SS Mediterranean vibe

[tfred]

We are looking at Med cruises in 2022.  Options are SS, Seabourn and Crystal.  We have done mostly big boat cruising, exception is Oceania (and also Crystal River twice).  We like the feel of Crystal River - relaxed elegance, style of the ship, food, service.  Oceania was also good (food excellent), tho the style of the ship was that black and gold granite look which appears dated to us and doesnt represent a style that we would be comfortable with

 

SS has a few itins that we are looking at, but I will say that they pix of the ship look more formal than what we would like for a sunny Med cruise.  Seabourn looks to be at an equal experience level but at a relaxed formality.  That relaxed formality is what we enjoyed on Crystal River, although Crystal Ocean doesnt have the River look

 

Any thoughts of SS and Seabourn differences?  Is SS too formal at night?

[TLCOhio]

5 hours ago, tfred said:

We are looking at Med cruises in 2022.  Options are SS, Seabourn and Crystal.  We have done mostly big boat cruising, exception is Oceania (and also Crystal River twice).   Any thoughts of SS and Seabourn differences?  Is SS too formal at night?

 

Appreciate these good questions and your personal interests.  Our first cruise (Greek islands, Turkish coast) was with Seabourn in 2006.  Great experience!!  Next was with Crystal for Baltics and Russia in 2008.  Excellent, also!!  Have done six cruises with Silversea, two sailings with Oceania, etc., etc. There were good reasons for these repeat cruises, including about their super interesting itineraries.  

 

First, I would look at the financial depth, stability and ownership of Crystal.  There are very serious questions as related to controlling owner Genting Hong Kong.  Experienced. honest Travel Agents can share more details as to why this is a vital question of concern.  All of the "Big Three" cruise owners have long-term finance challenges and questions.  BUT, Crystal is in a far deeper "hole" as to its money vs. bankruptcy situation.  Be careful these days about deposits, advance payments, etc.!!

 

All of these upscale cruise lines can work out well and provide a nice experience.  Tell us more about your past experiences in these various Med areas and what type of "travel style" you seek and enjoy.  What have you loved most while in theses areas??  What do you most like to do and explore?  History?  Shopping?  Culture?  Nature?  Food?  Arts?  Architecture?  Music?  Wildlife?   Scenic countrysides?  Being more "aggressive" in doing more?  Or, more relaxed and laid-back?  Also, consider smartly what specific locations where you would start and complete your cruise.  Many, many important factors and strategies to consider!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 252,938 views.

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[Stumblefoot]

6 hours ago, tfred said:

Any thoughts of SS and Seabourn differences?  Is SS too formal at night?

Yes, completely different dress codes.  We enjoy the classy casual nature of SS during the day, and absolutely love the informal (jackets w/o ties) and formal (suit or tux w/ties) dress codes in the evening.

[dusababy]

I've always thought Silversea has it just right, as Stumblefoot so aptly described.  For myself, these days I hardly have an opportunity to really get "dressed up", which I thoroughly enjoy, and gentlemen -- would I kill you to put on a tux or suit a couple of times during a classy cruise?  🙂  

 

[dusababy]

Just now, dusababy said:

I've always thought Silversea has it just right, as Stumblefoot so aptly described.  For myself, these days I hardly have an opportunity to really get "dressed up", which I thoroughly enjoy, and gentlemen -- would I kill you to put on a tux or suit a couple of times during a classy cruise?  🙂  

 

Oops!  sp here -- didn't mean I would kill you, I meant to type "would IT kill you".....

[cruiseej]

10 hours ago, dusababy said:

would it kill you to put on a tux or suit a couple of times...

 

 

To me, it's completely an issue of luggage weight. We're always right up to the 50 pound luggage limit, so yes, adding a tux sometimes is a killer. 😉  (I always have at least one suit, but perhaps not multiple, depending on the temperature and duration of the trip.) 

[Fletcher]

Regent Seven Seas has an even more relaxed attitude to dress codes than Seabourn and Seabourn is more relaxed in the evenings than Silversea.  Personally, I wouldn't dream of taking a tie on any cruise, anywhere, and on my last Seabourn trip I didn't even bother with a jacket.  We travel as light as possible and getting lighter all the time.  On that Seabourn cruise my wife and I shared just the one check-on case which weighed about 22lbs.

Edited February 16, 2021 by Fletcher

[tfred]

Fo the cruise itself we like to explore historical sights with a knowledgable guide but without too much climbing.  Local food and fairs/food markets as we are foodies.  We also like a sea day or two.  As much we love exploring, sitting by the pool, listening to a speaker on board are good too.

 

We don't mind playing dress up, but my concern with any of the choices is  does that translate into a stuffy crowd.  Oceania had excellent food but at night there wasn't any real "energy" on board.  We aren't looking for a brass band but looking for something - active casino (although we aren't real gamblers), piano player or entertainment (Crystal River had an excellent one), good bar at night (Oceania no, Crystal River yes).  Some of the SS shipboard styling reminds me of Oceania - that's probably why I wonder about the onboard vibe.  

 

We like the look of SS - food, included excursions, ship is small enough to get to lesser used ports.  We can make our own fun but we don't want to be on a too formal cruise - I would reserve that experience for QM2

[Lois R]

Hi, I have never found SS "stuffy" at all.  I have never sailed the other lines, Seabourn, Oceania, etc.....

I jumped from Mass Market (Celebrity) to SS in 2017 and I have loved my cruises with them.

For evenings, on formal nights, I wear a dressy pair of black slacks with a pretty top and have always felt totally appropriate. Some jewelry and I am good to go!

 

As for your likes/dislikes, I find the food and service excellent and if you find someone

"stuffy", just move beyond them.........I have met some wonderful folks on my sailings and 

have never found them too formal. I have always found the vibe very welcoming!👍

[tfred]

also I agree with the Crystal financial concern.  They are the worst of the lot - 2 aging ocean, 3 river ships and an unfinished expedition ship.  The Crystal name is worth something so maybe it gets sold off

 

SS and Seabourn at least have the backing of larger corporations. 

[crusinbanjo]

30 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hi, I have never found SS "stuffy" at all.  I have never sailed the other lines, Seabourn, Oceania, etc.....

I jumped from Mass Market (Celebrity) to SS in 2017 and I have loved my cruises with them.

For evenings, on formal nights, I wear a dressy pair of black slacks with a pretty top and have always felt totally appropriate. Some jewelry and I am good to go!

 

As for your likes/dislikes, I find the food and service excellent and if you find someone

"stuffy", just move beyond them.........I have met some wonderful folks on my sailings and 

have never found them too formal. I have always found the vibe very welcoming!👍

Mrs Banjo and I have been bouncing from mass market, (small ships only), to SS, Seabourn and Regent since the late 1990’s.  A few things we always do; pack light, use the laundry service and I always have a suit where the jacket can be used separately.  If the cruise is 14 days or longer, I bring my tux along.  We have been on some upscale cruises that seemed stuffy, but that may because we were pretty young, as we get older we find it less so.......  could be us. Haha

 

we find the food on the premium lines always meet or exceeds expectations and on the mass market to be very good.   I would  go with whoever has the best IT for you!

[Observer]

6 hours ago, Fletcher said:

Regent Seven Seas has an even more relaxed attitude to dress codes than Seabourn and Seabourn is more relaxed in the evenings than Silversea.  Personally, I wouldn't dream of taking a tie on any cruise, anywhere, and on my last Seabourn trip I didn't even bother with a jacket.  We travel as light as possible and getting lighter all the time.  On that Seabourn cruise my wife and I shared just the one check-on case which weighed about 22lbs.

 

It is quite possible to enjoy a Silversea cruise without tie or jacket.  Dining outlets vary from ship to ship.  But La Terrazza always requires dress one level below that announced for the night: so if the evening requirement is informal, one can dress casually in La Terrazza.  On formal nights, LaTerrazza is informal (if one likes).  But on the fairly infrequent formal nights one can dine casually at The Grill/Hot Rocks and at Spaccanapoli on the Musified ships.  And of course there is also room service!  🙂

 

[nfcu]

21 hours ago, Observer said:

 

It is quite possible to enjoy a Silversea cruise without tie or jacket.  Dining outlets vary from ship to ship.  But La Terrazza always requires dress one level below that announced for the night: so if the evening requirement is informal, one can dress casually in La Terrazza.  On formal nights, LaTerrazza is informal (if one likes).  But on the fairly infrequent formal nights one can dine casually at The Grill/Hot Rocks and at Spaccanapoli on the Musified ships.  And of course there is also room service!  🙂

 

This is all true as far as dining is concerned.  However, if you wish to visit any of the indoor bars for a pre-dinner cocktail and socialization (the best part of a Silversea cruise), you will be asked to conform to the evening's dress code.

[TLCOhio]

23 hours ago, tfred said:

also I agree with the Crystal financial concern.  They are the worst of the lot - 2 aging ocean, 3 river ships and an unfinished expedition ship.  The Crystal name is worth something so maybe it gets sold off.  SS and Seabourn at least have the backing of larger corporations. 

 

Appreciate these various great comments and follow-ups.  Agree with Observer that are a variety of options to be "flexible" as to getting around and/or not needing to be "formal" on the dresser evenings.  During our six cruises with Silversea, things have worked well for us, including for doing La Terrazza on a formal night.  Many times, I have just had a dark blue sports coat and that worked well.  Much also depends on whether you are on a longer cruises versus just a shorter, seven-day cruise during a more casual summer period in the Med or Alaska.  Overall, our experience has been that Silversea attracts a friendly, savvy group of travelers who are not too stuffy, formal and/or "distant".  Good luck with your planning and research.  Don't be shy with any additional questions and info needs. 

 

Glad to see that you are aware of the Crystal financial issues.  Even for SS and seabourn with their bigger corporate owners, I would not want to have too much of MY MONEY tied up with them for too long under the current challenged, uncertain situation.  BUT, Crystal is in a serious, much higher level of risk given that their parent has been unable to borrow more cash and/or float more watered-down paper stock.  

 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 241,369 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

[les37b]

37 minutes ago, nfcu said:

This is all true as far as dining is concerned.  However, if you wish to visit any of the indoor bars for a pre-dinner cocktail and socialization (the best part of a Silversea cruise), you will be asked to conform to the evening's dress code.

 

Not sure that is true. I thought the dress code was applicable to restaurants and the indoor dress code after 6pm (ie no shorts etc) would be completely fine in the bars. I've certainly been in the bar after a meal without a Jacket on informal nights where I've also found things more relaxed. You may be right on the request / expectations, but personally I'd be very surprised if that was extended to the bars.

 

 

[Tothesunset]

I think it's fair to say that dress is less formal on Mediterranean cruises than on longer passages. On our med cruise in 2019 we even had passengers wearing shorts in the bar in the evening. The dress code proved flexible on that cruise. 

[les37b]

2 hours ago, Tothesunset said:

I think it's fair to say that dress is less formal on Mediterranean cruises than on longer passages. On our med cruise in 2019 we even had passengers wearing shorts in the bar in the evening. The dress code proved flexible on that cruise. 

 

Well hopefully the EU allows UK passport holders back into Europe, the Virus numbers diminish, the Vaccine programme facilitate all crew and passengers 2 doses in time...... And i will let you know if I can get into the Bar in May wearing shorts!

 

Ok ok..... I know...... I can dream!  😂

[tfred]

1 hour ago, les37b said:

 

Well hopefully the EU allows UK passport holders back into Europe, the Virus numbers diminish, the Vaccine programme facilitate all crew and passengers 2 doses in time...... And i will let you know if I can get into the Bar in May wearing shorts!

 

Ok ok..... I know...... I can dream!  😂

is there a dress code section on the SS website?

[Stumblefoot]

48 minutes ago, tfred said:

is there a dress code section on the SS website?

Yes there is.

[Stumblefoot]

4 hours ago, les37b said:

 

Not sure that is true. I thought the dress code was applicable to restaurants and the indoor dress code after 6pm (ie no shorts etc) would be completely fine in the bars.

Hey Les, I think what you and NFCU are referring to are two different time periods.  I know we’ve been asked to leave certain bars and venues prior to dinner when not dressed appropriately for the evening.  For example, jeans in the Observation or Panorama Lounge, let alone dress shorts in a bar.  No big deal as it was always done respectfully and let us know it was time to head to the suite to prepare for the evening.

[Randyk47]

I gone to the point where I needed to replace my tux four years ago.  With some reluctance I decided not to buy another tux but got a lighter weight solid black suit.  I wear that, French cuffed shirts, and a solid colored silk tie.  I find I can also use that for other informal nights with a change of tie so it gets more use than a tux might get.  I have never feel out of place on formal nights on Silversea.   Might add at my age I go to less hardcore formal events at home than in the past.     

Edited February 17, 2021 by Randyk47

[les37b]

14 hours ago, Stumblefoot said:

Hey Les, I think what you and NFCU are referring to are two different time periods.  I know we’ve been asked to leave certain bars and venues prior to dinner when not dressed appropriately for the evening.  For example, jeans in the Observation or Panorama Lounge, let alone dress shorts in a bar.  No big deal as it was always done respectfully and let us know it was time to head to the suite to prepare for the evening.

 

As have i after 6pm when in Panama in shorts having refreshments before returning to the room to get ready for dinner (After a hard day touring or catching rays by the pool..... or celebrate a Triv victory! lol)

 

And agree, its no big deal. I think the "after 6pm rule inside" is not the same as the "evening dress code".... which generally was the point being made. As I said.... not an argument.... I'm not entirely sure myself.

 

Having witnessed "Hawaiian shirtgate" on formal night in the MDR, there maybe another section that covers friends of the owner in the rules. (I expect this scenario is now assigned to history with the transfer of ownership.)

[les37b]

15 hours ago, tfred said:

is there a dress code section on the SS website?

 

The best I could find (though Im sure Ive seen it spelt out better elsewhere) is here under "packing your cruise luggage"

 

"On formal nights, guests may dine in La Terrazza and choose to dress informal; dresses or pantsuits for ladies, jackets for gentlemen (tie optional). This option also applies to Seishin and Stars on board Silver Spirit. Dining at The Grill is optional casual
all nights. Following dinner, all guests are free to take advantage of any or all public spaces, however, jacket is required. Sailings of 9 days or less typically feature 1 formal night, while longer voyages usually have 2-3 formal nights. Details will be provided in your final cruise documents, but the chart below provides a basic guideline to assist in packing the proper attire."

 

It also says "On 7 day sailings in the Baltic, Mediterranean and Alaska, formal night is always optional; guests may choose to dress informal, a jacket is required for gentlemen." Which covers the original question possibly.

 

The important part is highlighted as it does show on formal nights you can dress down and still use the bars...... (Even if in my example I'd said I had been in the bar minus a jacket - which broke those rules.... naughty me! lol)

 

First round on me.... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 18, 2021 by les37b

[tfred]

I eventually found the section on the SS site.  Kinda buried in there.  We will be spending a month in Europe built around this trip.  I would like to avoid bringing one-off clothing if I can.  I could probably ship it back home, but that gets expensive

 

I think the Cunard guidance is the best.  Pictures always help

 

https://www.cunard.com/en-us/the-cunard-experience/what-to-pack

[Fletcher]

Never sailed on Cunard, never will, everything I hear about this archaic mass-market line with those vast floating apartment blocks makes it sound ludicrously pretentious, sort of snob-central.  'Medals can be worn' and so on.  For Pete's Sake.  Silversea and Seabourn folk are a world away from that.