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RustyRollock

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  1. Beaches are likely to be quiet as it’s stinger (jellyfish) season so swimming - and snorkeling for that matter - can be risky. Basically, stay out of the water unless you’re wearing a full stinger suit. Google “irukandji” to find out why 😳
  2. If Seabourn wants to stay in business they have to provide a product that appeals to the widest possible demographic. Those of us who enjoy formal nights, dressing for dinner, maybe a slightly more sophisticated experience compared to what is considered normal and acceptable elsewhere these days are now in a minority. Carnival rules. Sad but true. We did notice that many of the more senior staff, restaurant managers, bar supervisors, etc were also relatively inexperienced too so staff in need of guidance and support weren’t necessarily getting it. As I say, we’re willing to give Seabourn the benefit of the doubt during this period of post Covid adjustment, but loyal customers or not, if the “new” Seabourn simply doesn’t make the grade any more we will go elsewhere although based on our admittedly limited experiences with Regent and Silversea I’m not sure the grass will necessarily be any greener. All these companies are in the same boat (pun intended) in this brave new world.
  3. We sailed Lisbon-Miami transatlantic on Sojourn last November immediately followed by a Caribbean cruise. We are Seabourn veterans (Diamond+) and so I can observe and comment with plenty of experience over the years. The biggest problem was understaffing and lack of experience. I had a chat with the Hotel Director who confirmed it. Staff in all departments were sometimes spread very thin and so the standard of service did occasionally suffer. But it was never anything serious and most pax understood that it’s inevitable with post Covid cruising and the whole industry trying to get back on its feet. Transatlantics always have a different “vibe” (we love it, others don’t), ditto the Caribbean (others love it, we don’t) so apart from a few quibbles and minor annoyances we still had a great trip. It will be interesting to see if things are getting back to some kind of normal on our forthcoming Tahiti-Vancouver next month. I’m sure the Seattle bean counters are making their presence felt behind the scenes so let’s just hope it’s not too obvious in front of them. We noticed a few comparatively minor issues (to us anyway) but nothing to stop us cruising with Seabourn again. Realistic expectations go a long way.
  4. There were rumours last year that Seabourn was going to be acquired by a Saudi consortium but nothing has come of it. The whole Seabourn product and ethos has never been an obvious or comfortable fit for Carnival and so I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it’s sold off, either ship by ship or as the whole brand. Or it will become a much more specialised adventure/exploration brand as their current focus on that sector would seem to indicate. Whether their direct competition Regent and Silversea follow suit remains to be seen. We’ve had very good experiences with Regent and would certainly consider them again, and a couple of less good trips with Silversea. As always, itinerary is everything.
  5. I’m not sure the post Boomer generations are particularly interested in the traditional Seabourn product anyway. Expedition style cruises seem to be the future, certainly at the luxury end of the market. That’s fine for those who want it (we do not) so I can see a time when Seabourn may no longer be an option for we old dinosaurs.
  6. Carnival has a huge debt to make a dent in so this news shouldn’t come as a surprise. The question is whether this is a one off sale or the beginning of the end for Seabourn. Maybe the rumours swirling around the Sky Bar over the last couple of years are true. Time will tell. Our very first Seabourn cruise many years ago was on Odyssey and it looks like our transpacific in April will be the last. Happy memories and we wish her well.
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