ON cruiser

Sigh, re the Room Service issues. Yet if management doesn’t know about it, they can’t fix the problem. I hope you mention this to the F & B manager.

A flight delay of that length leads, I believe, to compensation. But the onus is on the passenger to ask for it. Check out the Canadian Transportation Agency website while waiting. Looking forward to the wrap up of your trip in due course, and thanks for taking us along.

I always enjoy reading of your travels—your descriptions of your walks and the ship make me feel as if I’m right there with you! Thanks for taking the time. Re the ‘23 World Cruise, I recall that you wrote to HAL’s CEO, providing some detailed concerns. Did you receive a satisfactory response (not a form letter)? As a 5 star Mariner, I’m very much on the fence about returning to HAL, albeit you seem to be experiencing on this cruise much better food and experiences, generally, than on the “glitchy” Zuiderdam, so far. Are you taking the ‘24 GWV? Thanks again, ON Cruiser

I typically take a couple of sports jackets, for several reasons: —I look better in a jacket (somewhat covers my paunch and somewhat hides my poor posture), —as the dining room is often on the cool side, they keep me warmer (light or summer weight garments), —an admitted “clothes-horse”, I like wearing nice items, —these are casual, some “unconstructed” jackets that I would rarely wear to the office (call it my cruise-wear). sometimes I see more men in jackets; other evenings or other cruises, fewer. Each to their own…

Vitacura, thanks for taking the time to provide such informative and entertaining commentary! My wife and I join Mariner Nov. 25 for a back-to-back in the Caribbean, and your reports have whetted our appetites to get on board! Hopefully you have calm seas all the way to NYC—and more delicious meals to enjoy!

I must agree with Wendy re Pearson Airport—especially if one needs wheelchair assistance, the wait for that can be quite long. Such assistance is typically provided by a 3rd party consortium in which many airlines participate. a question re Turkish Airlines: are spirits (wine, liquor) served on board and in it’s lounges? Their website makes no mention of such being available, so I ask.

Thanks for your review. Happy sailing!

Thanks for responding. On the included Biz class air for Europe/ international, one can opt out and get a credit. Currently, while we’ve opted out in the past, given the high price of biz class, I’m content with Regent picking my flight, with the modest fee to deviate if desired. Re shore excursions, many might agree with you. Yet equally many have had quite good included tours. There is also extra cost options, for which “funny money” ( AKA SBC) can be used. Yet I do appreciate sticking to the known or comfort zone. Enjoy your upcoming cruise!

In answer to the OP’s question, in my view, you are certainly Not being “impudent” to inform SB executives of what you like, and why. I also share your opinion on having more choices for breakfast and lunch. A self-defined luxury line should offer such choices. Just curious, if I may ask the OP, if Regent was in your consideration for a cruise? That line does offer the dining room (or specialty restaurants) for lunch and the Dining room for sit-down breakfast.

Hi SLSD, I join Sunprince and Labonnevie in suggesting you consider Regent amongst your options. “BC” (before Covid) we did two cruises on each of Regent and Seabourn. Returning to cruising last October, we sailed on Splendour, and much enjoyed our trip. I suspect you would enjoy the choice of specialty restaurants, albeit Compass Rose is equally great. This past May we sailed on the little Navigator, from Miami to Montreal. She only has the steakhouse as a specialty, yet you can order most anything at Compass Rose. We didn’t feel deprived. The crew was also the most cohesive team we’ve ever encountered, in over 20 years of cruising ( we “graduated” to the all-inclusive lines about 2017, tired of the increased nickel & dimeing on HAL). Currently, we have three Regent cruises booked. We enjoy the “penthouse” category with its extra amenities, albeit have been fine in a regular veranda. Obviously, we’re voting with our wallet. Yet for the right price and itinerary we would consider seabourn again. For you and your hubby, if you try Regent, I suggest you begin with one of the ships other than Navigator, to have more dining options. Check out the Regent board, and feel free to post any questions which come to mind. Best wishes, ON cruiser

I would believe that if you go on a SS cruise, you will meet many very nice people, just as on SB or Regent. As you note, SLSD, its a very small percentage who post on-line, and even if some are "snarky" on line, they may be lovely in person. I would not sweat that too much. It would be a pleasure to meet you and Markham some day...if the stars align. While I would return to SB at some point, especially given the improvements being implemented, I would also try SS if the pricing and itinerary are right. We looked at the 2025 SS LA-Hawaii return to Vancouver but, once tours and biz class air was added in, this became a far more pricey proposition than a Regent cruise also in Spring 2025 which we were also eying. As for the Regent "vibe", we've met many lovely folk on our cruises with whom we chummed around. Dress code on Regent is country club casual--I typically wear a sports jacket most nights to dinner, because I choose to, and I estimate that, on average, 35-50% of gents do so. Yet on cruises of 15 days and less there is no "formal optional" night (having noted that, one can still dress up a tad on any night and, if going to a specialty restaurant, many guys do wear a jacket and some add a tie). Yet most nights, a lot of gents wear a pair of nice slacks and a collared shirt--which is all that is required. No jeans after 6PM, unless one is dining outside. We find the food quality and service on Regent, especially thinking of our two most recent cruses post-covid, as overall excellent. And, my wife and I can be hard to impress, too. Frankly, on none of these lines will someone usually have a bad time (allowing that at times things can go wrong, anywhere). I would sail on any of these three lines, so let, as someone else noted, the itinerary, all in pricing, and convenient timing of the cruise be your "tie-breakers". Trying to decide which of several luxury lines to travel...a nice "problem" to have. We should all count our blessings.

Following up to the interesting dialogue between SLSD and Markham, my wife and I have been on both Seabourn (pre-Covid) and Regent, but not Silversea. We have done two post-covid cruises on Regent--one on Splendor and one on the little Navigator (last May). We were recently considering SS for a cruise but have, for now, ruled them out. Why? I simply cannot wrap my head around an extra charge for dining in several venues, when paying the luxury prices which SS charges. I also much prefer the included biz-class air on Regent (which I think is only included for North American passengers, not European or UK passengers--correct me if that assumption is wrong). Pre-covid, we had 2 cruises each on Seabourn and Regent. On each line one cruise was "just ok", while one was superb. We were going to do Alaska on Seabourn in May of 2020--well, we know what happened with that (it didn't). Our two post-covid cruises on Regent last Fall, Barcelona-Miami on Splendor & this Spring Miami-Montreal on Navigator were both superb! Excellent food and service and on Splendor one is spoiled for choice. Less dining choice on the little Navigator (only one specialty resto), but wonderful food, varied menus, and caring and warm service make up for that. We loved both very different ships. The included air or air credit, and the "no signing" given included tours, are important. We graduated from HAL years ago because I was tired of the nickle and diming, and signing for everything. Again, that not all included is what holds me back from SS. For the right itinerary and value, we would return to Seabourn. Whatever you choose to try, I wish you calm winds and following seas.

Hello all, my wife and I are contemplating the April 2025 cruise to Hawaii on the Moon; embarkation in LA and ends in Vancouver. The website is, at least for me, not clear on what dining is included and which venues are extra charge on this ship. It appears that Atlantide is extra, as are at least several others. But, what are the included options? Regarding laundry, is there a "by the bag" option so one can stuff full a bag for a fixed price, or is it all charged by the individual item? For context, we are nowadays more used to Regent, which includes laundry in the fare and which has no extra charge dining (yet). Thanks in advance to the experienced Silversea cruisers for providing the details!

The issue for me is "ambience". How others dress and act can, in my view, impact, positively or negatively, the ambience of a restaurant--on ship as well as on land. So, while I try to ignore these things, if everyone in, say, Chartreuse, is wearing ball caps and shorts at dinner, and my wife and I were dressed in the expected fashion, it might understandably be uncomfortable for us. Similarly, if a large group is behaving boorishly, very loud, etc., again, that can negatively impact the ambience and my enjoyment of the evening. I do thank Pcardad for the information of checking for a group. I will have my TA call his account representative going forward to check, especially as we have a 7 plus a 10 day Caribbean back-to-back booked for this later Fall.

Thanks for the summary. Hopefully you get a thoughtful response from HAL.

Just chiming in with my final impressions. Overall, this was a lovely cruise, notwithstanding the itinerary changes. The Saquenay started out cool but it warmed up—nice day for a tour and walk. GP’s tour, the same one taken by our friends, was I think better than our “panoramic” ride-around. Still pleasant. Quebec City—a warm and sunny day, perfect for walking the old town. Much history to consume. Back to ship for a nice lunch at CR; and then to pack. Given that the laundry folds our clothes it’s not a difficult task, albeit a sad one. Went to the pre-dinner show, a cast vocalist who sang quite well, and was well accompanied by the ship’s band. A pleasant interlude. Final pre-dinner drinks at Galileo’s lounge, where we had been consistently well looked after by the super bar team. Then, as we and our friends dine late (8pm), had our last dinner at Prime 7–all delicious once again. A little partying later in Galileo’s. Said our good-byes to new friends. Today, debarkation day in Montreal, last breakfast in CR. Eventually left ship, much assistance available in port including a lovely porter who carted our bags to a waiting taxi. To our hotel and thankfully given room on arrival before 10AM. Now resting before heading out. FYI, in Montreal there is a flat-rate ($48.) taxi fare from downtown, including the port, to the airport. Often better than Uber, especially at rush hour or times of peak demand. GP, going to the airport at an off-peak time, Saturday morning of a long weekend in Canada (so, many left Friday), got “lucky” with the relatively short waits at the airport and a short ride to the airport. Usually the security line at Montreal’s airport can be quite long and slow. Traffic getting there can also be congested. Plan accordingly. In conclusion, we enjoyed our second Navigator cruise. The people make it great. Yet we prefer the wider amenities of the larger Regent ships. With two itineraries that each ticked the boxes, we likely would go with a larger ship. Yet still, we can very much see ourselves returning to Navigator again. Thanks to GP for starting this thread and for encouraging others to chime in. Wishing all smooth seas and following winds.

So, for what it’s worth, my perspective on the last couple of days. In Sydney, like GP, we stayed on board. The tendering process, rough waters, and resultant delays, dissuaded us from leaving. We turned in our tour tickets and consoled ourselves with a lavish lunch in CR. It appeared that some others were similarly inclined. Yet friends with whom we are travelling enjoyed their Sydney tour. For Charlottetown, we had a walking tour booked as a “placeholder”. We waitlisted for the “Coastal Charms” bus tour, but all showed up. So, a tad reluctantly, we took the “island tour and Anne of Green Gables” bus tour. It turned out great! Bus driver needed navigational directions from our native Islander tour guide (more on that, below). Tour took us through key parts of the capital Charlottetown (population 39,000) and into rural parts of what is affectionately called the postage stamp province of Canada (total population 160,000). Stopped at a preserve company (lovely jams, etc., for tasting and sale); then a scenic drive to the museum and house of Lucy Maude Montgomery. Museum operated by Parks Canada, federal government department. Well done, great historical information on Lucy Maude Montgomery and her prolific writing. Museum and house staff most informative. It was a nice day, weather-wise, too as rain held off until later. So, why did our most pleasant bus driver need guidance? Because she came from Moncton, NB, a neighbouring province. Our guide said that all regulars were booked long ago for the Zaandam, a HAL ship scheduled for this port. Consequently, when our itinerary changed (for valid reasons), Regent had to scramble to find buses and resources. Yet, in the short time available, they managed. Kudos to our excursion team for getting it done. Evening was most pleasant, including another nice dinner at Prime 7. Today, Wednesday May 17, sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway. Our turn for the Sommelier lunch (amazingly, I can still type on an IPhone after copious consumption of vino with delicious food). During our lunch we heard the announcements re the medical disembark, and no doubt all wish the individual and their family well. Currently, weather cool but sunny, water calm. All good on board

Captain now updating and providing details …very strong winds that, even with a tug, made it unsafe to try to dock. Hence tendering. sounds like a good call.

Yet with reasonable explanations provided for these by the Captain in his announcements: St. George due to high winds there, with the local pilot advising against attempting entry to the narrow passage. Corner Brook, due to ice still in area, making nighttime navigation challenging; so avoid the risk. Sydney, due to our berth occupied (sounds like a port operator error). These things happen.

Wednesday afternoon (May 10) on Navigator…saw GP and Rolf at the casino last night, it is hard to believe that they are 75/73! Deduct 10 years! They are either aging very well, or I am aging badly! 😆 After dinner and casino last night, my wife and I eventually went to Navigator’s lounge to enjoy the personable pianist Nico, who kept on playing until midnight for the enthusiasts. Darn that time change-we lost an hour! This Wednesday AM, too late for Compass Rose, I made it at 9:45 for Veranda. Lovely breakfast, my special requests easily met, at that hour not crowded. Puttered about, DW surfaced for lite bite at Coffee Connection. This was after the wine tasting (at 11AM??) so space abounds. I needed help reconnecting to ‘net; done. Late afternoon yesterday IT manager Luanne helped me with a work-related matter (my secretary found me; rats! 😀). Thanks to Luanne, it’s resolved. Back in vacation mode. This AM while awaiting my wife, I lounged on the sofa at deck 11, outside the top-deck bar. I watched all the power-walkers go by without even a twinge of guilt. Very comfortable outside. Went to library for a time, chairs comfy, got Canadian paper. After lunch in CR (delicious!), I’m now back out on deck 11, rear, before going to the lecture on Bermuda. It’s a “tough life”, lounging at sea and floating from meal to meal. So goes it, my on board perspective.

Bill & Mary Ann, your daily recounting of life on board your world cruise is, as always, a pleasure to read. Thanks once again for sharing the good, bad, and occasionally the ugly (eg.: the description of some who got food poisoning) that went on this year. From your descriptions, notwithstanding my wife and I being 5 star mariners, I doubt that we will ever return to HAL. The “nickel and dimeing” has reached new heights (lows?). So, if even President Club members note the cutbacks, it would be even worse for those at my level. The food also sounded overall disappointing from your descriptions. The Zuiderdam was never my favourite ship. The first of the Vista class, it always seemed “beta” or resembling a prototype. Every time I was on it there were serious mechanical problems—more than the norm. A better choice for the World cruise, in my humble opinion, would have been Zaandam. So, the “64 thousand $ Question” is, will you return for a world cruise in ‘24, or do something else? Safe journey home and again, thanks for your wonderful blog!

Our gracious thread-starter GP reminded me, when we met returning from the Kennedy Space Centre tour, that anyone is welcome to post their views. So I will jump in. Embarkation for my wife and I was generally easy; a short wait for a table at La Veranda by the time we arrived; yet food very good and service warm, welcoming, and efficient. Lesson learned by us: arrive for check in after 1pm. Nobody behind us in check in line at 12:45 and by 10 minutes after we were seated for lunch, tables started opening up. On Saturday, I went on the Grand Lucayan resort and beach day tour. Nothing currently grand about that hotel; rather, only faded grandeur. Yet beach was lovely and clear. Had a lounger in shade, after 2 hours in and out of ocean, up for lunch. Ordered a hot-dog. Got it yet, when I put my plate down, a bird swooped in and made off with the hot-dog—lady behind me saw it happen. We had a good laugh and hotel staff replaced it—I guarded the replacement very carefully! My wife had stayed on board and enjoyed the ship on Saturday. While I liked the beach, in hindsight I might also have stayed on. Returned to ship; much enjoyed the pre-dinner show by Ray, a very talented man! As to dinners in Compass Rose, we are later diners (8, 8:15, even 8:30) so we’ve not yet had the problems which GP described. But, another lady at the resort yesterday described similar problems re long waits to order and get the food. She (this other lady) also dined about 6:30. When in the bar for pre-dinner cocktails, we’ve taken to asking the bartender to call CR, to see how much longer we should wait. Last night we were told that people were still waiting to get a table as of 8:10, but a few minutes later the Maître’d called back to say they had a 4-top ( we’re cruising with another couple). Alas, we miss the show by dining late but “ya can’t have it all”. Food for us has been very, very, good, with lovely service. Today (Sunday, May 7) we did the Kennedy space centre tour. Great day but lots of walking. Others can describe it, but we enjoyed it a lot. Back before 3pm, and the ship happily kept La Veranda open until about 3:10, which helped many—people poured into the buffet, many hungry and tired from a very informative and intensive tour.

Thanks for starting this thread, GP. We “almost met” on Splendour last Fall (transatlantic); thought I spotted you but did not wish to intrude. DW and I are looking forward to boarding Navigator Friday, and anticipate a nice cruise notwithstanding the many itinerary changes (about which I do believe we are owed an explanation). looking forward to meeting many—I walk with a cane, baldish late middle aged guy (hmmm, that may not narrow it down sufficiently 😀). we arrived in Miami last night—staying at the Marriott Biscayne Bay, nice hotel. It’s very hot (90 F.) and sunny. A welcome change from chilly Toronto!

Suggest you read the annual report of the parent corporation, where this (fuel savings) was mooted. It is not nearly as far-fetched as you suggest. That said, it is I fully admit speculation on my part. So, I await an explanation for the unusual number of changes from Regent. And, while ports can change due to extenuating (eg: weather, safety) circumstances, this is again an unusually high number on this cruise.