LaChampagne

[BILLP1]

We would like to try this restaurant while on our Whisper Cruise but would mostly be interested in the Nort American Delights menu. My question is, how can we find out before our cruise which menu will be served on a particular night during our cruise at LaChampagne?

[duct tape]

You probably won't find out about the schedule until you board. It will be listed in the Chronicle, the daily ship newspaper. For the American menu, you better be hungry! Lots of food!

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Bill, u might try an email to informationdesk@silversea.com and asking...however, believe your best bet is: on boarding is to go to Le Champagne and ask to see the Maitre D who will have the LC menu's by day and make the rsvn accordingly. Also, in case u do not know and if u want the wine pairing vs the $30 pp fee, you can get Le Champagne for $150 pp by booking as a gift via bon voyage gift (via the website).

[conchyjoe]

Le Champagne normally has a listing of their theme menu's for the voyage, posted on a board outside the restaurant.

[BILLP1]

Thanks for the information. We will give it a try...

[dtm]

If my wife and I go to Le Champagne, can she do the $ 30 version while I do the $ 150 (or $ 200) wine by the glass meal, or does everyone at the table have to choose the same option? My wife is not much of a wine drinker, and not red wine at all.

Thanks!

Dan

[dougburns]

Dan; Yes you can. My bride doesn't drink alcohol, so that's what we did. Your butler can get you the full menu for each night when you board. Just ask him/her.

[TLCOhio]

We would like to try this restaurant while on our Whisper Cruise but would mostly be interested in the Nort American Delights menu. My question is, how can we find out before our cruise which menu will be served on a particular night during our cruise at LaChampagne?

On July 12 while cruising the Silver Cloud, here are some pictures from our dinner at Le Champagne. The pictures tell so much of the great, fun story. As noted, there are different dining options that are rotated and staged on varied evenings during the course of your cruise. There are five varied menu options they offer, two from areas of France, one from Italy, one from Spain and one from America with wines paired for each different course on that specialized menu for each evening. Depending your cruise length and the mix of people on board, you can pick which menu is best for your interests and schedule accordingly.

There were so many wonderful courses, that it takes two posts to show fully the range of what we enjoyed. Below are just six of the pictures of what we enjoyed. From my more detailed posts noted below with this link, you can see many more details on this and many other great dining delights with Silversea. Then, there are after-dinner drinks offered in this room, plus other courses during the dinner. Can post more visuals, if that's of interest. You get the idea that things are very nice, very creative. You don't go hungry or suffer from slow service in this room.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 19,500 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923


Here’s an overview of the setting for the Le Champagne dinner. It is a roomy setting for a small group of only sixteen people this evening. There are five different menu options, two from France, one from Italy, one from Spain and one from America with wines paired for each different course. For this evening, our theme was “Best of Burgundy”.:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/LeChampRoomOverview.jpg


The first course has these various bite-sized “Tastes of Burgundy” as a “light”, opening sampler. The cone-shape items were a fois gras blend where each at our table got one of these treats.:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/LeChampOpeningDish.jpg


This was the second course featuring, what else, Burgundy snails with herb butter and tomato fondue.:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/LeChampSnailsCheese.jpg


This was the main course of whole roasted chicken with crayfish with a Pinot Noir wine.:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/LeChampMainChickenDish.jpg


Here is Le Champagne Chef Randy Acenas and Maitre D’ Adian Matei visiting our table near the end of our dining in this special room.:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/LeChampChefVisit.jpg


Here is the spectacular dessert, called Chocolate Eiffel Tower. One person at our table, not me, as they say . . . “ate the WHOLE THING!”. Very rich and great looking.:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/LeChampChocDessert.jpg

[sfvoyage]

If one opts out of the wine pairing, is the regular free wine selection (and cocktails) still available in this restaurant?

[dougburns]

No, the normal dinner wines are not avialable in Le Champagne. However, you can buy a particular bottle of wine from the Le Champagne stock. If you opt for just the $30 version you just get a glass of champagne before dinner and that's it.

[meow!]

When we were in Le Champagne on the Shadow in December 2007, the charge was $30 per person and we were supposed to buy a bottle of wine. The choices ranged from $37 to $1,500. We chose a $60 bottle, which was good enough. After dinner, they delivered this "certificate" (the menu of the night) to our cabin for suvenir, a nice touch and we still keep it.

[TLCOhio]

No, the normal dinner wines are not avialable in Le Champagne. However, you can buy a particular bottle of wine from the Le Champagne stock. If you opt for just the $30 version you just get a glass of champagne before dinner and that's it.

100% correct as detailed by dougburns. To paraphrase the famed wording . . . "Two roads diverged and I took the road . . . ." You'll get the opening Champagne provided, but then you will have to had made a choice on either doing the dinner with wine (and the higher cost) or no wine (and lower cost). Road One (with wine) or Road Two (without the specialized wines).

The wines are well chosen and matched to the food being served with each course. Although our menu that night for us was “Best of Burgundy”, all of the wines were not French. There was a very nice Pinot Noir from Oregon that was matched for us with our main course.

Nobody departed that evening feeling empty or hungry. Right?

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 19,500 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923


After the main course, there was this “cheese course” of a Burgundy cheese brioche with fresh grape coulis.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/LeChampCheeseDish.jpg


Then, there was this little extra light delight in this nicely-style glass provided before the grand finish of the spectacular dessert.:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/LeChampSpecialAdded.jpg


After dessert, if you wanted some fruit with an after-dinner drink in this Le Champagne room, here is this option being offered. But, who had room after such a meal with so many difference courses.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/CloudChampgAfterDinnerFruits.jpg


If you wanted an after-dinner drink in this Le Champagne room, here is a sample of the selections. What’s missing?:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/LeChampLiquor.jpg

[scandun]

Thanks Wes and Terry and everybody for your good info. I have reserved a dinner as a bon voyage gift at usd 150.- and they charged to my credit card immediately, and I was told I cannot use the shipboard credit for this fee. It has to be prepaid. If I want to use shipboard credit to cover this fee, it will be usd 200 and I will have to do the booking onboard. My questions are, are the wines offered in LC better than those free wines in other restaurants, and if for instance after 2 or 3 glasses I cannot take more alcohol, can I ask the rest to be poured at my later meals in other restaurants ?

[meow!]

... can I ask the rest to be poured at my later meals in other restaurants ?Sorry, no way, unless it is a bottle you purchased!

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Scandun, one's Palate defintely becomes fatigued after 2-3 glasses of LC exquisitewin e (e.g., Opus One, Caymus, Gaja)...however, it is worth trying the full degustation menu with wine pairing at least once. However, next time we dine in LC we will do the $30 pp option an order one red and one white from the connissieur wine list.

[ging466]

Scandun, one's Palate defintely becomes fatigued after 2-3 glasses of LC exquisitewin e (e.g., Opus One, Caymus, Gaja)...however, it is worth trying the full degustation menu with wine pairing at least once. However, next time we dine in LC we will do the $30 pp option an order one red and one white from the connissieur wine list.

Hi Wes
I'm a bit confused about this. I don't drink wine at all, so can I pay the $30 option and have water or soft drink with my meal?

Cheers
Jennifer

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Absolutely, how about Perrier? No requirement to purchase wine...we will get a red and a white to go with the variety of menu choices. Btw, Jennifer have a wonderful crossing...so many of us maiden crossers can feel your excitement as your embarkation nears.

[duct tape]

I agree with the Colonel, Jennifer, absolutley!!

[ging466]

Absolutely, how about Perrier? No requirement to purchase wine...we will get a red and a white to go with the variety of menu choices. Btw, Jennifer have a wonderful crossing...so many of us maiden crossers can feel your excitement as your embarkation nears.

Thankx Wes...yes I'm very excited....2 weeks till I leave Sydney!

Cheers
Jennifer

[CruisinGerman]

We were on the Spirit June 5-12 and given a free dinner for two Le Champagne plus a $100 credit towards the purchase of wine. We were celebrating an occasion that week so we purchased a premium bottle of champagne with that credit.

For those of you who say you don't have to purchase wine, or you can order a soft drink, Perrier, etc., under the same premise of thinking, why can't you pay the $30 for the dinner and simply order a bottle of French or any other type of wine from the free menu? Seems they're going down a slippery slope on this one. Technically speaking, if there is no requirement to purchase a premium wine in that dining room with dinner, and you are on an all-inclusive cruise ship, there should be no problem in paying for the dinner but ordering a bottle of one of the free wines.

Kind regards,

Gunther and Uta

[dougburns]

Sorry, Gunther and Uta, it is what it is. Le Champagne is the way it is and it has always been that way. If you like wine, but don't want too much do as Wes suggested. I have done the full wine pairing and enjoyed it as a one time experience, but I wouldn't do it again, since I'm not big on wine. The dinner itself is a nice experience. My bride doesn't drink, so I would not order a bottle of wine from the premium stock. Too much for me. Same goes for Sieshin. I would not do the sake pairing. Unlike Le Champagne, I don't think they should charge for Sieshin, even though it's a nice dining experience. I think the reason they charge for both of these restaurants is that they're small and they want to keep the traffic to a manageable level, given the food prep required.

[TLCOhio]

Sorry, Gunther and Uta, it is what it is. Le Champagne is the way it is and it has always been that way. If you like wine, but don't want too much do as Wes suggested. I have done the full wine pairing and enjoyed it as a one time experience, but I wouldn't do it again, since I'm not big on wine. The dinner itself is a nice experience. My bride doesn't drink, so I would not order a bottle of wine from the premium stock. Too much for me. Same goes for Sieshin. I would not do the sake pairing. Unlike Le Champagne, I don't think they should charge for Sieshin, even though it's a nice dining experience. I think the reason they charge for both of these restaurants is that they're small and they want to keep the traffic to a manageable level, given the food prep required.

Excellent summary by Doug. It's a nice, special touch to dine here. The food prep and service are outstanding because its size is kept very focused and manageable. You can look through the five different menus on the ship and see which offering best fits your needs and interests. On a 15-day cruise, that dinner was a nice "change of pace" and "treat" for us to be able to experience.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 19,900 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[wripro]

Doug,

I agree completely that there should be no charge for Seishin. If the space is too small to handle guests on an all inclusive ship it shouldn't be on there.

Even at Le Champagne imo the meal should be free and if someone wants the wine pairing, charge for that. Again, if it's too small to allow all guests to use it then don't have it. After all, La Terrazza only allows a small amount of passengers per night and it doesn't charge. Either a line is all inclusive or it isn't.

[DebbieH103]

I would like for Seishin to go to a la carte and not a set menu. Yes, you can chat with the manager, etc. and she is even kind to allow a sake taste or two. However, I'd like a fully cooked meal with nothing raw without begging and just a couple of sakes and not the whole experience they are doing. There is no way Todd would go there with the current setup. I am not going to abandon him at dinner and go on my own.

[dougburns]

Debbie; They will cook all of the food for you in Seishin if you prefer.

[Atomica]

Debbie; They will cook all of the food for you in Seishin if you prefer.

That's great to know. Like Debbie, my fiancee won't touch it if it's not cooked. It's nice to know we might both be able to enjoy Seishin now.

[Travelcat2]

I would like for Seishin to go to a la carte and not a set menu. Yes, you can chat with the manager, etc. and she is even kind to allow a sake taste or two. However, I'd like a fully cooked meal with nothing raw without begging and just a couple of sakes and not the whole experience they are doing. There is no way Todd would go there with the current setup. I am not going to abandon him at dinner and go on my own.

Debbie, we are going on our very first SS cruise next month (on the Silver Spirit). I am really hoping that you will be posting so that we can get some questions answered. Trying a cruise other than Regent is quite a leap of faith for us. Do you plan on posting from the Spirit? We also have a Whisper cruise booked for May. . . . have you sailed on the Whisper? I have confidence that you will post honestly and look forward to your input.

Thanks a bunch!

[lord of the seas]

Doug,

I agree completely that there should be no charge for Seishin. If the space is too small to handle guests on an all inclusive ship it shouldn't be on there.

Even at Le Champagne imo the meal should be free and if someone wants the wine pairing, charge for that. Again, if it's too small to allow all guests to use it then don't have it. After all, La Terrazza only allows a small amount of passengers per night and it doesn't charge. Either a line is all inclusive or it isn't.

Henry,I couldn't agree more.
Luxury lines should not charge extra for any dining venue,they should incorporate it in the cruise charge.

[MARIANH]

Henry,I couldn't agree more.
Luxury lines should not charge extra for any dining venue,they should incorporate it in the cruise charge.

Thats why for example Cunard Queens Grill dining is so pleasant and attracts mostly discerning, mature passengers who expect the best. There is no " cover" charge" and they have a good wine list ( admittedly you pay for the wine; but by restaurent standards it is good value).

[CruisinGerman]

Dear friends:

We made the mistake of sailing in the Grand Suite (most expensive suite) on Queen Victoria during her maiden season in the Med.

Air conditioning didn't work, jacuzzi tub didn't work, private balcony was varnished (floor and railings) so you couldn't use it all week. Housekeeping never vacuumed the suite in 12 days, etc. and you saw cleaning carts cluttering up the hallways 24 hours per day.

Service in general, was terrible.

Personally, we didn't think Queen's Grill was anything special at all. Didn't seem any better (service or otherwise) than a Chops Grille specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean. I will take a Silversea main restaurant (400 seats) any day over the smaller, Queen's Grill.

Queen's Grill was okay, at most, but outside the Queen's Grill, the rest of the ship was a Carnival ship, and it showed.

I also agree that the Silversea "specialty" restaurants should be no charge (and in Le Champagne you can decide if you want a premium wine or wine pairing).

We were given both Seishin and Le Champagne as part of our American Express benefits (the benefit in Le Champagne was quite generous -- dinner plus a $100 wine credit). However, I don't think they were really extra special so as to warrant an additional charge.

The wine pairing charge being a separate matter, I was always led to believe that the mass market cruise lines charge for their specialty restaurants because what you are actually paying are the gratuities and costs of setting up the specialty restaurant as opposed to the main dining room, and you are not really paying for the food.

However, if Silversea is already an all-inclusive (including gratuities) cruise line, where is the logic for charging for these two restaurants?

Kind regards,

Gunther and Uta

[lord of the seas]

Thats why for example Cunard Queens Grill dining is so pleasant and attracts mostly discerning, mature passengers who expect the best. There is no " cover" charge" and they have a good wine list ( admittedly you pay for the wine; but by restaurent standards it is good value).

Yes,as a past regular of Cunard I agree,the problems start when you venture out and away from the luxury part of the ship into the mass market non luxury part of the ship.

[wripro]

I have done two crossings on the QM2 and personally, I thought the food and service in the QG was excellent. However, I was appalled by the rest of the ship, especially King's Court which resembled a high school cafeteria with people carrying their trays around searching for an empty seat.

[MARIANH]

I have done two crossings on the QM2 and personally, I thought the food and service in the QG was excellent. However, I was appalled by the rest of the ship, especially King's Court which resembled a high school cafeteria with people carrying their trays around searching for an empty seat.

But if you were in Queens Grille there was no reason to use Kings Court nor even to visit and observe the cafeteria in action. You could ( should?) have stayed in and enjoyed the excellent food , service and great surroundings you were privileged to as a Grille passenger. So why the beef?

[TLCOhio]

However, if Silversea is already an all-inclusive (including gratuities) cruise line, where is the logic for charging for these two restaurants? Gunther and Uta

La Champagne, as I understand, is designed to be a very specialized, limited-focus type of dining experience. If it was open all of the time at no extra cost, you would have unhappy people in that they couldn't get in and/or that it was too crowded and less in quality/service. This is offered as an added, extra for those who find that of interest or need.

At dinner in the main dining room, the wine is served at no extra cost. BUT, if you want some specialized selections that are of a high, high quality level, those are available at an added cost. Those are called the Connoisseur's Wine List and most run in a cost range from $55 to $220 a bottle. A good selection of Scotches are provide on the ship, but if you have a very, very high-end need or interest, that might be a little extra in charge. We were happy with the complimentary wine selections. If you had "extra" money, they were happy to help you be given "relief" from that burden.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 19,900 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[CruisinGerman]

After our horrendous experience, the "excellent food, service, surroundings" of the Queen's Grill is certainly a matter of subjective opinion.

Cunard obviously realized something was wrong on our cruise -- they ended up refunding more than 50%.

Kind regards,

Gunther and Uta

[DebbieH103]

Doug, I know they will cook but if you do not like half the menu, you have to meet ahead and order something specific, etc. I just would like an a la carte menu and the bento boxes that they are still advertising. I know they do them when they have a group.

Jackie, some of my Whisper reviews should be here or on my luxurycruiseandland blog. We have been on Whisper 4 times at least. We got back on her in March.

I always post live. Will do my best this time. It's port insensive, and funds are tighter. We spent $1000 on internet last time.

[coverpoint]

It is very interesting to read opinions on La Champagne (and Silversea restaurants in general) and views on Cunard Grills. We have just returned from a 7-day Silver Spirit cruise and have previously sailed with Cunard. We did not use the speciality restaurants on Spirit as we think a fully inclusive ship should have no extra charges for food. The Grill restaurant on Queen Victoria was, in our opinion, better than the main Spirit dining room, which we found rather soulless and rather too dark. Highly subjective, I know!

I intend to write a review asap

[TLCOhio]

It is very interesting to read opinions on La Champagne (and Silversea restaurants in general) and views on Cunard Grills. We have just returned from a 7-day Silver Spirit cruise and have previously sailed with Cunard. We did not use the speciality restaurants on Spirit as we think a fully inclusive ship should have no extra charges for food. The Grill restaurant on Queen Victoria was, in our opinion, better than the main Spirit dining room, which we found rather soulless and rather too dark. Highly subjective, I know! I intend to write a review asap

We were very, very happy with the variety, quality and service from our experiences in the main dining room on the Silver Cloud in early July. In fact, we loved it. Things all worked well. Even on a 15-day cruise, we didn't feel it was the same thing, over and over. It also helps in traveling with our friends/neighbors from Columbus, plus meeting and connecting with many others on the ship. It all worked very well. Below are a couple more visual samples of the dining delights on the ship. Don't worry, these pictures have no calories. Just fun for the brain and eyes!

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 19,900 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923


For our final dining the main dining room, here is that visual report. First, is the salmon trilogy sampler with a tartare, salmon-crab roulade and salmon rilletts. There were also appetizer options this night for goat cheese and cherry tomato tian and veal sweetbreads with crayfish sauce.:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/CloudDinner1stCourse.jpg


Second, is this pasta . . . cannelloni with a herb and Parmesan filling, plus purple artichokes. There were also “intermezzo” options this night for crumbled blue cheese salad or dumpling soup with black rye bird dumplings and soured cabbage and caraway. :

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/CloudDinner2ndCourse.jpg


For our final dining main course, after the strawberry sorbet serving, I had in the main dining room, this Angus beef that was called “Entrecote Rossini”. It was served with fois gras, a crispy potato galette and truffled jus. There were also main course options of sautéed sea scallop and shrimps, slow-cooked pigeon “Souvaroff” or summer lasagna without meat in it. There would be a Relais & Chateaux chef-suggested way to pick a selection for these three courses based on their “collection” of menu items for Silversea. Wellness and vegetarian options were noted on the menu. You could do menu special orders with a day’s advance notice to the kitchen. We did this as a group with a special Thai dinner that evening. If you had special diet needs, the kitchen should be advised in advance and they adjust well.:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/CloudDinnerMainCourse.jpg

[sfvoyage]

La Champagne, as I understand, is designed to be a very specialized, limited-focus type of dining experience. If it was open all of the time at no extra cost, you would have unhappy people in that they couldn't get in and/or that it was too crowded and less in quality/service. This is offered as an added, extra for those who find that of interest or need.

For comparison, Restaurant 2 on Seabourn is also a specialized tasting menu restaurant (however, the one time I dined there, I was not impressed by the menu), and it has no surcharge but requires reservation. There does not seem to be any problem with disappointment or booking difficulty, as the menu remains the same for one week at a time, and thus most passengers only book it once during that duration, and others skip it altogether.

At dinner in the main dining room, the wine is served at no extra cost. BUT, if you want some specialized selections that are of a high, high quality level, those are available at an added cost. Those are called the Connoisseur's Wine List and most run in a cost range from $55 to $220 a bottle.

That is exactly the point: why can't La Champagne offer the choice of the normal complimentary wine selection vs. a premium selection for purchase?

[wripro]

For the same reason they are charging for Seishin. To make money.

[sfvoyage]

For the same reason they are charging for Seishin. To make money.

Sure, that's obvious! However, that is also an unfortunate money-making move for an all-inclusive cruise line. Why force your customers to pay an exorbitant amount (i.e. $200-30=170) for wine pairing (or buy a bottle) or get no wine at all?

For comparison, Masa's in San Francisco charges $59 for wine pairing of 4 courses or $89 for 7 courses. Gary Danko charges $67 for wine pairing of 5 courses.

[kathy16]

One should at least have the option to choose the"free wine of the day" included in the "all-inclusive fare" or choose to select an optional "deluxe" wine at an additional charge. That's why we travel on the "inclusive" cruise lines- don't want to bother with slips for alcohol purchase.

[wripro]

I agree completely. Charging for any restaurant on an all inclusive line goes against the nature of the claim "all inclusive."

[TLCOhio]

I agree completely. Charging for any restaurant on an all inclusive line goes against the nature of the claim "all inclusive."

I understand the term "all inclusive", but we had an extra cost to get from our hotel to the ship, from the ship to the airport. Ship tours have inflated prices. There are costs for having laundry done. They can include more and more as "all inclusive", but we all pay for it one way or another. One person in our group did not drink alcohol. Should he have a lower price or discount? It's one of those things where you know upfront what is their policy or way of doing things. We did the speciality dining on Seabourn and it was nice without added costs. Crystal has a wine-paired "special" dinner than includes extra costs. What's the Italian for "what will be, will be"?

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 19,900 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[lord of the seas]

K Sir Ahhhhhhhhhhh

[newlondon]

Lord, Great but you left out the second sir ahhhh:D

[lord of the seas]

Lord, Great but you left out the second sir ahhhh:D

Whatever.:rolleyes:

[wripro]

Terry,

Ships tours and transfers are off the ship, not on, where the all inclusive designation is applied. Laundry has never been included except as a perk (on SS after 100 days i.e.)
Food, however, has always been considered part of the all inclusive package, no matter where it is consumed.

[DebbieH103]

The main reason they charge for Seishin is the size of the venue. I'd rather see a lunch bento box situation and an a la carte menu at night with the understanding that you may not get in on any particular cruise (first come first serve). Silversea really wants to make sure all guests get into the included venues, such as STARS, La Terazza, pool grill, etc. and then those where they may not, they put on a charge.

[Scotspea]

:rolleyes: I honestly did not know that these restaurants were mandatory! I must now join the fuss about paying for something I didn't want and don't even have to pay for!

[TLCOhio]

Terry, Ships tours and transfers are off the ship, not on, where the all inclusive designation is applied. Laundry has never been included except as a perk (on SS after 100 days i.e.) Food, however, has always been considered part of the all inclusive package, no matter where it is consumed.

You are right and correct, technically. It is just that things get a little confusing as some luxury cruise lines are "including" shore excursions and big on-board credits that can be used off-shore as a part of their "free" extras. Of course, nothing is "free". These extras are part of the price you pay, directly and indirectly. Lots of marketing hype and confusion with all of them. My view of "reality" is that if some of these small, specialized dining environments were included for all for "free", then demand would exceed space available and quality could not be maintained.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 21,000 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[wripro]

If a restaurant like Seishin is too small to accommodate all guests without charging they should eliminate it.

Restaurant 2 on Seabourn is small too and accommodates only 48 people yet there is no extra charge. Likewise Signatures and Prime 7 on Regent. Only SS has this charge.

[DebbieH103]

Well, I like Signatures and Prime 7 for once a cruise, and I agree they should have put in another venue that wasn't an additional cost. They did add the hot rocks, and some guests are enjoying that. I was surprised before the ship started sailing how much space the chef's area took up at Seishin vs. the number of seats.

[wripro]

Hot Rocks is like the Patio Grill with a twist. There should be NO extra charge for ANY restaurant on an all inclusive ship, which the Silversea ships are clearly not. Or at least change your marketing to "Somewhat inclusive."

[Travelcat2]

Our itinerary next month, plus at least 25 others in the near future have $500 OBC per suite. How do you feel it will affect the experience in Le Champagne?

[Rally]

:rolleyes: I honestly did not know that these restaurants were mandatory! I must now join the fuss about paying for something I didn't want and don't even have to pay for!

Where did you get the idea that "these restaurants were mandatory!" ? They are not.

[Scotspea]

Honestly? Well I never!:rolleyes:

[wripro]

Hopefully, the OBC will not affect the experience in Le Champagne at all. I suspect most people will apply it to shore excursions.

[Rally]

Our itinerary next month, plus at least 25 others in the near future have $500 OBC per suite. How do you feel it will affect the experience in Le Champagne?

I don't see why that would affect the experience in Le Champagne at all. Totally unrelated.

[Travelcat2]

I don't see why that would affect the experience in Le Champagne at all. Totally unrelated.

I disagree. While some people will undoubtedly use the OBCs for the spa and excursions, others may find it an opportunity to try a dining venue that they would not have tried without the OBCs. There appears to be quite a few people who are not happy with a restaurant (two in the case of the Spirit) that have a charge on an all-inclusive ship. While this venue is not of interest to us, I am interested to see just how full it is next month. If it is full every night and Silversea can handle it, kudos to them.

[Bon.Vivant]

:rolleyes: I honestly did not know that these restaurants were mandatory! I must now join the fuss about paying for something I didn't want and don't even have to pay for!

Scotspea: I believe that Le Champagne is mandatory for some guests.;) So, if that’s what you’ve been told, then it is mandatory – for you. Be aware that there will be an automatic $200 charge to your account. Now, if you don't want it, all you have to do is fill out a form with all your personal details and explain why you don't want it. And be sure you get this to reception by mid-cruise. Oh, and you better check frequently with reception, because they’re not good at remembering to remove the charge. So you see, it doesn’t take much fuss at all. :)

[Rally]

Scotspea: I believe that Le Champagne is mandatory for some guests.;) So, if that’s what you’ve been told, then it is mandatory – for you. Be aware that there will be an automatic $200 charge to your account. Now, if you don't want it, all you have to do is fill out a form with all your personal details and explain why you don't want it. And be sure you get this to reception by mid-cruise. Oh, and you better check frequently with reception, because they’re not good at remembering to remove the charge. So you see, it doesn’t take much fuss at all. :)

This is absolutely incorrect. If you dispute me please say where you read this. Le Champagne is completely voluntary and at an extra charge. NO GUEST IS FORCED TO EAT AT LE CHAMPAGNE. How ridiculous. It is not mandatory for "some guests" (and how, exacty, would that work?) nor is it mandatory for ANY guests. Posts like this are irresponsible, and just plain wrong. Why in the world would you post someting like this?

[Bon.Vivant]

This is absolutely incorrect. If you dispute me please say where you read this. Le Champagne is completely voluntary and at an extra charge. NO GUEST IS FORCED TO EAT AT LE CHAMPAGNE. How ridiculous. It is not mandatory for "some guests" (and how, exacty, would that work?) nor is it mandatory for ANY guests. Posts like this are irresponsible, and just plain wrong. Why in the world would you post someting like this?

Rally: My post was meant to be humourous. Totally tongue in cheek. Sorry, if that did not come across. I think that the poster I was replying to, had been poking fun at people complaining about the Le Champagne charge, as well as the outcry about the automatic charity charge. He made that comment about people making a fuss about paying for something they didn't want and which they had a choice not to purchase. I'm sure he knew that Le Champagne isn't mandatory -- I think he was poking fun at the people complaining that there was a charge for Le Champagne because people can chose not to go there (i.e. it's not mandatory). That's how I read his comment -- and why I felt it deserved a tongue-in-cheek come-back.

[Rally]

Rally: My post was meant to be humourous. Totally tongue in cheek. Sorry, if that did not come across. I think that the poster I was replying to, had been poking fun at people complaining about the Le Champagne charge, as well as the outcry about the automatic charity charge. He made that comment about people making a fuss about paying for something they didn't want and which they had a choice not to purchase. I'm sure he knew that Le Champagne isn't mandatory -- I think he was poking fun at the people complaining that there was a charge for Le Champagne because people can chose not to go there (i.e. it's not mandatory). That's how I read his comment -- and why I felt it deserved a tongue-in-cheek come-back.

I apologize. Shortly after I posted Mrs. Rally chastized me and told me I had misread the inteniton of your post. After a night on the sofa I will be better . . . . . I guess =) Too bad I can't drown my sorrows tonght in The Bar with the boys over a glass of Sambuca =(

[Bon.Vivant]

I apologize. Shortly after I posted Mrs. Rally chastized me and told me I had misread the inteniton of your post. After a night on the sofa I will be better . . . . . I guess =) Too bad I can't drown my sorrows tonght in The Bar with the boys over a glass of Sambuca =(

Thanks. No offence taken. Have a glass of Sambuca for me too.

Cheers

[Rally]

Thanks. No offence taken. Have a glass of Sambuca for me too.

Cheers

If one is very discreet and careful, I have found, one can light their Sambuca, bringing out the flavor of the espresso beans. Which do you prefer, white or black Sambuco?

[Bon.Vivant]

If one is very discreet and careful, I have found, one can light their Sambuca, bringing out the flavor of the espresso beans. Which do you prefer, white or black Sambuco?

I've never had the black. I'll have to ask for it the next time I'm at The Bar.:)

[Scotspea]

Bon Vivant.
Well done sir (or madam) in recognising irony when you see it. These boards seem to be full of outraged people and I am afraid I cannot help myself when a keyboard beckons. Sad I know but I love the replies!

[duct tape]

We had a terrific VOLUNTARY dinner in La Champagne last evening...the new A is for Asparagus menu (mostly paired with lobster and foie gras. WOW!

[wripro]

Duct Tape,

Are you sure the foie gras wasn't force fed to you?????

[Scotspea]

Excellent Wripro!

[duct tape]

I could handle that too!

[wripro]

So could I.