Cruise Critics 2015 Editorial Awards has been released and I am not surprised Seabourn is absent from their list of the best. If they did a list for the worst, I’m sure many categories they would be the front-runner.
As a world traveler and expert of all things to rent- you would think I would be an expert at avoiding travel disasters. I do my research before a trip, and this was my 7th cruise.
Neither my husband or I had been on a Seabourn cruise, but we both really enjoy renting boats. Or in this case, a big ship!! But even, I can end up on the wrong end of a needs-to-be-written bad review, like my summer adventure on a Seabourn excursion.
Despite the cruise line’s great rep, our ship was old and beat up, the staff couldn’t have been more frustrated and unfriendly (the woman taking my morning coffee order seemed ready to explode at a moment’s notice!) Our penthouse suite room waswellweird (a glassed-in bed in the middle of the floor space!)
I will say, 2 weeks on this ship was the best diet. As I have put a few travel pounds on during my previous Crystal Cruises. I was safe from any added gain due to the awful food in both ship restaurants. (Although, I will say Restaurant Two is slightly better, but you are only allowed to eat there once per week.) Crystal Cruises did win Best Luxury Cruise Line 2015!
After the first week, I was begging my husband to get off in Istanbul and skip Greece. He talked me into staying for the second week of hell. He strategized that we can avoid the awful food onboard by spending every possible minute we could ashore.
Only the very next day after I was convinced to stay, we were unable to port into Myrina. I was trapped 36hrs straight on this horrible ship, with overpriced non-existent wifi and disgusting food. I found solace in the spa, and met a great friend there who shared in my misery.
All in all, I was embarrassed. I never have a bad time traveling. I have made lemons into lemonade so many times and turned bad situations, into some wonderful memories. What went wrong here?
And then it struck me, Seabourn always had such a luxurious reputation as one of the best in the business. I assumed things had stayed the same and didn’t contact anyone who had traveled with them in the last 5 years. BIG MISTAKE. As I started to ask around, after the terrible experience, I found numerous people with very similar complaints.
My whole family loves to cruise, boats are a favorite rental. With Seabourn out of the equation, for any return business, ever, I had to start looking for alternatives. Then I came across an article about the best ocean liner rooms in the world, and it made me think: with designs that incredible, you’d still be pretty happy, even if the rest of your cruise went to hell. Do you agree? Read on and see what’s new in the world of ship accommodations:
Just SO MUCH space: This year will mark the maiden voyage of the Regent Seven Seas ship and with it the Regent Suiteat 3875 square feet, it’s bigger than many luxury homes and comes complete with its own spa, not to mention a private car, driver and guide in every port.
Crazy cool design features: On the three-year-old Celebrity Reflection, the Reflection Suite has an all-glass shower that actually extends over the edge of the ship. And no, you won’t be giving other passengers a voyeuristic treat – it’s built with reflective smart glass that lets you see out but keeps everyone else from looking in.
Lots of levels: The two penthouse suites on P&O’s Aurora ship are spread over two decks, with living and dining areas below and beds and baths up top. Choose between the Library Suite and the Piano Suite (the baby grand can be played by hand or programmed to provide music electronically.)
Room for your wears: In the over 1000 square foot Owner’s Suite on Hapag Lloyd’s Europa 2, you’ll find a bedroom equipped with a walk-in closet. Perfect for storing all those fabulous rental bags and outfits you simply had to bring along!
Personal touches: The multi-level Grand Duplex Apartments on the Queen Mary 2 feature all the little luxuries you’d expect, plus a few you wouldn’t: his-and-hers marble bathrooms, personalized stationary and pure heavena pillow concierge!
Top Notch Tech: Crystal Serenity’s penthouses come with free, unlimited internet (my life-blood!), not to mention iPod docking stations with surround sound and Bose VideoWave III flat-screens throughout.
Family Friendly: When I travel with my kids, things are different. They aren’t always up for a formal dinner at 8pm. They need more flexibility. Disney Cruise’s Concierge Royal Suites gives you options – Sleeping up to five, they offer in-room dining, two TVs (so parents AND kids can be happy) and an extensive media Library – and it’s Disney, so you just know your kids will be happy.
Tried any of these rooms out? Let us know what you think!