All inclusive or not?

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All inclusive or not?
Reviewed By: Vipan, Stamford on 18th Jun 2009
Cruise Line: Seabourn	Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Seabourn Legend	Sailed: April, 2009
Destination: Mediterranean	Age: 56-65

We have cruised for the last fifteen years or so. We have been with P and O, Princess, Royal Carribean, Celebrity, but now have settled with Seabourn though we have tried Regent Seven Seas. Both of the latter are all inclusive. We have seen from reading some of your reviews that tipping and the price of drinks can be a problem but not so with all inclusive. Gone are the days of about five envelopes containing different sums which you were worried would be too little, or horrors too much!The beauty of Seabourn is that they are small boats with only about 200 passengers and nearly as many crew. They have just launched a larger boat for about 400 and another is due next year but I am confident their standards will not slip far if at all. We are greeted shore side with a welcome drink and then personally escorted on board. Registration for small numbers is usually quick and efficient and you will then be escorted to your cabin to meet your stewardess with welcoming champagne. Your fridge will be stocked with two litres of your pre ordered spirits and the mixers stocked up regularly. There is no need to "smuggle" drinks on board as all the bars are open anyway most of the time. Yes you can spend all day at the bars but very few do. The personal element is outstanding to the point of being almost intrusive, like living at home with servants hovering but this is a small price to pay for the constant attention to detail such as cold drinks brought round to you on deck and your name remembered by many of the staff. This would not be possible on larger boats.You can dine when you like within reason ,where you like ,with whom you like and on what you like.The food has slightly slipped over the years bit is still excellent. You cannot expect lavish West End shows but many of the entertainers are very good and we always like the piano bar after dinner and have made a number friends there. We generally do not go on the organised shore trips which can be good but are very expensive even with the dollar at a low value. We have been able to make our own way particularly in the Carribean perhaps with another couple and have fond memories of Soul Trader the cheerful singing taxi man on Antigua. You will pay a fraction of the organised tour price and often see more at your own pace.We love the Carribean but the islands can be swamped if there are several boats docked.We look for bargains which are often the earlier or later cruises of a particular route. You can get dodgy weather but it usually clears up!We are happy without a balcony and if you choose a cabin near the front of the boat you can sit in the width of the window on the overnight passages looking at the bow wave breaking just below and across the moonlit sea to the distant coastline which can be a magical experience, All in all we can strongly recommend Seabourn at the right price!
Quality of Food
The lobster is usually excellent and we often dine in the Veranda cafe.
Entertainment
Individual entertainers are often very good.
Shore Excursions	n/a
We do not usually take them.
Staff
Stewardess very friendly and efficient.
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities
Limited but they are small ships. Internet expensive.
Cabins
Yes.
Overall Rating

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Comment by Littler, Falkirk (21 Jun 09 06:50) about this REVIEW

I would love to do a cruise like this once my children are off my hands...

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Comment by Vipan, Stamford (23 Jun 09 16:42) about a COMMENT by Littler (21 Jun 09 06:50)

Hope they soon will be! The Vipans.

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Rozitis, Congleton (20 Jun 09 16:13) about this REVIEW

Would love all inclusive - the price of drinks on other ships is ridiculous. As I suffer from travel sickness the big ships don't bother me so I'm wondering what I would be like on the small ships

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Comment by Vipan, Stamford (23 Jun 09 16:53) about a COMMENT by Rozitis (20 Jun 09 16:13)

I am usually OK but my wife is sometimes uncomfortable. The tablets supplied are effective but now charged for. Cruises close to land are best. The Vipans.

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Comment by Barrett, Swindon (20 Jun 09 10:42) about this REVIEW

Thank you for this comment, I would prefer the choice of all inclusive so will be looking at Seabourn for a special event next year. Thank you

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Comment by Barrett, Swindon (20 Jun 09 10:42) about this REVIEW

Thank you for this comment, I would prefer the choice of all inclusive so will be looking at Seabourn for a special event next year. Thank you

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