markham

Fine letter by President Natalya Leahy. Its delivery, content and refreshing candor sweeps aside the peppy but empty hype we often hear about new corporate executives taking charge. Sadly it may just show how Seabourn’s standards have dropped and evidence how many complaints and/or defections to Silversea and Regent have accumulated. When did all this happen? How did Seabourn Management ever allow the lapse of so many items and processes to become institutionalized over the past few years? And will these various improvements (taking us to late 2023 and 2024 to realize) be sufficient to stem the tide? These are seminal questions. I would argue that Natalya Leahy is doing a fine job in admitting so much that is wrong. Shame on her predecessors and those staffers who witnessed the rot. You could say that this thoughtful exercise evidences both indifference to passengers and Seabourn’s competition. They have harmed the brand to such an extent that the new president is under such pressure during her first 100 days. In time I hope these efforts deliver results for the patient Seabourn loyalists out there. But it will be vital, in my opinion, for Seabourn to spend the big bucks and exercise a lot of imagination to deliver new ships with feature already in the market. Encore, now 7 years old, was a larger but more crowded Odyssey the same size pool, MDR and Grand Salon, and a smaller Club. Whereas in the meantime Silversea and Regent launched several classic cruise ships that easily outstrip the old Seabourn models with far more generous, clever and sophisticated venues, especially dining and recreational facilities. So there we are. Best of luck to the direction taken by the new Seabourn Management. Happy and healthy sailing!

This would appear to be downgraded product. Sushi is better tasting when just made. Sitting around makes the nori damp and flavors lose their freshness. Japanese food is all about quality consistency. Happy and healthy sailing!

… then you are not talking to the better UK TAs. Remember that cruise lines need TAs to sell their cruises and pay commissions to them. It is from those commissions that my TA offers me around 6-10% price reduction for cruises on many cruise lines. This depends on the line, of course, and logically it is the larger volume-selling agents that have the biggest commissions to work with. Do you think a cruise line would voluntarily do so on a direct booking? Not likely. As has been emphasized before, having a valued TA (your personal confidence in them/ the pipeline for the cruise line) on your side to explain/clarify any cruise line lapse/problem is smart, and a sort of insurance policy for you. There is no conflict of interest as there certainly would be if a cruise line’s sales agent sided with you on one level but could not move the line to help or compensate you. Happy and healthy sailing!

We use the largest Seabourn agent in the world and they are UK baked and give excellent “go to bat” for you service including when there is some misunderstanding or difficulty with a cruise line. So here is an example of clout working in the customer’s favor. The best of my knowledge when the TA takes my CC number for Seabourn and Cunard he enters it into the line’s computer and so my CC entry says the name of the line immediately. I am not clear how our TA manages payments to other lines. Another distinguishing feature of this TA (and presumably other large UK cruise specialists) is the ABTA/ATOL protection they offer as members. This is probably what Daveywavey refers to when be mentions package holidays. Between the “direct pay” service above and this coverage we feel very comfortable… I would not comment on how such protections might be offered in other markets. Best then to read what your TA has to say. Happy and healthy sailing!

I have only visited Endeavour and it was a happy SS perk that allowed this. I did like the decor etc but not the lack of outdoor space relative to Venture which has an incredible amount that even challenges the SB classic ships. Nor did I like the Endeavour’s 2 level indoor pool area doubling as a sort of buffet restaurant. This makes the Atlantide the main/kinda only restaurant given that the Terrazza/Terrazzino is so small. And the Expedition Lounge and ante-lounge on Venture is very large and generous whereas the same functions are within one area on Endeavour. That’s why I think Venture is a better choice. Happy and healthy sailing!

Mr L, Yes but no. I was very frustrated with the South America Grand Voyage earlier this year for several profound and documented reasons which showed me that Seabourn’s provisioning, technology, itinerary selections and general attitude towards making this 78 cruise memorable were bottom drawer. This, after November on Silver Dawn, made for an incredible contrast: new vs old, smart and “oh, well…”, and what my priorities are: “get what you expect” and “wake up and recognize times are changing” and “spend wisely”. All that said, I found Venture utterly to my liking and standards for reasons I have made clear here. So our next cruise, after our Sojourn WC 2024 segment (chosen a long time ago for itinerary) we will be on Venture. And I am keen to see Seabourn’s 2025 itineraries for the 2 expedition ships; Silversea’s expedition ships cannot touch the Venture/Pursuit class for their design/flow nor outdoor deck space. I trust that we will not have to wait much longer. So it’s Silverseas’ classic Muse/Moon/Dawn ships (not their older ships- we have tried them) and Seabourn’s expedition ships. With the new Silver Nova and Ray coming in mere months Seabourn is losing the battle for innovation, a crown they held when they launched Odyssey in 2009 until Silversea delivered and refined the 3 beauties named above. Thanks for asking. Happy and healthy sailing!

It is an older ship and there are certainly better equipped and designed Silverseas ships out there with more to offer such as Muse, Moon and Dawn to choose from. But if the itinerary suits you why not try it? You will probably know if you made the right choice within the first 10 minutes of boarding. Happy and healthy sailing!

Since all suites on Muse have butler service the buck stops there with virtually all your communications with the ship’s departments eg reservations for dining, tours etc. No queuing for your turn to discuss whatever it is at Seabourn Square where the staff type into some system your issues for further tracking- while others ahead of you in the queue chat away about their day. Of course, I am exaggerating, but you will save time and one point of contact is better. Another point is that the Seabourn expensive suites include no special services for paying all this dosh eg Regent’s butlers on their best suites. Silversea has it right in my book. Happy and healthy sailing!

This is easy. We would choose Silversea Muse The ship is newer, far better deck facilities eg larger pool, more space per passenger with a real track, far more varied restaurants (2 times) and within them the food and wine choices are more sophisticated, tours are included, and higher priced suites on Muse give better value with butter service. Done. Happy and healthy sailing!

While we are talking about clothing choices for Seabourn passengers and also Seabourn’s hapless efforts to please everyone including those up and coming strivers who comprise what some call the “new demographic”, let’s discuss *** accessories ***. I am talking about tats: Are tats to be encouraged? A revenue generator for the rather ridiculous Retreat? What would you say if somebody asserted that the latest mantra is “more is more”? Is that it? So like tats, jeans, speedos are all about “me being me and you being you”. Like isn’t that where Seabourn needs to go? And does this prospect make cruising more attractive and pleasurable? I am sure Mr L will have something to add. Go for it. Happy and healthy sailing!

Is Brunello joining our next cruise? And if so, who from the smart/prestige/elegant/boutique ready-to-wear segment is sponsoring him? If not, I am not sure about the comment starting with “So…” and ending with “…rules”. OTOH since I am no longer in my 40s I concede I may not get your vibe/drift/be adrift. No jeans for me. I wear them only for gardening and then only until the knees give out. Happy and healthy sailing!

Then don’t use the subs. That way your self-assurance is guaranteed, “something you can take to the bank”. Happy and healthy sailing!

I hasten to add that this seating palaver may also relate to how BA does things and/or the class of seats. We seldom use BA via Seabourn as we prefer other airlines when available. This is one reason why. And whatever “was” in my experience is not as current as what you have just experienced. Good luck. Happy and healthy sailing!

Just left Venture, a truly beautiful and well designed ship in every way. There was no formal wear, it was classy though, and few men wore jackets. I did, in lieu of a sweater, to provide warmth on my frequent strolls out on deck. And I am pleased to say there was little of this palaver issue around old jeans, “designer” or otherwise. At least this lot of Venture passengers were neatly turned out. Maybe they have nothing to prove by living up to the decor standards of the ship itself. Happy and healthy sailing!

This is precisely why it is ridiculous to book directly with a cruise line, unless the cruise line performs as would a top TA. Of course, you are using a TA, and I hope that they are insistent on quality measures ie pleasing you. Or else you should select a better TA next time. In my experience a cruise line be slow to book the hotel but if the TA confirmed a cruise line price for the hotel you will most probably be ok. About BA, the cruise line must ticket you so you can use the airline locator number all the way to selecting your seats online (and pay for the seats). Until then the booking is not yours but is in limbo, care of the cruise line. When do cruise lines ticket plane tickets? Usually 2-3 months before your flight, when the invoice is due, and this may mean the better seats are taken. You can ask your TA if you can pay now and then demand the cruise line ticket the air now. Is it worth it to you? If not then pay for the entire air/cruise package when due (according to the TA), 2-3 months before you go, and then book those seats. Happy and healthy sailing!

What ship is this? Who handled your complaints, if you made any, and what happened? These details would be helpful. Happy and healthy sailing!

You are correct, 2 weeks,

I can’t tell you reliably since many of this cruise’s expedition team switch out in Reykjavik in 3 weeks. (We disembarked today in Greenland). Happy and healthy sailing!

We remain very happy with the ship overall, and so does the crew who enjoy working here in this environment. This is the A team, and presumably some are headed to Pursuit since they work well together and know the product, so they have a lot of optimism, seemingly always smiling. The ship is modern clubby beautiful and so is all the decor. The food and menus are familiar. But the biggest difference is presentation in the clean and cheery Colonnade and the choice of both hot and cold foods eg beef pie and seafood pie, a carvery and several high quality sides. Same about the depth of salad options. This is all straightforward: a new and fine expedition ship with a more discrete base of clientele, probably a bit younger, and with a purpose- zodiacs out and about to experience and learn. Lower key entertainment but quality duos, a pianist and guitar-singer singer, nonetheless. No deck chair hoggers and bullies commanding “their” MDR table with revenue wine glasses, nor divas insisting that crew carry their Colonnade lunch plates about the decks. May it stay that way! (Why Seabourn allows these characters to subject their own crew and passengers to these characters I will never know. But I digress…) And we love the outdoor space since we have had sunny but cold weather up here in Greenland almost daily. That’s it for now. Happy and healthy sailing!

He is here for a cruise or 2 but he has a big job now coordinating all entertainment so will be back on shore in time. Happy and healthy sailing!

Our CD is Brian Bailey, an Ohioan, new to Seabourn. Handre happens to be here too. John Barron had been CD prior to this current cruise. Happy and healthy sailing!

We are on the newish, beautifully designed and fully functional Venture in Greenland enjoying every moment. A big contrast with our recent Quest Grand Voyage- in every way (although the ships are apples/oranges). There is no formality here but neither have we seen poorly dressed tired and saggy trousers and jeans ever during this expedition voyage. People dress smartly and even the jeans look good on them. So what is the issue on the larger Seabourn ships? Obviously the demographic is wider and the product different, and that has carried across/meant something as far as dress sense is concerned. Just my two cents in this ridiculous subject. I mean, really, if people want to dress like they could care less about their appearance while on a luxury cruise, why even give them a second thought? Happy and healthy sailing!

You don’t. It has always been this way. Now if you want to get on board, cancel and rebook the tour you might be ok but not if there is a wait list. Which is why you just might want to book and pay pre-cruise and with your cc. Happy and healthy sailing!

Two of the 4 times we used LF we had delays and stress for a service that costs a lot of money. We do not take cruises and knowingly invite aggravation. But that is exactly what you risk with this “service”. My advice is simple: pack less, drag your own bags, check them in and track them if you like on an App, and thereby remain in control. Also, consider arriving at the embarkation port an extra day early so you have much more chance that any checked in airline baggage, if delayed, catches up with you at your hotel. The price of that extra hotel night, you may well find, is less than the LF cost. Enjoy your life. This isn’t so hard to do, LFers, since the trend today is less formal clothing. That said, pack smart and attractive clothing in keeping with the sophistication of your Seabourn/Silversea/Regent luxury cruise. That means if you like to wear your baggy and saggy comfy jeans from your 1980 hang loose days you might switch them off your packing lists for good. Nothing like a new pair of tailored trousers for the occasion, I’d say. You CAN afford to do so at this time of life. And they will take a lot less packing space. Ok? Happy and healthy sailing!

Mr L, There are 24 zodiacs. Between 4-6 will be used to ferry guests to shore from either side of the ship depending on the total guest count on board, the likely number intending to go, and the state of any pier or other landing area. This is organized for each of the 4 color groups. If there are organized tours then likely they would be called first. And the intention is the ship be moored within a mile of the landing location, preferably closer. Yesterday in Flatey, Iceland Venture was within one km. The ship might use its lifeboats as tenders. Not sure when that might be. And just because you equip yourself in fancy dress does not give you early boarding advantage. Happy and healthy sailing!