!!) this is probably one if the sight seeing options from the ship

Our experience is that Colonnades is less crowded than the similar venue on smaller ships. If there is an occasion when it gets crowded eg all tours leaving around the same time, and a lot of people trying to squeeze in breakfast just before they get off, then they open up R2. Lunch is usually not a problem because people are returning from excursions at different times or have stayed ashore. In the evenings there are often nights when it is more likely to be "quiet" rather than a "zoo".

Plenty of choice. The staff servicing the Grill and pool deck area will serve you on the upper level which has tables. Whilst the Grill is in use it is, in our experience, not noisy and given that the overall deck space is much larger than the smaller ships, there Is still plenty of space that is not utilized for dining. There is a corner with lounges that might suit.

Then there is the outdoor area of Seabourn Square on Deck 7.

The aft deck outside The Club is not noisy and can be serviced by the Club. Bar staff.

There is also your own balcony with whatever you want provided. By room service.

I think you will find there are more quiet places than on the smaller ships.

It's probably worth noting that those who do cruise regularly will be taking advantage of discounts offered for repeat cruisers. In Seabourn's case this is the 5% for paying a refundable deposit whilst onboard. So the marketing strategies of each company tend to build a loyalty base. My view is that, at present, Silversea offers a wider variety of itineraries on nice ships of varying size. Seabourn (leaving aside the smaller ships which have been sold) has the newer ships with better overall facilities (particularly Seabourn Square) and consistently good food and service. Isn't it nice to have a choice in the same market segment!

The material differences experienced on the newer, bigger ships (Oddysey, Sojourn & Quest) are, in my view:

- Seabourn Square

- much improved pool and pool deck space, including Grill

- separate Restaurant 2

- Colonnades as a dining venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a lot more outdoor dining space

- much improved Gym facilities and Spa

- all V suites basically the same and with separate shower and great walk-in robe

The negatives relate to the entertainment where my view is that the bands on the smaller ships are better and offer more variety.

Otherwise, service, food etc is generally comparable.

Having started on the smaller ships we are now definitely fNs of the newer (larger) ships.

Oceania Nautical has about 200 more pax than Sojourn.

The Path of Vikings itinerary is terrific. We did it 3 years ago and would do it again. The sea days are interesting and places like Iceland outstanding.

Bear in mind that on Seabourn ALL of you cocktails etc are included and it sounds like you will quickly make up the difference on this front alone.

The passenger mix we found to be good and your age (lack of) won't be any issue. And you are unlikely to have kids on board.

Not sure if you have factored in the cost of doing this solo?

The other point is that all f the suites are basically the same on Seabourn.

If you can get a berth on this cruise at an affordable price take it.

It might help to indicate ports of embarkation and disembarkation!

A possible compromise! Anyone booking as a smoker must advise at booking, and anyone offered a suite next to them has the option to decline. Similarly, a smoker can't book a suite next to someone who has declared themselves non-smokers. If they don't book as a smoker then they can't smoke at all. Still not as good as no smoking!! Still leaves the staff with the issue of cleaning after they vacate.

Apologies, I should have indicated where and when the photos were taken.

They were Ko Kood, Thailand (March 2014) and a sea day approaching Colombo, Sri Lanka (March 2014).

Yes to all questions.

We have travelled for a number of years with Seabourn and invariably meet single women (often widows) traveling on their own, and particularly when invited to join a hosted table for dinner.

On our most recent cruise (Mar/Apr 2014) we were joined by my wife's sister whose husband is too ill to travel. Seabourn excelled in making sure that every night she was invited to join a table with other guests (if she wanted) and asked if there was anything that she needed assistance with.

This is an aspect they do really well.

Sounds like they have someone (or a group) prepared to pay more than you did"

Do you mean Ko Kood ? Yes they are still going there - usually for a day on the beach and caviar in the surf plus water sports. Was there in March on Sojourn.

Whilst it's not "promoted" early boarding seems to be available at most ports now with lunch in Colonnades offered to those boarding early. It used to be that you were directed to the Grand Salon with sandwiches on offer but the current approach is much more civilized.

The beds have a side table on each side when configured as one. When the beds are separated one of the side tables goes between the beds. There should still be room between the bed and wall but it will be narrower.

I agree that notwithstanding the policy we will sail with Seabourn. BUT it means we do so knowing that we cannot go to the Observation Lounge. We tell anyone else thinking of sailing with Seabourn that this may be an issue for them. The smoker in an adjoining suite is a factor which affects the occasional cruise and one which we just hope we don't encounter. Where we have it's meant adapting to the use of the balcony. A bit pixxing off, but something that can happen.

One would hope that Seabourn will ultimately want to be seen as a socially and environmentally friendly line with regard for the welfare of their crew, as well as their guests.

Take the Seabourn excursion that also drops you at the airport. We did it n Copenhagen and it was a good way of filling the gap between disembarkation and the flight. They then have the responsibility of making sure you are at the airport on time.

5 mins max - all down hill!

Thank you for your review. We enjoyed this leg on the Sojourn very much, especially the Phuket excursion to the Blue Elephant Cooking School. My husband would also recommend the excursion in Colombo, Sri Lanka to the elephant orphanage on the Viceroy's train. It was wonderful to see so many familiar staff on the Sojourn from our cruise last year.

Yes. We experienced them some years back and have since sailed many times on the larger ships and find "The Bands" to be very lacking in the vitality and versatility of Oasis (and other Philipino bands we have seen). Whilst the "contrived" Bands may be technically good musicians, they clearly lack the cohesion and synergy of bands that have been together for some time. It seems that the purpose of The Band is to be better able to back other entertainers than entertain the guests in their own right.

But to answer you question, sorry, we don't know where they are now.

They are one and the same! Sonesta St George Luxor.