Seabourn Med Questions Firstimer

[ijkh]

We have sailed in the past with Princess and then Crystal. The plan now is to try Seabourn this summer in conjunction with a trip to Europe. We want to go for a week from Monte Carlo visiting Sardina and Corsica.

 

1. We will get the Amex Plat Travel Bonus for $300

Can we also use the coupon that is available "out there" for first time sailors from past sailors for an additional $400 credit or is it only up to $400

 

2. It covers alcohol yes but can anyone tell me what sort of scotch is the house brand that is "free"? I understand you can up grade brands for a fee but don't want to. We just want to know the quality of the "free" spirits and wines

 

3. How much do the excursions run? What sort of free excursion do they offer in your experience? We often prefer to just do our own thing. Does Searbourn offer a free bus into town from the port like Crystal?

 

4. Are there any extra charges beyond what is posted as the price on their site?

 

5. Has anyone used their airfare? Is it a pain in the rear? I don't plan to use miles on this trip at this point. Maybe?

 

6. Anyone book with Amex Platinum Travel Service? Experiences? Virtuoso? Any other suggestions

[Roxburgh]

We have sailed in the past with Princess and then Crystal. The plan now is to try Seabourn this summer in conjunction with a trip to Europe. We want to go for a week from Monte Carlo visiting Sardina and Corsica.

 

1. We will get the Amex Plat Travel Bonus for $300

Can we also use the coupon that is available "out there" for first time sailors from past sailors for an additional $400 credit or is it only up to $400

 

2. It covers alcohol yes but can anyone tell me what sort of scotch is the house brand that is "free"? I understand you can up grade brands for a fee but don't want to. We just want to know the quality of the "free" spirits and wines

 

3. How much do the excursions run? What sort of free excursion do they offer in your experience? We often prefer to just do our own thing. Does Searbourn offer a free bus into town from the port like Crystal?

 

4. Are there any extra charges beyond what is posted as the price on their site?

 

5. Has anyone used their airfare? Is it a pain in the rear? I don't plan to use miles on this trip at this point. Maybe?

 

6. Anyone book with Amex Platinum Travel Service? Experiences? Virtuoso? Any other suggestions

 

 

1. My understanding is that you cannot combine the Amex OBC & the referral OBC.

 

2. There are some single malts such as Glenmorangie which are considered standard in addition to the usual blends. Other single malts as well as JW Black label are extra. You can check with the bar menu when you are on board for more details.

 

3. Shuttles into town, where needed, are free. We find the Seabourn excursions to be on the expensive side - from approximately $70 to $200 depending on the tour - and tend to do our own thing. We do, however, take the "free" Virtuoso tour.

 

4. Extra charges are for laundry (not self serve laundrette), internet usage, Spa services, excursions, premium drinks and anything you blow in the casino.

 

5. I have never used their airfare.

 

6. We use Virtuoso. The main advantage from our point of view is the "free" tour. There is no price advantage to not using them and doing it direct with Seabourn.

 

Hope this helps.

[Lexcruiser]

1. You cannot combine the AE credit with the Seabourn refer a guest coupon. You will be given the higher credit which is the $400 Seabourn credit.

2. I don't drink Scotch. Switch to Bourbon and order Makers Mark.

3. You can save substantial money by scheduling your own excursions. Seabourn does provide free shuttles when necessary.

4. See Roburgh's post.

5. I haven't used Seabourn's air program. My observation is the prices appear to be high and I've always preferred to use miles.

6. Having used a virtuoso agent for several trips, I switched last year to AE Platinum Travel Service. I got better service and a bit better deal with the card credit and double membership miles.

[wripro]

I believe JW Black does not cost extra. Blue however, does.

[Host Dan]

I believe JW Black does not cost extra. Blue however, does.

You are correct.

 

Host Dan

[ijkh]

Great tips. Johnny Walker Black is on the money. Sorry about not enjoying Bourbon. ;)

 

We are considering very seriously the 7 day Florence and Bella Italy for a week of relaxation prior to a week in Tuscany at a Villa. This sounds like a perfectly wonderful way to relax prior to meeting the family at the rented Villa. OT: Anyone here used A&K for Villa rental? experiences?

 

We may need to fly in to Nice the day of the cruise. Anyone have comments about jet lag and starting a cruise fresh from the plane?

 

Also we will be spending some time after the cruise in Florence. We have already done Pisa and Lucca. So what about just spending the day on the ship in port in Livorno? Anyone just enjoyed the ship for a day?

[Roxburgh]

I believe JW Black does not cost extra. Blue however, does.

 

I stand corrected :) I would never drink JW black when I could have Glenmorangie or Glenlivet as a standard.

[wripro]

If you possibly can I suggest flying into Nice one day earlier so you can get over the jet lag and enjoy your cruise from moment one. Also, nowadays you never know what can happen with flight delays and/or lost luggage.

[CruisingDoctorWu]

I'll speak to the Scotches. On the Legend in July.

Single Malts: Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, and Glenlivet.

Blends: JW Black, Dewars and Famous Grouse.

 

I tended to prefer the Glenfiddich

 

CDW