Mass Market Wanting a Better Cruise

I am a mass market type looking for something different. As you can see by my signature, I have been loyal to one mass market line since 2008. I am however growing weary of the nickel and dime mentality of the line and would like to try something different. I've always wondered about Seabourn as an alternative. While I'm not a man of wealth, I think that with careful budgeting and overtime at work I will be able to afford a Seabourn cruise for my DW and I. Now here is the interesting part. I pretty much know nothing about life aboard a Seabourn ship so I'll apologize in advance for some of the questions ask that might seem dumb.

The voyage I am looking at is the "15 Day Atlantic Odyssey" on the Odyssey (October 2015). I am looking at either a PH suite or the Owner's suite. A couple of questions that come to mind first are:

1. Are you allowed to use the forward facing balcony on the Owners suite when the ship is underway?

2. Are the Premium Suite amenities for both the PH and Owners suites?

I'm sure there will be more questions but I want to take baby steps.

Thanks in advance for any replies.....:):):)

Bob

Welcome to the Seabourn board. You will find that a cruise on SB will be as different from a mass market line as can be. In answer to your two questions though:

1. Yes, as long as there are no storms since those forward facing balconies will be very windy while sailing.

2. There are no special amenities for premium suites since on Seabourn everyone is special.

You could even think of trying a ''standard'' suite rather than one of the more expensive ones and cut down on the overtime!

All guests are treated equally regardless of suite grade. It's very liberating to be on a cruise where you simply don't need to put your hand in your pocket.

Thanks for the information, it is much appreciated. The question about premium suite amenities resulted from a premium suite amenities tab/information I saw on the website....:):):)

Bob

You could even think of trying a ''standard'' suite rather than one of the more expensive ones and cut down on the overtime!

 

All guests are treated equally regardless of suite grade. It's very liberating to be on a cruise where you simply don't need to put your hand in your pocket.

I echo Tothesunset. You don't need to jump into the big-bucks suites to gain the pleasure of the all-inclusive experience. And I suggest that you also look into Azamara. Not in the same league as Seabourn, but it may be a better buy, all things considered. JMO.

Bob,

We cruised with you on the Royal Princess last year. We have moved over to Seabourn and won't do "mass market" cruising again. The Seabourn experience is outstanding, service is wonderful and I agree with all the comments about no matter what suite you are in, you will find yourself looked after like very special people! You don't need to be in a Penthouse or other more expensive suite unless you want a lot more additional space. I find the V1 - V5 suites to be comparable in space to a mini suite on Princess (plenty of space for me unless it is a very long cruise), and the wardrobe and bathroom are much bigger than any you will find on Princess unless in their top suite.

Do yourself and Hollie a big favour, book a Seabourn cruise, you will absolutely love it I am sure. The service is what you have been longing for, and the all inclusive nature of Seabourn leads to a very relaxing holiday!

Sue

Bob,

We have done kind of the reverse as we just did our second Princess cruise. We took both Princess cruises due to itinerary. Both times we booked the full suites on Princess so got some perks as well as a very nice cabin. I would have gladly jumped on Seabourn if they still did Alaska. Seabourn is right at the top of our cruise experiences and we have quite a few in the books. After Seabourn (and a few other all inclusives) I absolutely hate the nickel/dime mentality and having to pull out the card and sign for just everything. I echo what the others have said in that all passengers on Seabourn get the "Royal Treatment". The biggest problem you will have is ever facing the mass market ships again.:eek::D

I echo Tothesunset. You don't need to jump into the big-bucks suites to gain the pleasure of the all-inclusive experience. And I suggest that you also look into Azamara. Not in the same league as Seabourn, but it may be a better buy, all things considered. JMO.

The standard suites on Seabourn are certainly spacious enough that you should not need to get a premium suite. You will be treated very well regardless of your accommodations. One big difference will be the entertainment which is much more subdued on Seabourn compared to Princess or Celebrity.

Bob, I think you and Holli would enjoy a Seabourn cruise. Since we've been on several cruises with you in the past, I think I can say that the one amenity included you would miss in a regular Seabourn suite is the unlimited internet access. Seabourn's packages are priced reasonably and I think you would be able to manage with them. Otherwise, the service you will receive will be the same regardless of the accommodations you choose. All are superior to what you have been used to on Princess.

The premium suite amenity of free internet is nice but not worth the premium above and beyond what that would otherwise cost. Everyone gets white glove treatment regardless of suite size.

Bob, I think you and Holli would enjoy a Seabourn cruise. Since we've been on several cruises with you in the past, I think I can say that the one amenity included you would miss in a regular Seabourn suite is the unlimited internet access. Seabourn's packages are priced reasonably and I think you would be able to manage with them. Otherwise, the service you will receive will be the same regardless of the accommodations you choose. All are superior to what you have been used to on Princess.

Thanks Ann. I'm getting more and more motivated each day. All I have to do is to get Holli to say she'll give up cruising with her sister. One question, do you know the cost of the internet packages on Seabourn?

Bob

I would also echo the sentiments of others in suggesting trying a standard balcony cabin. A V class suite on Seabourn is considerably larger than a standard mainstream cabin. You don't walk in and feel underwhelmed as you might do with a mainstream cruise ship. The bathroom in particular has a definite wow factor.

Around the ship there are no areas reserved for premium suite guests as there would be on the big ships, everyone has the full run of a Seabourn vessel and gets treated with the same royal standard of service.

Someone will come along to give you an exact price but from memory an unlimited internet package will cost you $3-400 for the cruise.

Henry :)

I would also echo the sentiments of others in suggesting trying a standard balcony cabin. A V class suite on Seabourn is considerably larger than a standard mainstream cabin. You don't walk in and feel underwhelmed as you might do with a mainstream cruise ship. The bathroom in particular has a definite wow factor.

 

Around the ship there are no areas reserved for premium suite guests as there would be on the big ships, everyone has the full run of a Seabourn vessel and gets treated with the same royal standard of service.

 

Someone will come along to give you an exact price but from memory an unlimited internet package will cost you $3-400 for the cruise.

 

Henry :)

My memory is that the unlimited package is $399, regardless of the length of the cruise. For a long cruise, this is a very good deal.

My memory is that the unlimited package is $399, regardless of the length of the cruise. For a long cruise, this is a very good deal.

That's what it cost last year for 20 days. Connection speed was fairly good.

But you can get four hours for $39, each extra hour for $10. If you're on a shorter cruise these might be better options. Sebaourn's internet costs are among the lowest of any kine, luxury, premium our mass market.

Another thought re suites - consider an A1, large window but no balcony, but considerably cheaper than a balcony, in a very quiet position on the ship, and you are never far from lovely outdoor space. I assume cost is partly an object, from what you say. As others have said, it makes absolutely no difference to the staff or anything else on board whatever suite you are in. Nobody has butlers,etc. etc. on Seabourn. And your fellow passengers are not usually the type to ask you where your suite is etc., or even your income! unlike on some other lines. Do go for it.

Bob, my DH and I have also been loyal cruisers to the same mass market line as you. We've recently taken to booking full suites to get a better experience, but are now seriously considering trying Seabourn.

I think our biggest concern is having enough diversion and entertainment on a smaller ship. For instance, we enjoy the casino on the larger ships and wonder if the smaller casino will be as good. In terms of entertainment, we don't do the production shows, so that won't be an issue, but do enjoy comedians and a variety of the bands and individual musical acts, so wonder if there will be enough of that for us.

Bob, my DH and I have also been loyal cruisers to the same mass market line as you. We've recently taken to booking full suites to get a better experience, but are now seriously considering trying Seabourn.

 

I think our biggest concern is having enough diversion and entertainment on a smaller ship. For instance, we enjoy the casino on the larger ships and wonder if the smaller casino will be as good. In terms of entertainment, we don't do the production shows, so that won't be an issue, but do enjoy comedians and a variety of the bands and individual musical acts, so wonder if there will be enough of that for us.

Doreen,it sound like Seabourn would be worth a try for you.

Remember the Casino is a fantastic place if you win and can be a dismal place if you lose.

There are always some kind of individual musical acts and a comedian. Or so I'm told because I never go to any show.

Bob, my DH and I have also been loyal cruisers to the same mass market line as you. We've recently taken to booking full suites to get a better experience, but are now seriously considering trying Seabourn.

 

I think our biggest concern is having enough diversion and entertainment on a smaller ship. For instance, we enjoy the casino on the larger ships and wonder if the smaller casino will be as good. In terms of entertainment, we don't do the production shows, so that won't be an issue, but do enjoy comedians and a variety of the bands and individual musical acts, so wonder if there will be enough of that for us.

As someone who has always cruised on the mass-market cruise lines, but has now made Seabourn my cruise line of choice, I think the comparative lack of variety in entertainment on Seabourn might be an initial issue for you. The casino for example is very small. There is entertainment every night on Seabourn, but not all the offerings that you will have on Princess. However I encourage you to try Seabourn as I suspect that all the other wonderful experiences you will have could well make up for that.

Having traveled Seabourn and many of the mass market lines extensively, you will find the "entertainment" much more enriching on Seabourn. You will meet new friends and socialize for hours on end!!

Doreen,it sound like Seabourn would be worth a try for you.

 

Remember the Casino is a fantastic place if you win and can be a dismal place if you lose.

Oh how true is your last statement!:D

Thanks for all the encouraging comments. I really do think we'd enjoy the higher level of service and more intimate and personalized environment.

We're considering a spring 2015 transatlantic on the Quest. We've done several transatlantics and transpacifics on larger ships and have been blessed with mostly good weather and seas. How do the ships of Seabourn handle weather and rough seas?

I also was a mass market cruiser being Elite plus on Celebrity. I have also sailed on Regent five times.

I just completed my first Seabourn cruise. There is no comparison. The food, wine and service are without compare.

The price difference between a suite on Celebrity and a cabin/suite on Seabourn is about 20% given that gratuities and beverages are included with Seabourn.

It's also worth noting that the internet is much cheaper even though I get some free internet on Celebrity.

It's also worth noting that being a smaller ship, Seabourn docks in better locations and offers free shuttle service. It's these little things that add up and become important. Anyone that's docked :30 minutes away and had to pay $15 for shuttle service knows this.

I have one more Celebrity cruise booked, then I'll be back on Seabourn

We have only sailed on Seabourn, and have no reason to go anywhere else. Is it perfect? NO, but nothing in life is, but we think they have a very good product at a reasonable price point for what you get. The staff is always amazing, and while people have different opinions on food / wine / entertainment, etc. we recognize this is a ship, not a mainland establishment with different sources to procure the above. Plus your fellow pax will be some interesting, (in a good way!) and well travelled folks. My recommendation, as has been almost everyone else who responded, is to try it, most likely you'll love it.

And this is so true:

Remember the Casino is a fantastic place if you win and can be a dismal place if you lose.

As someone who spends time in the big Vegas casinos - if you lost they don't seem that great at the end of the night... I'll take winning at a small place over losing at the Palazzo any day of the week.