Cruises - Seabourn Mediterranean

I will be getting married next June 2012 and we came up with the idea of going on a cruise around Europe for the Honeymoon. I wanted something romantic and not the typical hustle and bustle of these large cruise liners. (This will be my first cruise). So, I looked at Sebourn and their product caught me.

For those of you who have been on this cruise, would you recommend it for a Honeymoon? If not what do you suggest..

Thanks in advance!

we haven't been on seabourn in a long time....but reviews are pretty good...

have you searched this forum for seabourn....there are some threads that might be interesting....

have a ball...

Do check the CruiseCritic.com forum for Seabourn. Others have asked that question as well. Seabourn caters to passengers usually in their 40's and up. There is not a lot to do, so it's quite nice for being alone and enjoying the ports.THere are two classes of ships, the ones with 206 max and the newer ones with 450. Obviously, there is more variety in the newer ships, which might appeal to you more. The casinos are small, the evening entertainment decidedly low key, but quite nice.
But it's so nice to have everything included. No tipping, no signing chits, no daily fees, and the like. I think you need to decide which ports interest you. YOu can go off on your own or take a Seabourn event, or have them book something for you.

I will be getting married next June 2012 and we came up with the idea of going on a cruise around Europe for the Honeymoon. I wanted something romantic and not the typical hustle and bustle of these large cruise liners. (This will be my first cruise). So, I looked at Sebourn and their product caught me.

For those of you who have been on this cruise, would you recommend it for a Honeymoon? If not what do you suggest..

Thanks in advance!

I've done two med cruises- they are heavily port intensive. I'm not a huge fan of them to be honest because I feel my relaxation quotient is reduced by my desire to spend time in said port. If you havent been to some of the ports before then you might feel pressure to race around seeing as much as you can see...

That all being said, I've cruised both Regent and Seabourn in the Med. Both are fine, I think that the service and food is better on Seabourn. Though, one might find a higher value from REgent. I think that Seabourn probably is considered like a higher class of luxury than Regent. My absolute favorite line is Seadream. I've done them in the Carribean only and they are fantastic. Absolutely top notch. Small boats, great outdoor spaces. Totally not crowded. Great marine area, great pool area. Food is awesome. Service impeccable. I know that they offer Med itineraries...

I posted some specific thoughts over on cruise critic. Here is the link (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=25460384&postcount=12) Link 2
(http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=25437588&postcount=3)
FDW

Seabourn's new ships offers almost all suites with full balconies, which is very important to me. Morning coffee in your robe and slippers on the balcony or a glass of wine as the sun sets as you roll out of bed from an afternoon nap; that on top of excellent service, very good food and an itinerary that includes ports that the mega-ships can't visit and you'll have a great honeymoon. Other than possibly a few other honeymoon couples, you won't meet many younger people, and few, if any, children. Be sure to book through a Virtuoso agent for the complimentary Voyager Club benefits on Seabourn, and some sailings have Virtuoso group rates. A good agent can also save you money on travel insurance and sometimes on air. Seabourn has a pretty good air program if you're booking far enough out. Your agent will compare and present the best option.

Do also take a look at Seadream if a balcony is not a priority. Younger passengers, almost 1-to1 crew-to-passenger = phenomenal service, in port 'till late evening, visits smaller ports (without the big ship crowds) and take a look at the under-the-stars Balinese dream beds. Very cool. Like Seabourn, all inclusive. Virtuoso benefit is $200 spa credit on many itineraries.

Seabourn is an excellent cruiseline. I've cruised with them twice, both on the Odyssey and in the Mediterranean, and both times, I met a lovely newlywed couple on their honeymoon. The first time, the couple was quite social and met a lot of new friends; the second time, the couple was very secluded, and I only spotted them twice in 12 days. (I wonder if they took all their meals via room service?!)

As others have mentioned, go on cruisecritic.com for reviews and postings about Seabourn. However, a lot of the posters are cruise experts with a lot of passion and strong opinions and biases, and they don't represent the typical passenger on board.

It's difficult to not have a great time on such a high caliber boat such as any of Seabourn's. The service is exemplary.

Would you consider Crystal?

From my perspective - 8x on Regent - mostly in Europe. The Med is very port intensive but that's what we want - a convenient way to sightsee without packing / unpacking every night - we are in port during the day and "travel" at night.

Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent are probably the "best" lines (with Regent perhaps a notch lower) and they are mostly all-inclusive (all tips, alcoholic beverages except for ultra premium liquor, no charge for "specialty dining" - Regent even includes shore excursions complimentary).

I would put Crystal just below this group (not being all-inclusive) and perhaps just above Celebrity, Oceania, Azmara.

For us, Crystal isn't in the running since I really hate signing for everything and from what I gather the "snob" factor is pretty high amongst their passengers.

I brought up Crystal because it is going to be an inclusive line by next spring. Cruise ships have a variety of passengers and I don't think Crystal has cornered the market on snobs.

Crystal continues to appeal to me because I can have Nobu's Japanese food, preferably sashimi & sushi items. Sometimes the Western menus are too rich for my palate.

I also like to have Formal dress up nights. Due to health reasons, I cancelled a spring cruise, but will be on the Serenity in the fall (Istanbul to Venice.)

Wishing you well and a wonderful honeymoon.

+1 on SeaDream

Cruise ships have a variety of passengers and I don't think Crystal has cornered the market on snobs.

I also like to have Formal dress up nights. Due to health reasons, I cancelled a spring cruise, but will be on the Serenity in the fall (Istanbul to Venice.)

Wishing you well and a wonderful honeymoon.

I agree that there will be some variety of passengers on any line.

Crystal is a bit too formal for me - also unless they've changed (or changing) they have the more formal dining - where you are assigned to some table - we like the informal dine when you want and with whoever you want (or by yourselves).

Hope your health is improving!! We're going on the Regent Mariner next month from Athens to Istanbul.

To the OP, have a great honeymooon also!!!

oops, I lost a post.

Crystal is my fave line. This year it has added an Open dining by reservation to its MDR. We usually take the first seating at a large table. At home I can dine with DH at a table for 2.:) there are a number of tables for 2's on Crystal.

Next year the line in going all-inclusive and the current generous As You Wish $$ will be gone. Hopefully TA's will be offering some SBC. Our TA has added TIPS and some SBC (through their consortium connection.) No word yet as to what the consortiums will offer clients.

I also like the discount of 2.5% for an early pay in full incentive. Air is also part of the fare unless you want the credit to book your own.

I must be feeling better, I am dreaming of my next cruise. :)

I took a one week summer Seabourn Odyssey Med cruise last year. I am in my 20s and met a handful of people in their 30s, a fair amount of people in their 40s, and up...I was told that one week summer cruises on Seabourn attract the highest number of "young" people.

The suites are fantastic, the food is pretty good (certainly the best cruise food I've had), and there is never a line for anything...ever.

Not having to be "upsold" on things or constantly have to sign checks made this an enjoyable experience!