Good, but not up to Seabourn standards
Seabourn Encore Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean
7 Night Romance Of The Rivieras (Barcelona To Rome)
Sail date: May 20, 2017
Ship: Seabourn Encore
Cabin number: 546
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 6 years ago
Review summary
This was a very nice cruise all in all. The ports were fabulous. A mix of quiet relaxing places and more energetic places. Just could not have been a better mix. The ship is new, and I believe larger than Seabourn has fielded in the past. It showed on occasion. At times it felt crowded, especially at dinner time. The ship does not have enough tables in its restaurants to seat the number of people aboard if the ship is full. I suppose that makes sense as some have room service, some skip a meal, etc. But nevertheless, it was annoying to have to wait an hour or so for dinner, and on one occasion not be seated at all. The dining venues close at 845 pm or so, which was before dark, and that seemed early. After spending a day ashore, who wants to rush around to try to have dinner at 630 or 700? We finally just gave up on the dining schedule and ordered room service each evening at 9 or 930 and dined on our balcony or in our room. That was fine and the food was good.
The staff was, in general, very good. There were a few who could use some training in customer service. But I suspect that is true for any cruise line.
All in all it was a very nice cruise, and I am glad we had the experience. But Seabourn needs to polish up its service and ship schedule if it wishes to continue to be considered a luxe operation.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
If you try to fit their schedule it's annoying. If you just realize the ship's schedule for meals is rigid and not very accommodating, then you will be fine.
Ports of call
Mahon (Mao), Menorca, Balearic Islands
Portovenere, Italy