Wendy Perrin is Back!

My posts back in August and September declared Conde Nast Traveler writer Wendy Perrin to be a "dink'. Well, she's back with another "Travel Advice" column that reaffirms how deserved she is of this label.

Her "Best Travel Secrets" column in the September issue (I'm a little behind in my reading) advised, "If you want to make an overnight train trip (in Europe) as pleasant as possible, rent all four berths in the compartment so that you have it all to yourself.

A travel agent in New Hyde Park, NY did some fare research on three routes... each had similar results. EG: Each berth on a Paris to Berlin train was $123 for a total of $492 for the whole 4-berth compartment that had no in-compartment facilities. A single-berth compartment in first class was $417 and included a wash basin.

Great advise, isn't it?
If you want a few laughs, go back and read those earlier posts.

Cheers,

Dick
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Cruising through Italy & Greece (part 2)
After our brief stay in Rome, we boarded the Seabourn Spirit. Amazingly, even though it was 6 years since we sailed on this intimate 200 passenger ship, we were reunited with one of our waiters from 2001! Even more amazingly, he remembered us. Such is the personal rapport that can be developed on a small ship of this service level. (As with our experiences at that restaurant in Rome, it is entirely possible that we were remembered for reasons that might not be entirely flattering!!!!)
I could blather on about the ports we visited, but I would rather blather on about the "Seabourn Experience". With a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1-to-1, it is easy to see how the personal service that we experience on these trips is possible. Assembling in our favorite lounge for cocktails on the second night, the waiter asks if we want the same cocktails as last night... on the 3rd night, if we said yes the night before, he just brings our drinks. (Of course, we learned long ago that if we do want to change our beverage order, we need to head the waiter off quickly!) In the dining room, if you ask for a deviation, such as a "side" of french fries, you may get french fries on the side every night!
I had the pure joy of receiving my luggage on the 4th day of our trip. Having informed the Purser as we boarded, they swung into action (as did the Bell Captain at our hotel in Rome - unsuccessfully). The Purser contacted the cruise lines' representative at the airport and gave me updates every time I walked by the ships rotunda, where the Purser's office is located. The housekeeping manager knocked on our cabin door within 5 minutes of our arrival offering help with jackets, ties, tuxedos and whatever else they could find for me. The clothes I traveled in went immediately to the ship's laundry and was back in our cabin within a couple hours. There was no charge for the laundry and dry cleaning . The bag was finally located while we were on a shore excursion so the Purser ordered a special delivery by taxi in order to assure it's arrival by sailing time. The cost would be about $120 and the Purser offered to "cover" that cost since I couldn't be reached to accept the charge. Of course, I insisted that they not bear the charge. With a little luck, I'll get reimbursed by Northwest's "Sky Partner", Alitalia! We'll see!
Enough blathering! you get the idea... we kind of like this luxury cruising thing! It's pricy, but well worth it! Remember, if you can afford to go first class, and don't... your heirs will!

Dick
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