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caviarforme

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Everything posted by caviarforme

  1. We cruised with you 14 days Dover to Dover and agree with most of what you say. We were also glad SLSD sorted the Restaurant opening (thanks!!) - and shows what poppycock she was told as the reason why! Our 14 day cruise was re-designated without our knowledge as 2x7 days after we booked. There was even a Galley Lunch in week 2 which was the best organised we have ever seen. I think Chef Ainsley has had an influence - he was visible AND interested. Almost every member of staff was excellent and the best - well done. But as seasoned SB cruisers either we are getting tired of the SB or the product is somewhat the curled up at the edges like offering from Seabourn square below - which continued despite our comments. Ship is looking a little worn (particularly on the exterior), product has changed little over the years and needs some original thought and new ideas (Solis excepted - well done SB - 2 excellent meals and service and a million % better than TK (sorry I am from the UK)!). We left SS years ago because it became impersonal. SB is still personal, but there are too many apologies for things that do not happen or go very wrong. The sandwich is an example where management should have been checking regularly- but clearly did not even after the event. SB is still good, but sadly has declined. I wonder whether HAL have been deliberately "re-positioning" SB? Time will tell We still enjoyed, but full expectations were not met. I feel sorry for the many excellent staff, some of whom may find their contract not renewed with the demise of Odyssey and subsequent over-staffing. We will try SB again - we have a free week to use up - but are seriously thinking about trying SS again or Regent, which seems to have good reviews of their newer ship
  2. The Future Cruise Deposit of US500 or GBP 250 still gives you 5% whoever you book through. However there use to be a 5% on board booking additional discount for booking on board. The booking would then be passed to your TA to discount further. On board Sojourn they have now confirmed that this on board booking discount has ceased, they say they offer other discounts before they are offered to the general public, but in my case the only knes offered were those I had already received emails about. So I now see no advantage to booking on board. The future cruise deposit us still worth paying, but booking on board us a thing of the past for me
  3. On our previous cruises SB have always offered a special discount if you booked a future cruise onboard - and then would pass your booking to your TA for further discounts. This was at minimum of 5% and was separate from the 5% discount that a Future Cruise deposit gives you. Has SB stopped doing this? We are currently on board Sojourn and was told that there was no onboard booking discount available - only the discounts that were generally advertised and available to all! Anyone else experienced this change in policy - or is the Future Cruise Consultant trying to maximise their revenue?
  4. SB are currently advertising "Air Credit" up to £800 per person on many future cruises (at least on the UK site). This is very different from previous "air inclusive" or "economy air" offers which would give you a discount on the cruise fare if you made your own flight arrangements. The current "Air Credit" offer seems to be restricted to booking flights only with "Flight Ease" - no discount if you book flights elsewhere. Given comment here on Flight Ease price increases making them uncompetitive, this seems to make the offer of little or no value? In the UK you cannot even see the Flight Ease prices unless you have a booking reference on SB - and that means a minimum of 10% penalty if the booking is cancelled - which also makes the "offer" unrealistic. Any comments/experience?
  5. Be assured the bottle of Champers will be in the suite on ice waiting for you - but also your suite attendants will welcome you with a welcome glass when they call to make sure all is OK Enjoy and order a bottle each day - why not also order caviar to enjoy with it. Unlike that other line it is complimentary! Are you embarking at Dover in 13 days - if so we may see you!
  6. Keep up the commentary please as we board Sojourn in 3 weeks as you get off in Dover - just 14 days Iceland and Scotland for us. Seabourn Square is the social hub of the ship - where you can discuss things with Customer Services, have a coffee, read books/newspapers, book cruises, and even "meet the officers" as often happens as an event on transatlantic. It is not a library!! I suggest you "glance back" in the appropriate manner!
  7. The airport is about 1 hour away from the hotel - and Athens traffic can be frantic - we were lucky as it was Sunday. Leave plenty of time. I think the SB transport left the hotel at 5pm, and checkout was timed accordingly - but I cannot fully recall. We rested and lunched - we have been to Athens many timed before - but the acropolis is 32 minutes walk from the hotel per Google maps.
  8. For us just over a week ago SB used the Intercontinental
  9. And when you register with Stockperks ignore any personal questions - just give them the basics - it still works
  10. Well today I have points and bookings, but having completed the preferences 3 times on each occasion I get "We cannot save your preferences due to a technical problem" I give up"!
  11. It maybe but according the website today I have no points and no future bookings on my account despite having 2! I would love to finally make sure my preferences are correct but with no bookings!!! Come on Seabourn - get your act together
  12. It is clear this is not a necessary service dog. What is Seabourn up to in agreeing to an employee or contractors' employee aboard with a pet? I agree with most, a ship is not an environment for a pet of any kind, and again will repeat - what about those who have allergies and may suffer from being in close proximity with animals? Does Seabourn consider them? Are they in fact discriminated? A pet in the Colonnade! - if I was dining there I would complain and walk out if the animal is not removed - and not quietly. We depart in less than 2 weeks and then 5 weeks later and pray for a pet free cruise, otherwise we will be dropping SB from our preferred list.
  13. Agreed - if the dog goes everywhere with the owner does is it allowed in the restaurants? In any case CC has had long discussions before on this issue which effect passengers who have allergies to animal fur/hair in confined areas and the majority view was not in favour of animals on board. We join Encore shortly and would not be amused.
  14. We got 2 emails on the same subject as my wife and I are each doing separate excursions at the same port, but both visit the ISK250 ($1.50) toilet venue. My reaction was exactly the same - penny pinching by the "ultra luxury" cruiseline that should know better. To add to it they also state you can only paying local Icelandic currency by card, with all the possible fees and charges, having the potential to make it the most expensive convenience stop you have ever made. Surely for a tour coach with maybe 30 onboard SB could cover the $45??? They continue to let themselves down.
  15. Booking Terms on SB vary according to the passengers place of residence - in the UK all bookings are subject to a minimum 10% cancellation fee from time of booking that increases as the cruise gets nearer.
  16. Had the same problem on Quest in April and was told I needed proof - so did others according to CC. Supposedly an SB IT issue.....again......and still an issue???
  17. Nit sure where you are based but Agents normally discount prices if you are not using one already, AND, you normally get am extra discount if you book on board. SB then trnsfer the booking to yoyu agent for the further discount to your agent.
  18. I absolutely agree - Keep it special
  19. We are joining Encore in about 6 weeks and today received a marketing e-mail from SB "Plan Your MEDITERRANEAN SHORE EXCURSIONS - In a matter of weeks you’ll be on board, taking in stunning views of the Mediterranean and sipping a welcome glass of Champagne! We invite you to enhance your Mediterranean experience with a wide range of shore excursions..." It then goes on to describe various Mediterranean ports and gives links to the SB page for that port with further details and excursions. NONE of these ports are on our itinerary! The SB marketing department has exceeded all expectations again!
  20. SLSD clearly says "I received an email from Seabourn today". I also received the e-mail and it was direct from Seabourn. The wording is reproduced below: "Dear XXX, At Seabourn, we are dedicated to crafting unforgettable, ultra-luxury, personalised experiences that redefine the very essence of travel. As a valued member of our Seabourn family, we are excited to introduce you to Seabourn Celebrations & Charters, our latest innovation designed to elevate your group travel at sea. Available on sailings beginning in fall 2025.* Your milestone moments deserve celebrations as unique and extraordinary as the guest list. Imagine setting sail on an ultra-luxury cruise or expedition alongside your closest friends, beloved family members, or esteemed colleagues. Whether you are planning a multigenerational family reunion, a trip to reward your employees, or simply a gathering of kindred spirits, Seabourn Celebrations & Charters will transform your milestone celebrations into unforgettable memories. Immersed in the private, yacht-like atmosphere of Seabourn’s intimate ships, your guests are pampered with the intuitive, personalised service provided by a team passionate about exceeding guest expectations. Benefits of Group Bookings with Seabourn: • Earn up to $500USD shipboard credit per suite to enrich your onboard experience. • Earn Tour Conductor Credits: When you book 9 full-fare guests, the 10th guest sails at a reduced fare. If you book a sailing in our Accelerated Tier, select voyages provide for you to book 7 full-fare guests with the 8th guest sailing at a reduced fare.* • Virtually everything is included in one value-packed fare: Award-winning fine dining that rivals the best restaurants anywhere, premium spirits and fine wines, Wi-Fi, taxes, fees, and port expenses. • Upon request, your group can receive a complimentary cocktail party which includes a visit from a Seabourn officer to welcome your group to your home away from home. • Complimentary special event inclusions such as private receptions, meeting space, audio/visual equipment, and more. Advantages of Chartering with Seabourn: • Complete Exclusivity: Chartering a Seabourn ship grants you and your group the ultimate privilege of privacy and ultra-luxury, with the entire vessel reserved exclusively for your enjoyment. • Customised Itineraries: Craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your group's preferences, unlocking the treasures of hidden gems and iconic destinations at your leisure. • Tailored Onboard Experience: Indulge in world-class dining, entertainment, and personalised, warm service, all curated to fulfill the unique desires and needs of your group." I expect the tie up with APT has meant that Seabourn cannot market these in Australia - so you were not included. BUT, I may be wrong as the recent "survey" was never sent to me and I never now receive an invitation to comment post cruise. I agree with the views already expressed and have also experienced drunken groups dominating the cruise, staff, pool and bars, and also receiving preferential treatment - ruining the regular cruisers experience. Not what I expect from a Seabourn cruise. Complain, Complain, Complain, otherwise the change in direction will become permanent. Clearly competition is tight, Seabourn must be having difficulty in filling ships, and as so often happens, changes are made at the cost of the core customers. The only solution if it happens again will be, sadly, to say "au revoir Seabourn"
  21. We will be disembarking Piraeus on a Sunday at the end of our next SB cruise and have a flight from Athens airport (ATH) at 4.00pm. Whilst SB have organised our flights and will therefore provide transfers to the airport, we fear we will be put on an advertised SB tours/transfers that departs 7.30am or 8.00am (which is far to early for us), include various sights we have visited before and state that include stairs, slopes rough ground and much walking (both deemed unsuitable for those with limited mobility (that's us!) despite one being classed as "easy"). We will discuss with SB but need a plan "B". Any suggestions/recommendations for a Sunday morning in Athens for a couple who have done the sights before, nothing strenuous, disembarking around Piraeus 9.30am'ish and getting to the airport by 1.00/1.30pm'ish?
  22. We were also on the same cruise and had the same issue. I always check my account early in the cruise to ensure my onboard credit is showing, and it was missing. Seabourn Sqaure also demanded proof which I luckily had. A few days later the OBC appeared. No explanation and no apology! As to daily charging to the credit card, I have never experienced this, and I am staggered that SB do this without notification, which is probably in breach of the credit card conditions. If you get no response from SB to your complaint, claim from your Credit Card for a "chargeback", if that is available in Germany.
  23. Last July we sailed from Venice. SB ships dock at the Fusina industrial port across the lagoon, but check in is at the old Marittima Cruise Terminal in Venice itself, where cruise ships used to dock. Passengers are then "bussed" to the ship - about 20-30 minutes. We also had Seabourn pre-cruise airport transfer, and whilst there was no visit from the Pope, our SB instructions said we would be transferred direct to the pier from the airport - we were not! We were taken from the airport to the old cruise terminal to check in and then transferred to the ship. Took about 2 hours. Also the cruise terminal is no almost empty of facilities - not a single shop etc and just a snack/cold drinks machine.
  24. Second visit also excellent - 36oz Porterhouse sharing steak cooked to perfection and so full of flavour. Almost did not need a knife. Best steak I have had for years, and a lot better than TK, which I never liked. Service again excellent. Addresses by name, Try Solis, and if something is not quite right tell the Maitre D' who will always try to correct the issue before complaining here
  25. 1 Reservations for Solis are restricted to one per "Sector" - otherwise book on board whe required 2 Depends on what you like - try the Sushi a lunchtime 3 I am a traditionalist and would NEVER wear jeans in a restaurant, however it is allowed except on formal nights. 4 All suites have water and a stocked minibar - you are traveling at a different level from Celebrity 5 Wifi is good - never found the need to pay for a faster service 6 Not sure where you saw that excursions are included - they are normally at an additional charge and are listed on your online booking
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