Seabourn vs Silversea

[Suite Travels]

Hi Nancy, I recommend that you visit the Crystal board and ask any questions you like. Not to worry about photographers they are usually only around in the atrium during formal and informal evenings. Absolutely no pressure for pictures. As far as dining is concerned the MDR does have a designated area for those who do not like the fixed seating. Keep in mind Crystal has two excellent restaurants in addition to the MDR you will need a reservation for Prego and Silk Road and this is usually not a problem. On some evening you can opt for casual dining in the Lido Café.

 

Where we live in Palm Beach during season we need a reservation but off season we just walk in. I am sure you will love Crystal as much as you love Seabourn. We have not tried Seabourn but have heard very nice comments about them and want to give them a try.

 

We have tried both SS and Regent and they did not measure up to the six star service that Crystal provides. Again, please go over to the Crystal board where you will be well received.

 

I forgot to mention the Bistro is another light dining option.

[wripro]

The only problem with the designated area in the Crystal MDR for those who do not like fixed seating is that it is still fixed seating only a different time. You have to let them know in advance what date and time you wish to dine. There is no such thing as open seating and that is one of the big differences between Seabourn and Crystal.

[cwn]

The only problem with the designated area in the Crystal MDR for those who do not like fixed seating is that it is still fixed seating only a different time. You have to let them know in advance what date and time you wish to dine. There is no such thing as open seating and that is one of the big differences between Seabourn and Crystal.

 

 

As I said earlier SS didn't meet our expectations and neither did Regent, it wasn't Seabourn either... for us there is a big difference in 200 to 450 passengers and 700 passengers in what the ship staff can do...the larger the ship, the more they feel like the mass market smaller ships....with simular problems in service and passenger "behavior", not that bad, just there!

 

Besides the dinning issue on Crystal.....having to make a reservation of some sort, can't just walk into the MDR when we want to eat....there are the 1000 passengers...getting a little big!

 

We just haven't been willing to pay the price for a ship with more passengers than the mass market Island Princess where we can eat when we want to, at a table for 2 or 10 if we want, have a wonderful big suite and only 600+ passengers for many dollars less. In the luxury class, Crystal falls short in our eyes for the same reasons.

 

For us, the itinerary, dinning style including a more relaxed dress code, # of passenagers and the per day cost drive our cruise choice.

 

We have never had a bad cruise, just some better than others. Things go wrong on any ship, just like at home. So it really takes more than one cruise to really know what a line/ship is really like, IMO anyway. For the right itinerary we will give SS another try especially with their new smoking policy. Meanwhile Seabourn, Regent and selected smaller mass market ships will fill our crusing list.

[Suite Travels]

We have never had a problem with open dining since the MDR is never full. We check at lunch and we have a table for the evening and at times we just have walked in and have been seated. Never turned down.

 

CWN, you will never see 1000 people in the MDR at least in my 20 cruises. Another thing Crystal will never have a 1000 people on the ship due to the many single supplements. Our recent cruise had 630 guests. With three other dining venues on Crystal you will not see a full dining room ever. Trust me, Crystal will accommodate you the word no does not exist.

[Keith1010]

Reading all the posts reaffirms my view on all of this.

 

If this was me I would select the itinerary that works best. We did that on our Seabourn and Silversea cruises and this worked very well.

 

In the end, remember the experience will vary not only based on the cruise line but the reality is that it will vary based on the ship you sail on (the different size ships do make a difference), the itinerary, the specific crew you have and even the guests. I remember on our first Seabourn Cruise we ended up meeting six people two married couples as well as one couple who were partners and one solo traveler. With the exception of one couple who sailed pretty evenly between Seabourn and Silversea the others mainly sailed on Seabourn and everyone agreed that on all of their previous sails they never bonded so well with a group of people as we had. Did that add to the enjoyment? You bet. Will every cruise have that? Probably not.

 

Do some people like Seabourn more? Yes. Do some like Silversea more? Yes. Do some like them evenly? Yes.

 

So what does that mean. It means that we have no idea what the original poster will prefer.

 

So, I come back to pick the itinerary that works best for you. If it is a toss up then study the ships that sail the itineraries you are most interested in and then read reviiew and posts and if follow that 80/20 rule. If 80% of the people say something is great or if around 80% of the people think something is poor then accept that as fact until you experience it for yourself. And from that pick out those things that are most important to you to help you make the final decision.

 

Just remember. We all see things differently. If we saw them in the same manner, there would be one cruise line, serving the same food, providing the same form of entertainment and enrichment and in many ways things would be somewhat boring.

 

And again, it's really OK to like multiple lines. Personally, I have found that certain lines and certain ships work better for some itineraries and others work better for other itineraries.

 

Just my two cents.

 

Keith

[Buccaneer_1]

In the end itineraries for us are as important as food, service and whether the butler was obvious or not. Our preference is for Seabourn but the other cruises we've done were chosen on better itineraries that fitted our ability to travel at the time.

 

We have 10 Seabourn's, 3 Silversea's and a Regent (when the Paul Gauguin was theirs) under our belts since 2003 so have seen some changes in both lines over the 9 years since we discovered cruising.

 

All cruises had some downsides but all had upsides that far outweighed those. While we loved the mini-Seabourn's we've now had a Quest trip and are booked again later this year so can compare better the Seabourn and Silversea experiences.

 

Being newer and having the benefit I'm sure of having looked over the silversea layputs particularly as regards verandahs and pool setups we prefer the newer Seabourns. If you like a more formal cruise though then the Italian experience of Silversea is preferable now that Seabourn seem to have downgraded that aspect of their agenda - I like dressing for dinner and abhor jeans on overweight older people as I've posted before. I like the layout of Silverseas' suites and bathrooms better.

 

Food can be variable on both and I can't agree at all with a poster who said that Seabourn fish cooking was better than Silversea - not our experience at all on out last two cruises with Seabourn in Asia and the Adriatic.

 

Long and short of it is that they are both great cruise lines and you should experience both, you can have bad experiences on both but not very many, I have a preference for Seabourn but if the Silversea itinerary and timing was better I wouldn't hesitate to go with them. We did the Gauguin because how else can you spend 2 weeks cruising around Polynesia.

 

Consider what you want out of the cruise other than the obvious. I doubt I'd choose a larger ship than the ones these groups operate as I've got used to the ambience of a relatively smaller ship, upper class cruising, all inclusive and no tipping requirement. I love that the mini- Seabourn's can get into places like Bangkok, Helsinki and elsewhere that other ships including their bigger sisters can't.

 

Pricing is a factor but not that great a one for us as both lines have reduced fares considerably in our time on board. That probably explains some of the less good experiences in itself as they make ends meet.

[wripro]

Currently one thing is SS's favor is the nice OBCs you get on most cruises.

[morneau]

We have sailed Silversea and Seabourn one time each, and for us Seabourn is the winner in all categories. Much depends upon the type of travel experience you prefer. We stayed in a Silver Suite on the Silver Spirit, and a Signature Suite on the Odyssey. We found the butler service on Silversea embarrassing and useless - he added a note of awkward formality to our experience and really made us uncomfortable. We would have been mortified by the experience Sananda had on NCL with their butler waiting outside the cabin to be summoned and following them around the ship with parasols and umbrellas, bringing them to the front of lines. My husband and I are low key people - we don't need fawning attention but prefer the youthful exuberance of the Seabourn staff....they seemed much more genuine. We also found the passenger mix on Seabourn to be a bit younger and friendlier, but that may have to do with the specific itinerary you choose. As for the food, in our opinion Seabourn was vastly superior in all respects. Seabourn Square, on the larger ships, was a huge plus for us as we were there almost three times a day!

[redheadednancy]

Hi Nancy, I recommend that you visit the Crystal board and ask any questions you like. Not to worry about photographers they are usually only around in the atrium during formal and informal evenings. Absolutely no pressure for pictures. As far as dining is concerned the MDR does have a designated area for those who do not like the fixed seating. Keep in mind Crystal has two excellent restaurants in addition to the MDR you will need a reservation for Prego and Silk Road and this is usually not a problem. On some evening you can opt for casual dining in the Lido Café.

 

Where we live in Palm Beach during season we need a reservation but off season we just walk in. I am sure you will love Crystal as much as you love Seabourn. We have not tried Seabourn but have heard very nice comments about them and want to give them a try.

 

We have tried both SS and Regent and they did not measure up to the six star service that Crystal provides. Again, please go over to the Crystal board where you will be well received.

 

I forgot to mention the Bistro is another light dining option.

Thanks. We definitely will try Crystal although not until after fall of 2013. We have many days on Seabourn booked but after that we are wide open and as I said, have really enjoyed the Crystal people I have met on Seabourn. They were not defectors, just trying different lines. However, one thing the Crystal people thought was better, just mentioning, was the service on Seabourn. Now this was on the little sisters, not on the big ships. One thing they missed was the varied entertainment on Crystal. You don't sail Seabourn for entertainment, but I have to be honest, we struggle to stay up past 10:00!!

 

However, I am in complete agreement, all lines we are talking about good. I just have a curiousity on Crystal. Was on the Harmony many years ago with my daughter and it was very nice, but that was before we found Seabourn.

[JaneBP]

My problem is that I started cruising with Seabourn and now have no wish to bother with SS. I did have a nice cruise on the Regent Voyager, the QM, and yes, the Carnival Legend which was fine for the itinerary, ease of Tampa, and price. But I could be tempted with a cruise from NY which is easy to access without a plane fight, er flight.

[Skeezics]

After being on the Pride and Legend, just booked the Odyssey for Dec. 2013. Excited, have wanted to cruise the "Big Sisters" Looking forward to Seabourn Square.

[sananda]

We found the butler service on Silversea embarrassing and useless - he added a note of awkward formality to our experience and really made us uncomfortable. We would have been mortified by the experience Sananda had on NCL with their butler waiting outside the cabin to be summoned and following them around the ship with parasols and umbrellas, bringing them to the front of lines. My husband and I are low key people - we don't need fawning attention but prefer the youthful exuberance of the Seabourn staff....they seemed much more genuine.

 

My father is of Indian ethnicity, I have traveled to India extensively visiting my relatives and therefore, I am accustomed to the presence of servants. However, I have lived my whole life in the U.S. where we are used to doing everything ourselves. So I would say that at first we were taken aback by the intrusiveness of the butler on NCL, but we learned to appreciate his efforts rather quickly. I don't know where he received his training, but it was perfect. He didn't come across as fawning, he just anticipated our needs and assisted us in a very cheerful and pleasant manner. In fact, he took care of needs that we didn't even realize we had. Considering the board we are on, I doubt if any of you will ever sail with NCL, but I mentioned this experience to demonstrate that butlers can be very helpful, unlike the one we had on SS. Since most of you are accustomed to the small ships of SS and SB, please imagine what a godsend he was taking us around the ship to avoid the crowds during a Christmas sailing on ship who's stated capacity is ~2400 at 2 per cabin but had most cabins occupied with 4+ due to the holiday.

 

While I would agree that the Seabourn staff is youthful, I found the majority to be woefully under-trained. There was a glaring decline in service from the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri staff to the ship staff. Neither compared to the refined service at the Hotel Arts in Barcelona. On our only cruise on the Sojourn the whole main dining room witnessed a fight between the staff. Screaming at the tops of their lungs, broken dishes and glassware, gave us all something to talk about for awhile.

[marchanxiety]

A fight in the MDR? Tell us more!

[wripro]

Anyone post that on youtube?

[lincslady]

Anyone post that on youtube?

 

 

Really need to know more about this - it sounds so unlikely. We have cruised Sojourn 3 times, and always had excellent service and certainly no problems between staff. Please enlighten us.

[Tillylovesseabourn]

Absolutely Lincs Lady, its so unprofessional, so NOT SB!!

[sananda]

I am afraid I don't have much more information about the argument that happened on the April 6th 2012 sailing of the Sojourn. We were having dinner with another couple and my back was to the incident. We were all laughing so much about a funny event that happened on shore, that I am afraid that our whole table missed the argument. It was not even clear to the four of us if the yelling began before or after the crash of dishes. By the time I clued in, a waitress was storming off towards the kitchen and a supervisor (not the maitre'D, but one of the other guys that stands around and escorts the ladies to the table) was herding a waiter in the other direction. Then everyone went on as if nothing happened as some staff cleaned up the mess. We asked our waiter what that was all about, but he wouldn't say.

[JaneBP]

What happens on seabourn, stays on seabourn?

[kiawahdon]

We have never had a problem with open dining since the MDR is never full. We check at lunch and we have a table for the evening and at times we just have walked in and have been seated. Never turned down.

[kiawahdon]

Having been on Crystal a number of times, including bringing the Symphony from Finland to NYC for its christening, I think I know the ships. First, the ships were NOT designed for open seat dining. Second, the stateroom size has not kept pace with the industry. Third, the dress code, while it may work now, will suck wind when the baby-boomers make their purchasing power known. Country club casual is the new norm--- face it.

The people who will be purchasing upscale cruises in the future, will not stand for Crystal's regimented style. Personally, I want to decide to eat when I want, with who I want and when I want, wearing country club casual smart clothing. I gave up the tie years ago!

[Keith1010]

Having been on Crystal a number of times, including bringing the Symphony from Finland to NYC for its christening, I think I know the ships. First, the ships were NOT designed for open seat dining. Second, the stateroom size has not kept pace with the industry. Third, the dress code, while it may work now, will suck wind when the baby-boomers make their purchasing power known. Country club casual is the new norm--- face it.

The people who will be purchasing upscale cruises in the future, will not stand for Crystal's regimented style. Personally, I want to decide to eat when I want, with who I want and when I want, wearing country club casual smart clothing. I gave up the tie years ago!

 

I'll repeat what I say often.

 

If we all had the same tastes then there would be one cruise line, one car to drive, one hotel brand, we'd all wear the same clothes and the world would be boring.

 

There are some who prefer one line and that's great. There are others who prefer a variety of lines and that's great too.

 

Just like Seabourn, Crystal has also evolved over time. Yes, there are some things that can't be changed due to the physical limitation of the ships (that applies to all cruise ships and lines) but there are other things that can be changed and just as Seabourn has made changes, Crystal has too. While they still have formal nights there are less than there used to be and there is now an alternative.

 

I happen to be one that likes variety.

 

At home, we don't go to the same restaurants all the time and some are dressy while others are not. And the variety also includes the foods that are offered.

 

It's great to prefer certain cruise lines(s) but one should recognize that others might prefer ones that one doesn't.

 

I don't trash any cruise line because most of them have sufficient passengers that enjoy them.

 

Just my two cents.

 

Keith

[kiawahdon]

I'll repeat what I say often.

 

If we all had the same tastes then there would be one cruise line, one car to drive, one hotel brand, we'd all wear the same clothes and the world would be boring.

 

There are some who prefer one line and that's great. There are others who prefer a variety of lines and that's great too.

 

Just like Seabourn, Crystal has also evolved over time. Yes, there are some things that can't be changed due to the physical limitation of the ships (that applies to all cruise ships and lines) but there are other things that can be changed and just as Seabourn has made changes, Crystal has too. While they still have formal nights there are less than there used to be and there is now an alternative.

 

I happen to be one that likes variety.

 

At home, we don't go to the same restaurants all the time and some are dressy while others are not. And the variety also includes the foods that are offered.

 

It's great to prefer certain cruise lines(s) but one should recognize that others might prefer ones that one doesn't.

 

I don't trash any cruise line because most of them have sufficient passengers that enjoy them.

 

Just my two cents.

 

Keith

 

I agree different strokes for different folks. But I would bet that the cruising demographics will dictate major changes for Crystal within the next 3 years. Otherwise they will provision a large number of body bags and go the way of HAL.

[Keith1010]

I agree different strokes for different folks. But I would bet that the cruising demographics will dictate major changes for Crystal within the next 3 years. Otherwise they will provision a large number of body bags and go the way of HAL.

 

They have been making quite a few change this year and much of it is focused on attracting first time Crystal Cruisers and that includes shorter duration cruises, more port intensive cruises, inclusive, night time Bistro offering another alternative for the evening, new entertainment, and other additional programs. In fact, I think it is fair to say that they have made more changes for 2012 than any other year in their history. Yes, they are definitely targeting other demographics.

 

Keith

[JaneBP]

One thing that is important to me is the Room Service Menu and its availability.Odd, I know, but I am a 'suite-body'.

[lincslady]

Completely agreee that if the pocket will stretch to it, one should try several cruise lines to find the one - or ones - that best 'fit' your lifestyle and personality. Obviously on this board most contributors are those who prefer small ships, and probably all-inclusive cruising. That said, there are several lines which fit the bill. I have my own personal preference, but have tried some others (Seadream, Silversea, Regent) and can see and understand that they are preferred by others. I would just add that it can take more than the first cruise to come to terms with the style of the line - as a newbie on Seabourn, though you are treated in a very friendly manner, you can feel that the old hands know the staff better - as they do - and feel slightly left out.