billdip

Astrid & Gaston. So good. Have been there twice and will go again when the Nova stops there in December.

Was on the sub a couple weeks ago. Great experience with safety procedures that back up the back ups. Went to the bottom of a fjord - almost 500 feet. More of an experience than sightseeing. Would do it again.

The deck plans of the Sojourn show a Retreat area. Regardless, I use the balcony example as a way to show my perspective on the value of the Retreat. On the Ovation, we spent full days in the Retreat. Our balcony use could be measured in minutes.

As one who qualifies for free laundry on both Silversea and Seabourn, I would give the edge to Seabourn. But it is just an edge. When ready to book a cruise, we look to Seabourn first for many of the reasons already mentioned. IMHO, they make you feel a little more special. Also, love the Retreat. For warm weather cruises, would rather book the Retreat for the whole voyage than pay extra for a balcony. Nothing like the Retreat or Seabourn Square on Silversea, though it looks like the new Silver Nova will offer something close to Seabourn Square.

On the Dawn over Christmas. Biggest disappointment was service on the pool deck.

We did have a veranda on the Ovation. We would step out on the veranda a couple times a day. The Retreat gave us a quiet, private area for the entire day. Service was spectacular and there was no searching for a place in the shade or sun. It was always available. Lunch was served in your cabana. If I recall correctly, the price of the Retreat for the entire trip was less than the upcharge for a veranda. However, this was a Caribbean itinerary, so most of our time was spent on the ship in perfect weather. For cooler weather cruises, the Retreat would not be as useful. We felt the food and service on the Ovation was better than the Dawn. In terms of the ship, Seabourn Square and the Retreat made for a more enjoyable trip. I wrote a full review of the Dawn and it is posted in the reviews section. The Dawn was very, very nice. We just preferred the Ovation.

Sailed on Ovation last March. About two thirds full. No complaints on food or service. Used the Retreat and found the extra expense worth more than a veranda. Just got off the Silver Dawn. Ovation was better.

Thanks for all your reports. Getting on the Dawn on Friday.

Park Sleep Fly - paying $110 for 12 days including all fees and tax. Booked over Christmas.

Go to the cabin, open the champagne, order caviar and unpack.

Rarely is tipping voluntary. It is often added as an extra. Many times you can buy a tipping package. My preference is an all-inclusive price like Silversea or Seabourn. I will then tip extra for extraordinary service. What I object most to are those lines have a daily tip charged to your room and then distribute tip envelopes.

Yu selected a great a great itinerary. Went around the Cape twice, landed once. Both times were calm

Our favorites are Regent, Silversea and Seabourn. Small ships, older passengers, seldom children, no art auctions or photographers, about 1 to 1 passenger to crew ratio, tips and all drinks included, some include air and excursions, always plenty of room out on deck.

On the same cruise. Just booked the Hotel Kimpton Eventi on Priceline. $388 including tax and hotel fees. Very good reviews.

Door to Door does not seem to be a good value. Booked a port to port cruise and could not get 5% for over 100 nights. The day I booked, got a brochure that reviewed Venetian Society benefits including the 5% discount. It stated all cruises, without any disqualifiers. Didn't matter. No discount.