slashed prices

[meow!]

Since we are only ordinary cats, we are normally not Silversea material. However, we are curious about what "those lucky folks in front of the curtain" are getting, and would like to take a peep if possible. Now that we see those newly slashed prices, such as the seven days San Diego to San Diego on the Silver Shadow in December for only $1770 (and being within this continent, the airfare would be minimal, or we can use our airline points), we are thinking of giving it a try.

By the way, for those of you interested in broadening your experience to Oceania, for example, we have written a review on the Regatta in four parts in the Oceania column on this board. Just look for us authors "meow!", and we also welcome your comments. Our report is surely not as sophisticated as SteveBear's, for example, but may still provide you with some passtime reading when you are free. Thank you.

[garydm]

We booked the December San Diego RT about 10 days ago when the new specials came online. Perhaps we will see you onboard.

Gary

[rustymerle]

It is because of the Regatta (Oceania) that we are choosing Silversea. We went on the Christmas cruise this past year and though the food was terrific, the so-so service and being nickled and dimed and gratuitied for everything drove us nuts. What was worse was the Whiney passengers from South Florida that always complained, were never satisfied and always seemed to spoil a quiet dinner by being boisterous and loud with no concern for others. We're going on this years Silversea Christmas cruise with the hope that we find a clientele with some class-the reputation of the Whisper seems to speak for itself...

[luxlady]

Hey meow, yes, those prices have caught our attention as well! I'm a member of a group that had planned to go on RSSC, but those 50% off sailings are really tempting. SS is offering a much lower single supplement with the Vista cabin than RSSC, and when you compare SS is actually much lower than RSSC for the same length of cruise. Of course, some of those require int'l travel to and from, but thats where FF miles come in handy. And, the SS all-inclusive experience is so wonderful, I think we may switch. If anyone wants those 50% off you had better jump on it because they won't be available long! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Glenda Madrid

[meow!]

I called Silversea and they told me that those cruises were still wide open. I will watch it closely. It may be one of those rare opportunities that we can take a peep at something usually out of our range for less than $2,000 total per person. Thank you all for your kind replies.

[SJGOCH]

We just did the San Diego trip in March and loved it. Since we live in the San Fernando Valley, we took AMTRAK! No airports!! Leisurely trip down the coast.

[meow!]

The following is just for numerical curiosity, and the numbers are obtained from the respective cruise line's own website:

November 13, 2004 Oceania Regatta Caribbean cruise, 14 days, PH minisuite (322 sq.ft., chosen here for comparison because it is the category most directly comparable with Silversea), all gratuities and drinks extra, but includes airfare from North America, $3999 per person (special sale).

November 8 (6 days voyage 3431) followed by November 14 (8 days voyage 3432) back to back to make the same 14 days in all, Silver Shadow verendah suite (345 sq.ft.), all gratuities and drinks included, but not airfare, $1898+2510=4408 per person (any back-to-back discount?)

Both cases include transitting the Panama Canal.

So when Silversea is giving 50% discount in the Caribbean, the pricing is getting close to Oceania! Any comments? Thank you.

P.S. It looks like voyage 3435 seven days San Diego to San Diego for $1773 on the Silver Shadow probably deserves serious considerations for "peeping across the curtain divide" to see what the lucky folks in front are getting!

While I am writing this, another question, I heard that on Silversea, you could ask for anything you wanted even when it was not on the menu. To take an extreme case, for example, can one ask for free sevruga caviar, coupled with foie gras, lobster tail and king crab legs, and special wines on the complimentary list (I heard there were twenty five reds and twenty five whites to choose from) every day?

[This message was edited by meow! on 05-07-04 at 12:13 PM.]

[ctinkle]

The wine list figures are correct. Special request meals on our last Silverwind cruise were no problem. For an item that takes extra "prep" like beef Wellington advance notice should be given. There are limits. I dont think they would cook a wlole prime rib, give you a slice, and throw the rest in the trash.

[meow!]

What is the weather like on coastal southern California and Mexico in December? Will the sea normally be calm or rough for the San Diego itinerary? Thank you.

[frockoff]

So what is really holding you back MEOW?

Is it the "step up" or "geniune leather pouches" or the "numerical curiosity" or the weather in southern california?, maybe it's all of the above.

It sounds the curtain may just be a little too heavy to take a peek.

[meow!]

We would likely book within the next couple of weeks. Since that itinerary seems to be still wide open, we have some time to play with, and we are watching it carefully.

To frockoff:
Thank you for reading all my previous postings so carefully and remembering them. It is nice to have such attention!

[garydm]

The weather will be cool between San Diego and the tip of Baja. Sometimes the crossing from Cabo to the mainland can be very rough, and other times, like a smooth lake. All in all December is a very nice month to do this cruise.

Gary

[meow!]

We finally booked this voyage, because our agent told us that it was beginning to "fill up", and if we didn't book soon, we might lose the opportunity. Apparently, it was popular with passengers living in the California area. With the slashed price, and being on this continent, the overall cost (including air fare) of this voyage is probably the lowest with Silversea in the forseeable future!

[jhp]

meow! I am glad you are finally going to get to experience this line! It will be interesting to read your review, since I think you participate in these things like the rest of us.

[rubyclk]

Rustymerle, I'm interested in your comment "being nickled and dimed and gratuitied for everything drove us nuts." As we will be taking our first Oceania voyage in Jan, 2005, we are interested in the additional costs.

Thanks for sharing information.

[meow!]

For Oceania, the additional costs include all drinks, bottled water, $21 tips per couple per day automatically added to your shipboard account, additional tips you pay when you order room service, frequent pictures taken of you and posted on board which you feel obliged to buy, etc. Since we did not drink much, the two of us only chalked up some $550 for our two week cruise. Normally, the total should not top $50 per diem.

[goeurope]

>>For Oceania, the additional costs include all drinks, bottled water,<<

I seem to recall reading (either on CC's Oceania forum or its Yahoo counterpart) that Oceania was going to start providing soft drinks and bottled water at no extra cost. In any case, most cruise lines charge for drinks, as do most hotels and resorts. Silversea doesn't, of course, but its fares are higher. One way or another, you're going to pay.

>>$21 tips per couple per day automatically added to your shipboard account,<<

Most people regard this as a convenience, but if you prefer, you can have the charges cancelled and tip in cash. (Unless, of course, you'd rather stiff the crew.)

>>additional tips you pay when you order room service,<<

Again, that's par for the course unless you buy an all-inclusive cruise.

>>frequent pictures taken of you and posted on board which you feel obliged to buy<<

Nonsense. They take your picture, they stick it in a rack, and you can buy it or not as you see fit. Nobody's pressuring or hustling you.

>>Since we did not drink much, the two of us only chalked up some $550 for our two week cruise. Normally, the total should not top $50 per diem.<<

I believe the industry average is about $30 a day per person for drinks. That sounds high to me, but then, I'm not much of a drinker either. If I were, a Silversea cruise would be seventh heaven. :-)

--
Durant Imboden
Europeforvisitors.com

[meow!]

You are not forced to buy your own pictures, of course. However, some people feel uneasy to have their pictures posted on the boards day after day, and if you don't buy them till the end, they will be dumped. Some people feel uneasy to have their own pictures dumped. There is definitely no coercion, just potential individual feeling of moral obligation.

A similar situation would be with large portions of food served. Nobody forces you to eat, but then you feel bad leaving a large fraction of it. It is as if you don't appreciate their cooking, and then you waste the food, creating unnecessary pollution.

The average drinks tab may be $30 per diem (I read that somewhere), but then add on $10.50 per diem for tips, plus the pictures ($5 for a small one and $10 for a larger one), etc., you should normally still not top $50.

I am only stating the facts, and they in no way imply criticism of Oceania, or any other cruise line that has similar charges -- it is just a matter of pricing policy. Each merchant sets his own rates, and different customers choose different schemes. There is nothing right or wrong one way or another, and it is not necessary to justify or defend any system. They all have to and do stand on their own merits, so they all have their own group of customers, and many customers would like to try different systems at different times!

In any case, I was just directly replying to an explicit question asked immediately above my posting. Thank you.

[rubyclk]

Thanks to all who have provided information and perspectives in answer to my questions. I appreciate every point of view and I just wanted an idea of what to expect. Oceania is a relatively new line trying to position themselves at a premium level. It sounds like it might fit in above the Large Cruise lines but will have trouble competing with the smaller ship cruise companies such as Radisson, Silversea and perhaps Seabourn (never been on Seabourn). There's a lot of discounting going on right now. All information helps one determine the "true" cost of a cruise on certain itineraries.

[goeurope]

>>Oceania is a relatively new line trying to position themselves at a premium level. It sounds like it might fit in above the Large Cruise lines but will have trouble competing with the smaller ship cruise companies such as Radisson, Silversea and perhaps Seabourn (never been on Seabourn).<<

Oceania isn't trying to compete with Silversea, Seabourn, or RSSC. For one thing, the accommodations aren't on the same level as the luxury lines, although the food certainly is (unless you demand caviar and foie gras on a regular basis). The comparisons I've heard have been to the early Celebrity and Royal Viking.

Having cruised on the SILVER WHISPER and Oceania's REGATTA, I'd say that Oceania gives Silversea a good run for its money in the food department, but Silversea offers far more luxurious accommodations and has a more relaxed, refined atmosphere (in part because of the all-inclusive fares, which eliminate chits and "upsell").

An example of what sets Silversea apart from non-luxury lines (aside from accommodations and price) is something that I saw at a wine-tasting on the SILVER WHISPER. A passenger wandered into the room late, after the Champagne had been poured for the first tasting. The sommelier unhesitatingly opened a new bottle of Champagne (without being asked) and served another glass. He probably wasted most of a bottle of Champagne what would cost $30 or $40 at retail, but that didn't matter: the important thing was to fill the customer's glass.

--
Durant Imboden
Europeforvisitors.com

[rubyclk]

Our favorite cruise line is Silversea. However, my husband and I like to experience what others say might cruise lines that will give Silversea "competition." It had been 3 years since our last Silversea cruise and much has been said about "slipping" standards of service. Having just spent 23 days on board the Silver Whisper we are pleased to be able to say Silversea is still the best.

We will try Oceania. We have always appreciated the perspectives and advice (about Princess, Royal Caribbean, Radisson, Oceania and Silversea)given by contributors to the Cruise Critic Message Boards. As an overzealous planner...I like to know what to expect or not to expect. Knowing which cruise lines and ships that are able to provide our family with the experience it is looking forward has been the benefit we have received from these boards.

[rubyclk]

oops, sorry for the out of place words and grammar mistakes.

[goeurope]

On Oceania, the Owner's Suites are very nice--they're similar to Silver Suites on the WHISPER, but with bigger balconies that wrap around the stern. (Some people might be bothered by the vibration of a stern suite; my wife and I weren't bothered at all.)

Oceania's Penthouse suites are probably the closest thing to a Veranda suite on the WHISPER, although the decor, layout, and furnishings aren't up to the WHISPER's standard. Standard balcony staterooms are quite comfortable if you don't mind a shower (no tub) in the rather small bathroom. And the cheaper outside cabins on the lower decks are nice, too, if you aren't prejudiced against portholes.

Whatever you choose, it's important to remember that Oceania is a "premium" rather than a "luxury" line. (I've heard it compared to the early Celebrity or Royal Viking.) People who are more into cruising than I am have said that it's a definite step up from the likes of HAL, but it doesn't pretend to be the equal of Silversea (especially in the "hardware" department).

--
Durant Imboden
Europeforvisitors.com

[luxlady]

Just want to echo Durant. Having been on both, I can say with certainty that I will not be traveling on Oceania again. Its hard to go "down", when you've been really, really up! Our last SS cruise was 2 years ago on the Whisper in the Med in May. Very hard to beat - wonderful service.

Even though we were prepared for the costs for all the extras like water, and of course drinks, more than those things set SS apart. As Durant said, its the willingness to go the extra mile for you - the ability to remember your name and preferences - the service that makes you feel you are really a "guest". In our case, I was displeased that you have to purchase a Penthouse to have hot room service. And, on Oceania when they deliver it, it is plunked down on the miniscule table and the waiter departs - no presentation, and no room!

This is a relatively small thing, but it is the small things and the "tone" that sets SS apart. Also, as I have reported before on this board, the cost cutting on some sailings is MAJOR. I am paying less than $2,000 for a 7 day sailing in December, single occupancy. Thats another thing I like about SS. They don't charge as much as RSSC, for example, for a single occupancy cabin. Of course, everyone has their likes and dislikes, and "must haves." Don't forget, the much smaller size of SS ships compared to Oceania and RSSC also makes it a very different experience. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif


Glenda Madrid

[bettywh]

I do not know how SS does the picture thing - but on Radisson they have a Photo Trash Barrel where you can put the photos that you are not intereted in. That way you don't see them come out day after day. It only took me about 2 weeks of a 3 week cruise to figure this out. But look around on the SS - I bet they have something similar - I certainly hope so - will be sailing on the Whisper in December & am really looking forward to trying this line.

http://sc.groups.msn.com/tn/B8/C1/Radisson7Seas/1/87.jpg

Bye Bye

[goeurope]

Unless the policy has changed recently, Silversea doesn't have photographers on its ships. So there's no need to worry about paparazzi hanging around your dinner table, although--if you're famous enough--they might be waiting for you on shore. :-)

--
Durant Imboden
Europeforvisitors.com

[meow!]

Bettywh:
Your kitten is beautiful, how old is s/he?

[meow!]

By the way, just to know, does the Silver Shadow have some kind of photo-finishing lab, one that can transfer digital photo memory sticks to CDs? If so, how much do they charge? Thank you.

[meow!]

P.S. While I remember, the three ports of call in Mexico, Puerto Vallanta, Mazatian and Cabo San Lucas, are they docking ports, or anchoring/tendering ports? Thank you.

[garydm]

PV and Mazatlan have piers, while Cabo is a tender port. And, if you forget anything, there is a WalMart/Sam's Club across the street from the dock in PV!

Gary

[gillianrose]

"In our case, I was displeased that you have to purchase a Penthouse to have hot room service. And, on Oceania when they deliver it, it is plunked down on the miniscule table and the waiter departs - no presentation, and no room!"

I am less concerned with the table size or presentation in the cabin, but I expect to be able to order gratis hot breakfasts (and other hot meals) to be brought to the cabin on every line I sail. HAL, Princess and Celebrity have all delivered hot meals to the cabin, none of which were suites.

I want to be certain I understand Oceania's policy.

Are you saying that you cannot get hot meals in your cabin, or simply that the cabin breakfast tag might not LIST hot items? (We never let that tag confine us to the items listed, as we write in what we want, without going overboard, of course,)

If we cannot get a hot breakfast served to our cabin, we will not cruise with Oceania or any other line that does not give that to us.

So, can we or can't we?

[meow!]

We were in an ordinary balconied cabin. We ordered room service only once on the Regatta, the evening that the sea was particularly rough. We got nicely grilled halibut, it was warm, not cold. The rest we did not try and therefore did not know.

garydm: Thanks for your informative reply!

[luxlady]

Gillianrose, my understanding was that you CANNOT receive a hot breakfast by room service UNLESS you have a Penthouse, which comes with a butler - who will bring it to you. Thats what they told me, and so I remained content with my croissant, fruit, cereal, yoghurt unless I wanted to dress and go to the dining room or the outside terrace buffet.....I probably would have made the decision to try Oceania anyway, but it would have been nice to know that hot breakfasts via RS were OUT! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Glenda Madrid

[melbcruise]

Lux Lady nice to know you and your friends will be on the same cruise as my sister and I will be!! Look forward to meeting you!

[luxlady]

Melbcruise, look for a dynamic group of twelve 40 plus women looking for a good time! Commonly known as the WOWzers - (women on water). We actually formed this cruise idea on one of the CC boards last summer! (See what mischief too much time on the boards can get you into!) We have a private website where we communicate with each other - we are located all over the US - and are busily planning our flights and excursions. Dec 6 cannot come soon enough!

Be sure and let me know how to contact you and your sister, and we will be sure to say hello!

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Glenda Madrid

[meow!]

Please read up on Silversea's own wesite. Red ink ("Silver sailings" special discounts) has begun to flow for 2005 itineraries, though the discount percentages are for the moment not as steep as for 2004. Any comments? Thank you.

[goeurope]

Meow!:

I recall hearing somewhere that Silversea has yield-management software (not unlike that used by airlines and hotel chains) to project occupancy rates for specific sailings based on current bookings and historical trends. I'd guess--and this is ONLY a guess--that discounts AND the number of cabins available at discounted fares are adjusted as a result of such projections. (Don't forget, discounts are "capacity-controlled" and are subject to other limitations, so a nominal 30% or 40% discount doesn't mean that cabins are being sold at cut rates across the board.)

--
Durant Imboden
Europeforvisitors.com

[meow!]

Thanks for the reply. In any case, I am happy that we booked #3435 for December at 50% discount, the exact same itinerary a month later #3501 is only at 40% discount despite its also being made a "silver sailing". Coupled with the lower "list price" (which increased for 2005), we booked at $700 per person less than the sailing in January!

[goeurope]

I'd guess that December's cruise is cheaper because most people would rather stay home during the gift-shopping and party season, then go to somewhere warm and sunny during the grey days of January and post-holiday depression. (Or, if they are traveling in December, they're probably going to a place like New York where they can soak up the holiday atmosphere and pretend to be John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale in SERENDIPITY.)

--
Durant Imboden
Europeforvisitors.com

[garydm]

I think you are correct. I know I am really going to miss the crowded malls and traffic jams of mid December while we are on the Shadow sailing to Mexico.

Gary

[rkaratsu]

Yes, the 50% discount on the Silversea cruise from San Diego was too good to pass up. My wife and I will be there! (Somehow we will manage to pry ourselves away from the pre-Christmas madness...)

Unfortunately, it seems like the Vista rooms are now all gone. (We will make do in a mid-ship veranda.) Since we live in SoCal (Pasadena), not having to pay for air fare just made this cruise too good to pass up.

The only problem with trying SS is it will probably spoil us from *ever* going back to Princess, HAL, RCL, NCL, etc. (all of which we have enjoyed) Oh well, I guess you only live once... :]

One question we have - prior to the cruise, does SS send some kind of questionnaire asking about mini-bar preferences? And does anyone know what is on the "25" standard list of wines?

See you on the Shadow on the 14th!

RK

[jimgib]

rkaratsu.
not sure if you can prebook your bar, i arrange it with the cabin steward when i arrive at the cabin,take sless than 10 mins once you sail , and they leave champagne on ice in the cabin to keep you going. you can also tell the steward hoe to keep it topped up
i have them place a jug of freshly squeezed orange juice in the fridge and keep it topped up, also a bucket of ice at 10 am and again at 6 pm. Regards the wines super choice chenges all the time the somellier even buys from ports as they travel around so each ship has is own individuality.

[friday]

(I'm new to Silversea and to cruises in general.)

Are the direct rates the steepest discounts you can get or--like other cruise lines--can you do a lot better by going through the right travel agent or discounter?

[luxlady]

Friday, thats a good question. I think it depends on which SS cruise you want to take, and whether it is already discounted quite a bit by the cruiseline.

For example, on my cruise this December it is already discounted 50% over brochure rates, and my travel agent - who books with SS all the time - was unable to get any further discount on the cabin. However - this particular travel agent is able to offer shipboard credit in the amount of $225, so that is a savings.

I do think a travel agent is the way to go when booking a cruise - that person can run interference for you, get questions answered, and possibly get shipboard credits for you. In addition, a TA can often get you a better price than what the cruiseline will offer..

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Glenda Madrid

[meow!]

American Express platinum card told me that they would give $300 per cabin shipboard credit. Luxlady, is your agent's $225 on top of the $300? Thank you.

[luxlady]

Meow - yes, if you have a Platinum AmEx you do get more credit. I don't have one, so I was quoting the credit I am receiving.

g

Glenda Madrid

[uk1]

In the UK - Airmiles discounts the net Silversea price by 7% and also gives airmiles. The 7% is only off of the cruise and not any tickets or other charges. I earned enough airmiles on the trip I just completed on Whisper for 4 London -Paris return BA tickets.

I think US residents can buy from Airmiles and they were very good for us.

Our Whisper cruise was wonderful by the way.