Since we have been debating the revised SSS benefits on Radisson, I wonder what Seabourn and Silverseas provide? Are there standard discounts for all onboard bookings? Are there past passenger discounts on all sailings? If so, are they always the same amount? Are there discounts for new passengers instead of past passengers as incentives to get new business?

We have never sailed any of the other luxury lines so we don't have any experience; thus the question.

thanks,

Silversea Cruises

The Fleet: Silver Cloud, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Wind

The Program: Venetian Society, multi-tiered

Perks: "Venetian Society News"; ship visitation privileges for friends and family (must be requested 30 days in advance); minimal (five percent) cruise savings (though this can be applied to other discounts) once past passenger has surpassed the 100 day-milestone (goes up to 10 percent for 250-plus); members-only benefits at "preferred partners," including Leading Hotels of the World and Relais et Chateaux; early embarkation and late debarkation at certain milestones; Tiffany sterling silver membership pins (given at various intervals between 100- and 500-day milestones) -- some are jeweled, some not; and a members-only section on Silversea's Web site. Invite friends or family on certain sailings and receive double cruise credits.

Incentive to Belong: Free 14-day cruise after you reach the 500-day milestone (and then another free seven-day trip for each additional 150 days); complimentary onboard laundry service for those at or beyond the 100-day milestone; Venetian Society themed sailings involve onboard credit, special events and shore excursions

Members-Only Deals: You can combine your 5 or 10 percent Venetian Society discount with other discounts, often adding up to real savings.

Drawbacks: Silversea requires more days spent cruising to reach minimal program levels that offer the "real benefits" than other upper-end lines.


Seabourn Cruise Line

The Fleet: Legend, Pride, Spirit

The Program: Seabourn Club, multi-tiered

Perks: Seniority is based on days spent cruising on the line. Perks include "Seabourn Club Herald," a magazine published three times a year; a Captain's cocktail party; special Web pages just for members; and jeweled pins awarded on milestone number cruises (100 days to 2000 days).

Incentive to Belong: Members get a free cruise (up to two weeks long) after sailing 140 days; Signature Value Sailings program gives members a 50 percent discount on select cruises and an additional 5% discount for onboard future bookings.

Members-Only Deals: Some of the past-guest cruise discounts were indeed offered at great savings compared to regular pricing; book early.

Marc, I have sailed on both Silversea and Seabourn, though it has been a good while since I have been on Seabourn, so I will answer you on what I know about Silversea.

First off, there is a 5% discount for booking while onboard. You can pick the longest date out and transfer the booking to another cruise, with no problems. Also, the 5% discount (just like all their discounts) is off the brochure fare not the discounted fare. So, if you are on a cruise that is $5000 per person, but is 50% off, you get a full $250 discount.

I might add that recently, I had noticed a cruise on Silversea for this next November, and it was reduced by 50%. The cruise was $4895 for a Vista Suite, but the cruise was listed at $2447. I knew that I was sailing in May, so I called Celebrity and asked them if I could get the onboard discount, if I booked it now, instead of waiting until I got onboard. The guy came back and said that if I booked it right then, they would give me a $300 shipboard credit AND give me the onboard booking discount as soon as I boarded my cruise in May.

Unlike RSSC, there is not an automatic discount for repeat passengers. It has to be a Venetian Club Sailing to qualify for either a 5% or 10% discount. However, if it is a Venetian Club Sailing and you have friends that are going to sail with you, they also get the same discount. Also, if you do bring another couple, you get an additional $300 per cabin shipboard credit, in addition to the AMEX credit.

Also, if you combine certain cruises you get another discount of 10% on each cruise, and again it is from the non-discounted fare.

Hope this helps.