cpinstein

We did the overland excursion to the Taj with Seabourn last year. We debated and debated because the price was so high, but boy are we glad we did. It was one of my travel highlights. We absolutely loved it. The Rambaugh Palace in Jaipur was one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in. The Taj was incredible. However, I understand it is covered in scaffolding right now. It would be a shame to not get to see it. But if it's not, I would say it's well worth it. Tough excursion, with lots of driving, and very expensive. But when all is said and done, I don't even remember the exact price, but I'll never forget what we saw.

Suite Travels, we are also making the big leap. Leaving today for the Sojourn. So excited to try something new. I will report back on my comparison between Seabourn and Crystal.

I have to say that precruise help , the advantage is Seabourn.

The shore excursion desk is fabulous. I know them all by first name, and they've been wonderful arranging tours. And the phone is answered immediately.

The docs are amazing. Fabulous precruise info a few months before. And I love the leather doc case and baggage tags.

So wish us luck. Flying Emirates first class on points. Don't know if I'm more excited about that or the cruise.

Carole

Do I need a meet and greet service if I am travelling

Emirates first class? I assume we would be off the plane first, and we do have a chauffer to the hotel.

Thanks so much. That helps.

Is there a usual time for speakers on sea days? I'm getting ready to book spa appointments and would prefer not to overlap.

Thanks.

We took Crystal to Antarctica last year, and my husband decided that he better rent a satellite phone to stay connected to his office. Only problem was that you have to not be inside or have anything overhead to use it. So with 70 mile an hour winds, he was outside talking. He was afraid he was going to blow overboard. (The decks were closed).

I don't think we have that offer in the US. What a great deal. I'm going to check it out.

Galeforce 9, who are you flying over and back? We are using miles to fly Emirates first class (with the shower) and Singapore back. Don't know if I'm more excited about the flights or the cruise.

I have to respectfully disagree with florisdekort on Azamara. We just returned from the British Isles Cruise that included the British Open golf tournament. And I will not sail them again. I found the food just OK, and the service really poor. This was my first time on Azamara, and I knew the cabins were small, but that's all that were available. I had every intention of peeking at a suite for future cruises before leaving, but there was no need. I knew I wasn't coming back. We usually sail on Crystal, so maybe I'm just spoiled. I'm so excited about sailing on Seabourn in December, and sure hope it's a lot better than Azanara.

Does anybody have private guides they can recommend in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Colombo? If so, please email me at cpinstein@gmail.com. Thanks.

Anybody got a recommendation for a private guide in Dubai? We will be there before our cruise starts in December.

If you do a future deposit, and decide not to use it, can it be refunded? I assume you don't have to wait 4 years.

Has anyone gone on the Seabourn excursion? I know it's very pricey, but I'm still tempted. I wouldn't do it on my own because of the fear of flight problems and getting back to the ship. I'm looking at December of 2016. It's been quite a while since anyone posted on it. Thank you.

And what time do you think we should board in order to get specialty restaurants and chef's table?

What's the best time to board when we overnight in Dublin? I would like to make sure I get the specialty restaurants and the chef's table, but I don't want to waste the entire day in Dublin. And I know me, once I'm on, I'm going to want to unpack and get settled. Doubt I will get back off that day.

What time does boarding usually begin? how far is the port from the city center?

Will there be a White NIght evening on the British Isles cruise? I bet it will be chilly. Does it ever get moved inside?

Can THe Chef's Table only be booked once on board, or can it be booked in advance?

On one cruise my husband got very ill with cold like symptoms. We had a window cabin on another cruise line. Every time I came back in the cabin, I could barely stand the smell. I can only imagine what noro must be like. Ends up he had pneumonia. Didn't find out until we got home.

Cost us a fortune. I absolutely don't want to go on a cruise without a balcony, or some sort of window that opens!

Yes, sorry, I did mean "scarce" not "scare" I just thought it might be nice to have lunch in Taormina. I know there is a fabulous hotel there. So not possible if I take the morning transfers. But if it's easier to just get on the ship transfers, which cost a fortune, then that's what we might do.

BTW, my TA told me that the taxi drivers went nuts with not being able to earn any money with the ship's transfers, so they've stopped that, except as a shore excursion. No more shuttles running back and forth.

So I'm still thinking about whether to cancel the transfer excursion of "Taormina on your own", and try for a taxi and be able to stay longer or not.

One poster said there are plenty of taxis, and another says there aren't! Go figure.

I've booked the ship's transfers for fear taxis might be scarce on a Sunday. My main worry now is that 2 hours in Taormina might not be enough time. Thoughts?

We also once had a sky suite on Celebrity, and we loved our butler. But it was because our whole family was on, and the Butler would take care of them whenever they came to visit. When he heard the grandkids running down the hall, he would go get ice cream. Needless to say, they loved him.

My 5 year old asked how we got him. He wanted to know if we ordered the butler off the menu. Just curious what to ask in terms of just 2 adults. You've all been very helpful.

Thanks everyone.

So what do you have a butler do for you that enhances your cruise? Just bought the upgrade to a PH suite and am really curious.

Thanks.

Mura, when you boarded in Barcelona early, what cabin category were you in?