If there is one thing I love it is controversy. It is fodder for thought. Motivation for writing. And a basis for great discussion. The reactions to the new Seabourn itineraries are very diverse and conflicting. That may seem like a bad thing, but alas I think it is good.
A Shock to the Transatlantic System - I have heard, read and discussed with some of the well-seasoned Seabourners that they are very disappointed with the end of the triplets making transatlantic voyages as of April 2010. While these cruises have uniquely become cliquish for the Blue Water Cruisers, they are also extremely costly for Seabourn (actually every line) and, frankly, not terribly popular with those outside the cliques.
These Seabourners have become used to 175 passengers being waited on 24/7 for 12 days for about $225 a day (or 50%-75% less than normal fares). What is there not to love?! On the other hand, Seabourn is faced with huge fuel costs, significant wear and tear on the ships (transatlantics are notoriously hard on ships), significantly higher per day costs to keep the guests happy, no ports to give the crew even a short break...and fetching only steeply discount the fares just to get people onboard.
So now Seabourn will, on occasion, have the Odyssey making transoceanic crossings and, apparently from the comments, that ship's size will prevent the clique from taking it over. I am not sure how that is a bad thing...unless you are of the opinion that you own the ship. As for those few that now claim they will find a new line to cruise or that Seabourn doesn't appreciate them (ala Host Dan on Cruise Critic claiming he will be left with "nothing special") I say: STOP ACTING SPOILED.
Oh, that's right, Seabourn has spoiled you. You have no idea what the Odyssey will be like (and I know many will soon migrate to her if the ship, not the ports, is the prime area of interest). You don't know whether it will afford intimacy or not. Oh, and by the way, would you please let me know what cruise line is going to offer you what Seabourn does on a 208 passenger ship and will on a 450 passenger ship? So please, stop lying on your back, kicking your feet, in the middle of the internet "store".
I am confident once your tantrums are over, you will settle down and remember what it is that made you so comfortable on Seabourn. If not, so be it. I am sure the passengers that have actively avoided a cruise because of the cliquish behaviors of some,might just now book them.
New Ports for Older Ships - Let's get some perspective here. New ships are uniformly tasked with visiting the "tried and true" ports. Why? Because the vast majority of the cruising public want to go to these ports.
Remember that most people have not been on a cruise ("I must go to Venice.") and that most somewhat experienced cruisers have only been on a few (usually Caribbean first and then once in Alaska or the Med). Then there are those experienced past guests that many times do not get off the ship because they are there for the service, service and service.
Without question, attracting new passengers is the first priority (over 80% of Americans haven't cruised!...more on this below!) and simply shifting your present passenger base to the new ship will leave any cruise line with empty older ships. Up there as well is attracting experienced cruise passengers to try Seabourn. (How many times I have heard, "If Seabourn only had balconies." or "I just am not comfortable on such a small ship, as I need more to do."). That is not to say that the present Seabourn guests are third class. To the contrary, Seabourn has made huge efforts to assure a consistency of product...elevating so many aspects of the cruise experience.
All that said, the thing I hear the most from truly experienced Seabourners: "When is Seabourn going to have new itineraries? I have been to all the ports." As - you know I love him - Host Dan complains that the Seabourn Legend, Pride and Spirit have been "banished" I must ask, "Banished to exotic areas of the world? I wish I was banished like that! Heck, I have to pay to go to those places."
The fact is that the triplets have been "stuck" because of demand for the "tried and true" (as explained above) and are now - finally - being set free; free to do that which they can do best: Venture into Small and Exotic Ports Where Normal Cruise Ships Cannot Go. If you look at the new itineraries you will discover that most of the ports have either never had cruise ships visit or they are far and few between, with less then prime infrastructure and underdeveloped tourism opportunities. (I explained this a bit more in my October 23, 2008 post: http://goldringtravel.blogspot.com/2008/10/seabourn-will-cruise-asia-year-round-in.html. Remember you heard it here first!!!) Seabourn has tried to address the needs of yet another group of dedicated and loyal Seabourners.
Would it be perfect if the Odyssey or Sojourn could sail into these exotic ports? For some yes, but for other absolutely not. They love the smaller ships; something which pretty much remains unique.
Worldwide Passenger Base Expanding- As a final point for now: Seabourn may be an American cruise line, but the reality of it is there is huge world out there and people from all over the world are starting to discover and enjoy cruising. Western Europeans have truly exploded onto the cruise scene in the past few years. Eastern Europe is just starting. Asia (and boy are there a diversity of cultures there) is but only marginally tapped. The Middle Eastern nations are another group of people that have yet to really embrace cruising (and have only recently made a push into the true yacht market in a significant way).
Now let me throw a concept at you: Close to Home Cruising. Americans did it...and then said, "Enough of the Caribbean, I want to cruise Europe." Don't you think these billions of people from Europe, Asia and the Middle East might be interested in cruising in their backyard first and then expand to other areas of the world...just like you did? (Of course, just as you enjoyed chatting with pride to "foreigners" who have traveled to our part of the world, I am very confident you will greatly enjoy being on the receiving end of similar hospitalities!)
Now, think about all the wonderful people you have met on your cruises. Think of all the cultures you have enjoyed. Think of all the great service and food. Now Seabourn can do it better; different in some ways, but better.
Showing posts with label itineraries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label itineraries. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Seabourn: New and Very Cool Itineraries Are Coming - Very Soon!
While I continue to read from some their skepticism as to what will happen with the Seabourn triplets after the new ships, starting with the Seabourn Odyssey, arrive, I am forced to hold back information that I know will put those "concerns" to rest.
What I can tell you is that, in addition to the information I posted here in October about Seabourn's major expansion into Asia as a year round destination (http://goldringtravel.blogspot.com/2008/10/seabourn-will-cruise-asia-year-round-in.html), the new itineraries (to the extent I know about them) are VERY COOL...and the expansion is not limited to Southeast Asia and the Orient. (Hint: You may just find cruising the Med again to be passé!)
There are so many new ports and itineraries it is really going to take some studying to figure out not only where the ships will be, but what each port has to offer. And, by the way, if you want to visit many of these ports, the only practical way will be on a Seabourn cruise.
As I write this it just hit me. And I may be wrong, but it makes sense to me. With all the new and exotic ports which are coming to Seabourn...or is that Seabourn is going to?...having a complimentary Seabourn Experience in each (which necessarily must be focused on larger groups) may not only be impractical; they may be impossible. And, if Seabourn cannot do it right, it is not going to do it.
Further, as to people wanting large group tours in small, exotic, ports I think Seabourn's thoughts (and guest conduct confirmation) is that higher quality, smaller group/individual, tours are going to be where the sophisticated traveler's desires are. That may well be why Seabourn has so aggressively expanded its private tour operations.
So with the new itineraries probably being printed as I am writing this, it is time to look forward to some excitement; some good news; and, some extraordinary experiences in 2010. (But don't forget about 2009 - there are plenty of rewarding cruises available for this year too!)
What I can tell you is that, in addition to the information I posted here in October about Seabourn's major expansion into Asia as a year round destination (http://goldringtravel.blogspot.com/2008/10/seabourn-will-cruise-asia-year-round-in.html), the new itineraries (to the extent I know about them) are VERY COOL...and the expansion is not limited to Southeast Asia and the Orient. (Hint: You may just find cruising the Med again to be passé!)
There are so many new ports and itineraries it is really going to take some studying to figure out not only where the ships will be, but what each port has to offer. And, by the way, if you want to visit many of these ports, the only practical way will be on a Seabourn cruise.
As I write this it just hit me. And I may be wrong, but it makes sense to me. With all the new and exotic ports which are coming to Seabourn...or is that Seabourn is going to?...having a complimentary Seabourn Experience in each (which necessarily must be focused on larger groups) may not only be impractical; they may be impossible. And, if Seabourn cannot do it right, it is not going to do it.
Further, as to people wanting large group tours in small, exotic, ports I think Seabourn's thoughts (and guest conduct confirmation) is that higher quality, smaller group/individual, tours are going to be where the sophisticated traveler's desires are. That may well be why Seabourn has so aggressively expanded its private tour operations.
So with the new itineraries probably being printed as I am writing this, it is time to look forward to some excitement; some good news; and, some extraordinary experiences in 2010. (But don't forget about 2009 - there are plenty of rewarding cruises available for this year too!)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Seabourn is Discontinuing Complimentary Seabourn Experiences
I have some news from Seabourn that may affect your present bookings with me or your planning of a future booking with Seabourn, so I wanted to get this out to you quickly.
Effective December 2008 Seabourn will no longer offer its exclusive complimentary Seabourn Experiences except for:
- “Caviar in the Surf” beach party events that Seabourn does on warm-water itineraries;
- Brazilian Boi Bumba festival at Parintins;
- Jungle dinner party in the Amazon’s Anavilhanas Archipelago
- Evening in Ephesus at Kusadasi in Turkey.
This does not affect the 2010 World Cruise events.
While this may seem like a reduction in what makes Seabourn…well Seabourn…it is not.
While there will be a cost savings to Seabourn, the actual motivation is the lack of guest attendance at the events. Seabourn regularly would guarantee say 100 people would attend an event, but when it came to the day of the event only 40 would show. That not only caused a huge waste of money…which ultimately is passed on to all of Seabourn’s guests…it got Seabourn thinking about two things: (1) Why?; and, (2) Why increase our costs providing something our guests don’t really want?
As to “Why?”, as Bob Dylan sang, “The times they are a changin’.” The fact is that more and more of Seabourn’s guests are foregoing group tours, or anything seeming like a group tour; preferring instead to use Seabourn’s Signature Desk or to otherwise book private excursions. So what ten years ago was a very fashionable and upscale “experience” is now generally seen as a more run-of-the-mill event. So as Seabourn raises the bar with its new ships, it doesn’t want to provide what are seen by many guests as lower quality offerings.
As to “Why increase Seabourn’s costs for something the guests don’t really want?”, the answer is now obvious. If you are not convinced, think about this, I want to you consider that Seabourn could have eliminated caviar, change the toiletries, etc., but not only would that be honestly perceived as “cost cutting” measures…they would be. (I also bet more than 40 people per cruise would be upset about those items being reduced or eliminated!)
The net result is that Seabourn is not wasting money on underutilized events, is raising the bar in many areas (some I cannot let you in on just yet!), and unlike some other lines, is keeping its cruise fares down. Just compare Seabourn’s fares to some other lines and you will see what I mean!
However, for my clients who have already booked a cruise with Seabourn that has had the complimentary Seabourn Experience eliminated I, personally, am offering you a US$50.00 per person credit for any one shore excursion you take on a Seabourn cruise. (It doesn’t matter if it is a Seabourn excursion or if it is in the same port where the Seabourn Experience was going to be held, either!) All you have to do is send me a copy of your invoice for the replacement tour after your cruise and I will send you a check.
Why am I doing this? Obviously because I want you to be comfortable with the value I have represented you would receive. More importantly, I want you to know that I always work hard for you to make sure you are satisfied with your cruise experience…even if “shamefully” I don’t afford you the opportunity to complaint first!
Please call or email me with any questions or concerns.
Effective December 2008 Seabourn will no longer offer its exclusive complimentary Seabourn Experiences except for:
- “Caviar in the Surf” beach party events that Seabourn does on warm-water itineraries;
- Brazilian Boi Bumba festival at Parintins;
- Jungle dinner party in the Amazon’s Anavilhanas Archipelago
- Evening in Ephesus at Kusadasi in Turkey.
This does not affect the 2010 World Cruise events.
While this may seem like a reduction in what makes Seabourn…well Seabourn…it is not.
While there will be a cost savings to Seabourn, the actual motivation is the lack of guest attendance at the events. Seabourn regularly would guarantee say 100 people would attend an event, but when it came to the day of the event only 40 would show. That not only caused a huge waste of money…which ultimately is passed on to all of Seabourn’s guests…it got Seabourn thinking about two things: (1) Why?; and, (2) Why increase our costs providing something our guests don’t really want?
As to “Why?”, as Bob Dylan sang, “The times they are a changin’.” The fact is that more and more of Seabourn’s guests are foregoing group tours, or anything seeming like a group tour; preferring instead to use Seabourn’s Signature Desk or to otherwise book private excursions. So what ten years ago was a very fashionable and upscale “experience” is now generally seen as a more run-of-the-mill event. So as Seabourn raises the bar with its new ships, it doesn’t want to provide what are seen by many guests as lower quality offerings.
As to “Why increase Seabourn’s costs for something the guests don’t really want?”, the answer is now obvious. If you are not convinced, think about this, I want to you consider that Seabourn could have eliminated caviar, change the toiletries, etc., but not only would that be honestly perceived as “cost cutting” measures…they would be. (I also bet more than 40 people per cruise would be upset about those items being reduced or eliminated!)
The net result is that Seabourn is not wasting money on underutilized events, is raising the bar in many areas (some I cannot let you in on just yet!), and unlike some other lines, is keeping its cruise fares down. Just compare Seabourn’s fares to some other lines and you will see what I mean!
However, for my clients who have already booked a cruise with Seabourn that has had the complimentary Seabourn Experience eliminated I, personally, am offering you a US$50.00 per person credit for any one shore excursion you take on a Seabourn cruise. (It doesn’t matter if it is a Seabourn excursion or if it is in the same port where the Seabourn Experience was going to be held, either!) All you have to do is send me a copy of your invoice for the replacement tour after your cruise and I will send you a check.
Why am I doing this? Obviously because I want you to be comfortable with the value I have represented you would receive. More importantly, I want you to know that I always work hard for you to make sure you are satisfied with your cruise experience…even if “shamefully” I don’t afford you the opportunity to complaint first!
Please call or email me with any questions or concerns.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Cruise Vacation Sales Are Strong...For Some
I am being asked more and more if my sales are up or down compared to last year. This is asked by cruise lines, other travel agents, clients and potential clients. Frankly, everyone who asks shocked by the answer: My sales have more than doubled and on the luxury and premium lines my 2009 sales have already surpassed my 2008 sales...more than a quarter of the year left.
While I would like to think that this dramatic increase is based solely upon my providing excellent service and pricing AND extremely loyal clients - for which I am more than grateful, appreciative and, likewise, loyal - I really don't think that is the only reason.
When I look at what types of cruises are selling, with which lines and with what sort of advanced planning, I see two very distinct trends.
Those that are purchasing the true luxury cruises (and I define those not only by they type of accommodation, but also the exoticness of the ports and cruise length) are not only continuing to cruise, they are increasing the length and/or frequency of their cruises. But within that group, I am seeing a bit less of the cruise line loyalty (which previously seemed to be omnipresent) and more of a focus on "value". What I mean by value is not a cost-per-day figure, but rather "What is the experiential value of the cruise?"; be it visiting new ports, experiencing a new ship or insisting on a certain level of service.
Seabourn is very strong in 2009 as it relates to its new Seabourn Odyssey and its industry topping consistency of service. There are only two things which seem to limit the Seabourn cruises that I can sell: Available space and Itineraries. Both of these factors are being addressed as the three new ships are rolled out and the smaller triplets are able to be sent to more exotic ports. (Note: For all of those folks who keep speculating that Seabourn will dump the smaller ships you should remember that: 1. One thing which has made Seabourn special is that those small ships can and do visit ports that larger ships cannot visit; 2. There may be demand for an exotic itinerary sufficient to support a 208 passenger ship, but insufficient to support a 450 passenger ship; 3. There is the attraction for many to the intimacy of a 208 passenger ship and a similar aversion to a 450 passenger ship; and, without limitation, 5. For most of the year demand outweighs supply and the trend is to an increasing, not decreasing, demand...so eliminating 624 berths doesn't make sense if the trends continue.)
Silversea has also seen a much stronger 2008 over what can only be considered a dismal 2007. While I continue to marvel at claims of passenger increases of 30+%, I also note that the only way Silversea could have such growth is by sailing half-empty ships in 2007 and that the majority of the passengers are, according to Silversea, first time passengers (54% to be specific). In a world where the mantra is "It takes $1.00 to keep a customer, but $10.00 to get one, so keep the customer happy in order to sustain growth" I have to wonder why the repeater rate on Silversea is so low. (Over analyzing this point, possibly the 2005-2207 period caused disgruntled passengers to go elsewhere, so it will take time for the repeater levels to exceed 50% as the product hopefully improves.) That said, I love their Africa, new French Polynesia and Exploration itineraries and expect very strong sales for those products.
Regent is a line that frustrates me. I won't repeat my rants, but assuming improvements in hotel, cuisine and overall services continue and are accelerated, I remain baffled by the pricing. As I recently showed, the new Silversea "ultra-luxury" venture in French Polynesia starts at 28% less expensive than the premium Regent product. The same holds true for even less exotic cruises to Northern Europe, the Caribbean, etc. This summer Regent was offering travel agent rates to Northern Europe in the peak month of August. That is a sign of weak demand...and a real need look hard at the cruise fares. If those prices come back in line with the product provided, I am confident the demand for Regent will increase. Without bodies on board, the holy grail of "onboard revenue" can be very illusive. There really isn't that hard a balance between paying a premium not be "nickeled and dimes" and being perceived as ripping people off so as to avoid same.
I also want to mention Crystal Cruises here. While I have not cruised with Crystal, I have never met anyone who has uttered anything but satisfaction to unequivocal praise for the cruise experience it provides. My guess is that what is now considered a large ship with smaller (but not small) cabins, in a more formal setting, truly focused on older guests, needs to change a bit. I know Crystal is feeling the pressure, but I have not a clue as to how it plans on meeting the challenge of an overall younger luxury cruising market and a growing demand (even by the older passengers) for a less formal experience. Ironically, Regent's talk (but no action of yet) of larger ships and the premium/mass market lines growing behemoths, may actually assist Crystal in softening its "large ship" positioning.
Now, as to the premium lines, sales are most definitely weaker, but I am finding that the issue is not the lack of sales, but rather the sales are closer into the actual sail date. What I do not see is any downgrading. People who regularly purchase suites are still purchasing suites. Balconies, balconies, etc. What I am seeing at least the start of happening, are some aggressive last minute deals (actually 90 days out); which have been pretty much absent the past few years.
More on this soon!
While I would like to think that this dramatic increase is based solely upon my providing excellent service and pricing AND extremely loyal clients - for which I am more than grateful, appreciative and, likewise, loyal - I really don't think that is the only reason.
When I look at what types of cruises are selling, with which lines and with what sort of advanced planning, I see two very distinct trends.
Those that are purchasing the true luxury cruises (and I define those not only by they type of accommodation, but also the exoticness of the ports and cruise length) are not only continuing to cruise, they are increasing the length and/or frequency of their cruises. But within that group, I am seeing a bit less of the cruise line loyalty (which previously seemed to be omnipresent) and more of a focus on "value". What I mean by value is not a cost-per-day figure, but rather "What is the experiential value of the cruise?"; be it visiting new ports, experiencing a new ship or insisting on a certain level of service.
Seabourn is very strong in 2009 as it relates to its new Seabourn Odyssey and its industry topping consistency of service. There are only two things which seem to limit the Seabourn cruises that I can sell: Available space and Itineraries. Both of these factors are being addressed as the three new ships are rolled out and the smaller triplets are able to be sent to more exotic ports. (Note: For all of those folks who keep speculating that Seabourn will dump the smaller ships you should remember that: 1. One thing which has made Seabourn special is that those small ships can and do visit ports that larger ships cannot visit; 2. There may be demand for an exotic itinerary sufficient to support a 208 passenger ship, but insufficient to support a 450 passenger ship; 3. There is the attraction for many to the intimacy of a 208 passenger ship and a similar aversion to a 450 passenger ship; and, without limitation, 5. For most of the year demand outweighs supply and the trend is to an increasing, not decreasing, demand...so eliminating 624 berths doesn't make sense if the trends continue.)
Silversea has also seen a much stronger 2008 over what can only be considered a dismal 2007. While I continue to marvel at claims of passenger increases of 30+%, I also note that the only way Silversea could have such growth is by sailing half-empty ships in 2007 and that the majority of the passengers are, according to Silversea, first time passengers (54% to be specific). In a world where the mantra is "It takes $1.00 to keep a customer, but $10.00 to get one, so keep the customer happy in order to sustain growth" I have to wonder why the repeater rate on Silversea is so low. (Over analyzing this point, possibly the 2005-2207 period caused disgruntled passengers to go elsewhere, so it will take time for the repeater levels to exceed 50% as the product hopefully improves.) That said, I love their Africa, new French Polynesia and Exploration itineraries and expect very strong sales for those products.
Regent is a line that frustrates me. I won't repeat my rants, but assuming improvements in hotel, cuisine and overall services continue and are accelerated, I remain baffled by the pricing. As I recently showed, the new Silversea "ultra-luxury" venture in French Polynesia starts at 28% less expensive than the premium Regent product. The same holds true for even less exotic cruises to Northern Europe, the Caribbean, etc. This summer Regent was offering travel agent rates to Northern Europe in the peak month of August. That is a sign of weak demand...and a real need look hard at the cruise fares. If those prices come back in line with the product provided, I am confident the demand for Regent will increase. Without bodies on board, the holy grail of "onboard revenue" can be very illusive. There really isn't that hard a balance between paying a premium not be "nickeled and dimes" and being perceived as ripping people off so as to avoid same.
I also want to mention Crystal Cruises here. While I have not cruised with Crystal, I have never met anyone who has uttered anything but satisfaction to unequivocal praise for the cruise experience it provides. My guess is that what is now considered a large ship with smaller (but not small) cabins, in a more formal setting, truly focused on older guests, needs to change a bit. I know Crystal is feeling the pressure, but I have not a clue as to how it plans on meeting the challenge of an overall younger luxury cruising market and a growing demand (even by the older passengers) for a less formal experience. Ironically, Regent's talk (but no action of yet) of larger ships and the premium/mass market lines growing behemoths, may actually assist Crystal in softening its "large ship" positioning.
Now, as to the premium lines, sales are most definitely weaker, but I am finding that the issue is not the lack of sales, but rather the sales are closer into the actual sail date. What I do not see is any downgrading. People who regularly purchase suites are still purchasing suites. Balconies, balconies, etc. What I am seeing at least the start of happening, are some aggressive last minute deals (actually 90 days out); which have been pretty much absent the past few years.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
It's Like a Sandwich! Seabourn Spirit - New Ports for 2009
It is not the bread that usually distinguishes or defines a a sandwich. Tuna or cheese, roast beef or chicken salad; you don't usually mention the bread. It is not that the bread is unimportant, but it is just not as important for most. "Tuna on rye" or "Chicken salad on a hard roll"; never the other way around. Without the bread you don't have a sandwich and with the bread (save white bread) you add flavor and texture...but it is not the meat of the meal.
It is not so different for cruise itineraries. Figuring out new ports for a cruise ship is not easy because there are only so many ports that can be used to provision a ship and, at the same time, efficiently and quickly gather passengers from a close by airport (oh, yes, and also fly out "those other people" who have been using "your" ship...disembarking guests.)
So when you see Athens-Istanbul or Venice-Rome or Barcelona-Nice don't assume because you see the "bread" of the itinerary that you know what the "meat" is. You just might be missing a truly outstanding and innovative feast as you declare "Been There. Done That!"
And please do not make the mistake of saying, "I've been to Italy before." I live in Colts Neck, New Jersey. I live in horse country, am 10 minutes from beautiful lakes, 15 minutes from the ocean and 45 minute from New York City. Oh, and a Six Flags is 30 minutes away. I would never think that visiting my home is the same as visiting New York City or would give you the flavor of the Jersey Shore. These are not subtle differences, but rather far more unique than related. Italy, Croatia, Spain, France, etc. are all very similar in that regard. To a true traveler, it is pretty hard to say "Been There. Done That."
Now, let's take a look at the the Seabourn Spirit's 2009 itineraries. Borrowing from a Seabourn release I offer to you the following:
In 2009, the Seabourn Spirit will inaugurate three (3) new week-long itineraries sailing from Civitavecchia and Venice to some of the most unusual and desirable destinations on the Dalmatian and Apulian coasts of the Adriatic. The itineraries may be combined without repeating ports.
The Dalmatian Coast is a veritable filigree of islands large and small, most harboring medieval towns as picturesque as they are friendly. Some, like Rovinj, Croatia, are joined to the mainland by causeways. They share the red-tiled roofs and candy-colored facades that have enchanted visitors to Dubrovnik, but the ones Seabourn Spirit is visiting are less crowded. Most have some claim to fame, such as ornate Austrian villas at Split and a Roman theater at Trieste, but the real attraction is the scenic beauty, the clear waters, forested peaks and the friendly people. Rovinj, Hvar, Kotor and Korcula and Koper all are places you will never forget once you’ve seen them. All offer chances to bike, kayak or explore on foot, and all three itineraries offer a Marina day at Triluke Bay, Croatia or in Italy’s Gulf of Squillace.
Situated on the heel of Italy’s boot, Apulia is “Italy as it used to be.” A latecomer to tourism, Apulia has been happily supplying wine (10 percent of what’s consumed in Europe is grown there), olive oil, almonds and other foodstuffs. Now small luxury inns are springing up among the rustic towns. Apulia’s landscape looks different from the rest of Italy, slightly Oriental with intensely local customs and unique, round stone-roofed houses called trulli.
So, is Seabourn is offering up the same old thing? Rome and Venice is the bread (tasty in their own rights), but the stuff in between seems like a wonderful buffet of new experiences.
It is not so different for cruise itineraries. Figuring out new ports for a cruise ship is not easy because there are only so many ports that can be used to provision a ship and, at the same time, efficiently and quickly gather passengers from a close by airport (oh, yes, and also fly out "those other people" who have been using "your" ship...disembarking guests.)
So when you see Athens-Istanbul or Venice-Rome or Barcelona-Nice don't assume because you see the "bread" of the itinerary that you know what the "meat" is. You just might be missing a truly outstanding and innovative feast as you declare "Been There. Done That!"
And please do not make the mistake of saying, "I've been to Italy before." I live in Colts Neck, New Jersey. I live in horse country, am 10 minutes from beautiful lakes, 15 minutes from the ocean and 45 minute from New York City. Oh, and a Six Flags is 30 minutes away. I would never think that visiting my home is the same as visiting New York City or would give you the flavor of the Jersey Shore. These are not subtle differences, but rather far more unique than related. Italy, Croatia, Spain, France, etc. are all very similar in that regard. To a true traveler, it is pretty hard to say "Been There. Done That."
Now, let's take a look at the the Seabourn Spirit's 2009 itineraries. Borrowing from a Seabourn release I offer to you the following:
In 2009, the Seabourn Spirit will inaugurate three (3) new week-long itineraries sailing from Civitavecchia and Venice to some of the most unusual and desirable destinations on the Dalmatian and Apulian coasts of the Adriatic. The itineraries may be combined without repeating ports.
The Dalmatian Coast is a veritable filigree of islands large and small, most harboring medieval towns as picturesque as they are friendly. Some, like Rovinj, Croatia, are joined to the mainland by causeways. They share the red-tiled roofs and candy-colored facades that have enchanted visitors to Dubrovnik, but the ones Seabourn Spirit is visiting are less crowded. Most have some claim to fame, such as ornate Austrian villas at Split and a Roman theater at Trieste, but the real attraction is the scenic beauty, the clear waters, forested peaks and the friendly people. Rovinj, Hvar, Kotor and Korcula and Koper all are places you will never forget once you’ve seen them. All offer chances to bike, kayak or explore on foot, and all three itineraries offer a Marina day at Triluke Bay, Croatia or in Italy’s Gulf of Squillace.
Situated on the heel of Italy’s boot, Apulia is “Italy as it used to be.” A latecomer to tourism, Apulia has been happily supplying wine (10 percent of what’s consumed in Europe is grown there), olive oil, almonds and other foodstuffs. Now small luxury inns are springing up among the rustic towns. Apulia’s landscape looks different from the rest of Italy, slightly Oriental with intensely local customs and unique, round stone-roofed houses called trulli.
So, is Seabourn is offering up the same old thing? Rome and Venice is the bread (tasty in their own rights), but the stuff in between seems like a wonderful buffet of new experiences.
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