Want to Book Seabourn 2009 Advice?

[mycruz]

Hello all,

 

We are seriously looking at a 2009 cruise on Seabourn and would like some advice on ships and itineraires. We have cruised on mostly Princess also Carnival and Disney. We are late 40's and early 50's, live in the Central FL area so would prefer to sail out of FLL but we also don't mind flying. Would love to hear your impressions of the Seabourn ships, suites, the services offered and itineraries.

 

Thanks in advance,

[beaglecruiser]

Mycruz-

 

My wife and I have sailed Seabourn twice (booked a third for June) on European cruises. We also cruise Celebrity, Holland and have sailed Cunard (would not do again), Disney, RCC and Carnival. We love the extra service, great food, all inclusive prcing, low key entertainment and the magnificent suites. Book the cheapest cabin and you will love it. I would not pay the extra $ for a very small balcony as the stateroom windows are very large and you are a skip and a jump away from the deck. We like cabins 110 or 111 and I like being near the self serve laundry. If you want large production shows and energetic cruise directors who cater to the "party" crowd then Seabourn is not for you. We are in our late 40's and have been the youngest on the ship. You will meet people from all over the world and this is also one of the things I enjoy. The fares are a great value in the carribean so you may want to start close to home. Feel free to ask me any specifics.

[Keith1010]

The experience on Seabourn will be quite different for several reasons. The cruise lines you have sailed with Princess and Carnival are mass market lines and Disney is more of a theme type of cruise line. And the ships that you have sailed on are quite larger than those of the Seabourn fleet.

 

Seabourn is a luxury cruise line with high emphasis on food and service and providing the passenger with a very personalized level of service similar to what you would expect in a five star hotel and a five star restaurant. Each ship carries upwards to only 200 passengers. On board the ship in the evening the focus is enjoying wonderful conversations with fellow passengers over drinks and dinner. It is a very unique cruising experience. Many of the itineraries offer lots of ports and in some cases the ship will visit ports that the larger ones cannot possibly visit.

 

You really get to know your fellow passengers and crew on a Seabourn Cruise. It is a wonderful experience but quite different than the cruise lines you have sailed with. Very much like belonging to a realtively small country club.

 

The current schedule goes out to the middle of 2009. This is for the Seabourn Pride, Legend and Spirit.

 

A new Seabourn Ship is being inaugurated in mid-2009 (Seabourn Odyssey) and will carry up to approximately 450 passengers. It schedules are also available and it goes out beyond the end of 2009 as it also shows a world cruise for 2010.

 

In a few months schedules for the other ships should be available for the second half of 2009 and first half of 2010.

 

Keith

[mycruz]

Thanks for the quick response Beagle. Your advice on not needing a balcony, what about if one wanted to enjoy a cigar and a drink? is there someplace where cigar smoking is allowed on deck that is quiet? We are really partial to having our own balcony, thinking we may need one since we use it so much, what do you think?

[JaneBP]

I think you will find lots of information by searching this site and just perusing past threads. Another place to check for photos is Captain Gier-Arne's website, but alas, he hasn't posted in almost a month. (much to my dismay).

http://www.captain-ga.com

 

I can't comment on the cigar situation, but it's been discussed. Try checking the term.

 

On Seabourn, I have never felt the need for a private balcony, on Carnival and the QM2, definitely.

 

Jane

[beaglecruiser]

The problem with the balconies on all but the brand new ship is the balcony is about a foot or two wide and really is only good for letting in sea air. The large suites do have full balconies but are very expensive. You can smoke on deck or I believe in the casino and a few other places. If $$ is no object spring for the balcony but for me I would rather spend it on another cruise. We echo Janes comment and always get a balcony on other lines but do not feel the need on Seabourn.

[Keith1010]

We never miss not having a balcony on the Seabourn ship. I guess because when you leave your suite in a matter of a minute you can literally be out in the open deck and you can easily find a quiet spot. Keep in mind these are small ships (they refer to them as yachts) so the entire atmosphere is quite different than the mass market lines.

 

Keith

[mycruz]

This is all some really good feedback. We generally sail for the relaxation rarely attending shows and occasionally spend some time in the casino. Seabourn sounds like something that will meet our needs since we don't need all the extras on the larger ships, just nice relaxing atmosphere with good food and great service. I really like the all inclusive approach including shore excursions. Looks like when you add up everything that is added with most cruise lines(gratuities, exursions, drinks, etc), the additional service and the quality of food it really seems like a better value.

[wripro]

Remember that each cruise only has one included excursion called a Seabourn Experience. Other excursions are not included. Still, everything else is!

[burlingameCA]

If Keith's excellent analysis peaks your interest in Seabourn, then you are ideally located in FLA for a great introductory Seabourn cruise in 2009. They offer many 7 day Fall cruises in the Caribbean, even RT from FLL These cruises are significantly discounted to entice cruisers to sample a great cruise line; because it's of short duration the tarrif is easier to swallow.

 

You will be delighted with any suite on the Seabourn ships, whether or not it has a french balcony. On a short Caribbean cruise in the fall you are in port from daybreak until sunset; during the day you are on the deck, on land or in the water. The ships usually are under sail only in darkness. I love having a balcony when I'm on a cruise that sails during daylight so I can peacefully watch magnificent scenery from my own room. On the fall 7 day Caribbean cruises there is little or no scenery watching from your mini balcony. The Seabourn non-balcony rooms have large windows with surprisingly comfortable window seats, and you will save a considerable premium by choosing a standard suite.

 

From any suite on the ship you can be on deck in 2 minutes. If you want to smoke in the open air there are many quiet places to go; there just aren't many passengers aboard. :)

 

Christine

 

30 days until I board the Pride for Patagonia :D

[LaPaloma]

Thanks for the quick response Beagle. Your advice on not needing a balcony, what about if one wanted to enjoy a cigar and a drink? is there someplace where cigar smoking is allowed on deck that is quiet? We are really partial to having our own balcony, thinking we may need one since we use it so much, what do you think?

Skybar area is the best spot to enjoy a cigar--it gets busy at times, but most of the time you can find a nice quiet private spot! Evenings after dinner most of the cigar smokers find there way there! Don