jdk-atlga

All: Another vote for George's Taxi. We used them in September for trips Airport to Hotel, then Hotel to Port. The drivers that we had were punctual and personable. For our return home trip (we booked our flights through FlightEase), as part of the FE included transfer, we arranged with SB to transfer us straight to the airport, where we spent the night at the Sofitel Airport Hotel before flying out the next day - definitely low stress. Best, jdk

All: My FE thoughts are to compare and check frequently and often for options/pricing from FE to airline direct. As has been said before, with FE there are only a number of available seats on certain routes and when they are gone, they are gone. I find that it is best to get FE booking as early as possible, monitor it for better rates and continually compare - you can always cancel (within bounds) if you find another option more suitable than what you have with FE. I do not recommend a set/forget process with FE. Best, jdk

I'm reminded of the story of the "Goose that lay the golden egg," with the significant price increases across the "luxury" lines. At this rate (or rates), I believe that they are jeopardizing a significant portion of their customers. While we can probably afford the increases, the new higher prices are raising the "value equation" to where alternatives ("premium" cruise lines, land ventures, etc.) look more appealing, even if we have to luggage hop around. I know that, for the first time in a long time, I'm seriously considering these alternatives. Best, jdk

All: As one with coeliac disease (gluten allergy), it is really simple to just tell the restaurant staff (they will remember) upon boarding. I have not had a single issue with ample GF selections at B/L/D (although the non-GF desserts are challenging to ignore). The kitchens have also been really good at adapting some dishes to suit. Like robert martha states: when in doubt... Best, jdk

All: I just checked on the pricing for my "already booked" 2025 Barcelona-Rome in May. The price has gone up by $1750/pp for the exact same V3. Unfortunately, this increase seems to be the norm now as SS has also introduced new "essential" pricing to strip everything away that was previously provided. In price review, my 2026 Antartica trip has gone up by over $10k for two. I believe that the industry is now starting significantly raise prices across the board to make up for all the debt piled in during the pandemic. Best, jdk

Totally correct - Click on Change Flights and you can game to see various options. That said, sometimes the first early choice might still be the best. The FlightEase window opens up around 330 days prior to your trip. You can wait or select, then change if wanted. Best, jdk

This is great - thank you. I am presuming that the same basics will be on SB Venture next month. Best, jdk

Old Thread, but worth reviewing in 2024. Does anyone know what the current "in-stock" bourbons are on-board? I'm a bourbon newbie, but I have very good friends who are much more into the brands (current reasonable favorite is Woodford Reserve Double-Oaked) Best, jdk

Depending on your cabin location, you might have one less deck to climb or descend. Having been on both ship sizes, I really can't tell much differences in cabins. I do like that the Seabourn Square is actually square on the "smaller" ships. Best, jdk

I'm trying to remember, but I seem to recall that there is an early-riser coffee set-up in the Observation Bar on the ships. Best, jdk

The seat selection issue is a real thing - with British Air (in my experience) the most "difficult" for those of us in the States. We have had other threads in this Forum regarding this issue. Typically, if you want to specify your airline seat outside of Flight Ease, you can go to their own website, enter your Booking, and select (or not, your choice). BA still charges a seat fee on their site unless you wait until the usual 24-hour check-in time. Best, jdk

Something else to consider - and I'm a fan of Flight Ease - is that you can always (up until a specific time) change your mind on a reservation. You can continue to compare/shop around within Flight Ease (being somewhat OCD, I do this on a regular basis) and decide to keep your FE or go airline direct. Flight Ease is very flexible in mixing/matching airlines (within reason) - example, I'm taking BA over to UK, then Delta/Virgin Atlantic back to Atlanta. I can indicate my specific travel days to allow front- or backend stays, generally without penalty. You can also cancel your reservation if you find a better outside deal. Flight Ease typically opens up about 330 days prior to trip. Best, jdk

My question is (and I'm looking forward to the new Solis experience) what will this do to Earth & Ocean? Previously, it (E/O) was the "only" (not counting Colonnade) outdoor dining in the evening. With the new outdoor venue, perhaps something else will come to E/O? Best, jdk

Regarding Crystal (and I have fond memories), I don't know if they can put the genie back in the bottle. Perhaps with their planned new ships (and retiring the current two) they can recapture some of their old "glory". Best, jdk

I also received the email. I currently have a booked Barcelona to Rome for May 2025 on SB Ovation. Overall, I much prefer that itinerary over the Venture offering. Also, the new pricing is significantly higher on Venture, although the smaller ship is a positive. It is good, however, that SB is trying some new things. Best, jdk