Panorama vs Verandah Suite on Pursuit/Venture

[commodoredave]

We received an offer yesterday for paid upgrades to better suites on our upcoming cruise on the Pursuit. While the highest level suites are still beyond our means, the upgrade cost to the Panomara Verandah Suite was reasonable. My question to those in the know is: Is the Panorama Suite worth about 20% more than a V2 suite? Thanks. 

[Khareef]

38 minutes ago, commodoredave said:

We received an offer yesterday for paid upgrades to better suites on our upcoming cruise on the Pursuit. While the highest level suites are still beyond our means, the upgrade cost to the Panomara Verandah Suite was reasonable. My question to those in the know is: Is the Panorama Suite worth about 20% more than a V2 suite? Thanks. 

It is a matter of taste I'd say. I personally don't like the design of the curved window, I don't fancy the bed looking at the window, I don't like the position close to the elevators and more to the front of the ship and if I am not mistaken the balcony seemed a bit smaller due to the curved window.

 

I personally would go for a V3 on Deck5 because that's mid ship (perfect for rough sea) and they are the closest suites to the colonnade, restaurant, zodiacs and the free laundry room.

 

But I mean, if you like the bit of the extra space and you don't mind the 20% more...go for it.

Edited September 15, 2023 by Khareef

[commodoredave]

I had some of the same concerns, but then I read two ship reviews from Conde Nast Traveler and Cruise Critic as per below. So, for those who have been in the Panorama Suite, do the benefits described below offset some of the potential negatives such as noise from the elevators, etc.?

“I stayed in a Panorama Veranda Suite, which I highly recommend. Such accommodations are worth the extra fee above standard suites and less expensive than other higher-end accommodations, such as Penthouse and Owners Suites. Expect a staggering floor-to-ceiling ocean view everywhere - from the bed, spacious living area, and even in the expansive bathroom. Imagine soaking in the tub and viewing penguins diving off ice floes. Floors are wood-like tile and can be heated throughout the suite, not just in the bathroom. Brew coffee from a high-end Nespresso machine, although, of course, you can order a pot or specialty cup of joe.”

https://www.cntraveler.com/ships/seabourn/seabourn-venture

“But the best rooms onboard are not those in highest category. For the money, the Panorama Veranda suites -- a category that is brand new to Seabourn -- is our favorite cabin that we’ve ever seen on an expedition ship, and well worth an upgrade. The star of these suites are full floor-to-ceiling windows that pop out from the ship, allowing wide-ranging views from not only the seating area, but your bed. These cabins are also the only ones that have a bathtub that abuts a full outside window, and they are the only ones with heated tile floors, as opposed to carpeting.”

https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruise/seabourn/seabourn-venture

[Mr Luxury]

1 hour ago, commodoredave said:

We received an offer yesterday for paid upgrades to better suites on our upcoming cruise on the Pursuit. While the highest level suites are still beyond our means, the upgrade cost to the Panomara Verandah Suite was reasonable. My question to those in the know is: Is the Panorama Suite worth about 20% more than a V2 suite? Thanks. 

Yes definitely.

I had 712 on Pursuit recently and it was fantastic.

The walk in wardrobe was a little tight and I would take a door wedge to keep it open as it shuts every time that you let the door go.

Great floor to ceiling curved window and sitting on the sofa gives you the best view.

[MightyQuinn]

We were recently on Venture in Greenland.  We received an upgrade offer from V3 to Panorama Veranda which was very tempting.  I tried to find reviews, but since this is a new category for SB, there wasn't much.  I found some pics of the suite and a few mentions here on CC, as well as some comments from influencers on other sites.  You found the same but it's not enough to go on.  So we decided to wait until we were on board and ask to see the suite before accepting the offer. 

Shortly after boarding, we arranged to see the suite.  It is truly stunning upon entry, with floor to ceiling wrap-around windows.  The bed faces the ocean and the whole effect is very bright and inviting.  However, the room is long and narrow so it felt cramped and not as well laid out as the more traditional SB veranda suite.  The walk-in closet seemed narrower than usual.  There is no separate writing desk so stuff you would usually do or keep there would need to be done on the main glass table.  The balcony is slightly smaller than usual and can be seen from the window in the bathroom.  On balance, we decided not to accept the upgrade and were very happy with our decision. 

As an aside, our V3 (deck 6) was around the corner from the Panorama Veranda suites, which jut out in the corridor kinda like the Wintergarten Suites.  I can assure you there is absolutely no noise from the elevators or the nearby stairwell.

[commodoredave]

Thank you both for your comments. I’m still undecided but leaning towards accepting the upgrade on the premise that we may never get the option of trying it again at a big discount.

[Mr Luxury]

2 minutes ago, commodoredave said:

Thank you both for your comments. I’m still undecided but leaning towards accepting the upgrade on the premise that we may never get the option of trying it again at a big discount.

Go for it.

Ask me any questions 

I booked the suite on purpose and it wasn't an upgrade.

I understand that Seabourn might be re categorising these suites to a PH pricing.

They have sixteen on each expedition ship.

Large shower,two sinks,cute bath with a window and a view.

Didn't use the bath except to put the discarded towels in.

Book it,you know it makes sense.

How much more is it.

[commodoredave]

1 hour ago, Mr Luxury said:

Go for it.

Ask me any questions 

I booked the suite on purpose and it wasn't an upgrade.

I understand that Seabourn might be re categorising these suites to a PH pricing.

They have sixteen on each expedition ship.

Large shower,two sinks,cute bath with a window and a view.

Didn't use the bath except to put the discarded towels in.

Book it,you know it makes sense.

How much more is it.

I'm in a V2 suite and the price to upgrade to Panorama for a 14 night cruise is US$2,099 per person for a total of $4,198, which given the original price for these suites is a good deal. In contrast, an upgrade to a VS is US$1,399 pp, and US$899 for an upgrade to V3 or V4. I don't see the value in paying that much more for the same suite in a different location.

[Mr Luxury]

6 minutes ago, commodoredave said:

I'm in a V2 suite and the price to upgrade to Panorama for a 14 night cruise is US$2,099 per person for a total of $4,198, which given the original price for these suites is a good deal. In contrast, an upgrade to a VS is US$1,399 pp, and US$899 for an upgrade to V3 or V4. I don't see the value in paying that much more for the same suite in a different location.

It's the Panorama or nothing I think

[commodoredave]

1 minute ago, Mr Luxury said:

It's the Panorama or nothing I think

Okay, DW has ordered me to book the Panorama! Thank you, Mr. Luxury (I think!).

I just hope that when I take my bath in front of the external window that I don’t frighten any wild life (never mind crew and fellow passengers)!

Questions to follow in due course.

[socrafty]

Thanks to all of you for your information and thoughts! We received the same upgrade offers yesterday and I had my eye on the panorama suite when we originally booked but the price was pretty steep I thought. I couldn't wait to take advantage of this offer so we booked the upgrade yesterday for our November 7 Antarctic cruise! It will be our first on Seabourn and we are so looking forward to it!

[Mr Luxury]

10 hours ago, socrafty said:

Thanks to all of you for your information and thoughts! We received the same upgrade offers yesterday and I had my eye on the panorama suite when we originally booked but the price was pretty steep I thought. I couldn't wait to take advantage of this offer so we booked the upgrade yesterday for our November 7 Antarctic cruise! It will be our first on Seabourn and we are so looking forward to it!

Well done,you will not be disappointed 

[commodoredave]

17 hours ago, Mr Luxury said:

Go for it.

Ask me any questions 

I booked the suite on purpose and it wasn't an upgrade.

I understand that Seabourn might be re categorising these suites to a PH pricing.

They have sixteen on each expedition ship.

Large shower,two sinks,cute bath with a window and a view.

Didn't use the bath except to put the discarded towels in.

Book it,you know it makes sense.

How much more is it.

A couple of questions as follows:

1. The deck plan indicates the balcony for a Panorama is smaller than a Verandah cabin, but the description of a Panorama shows it has more square feet of space. Which is correct?

2. Does the Panorama have the Nespresso coffee maker?

Many thanks. 

 

[Mr Luxury]

4 minutes ago, commodoredave said:

A couple of questions as follows:

1. The deck plan indicates the balcony for a Panorama is smaller than a Verandah cabin, but the description of a Panorama shows it has more square feet of space. Which is correct?

2. Does the Panorama have the Nespresso coffee maker?

Many thanks. 

 

I didn't see a standard veranda balcony but ours in 712 was fine.

Two chairs that recline,two footstools and a table.Plenty of room for two.

We did have a nespresso coffee machine which is on the top of an eight drawer cabinet.The TV is on a bracket above that and has a good amount if swivel so that you can watch from the bed or the sofa at the other end of the room.

The bath and window look out to sea but across the balcony.

The window has a blind.

Very nice large shower.The water pressure on the ship is very good and noticably stronger than on other ships.

Don't forget to take a door stop for the closet.

[Khareef]

19 hours ago, MightyQuinn said:

However, the room is long and narrow so it felt cramped and not as well laid out as the more traditional SB veranda suite.  The walk-in closet seemed narrower than usual.  There is no separate writing desk so stuff you would usually do or keep there would need to be done on the main glass table.  The balcony is slightly smaller than usual and can be seen from the window in the bathroom.  On balance, we decided not to accept the upgrade and were very happy with our decision. 

As an aside, our V3 (deck 6) was around the corner from the Panorama Veranda suites, which jut out in the corridor kinda like the Wintergarten Suites.  I can assure you there is absolutely no noise from the elevators or the nearby stairwell.

Yeah the way the space is laid out is the reason why I don't like it at all.

Good to know no noise, most people go to bed pretty early and there is no casino or nightlife so I guess that helps a lot.

 

But once again, it is just a personal preference.

[koalabear6314]

I’ve just noticed on our Venture expedition next year, Seabourn have suddenly recategorised the Panorama suites above penthouse ones and correspondingly raised the price by €5000. 
Is that a case of supply and demand ? 

[commodoredave]

2 hours ago, Mr Luxury said:

I didn't see a standard veranda balcony but ours in 712 was fine.

Two chairs that recline,two footstools and a table.Plenty of room for two.

We did have a nespresso coffee machine which is on the top of an eight drawer cabinet.The TV is on a bracket above that and has a good amount if swivel so that you can watch from the bed or the sofa at the other end of the room.

The bath and window look out to sea but across the balcony.

The window has a blind.

Very nice large shower.The water pressure on the ship is very good and noticably stronger than on other ships.

Don't forget to take a door stop for the closet.

Thanks for the answers and good advice. My wife drinks decaf coffee and we usually bring a few pods with us in case the local supply runs out. Does the Nespresso machine use the small, original pods? Thanks. 

[Khareef]

41 minutes ago, commodoredave said:

Thanks for the answers and good advice. My wife drinks decaf coffee and we usually bring a few pods with us in case the local supply runs out. Does the Nespresso machine use the small, original pods? Thanks. 

Just ask Seabourn, I am sure they will make sure you have plenty of decaf.

[Khareef]

22 hours ago, MightyQuinn said:

We were recently on Venture in Greenland.  

What dates? 

[commodoredave]

2 minutes ago, Khareef said:

Just ask Seabourn, I am sure they will make sure you have plenty of decaf.

It doesn't happen often, but yes they have run out of decaf. On our last Seabourn cruise -- 3 back to back voyages from Barbados to St. Maarten in 2022 -- they ran out the last few days. So now we bring a few extra decaf pods just in case.

[Khareef]

Just now, commodoredave said:

It doesn't happen often, but yes they have run out of decaf. On our last Seabourn cruise -- 3 back to back voyages from Barbados to St. Maarten in 2022 -- they ran out the last few days. So now we bring a few extra decaf pods just in case.

You really like to plan things in advance 🙂 I tried all sort of pods, but the original Nespresso ones are still my fav and they don't get stuck in the machine or break improperly.

[commodoredave]

6 minutes ago, Khareef said:

You really like to plan things in advance 🙂 I tried all sort of pods, but the original Nespresso ones are still my fav and they don't get stuck in the machine or break improperly.

As they say, a happy wife is a happy life!! 

We are used to different Nespresso pods. We spend winters in Barbados in 2 different villas - one uses the Virtuo pods which are very difficult to buy locally. The other uses Original pods which are readily available locally except for decaf. So each year we bring both!

Edited September 16, 2023 by commodoredave

[Mr Luxury]

56 minutes ago, commodoredave said:

Thanks for the answers and good advice. My wife drinks decaf coffee and we usually bring a few pods with us in case the local supply runs out. Does the Nespresso machine use the small, original pods? Thanks. 

No,the pods are the flatter round flying saucer type.

The coffee was good in Seabourn Square.

My wife used to go and collect and bring back to the suite at 07.30 every morning.

Early risers coffee available and room service.

[commodoredave]

3 minutes ago, Mr Luxury said:

No,the pods are the flatter round flying saucer type.

The coffee was good in Seabourn Square.

My wife used to go and collect and bring back to the suite at 07.30 every morning.

Early risers coffee available and room service.

Good to know -- I won't pack any pods as the saucer ones are not available for consumer use. They will likely have enough decaf. And I enjoy going to Seabourn Square for speciality coffees. Thanks.  

[Khareef]

7 minutes ago, Mr Luxury said:

No,the pods are the flatter round flying saucer type.

The coffee was good in Seabourn Square.

My wife used to go and collect and bring back to the suite at 07.30 every morning.

Early risers coffee available and room service.

I am usually there at 06.30 when they open 🙂 best time of the day to enjoy the bridge all for yourself