The Countdown-117 days to go!

[Grace Smith]

Should I be trying to book reservations at "2" prior to boarding, is that even a possibility? What do you all think of "2" compared to the main restaurant? Since I'm new to Cruising and Seabourn will be my first cruise, any advice will be really helpful. Is it hard to get reservations for "2" when the weather is beautiful? My fascination with "2" is the being able to be outdoors and eat! What could be better!

Also, what about the port excursions? How do you decide which trips to take? Is there anyone to call or e-mail for advice? Should you try to book these trips ahead, or is that even possible?

They changed one day's port from Monte Carlo to Nice. We'll be in Nice overnight. V.M. was hoping that we could visit the Casino in Monaco since we were overnighting in that port. Will that still be feasible if we are docked overnight in nearby Nice? Is there a curfew?

V.M. and I are booked on the 14 day Legend Cruise, Rome to Rome that starts June 23rd. If anyone else out there is on this trip, let me know.

I feel like I should be asking other questions, but in my ignorance....:confused:

[Winner]

Welcome to Seabourn, Grace! There is no need (and no way, either) to reserve in 2 before boarding. Check the daily menu, which will be delivered with the daily Herald at turn down and reserve with 2 the next morning.

 

You will receive a booklet with details on excursions available on your sailing. A tour excursion manager will host brief talks on each port during your cruise to help you better decide. You can probably go to Monte Carlo's casino for your evening in port--I doubt there will be a curfew. Men are required to wear jackets and ties for some of the rooms--and sandals are NOT welcome.

 

If you think you are excited now, wait until you receive your booklet 6-8 weeks before sailing!

 

Winnie

[Two4Sea]

Grace, 2 outside is indeed a delight on a nice evening. When it ran as the Verandah there was list of the menu themes published at the start of the trip, that and some thought to sheltered port departures (we were on the open ocean) set our plans for reserving the day before. On the other hand walking in also works some evenings as not all the reservations get used.

 

While you are waiting for the shore excursion booklet, the listing on the web site will give you some good insight. Not all of the tours will actually happen but it does show what the local operators feature.

 

At Monaco we hit a curfew of a different sort a few years back. We were actually anchored off Villefranche and caught the last late night tender. There was some counting problem before casting off and they radioed our ID cards to the ship, sure enough the computer said one more person was needed. We didn’t mind waiting but after 15 minutes some one had to make his own way to our next port, Rome. Hope he won big enough to pay for it.

 

Bill

[blackbird71]

Grace Smith

 

Like it has been posted you will get your shore excursion book around 6-8 weeks out. In addition to shore excursions, it has other useful information like the number of formal dinners on your cruise.

 

Be sure to take it on your cruise and check the list in your suite for any additions or deletions.

 

I have written Seabourn about getting into the 21th Century :D They are about the last of the lines that you can not pre-order your excursions online. I loved RSSC/Silversea when I got to my suite to have my tickets sitting there waiting for me. :)

[JaneBP]

>"..... Seabourn will be my first cruise, any advice will be really helpful."

 

Unless you are determined to dine 'a deux', I suggest you accept a few of the hosted table invitations at the beginning of the cruise. Then there are some familiar faces right from the start.

 

While the tasting menu is generally not available to those dining in the main room, one can 'pre-order' the lovely rib eye steak that they have on the menu one of the nights in '2'. <G> Under Chef Franco, '2' was lovely.

If the Sky Bar is open for dinner, that's also a very nice spot. They have a 'grill' menu and buffet.

 

If you love curry, find some other afficianados and see if you can have Chef Franco make his special dishes (which include Thai and others, as well). It makes a lovely 'at sea' luncheon time in the dining room.

 

Unlike Blackie, I doubt if Seabourn had the ability to pre-order excursions that I would do it that way. I tend to change my mind; occasionally a lecturer will suggest that one trip is particularly interesting. Also, one might decide to have a car and guide instead of the scheduled trips. Sometimes a small group will form to get off the 'beaten track'. The excursion specialist will be helpful in assisting you.

[Grace Smith]

Hi, Winnie!

Thanks for your help. I'm so afraid of missing something. Good to learn that everything is so laid back though!

I can't wait to get my booklet! I love the anticipation!

Will high heeled sandals work in Monte Carlo?

I can't get over how warm & welcoming everyone on this board is! I think that is adding to my enthusiasm for the trip!

[Grace Smith]

Hi, Bill!(Two4Sea)

I think I know the Seabourn website by heart!

I'm a little obsessive compulsive.

About what time of night was it that you got back to the boat? How did you get from Villefranche to Monte Carlo, taxi?

[Grace Smith]

Hi, Blackbird!

I see your countdown is down to four days. Wow!

I'm sure you'll have a lot of good stories and pictures to share when you get back.

[Grace Smith]

>"..... Seabourn will be my first cruise, any advice will be really helpful."

 

Unless you are determined to dine 'a deux', I suggest you accept a few of the hosted table invitations at the beginning of the cruise. Then there are some familiar faces right from the start.

 

While the tasting menu is generally not available to those dining in the main room, one can 'pre-order' the lovely rib eye steak that they have on the menu one of the nights in '2'. <G> Under Chef Franco, '2' was lovely.

If the Sky Bar is open for dinner, that's also a very nice spot. They have a 'grill' menu and buffet.

 

If you love curry, find some other afficianados and see if you can have Chef Franco make his special dishes (which include Thai and others, as well). It makes a lovely 'at sea' luncheon time in the dining room.

 

Unlike Blackie, I doubt if Seabourn had the ability to pre-order excursions that I would do it that way. I tend to change my mind; occasionally a lecturer will suggest that one trip is particularly interesting. Also, one might decide to have a car and guide instead of the scheduled trips. Sometimes a small group will form to get off the 'beaten track'. The excursion specialist will be helpful in assisting you.

Wonderful advice! Does everyone get invited to these group tables?

I guess it's a woman's right to change her mind. V.M. and I have an inside joke with regard to booking this trip. Every night at dinner we would decide on a trip and go to bed thinking that we'd book that one in the morning. By the morning, I would always have a better idea. I'm sure we drove our TA crazy! I could hear the shock in her voice when I finally booked the Rome to Rome deal!:)

[JaneBP]

>"Does everyone get invited to these group tables?"

 

It's a popular option. Also, since not everyone accepts, if when you get to your suite, and there is no invitation, you can call the Pursers' and ask if there is a cancellation and if so, you would like to be included. This is not a popularity contest and there is NO SHAME in doing this. I think that often, first-timers are included early on. Or, you can scope out the DR on the first night and then decide. You can also call Seabourn and speak with a rep and ask to be included.

 

Mostly, I travel alone, and I love the group dining.

[CruisinMatt]

You also may be called about 5 or 6 from reception asking if you'd like to join a hosted table. Seabourn is full of fun surprises! :)

[LaPaloma]

Grace,....set all concerns aside. Your only battle is the airlines and luggage..once aboard..all of those issues go away.You are in for a wonderful treat. You will be overwhelmed by the graciousness afforded you...and you will have the time of your life. I would be greatly surprised if you did not book your next excursion while on board. Of course, you will catch on, that those of us who are awaiting our next SB trip are extremely envious of you, who are experiencing it NOW! Enjoy.Lola

[Grace Smith]

Thanks, Jane!

V.M. and I would love to be invited to join a group table. We're alone together often enough at home. That's a great idea to call the Purser's Office. It's something I would never have thought to do on my own. Your experience gives you great insight. Insight equals a fabulous cruise!

[Grace Smith]

You also may be called about 5 or 6 from reception asking if you'd like to join a hosted table. Seabourn is full of fun surprises! :)

I was just thinking how lucky I am to have found Seabourn! I couldn't be more excited.

I think I owe a lot to the Internet actually! I started my vacation quest just knowing that I needed something more relaxing than my usual Blitz through Europe. Many of my friends travel with Tauck. I know that they are wonderful trips. But, I in my ocd way had to research everything on the web. Somehow I came across Seabourn and their website! I liked it! To be honest though, I didn't like the dress code and I was intimidated thinking that it might be elitist. I researched all of the competition! I narrowed it down to Silverseas & Seabourn. I still preferred the smaller vessel of Seabourn, but the balconies on Silverseas were swaying me.

Somehow in all of this confusion, I found the CruiseCritic boards. It was here that my decision was crystalized. The people on Seabourn are amazing, friendly and not the least bit elitist. I'll just have to suffer through the dress code. (I used to be in the fashion industry, so how hard can this be?)

I hope to meet all of you eventually, you're a delightful group!;)

[Grace Smith]

Grace,....set all concerns aside. Your only battle is the airlines and luggage..once aboard..all of those issues go away.You are in for a wonderful treat. You will be overwhelmed by the graciousness afforded you...and you will have the time of your life. I would be greatly surprised if you did not book your next excursion while on board. Of course, you will catch on, that those of us who are awaiting our next SB trip are extremely envious of you, who are experiencing it NOW! Enjoy.Lola

Hi, Lola!

The luggage debacle happened to me last summer in Praha! Will you think less of me when I say, "Why couldn't it have happened to V.M.?" Grrr! I, however, was determined not to be the Ugly American about the luggage thing. It took less than 24 hours to have the bags delivered...I'm glad I didn't become unglued. It would be more of a catastrophe on an elegant cruise, however! Of course, that could be my ticket to dress down! Sorry, an unpopular comment I'm sure!

I know you're right, Lola, this was a great decision! I see myself enjoying this! It's really too bad that I have to work! My envy really escalates when I read about all of the people who cruise several times a year. Wow! I always look forward to your input. I hope our paths will eventually cross.

[GrannyLorr]

Grace.....our very first cruise was last year on The Spirit...and I also made my decision by reading these boards. I had thought of Oceania and Silverseas (because of the itinerary...wanted a long cruise)...but decided on Seabourn because of what I read here. I also am not a "dress up" type, so wasn't sure about the formal nights....however its not all ball gowns and diamonds....so I managed ok......if we didn't feel like dressing up, sometimes we would just have burgers in our suite! We loved the cruise so much, our next one is booked for January 2008 and will be for 72 days! Cant wait! We also enjoyed the hosted tables for dinner. We only dined alone once.....and it was terrible.....here we were sitting all alone, while everyone else was chatting and laughing on the bigger tables......we never did it again! As you enter the Dining room, if you haven't got any prior arrangement for dinner, you will be asked if you wish to dine alone, or join another table.......that is always fun and you get to meet so many people. I am sure you will soon be hooked on Seabourn like the rest of us!

[Two4Sea]

Grace, last tender was at 10:30pm for an 11pm sailing but we were just across the street at a sidewalk restaurant having a birthday dinner. DMIL saw a travel magazine photo of Villefranche the next month and there was the restaurant right in the front. Also Gasp, it wasn’t a Seabourn cruise, we were on HAL who had shuttled us to Monaco during the day for our bit of sightseeing. For an evening return I would guess that a taxi would be quite feasible but it might be expensive, even by Riviera standards. Google Monaco taxi rates.

 

Bill