secoma4

When we were in Golfo Aranci in May it went to the top of the list as the least appealing Mediterranean port. It even got ahead (in my estimation) of Civateveccia. It might be different in summer when there will be more sailers and holiday makers, but as a destination it lacks appeal. We didn't do an excursion and maybe that's what you need to look at.

Unless you have something you can't be without (wear) for a day and a half its pretty good. In by 10am and back by 5:00pm next day (usually sooner).

Or try Chuffley Bar at Splendido del Mare which is on the water in Portofino and right amongst the "action".

As to Cinque Terra or Santa Margherita I would be going to the former ahead of Portofino which is about 6 km away by road and 20 mins by ferry. Only because CT is a more unique and much larger destination. Portofino you can do by ferry from Santa Margherita and walk back if you wish. Portofino is very pretty but touristy. CT is visually interesting and can be accessed by a combination of train and ferry. And it will need the full day. It's a good place to stay in one of the villages and do day trips/ walks etc.

SM itself is a very nice town, but I would add one of the others rather than just spend time there..

Until you cruise with Seabourn you may not be able to appreciate the comments being made. Bear in mind the bathroom has a separate shower plus a full bath with clothes line over. Ideal for those wanting to do some in-suite laundry. And the bags are a great deal. We didn't use them until they came with our status then looked back and wondered why we bothered with using the Laundry when we could get so much done on a hassle free basis by paying for a bag. The Laundry is still there if you need to use an iron.

One of the factors influencing this decision could be that the Laundry has, on many occasions, been the source of complaint about guest behavior with instances where guests have been removed ie offloaded, due to "laundry rage". The issues arise when some/many leave their completed loads in the washing machines or dryers and resent the actions of others in removing them so they can use the machines.

The decision to do away with the Laundry is probably a combination of seeking to end the issues involved in managing the Laundry, whilst also seeing a revenue raising opportunity. At least the bathrooms in the suites are well set up for doing your own if that is your preference.

1. The Observation Bar can become a no-go zone for non smokers. Depends if the smokers on board decide to use it.

2. During the day we have not found a residual smell problem.

3. We have not found the main pool deck ie Deck 8 to have an issue arising from the smoking area at the side of the Sky Bar.

4. Children - unless you are traveling during school vacation times this is unlikely to be an issue. There are NO facilities for kids on board. So when they are present they can be obvious. These circumstances tend to arise on the shorter (7-10 day) legs in warmer places.

5. Back to smoking - it's the luck of the draw, but you could end up with smokers in an adjacent suite who smoke on their balcony. This can be an issue when you have lots of sea days.

Have never found that to be the case anywhere in Europe, Russia, U.S., Canada, India, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam. Maybe travelingduo should nominate the countries where this is the case!

The reason MDR is closed is they have found so few people want to eat there at lunch time, particularly when in port. Service is available in both Colonnades and Grill. Or you can eat at any time on your balcony with room service.

There are always scheduled activities, including lectures etc, on sea days. The days can be as full as you want to make them.

Best location for charging is in the cupboard above the mini bar. Take a double adaptor and double USB

Sojourn came out of dry dock for the leg ex Monaco on 9 May. We were on the ship for 21 days. The ship was in overall great condition with improvements like the heaters to the outdoor dining areas, new pool deck etc. Having done about 100 days prior on Sojourn (leaving aside other ships in the fleet) the only fault I saw was that there appeared to be a leak from the newly fitted awnings over the outdoor area of Colonnades. This caused water from the morning wash down on the deck above to sometimes drip on the tables on each extremity. As to the pool furniture, it's similar to what it's always been. Nothing I would worry about - but maybe others would?

Here's a tip! As indicated by others Tipping is derived from US where service industry employees are paid a pittance and rely on tips to earn a reasonable living. The tips were initially derived from providing service that warranted the tip. It seems that the service delivery has somewhat diminished but the expectations remain.

Although Seabourn is US owned, the crew are generally European and paid well by industry standards, and on a basis that does not presume tips also need to be earned to derive a reasonable income.

The Seabourn policy is specific and deliberate. It is a way of attracting those people who, in addition to wanting to experience the high standards of service, food etc, also want to avoid the situations faced on those other lines which impose daily tips and encourage the service staff to "sell" everything possible. Unless you come from a "culture" where tipping is frowned on it may be hard to understand how those of us who do find it to be something to be avoided

We were in the Med on Sojourn in May and less than 10% of men would have worn dinner suits.

The dock where you will most likely birth has, at its end, a "station" from where all the water taxis pick up fares and depart. There are a number of boarding points. There is a booth where you buy tickets. There may be queues, but we found they moved pretty well.

We must have been on the same cruise as capri73 and commented to friends that we found a distinct, but not unreasonable, change in the dress code. Casual was more common and even The Restaurant was less formal, although most adopted (for men) a minimum of jacket.

In other areas, again, the "casualisation" of the dress code was apparent, but again,, there were only a very few who sought to take the level down to denim jeans and T shirts.

You should be off by 8:00 pr 8:30 at the latest.

Interestingly, the Dress Code options have been changed to Formal (Optional) and Elegant Casual. No more Resort Casual. However, Elegant Casual tends to be interpreted (for men) as a collared shirt. So whilst polo shirts are not encouraged, they can be seen in The Colonnades and more particularly Patio Grill. This is particularly so when the weather is warmer. In cooler weather it matters less because jumpers or jackets tend to be worn also.

Sojourn had had heaters fitted to outdoor areas during the recent dry dock. And they work well. Quest already had them. Not sure about Odyssey.

Izmir to Ephesus is a 1 hour drive. We have been from Izmir to Ephesus with Seabourn.

We were on Sojourn for 21 days in May and everything was up to expectations. Staff, as usual, were excellent, food very good and wines predictable - consistent with previous experiences. Unfortunately they are what they are. There is usually something that can be found that is ok in the offerings. There was a Pinotage from South Africa that I hadn't tried before and was worthwhile. Itinerary was good and, notwithstanding having already done a number of Med cruises on Seabourn, there was little double up. My only gripe is having to visit Civitavecchia. Seabourn should seriously consider classing this as a "free" day for those not disembarking or embarking. Maybe wishful thinking! Sophie and Annabelle are a great combination as Cruise Director and Asst respectively and The Band was a big improvement on previous experiences, while the singers and dancers were good. Only criticism was that the air conditioning in The Square was too cold.

You are right. It's Hotel de Paris under renovation.

Just been on the Med on Sojourn (again), including Malta, which is great. We were docked below the Old Town so make sure you either take the elevator to the top and walk the Main Street at night or, if you are energetic, it's a nice steep walk! Gozo is also worth traveling around. Either taxi from the port or the waiting hop-on hop-off bus.

Hermitage is under major renovation. Port Palace is well located right on the water and nice views of the harbour above first floor. Easy transfer on the little cross harbour ferry to the cruise terminal.

If you login to your booking, there is a section on Excursions with the ability to make bookings. As soon as they are announced they will appear here with pricing. Sometimes this is not available until final payments are due.

Just back from Sojourn in Med and there was a Marina Day while anchored off Amalfi. They tend not to schedule them in the Med, preferring to wait until conditions are known.

Simple answer is Yes if it is needed. You don't pay for shuttles on Seabourn. The only exceptions are excursions, spa treatments, laundry (for some), Internet (for some) and item you choose to buy from the shop.