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Audio guides are a great idea, illiniwahoo! I will look into that as well. Thank you!

Thank you, luvtravel88, that is a very excellent point!

Hi all,

Curious what thoughts people have on private tours (particularly in Europe) that don't include tour guides, just drivers Vs. tours with a tour guide to accompany you into the sites. Since it costs extra to add a tour guide, just wondering if it's worth the extra expense since it seems drivers are also full of knowledge and can talk about highlights on the way to your destination.

Has anyone had both experiences, in any port, where they've had a better experience either way?

Thanks,

Kimberly

Hi all,

Curious what thoughts people have on private tours that don't include tour guides (just drivers) Vs. tours with a tour guide to accompany you into the sites. Since it costs extra to add a tour guide, just wondering if it's worth the extra expense since it seems drivers are also full of knowledge and can talk about highlights on the way to your destination.

Has anyone had both experiences, in any port, where they've had a better experience either way?

Thanks,

Kimberly

Your post is a month or so old but I need to respond. Seabourn is definitely a luxury cruise line - one that I would recommend even though we have not sailed on the ship. We are Regent cruisers that have sailed three times on Silversea and have heard wonderful things about Seabourn (better things than we have heard about Crystal).

 

Not sure that there is anything "above" Regent, Seabourn, Silversea and Crystal". Have you tried Regent's newest ship - the Explorer? It is a few steps above Regent's other ships - really a special experience.

Travelcat2! I didn't know you responded as was hoping you'd chime in. We haven't sailed the Explorer, YET! We sailed the Mariner last April during her inaugural Cuba cruise and prior to refurbishment. So we really have a lot to look forward to when we book with Regent again... especially with Splendor arriving in 2020!

Curious since you've booked Silversea before, why you've never tried Seabourn? Also, in your opinion, what do you think are the main differences between these 2 lines? I know you haven't sailed Silversea before, but you seem like a seasoned cruiser who knows a thing or two about a thing or two ;)

This was our 3rd December voyage on the Reflection in a row and we have stayed in cabin 1289 each time. I didn't notice any extreme wear and in fact, the balcony in our cabin was in slightly better shape than last year. Embarkation at Port Everglades was soooooooooo slow. There were 4 people checking in concierge class and the line was really long. That was probably the most frustrating part but knowing that drinks and relaxation was just around the corner made it bearable.

Can you please tell me if that stateroom had the bed by the balcony... or couch by the balcony? Thanks!

Curious about Seabourn and why it wasn't mentioned much in this thread. Would it be a Luxury line or premium? We're considering sailing Seabourn next as we've already sailed with Crystal and Regent and loved them both, but I just love variety and especially being on a fabulous ship, so want to try them all before settling down with one line. Regarding Seabourn, it's something about the small size of their ships that seem appealing. If Itinerary was not a factor, what would your next move be after Regent and Crystal? Would love any opinions and feedback from experiences. Thanks!

Amen to that!

We love Oceania for the laid-back but sort-of-elegant experience.

We also love Cunard when we're in the fancy mood.

But shhh, don't tell anyone, we also enjoy an occasional Carnival when we want to laugh a lot, have a cheap getaway, and don't care about "upscale".

Different strokes for different folks, but also different strokes for the same folks at different times!

Yes. Love that you threw in that Carnival bit. So true... sometimes you just need to have a little change of scenery and Carnival just scratches that itch. Cheers!!

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We are doing a full transit on Celebrity Infinity in April, 2017 -- I booked it on December 2, 2014! So over 2 years in advance. The cruise is now - 13+ months out and is all but sold out -- only insides and a few ocean views are left. People book early to get the prime cabins.

I replied to you but found my answer. This is my edit since I cannot delete my post. :)

Kind of a hijack, but this is an older posting. Both E736 and E737 are adjacent to a public balcony on the back of the ship. This is one of the "secret" balconies available for Panama Canal and Alaska viewing that helps make Coral and Island popular. Your balcony isn't going to wrap, but a really big balcony is just outside your door. People on your cruise may or may not know about it.

HAHA... thanks for taking note and responding to my question despite the gap in time! These 2 rooms look like a sweet deal, then. Cheers!

Kimberly

Hi Keith, can you tell me if you think E737 would have the same privacy as E736? Also, being at the end of the ship... do you know if the balcony wraps around like the Mini's on Ruby in the Aft?

Thanks!

Kimberly

Thanks so much for the link! Do you have any preference of balcony and/or mini suite location? Would like at least a partial covered balcony....

Where are the best balcony rooms on Coral Princess?