Observer

I have booked direct for years and have had several different consultants following retirements, etc. I appreciate working with knowledgeable consultants without going through an intermediary like a travel agent. My consultant has immediate access to inventory, rates, and the contract air availability. When my consultant is on vacation, I am referred to another consultant who seems very pleased to assist even though I am not his/her client. I know that I could get some perks by working through a TA. However, my experience with two (highly recommended) TAs was unsatisfactory.

Perhaps you were fortunate. I called reception late one afternoon to ask that my reservation for that evening be canceled. I had decided to go to one of the no-reservation-required restaurants. I discovered that reception had canceled all of my reservations for the remaining couple of weeks of my cruise.

This raises the issue about the difficulty of canceling restaurant reservations once on board. One can make new reservations on the TV. But one cannot cancel existing reservations without the assistance of a maître d' or having a hard-working butler take responsibility.

Recently, I have found this to be caused partly by understaffing on the ship or by the presence of many newly hired crew whose service is not as smooth or prompt as that of veterans. An HD on a Muse class ship recently acknowledged as much to me.

Do you happen to know how many passengers are on the ship? I cannot recall Atlantide's not being full by, say, 7:30 or 7:45 pm on a heavily booked cruise.

Is this fact or speculation? It seems plausible that she might have moved to Crystal (If there was no noncompete arrangement), but I was not aware that such a move had taken place.

I wonder if the speakers would criticize the entertainment on a cruise where they were presumably "guests" of Silversea. The speakers and entertainers both report to the CD.

Butlers service multiple state rooms. I think the number is around a dozen. It may vary according to staffing levels and occupancy levels. It is important to recognize this reality and not to imagine that the butler is there to service you exclusively.

I agree that this is "a real plus," and I hope that Silversea will continue this practice. (Crystal has just ended lunch on port days in the MDR.) This is especially important for people who are mobility challenged.

I had a very unfortunate situation with DHL. DHL was clearly responsible for the situation, but Luggage Forward compounded the problem by not following up and then standing up for its "partner." I have had no such problems when shipping via FedEx.

I was a long time user and supporter of Luggage Forward and posted enthusiastic messages about them on this board. I have quit using them and turned to another provider after a very, very disappointing encounter with them. Some/much of the blame doubtless lay with DHL. But the customer service and follow up from Luggage Forward was pathetic.

Here is another interesting post: Manfredi Lefebvre Congratulations Bert and good work! The best thing that could happen to my creature, Silversea. Best, Manfredi

Barbara posted this message (along with a photo of her successor hugging her) on another site that cannot be named. 🙂🙂 Dear Silversea Passengers .. after an amazing eight years with the Brand it is time for me to move to a new adventure! It has been an incredible privilege to serve you all and this amazing Brand reaching now its 30th year milestone! @Bert is an incredible leader who I am sure will steer Silversea to its next peak! Please keep enjoying this amazing product, hopefully will see you on one of our beautiful ships soon and Arrivederci!

Here is the press release: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bert-hernandez-named-brand-president-of-silversea-302115371.html

Divorce can be attractive when one can compare ~$1500/day solo cruise fares with the value, consistent quality, and amenities offered at luxury resorts and hotels.