Port Power

Being dropped at FCO was after the cruise and not related to Blacklane. Both comments being in one sentence I realise is confusing. The OP is unhappy with SS dropping them off so early. Perhaps they hoped for individual transfers rather than a group transfer that would have to serve many flight times?

There was discussion on another thread not long ago about delayed arrival into port. I usually fly home in the afternoon of the day the ship docks. Voyager’s dilemma is another warning to book a hotel for disembarkation day and fly home the following day. Never hurts to have a day’s buffer.

There is no email to passengers of the post cruise survey. It has to be done on the ship.

I also enjoyed Muse last year, and Dawn and Wind to follow. Yes, there were a few issues with meals, but not enough to ruin the cruises. Any disappointments were made up by mostly wonderful crew and other excellent experiences. (Particularly Drew in SALT Lab.) I felt special on many occasions as Maître d’s and waiters called my by name and knew my preferences. Your comments as a solo passenger align with mine. Based on my experiences during 114 days of SS cruising last year, I’ll be back. I have a booking on Wind in June and on Silver Ray in 2026. However, it is the price that will stop me rebooking. Fares are just too high now, especially as a solo. We have to book 18-24 months in advance usually to find 25% solo supplements.

Which is why it is better to wait for the cruise line to cancel.

Silversea doesn’t have a good reputation for letting customers know when cruises are cancelled. However, the “lemonade” aspect means that you should be able to book another Med. cruise at a good last minute price!

That’s not relevant for a trip report though, which is quite different to a cruise review. Trip reports are on cruise line forums where this thread is also located.

Just start a new thread under the relevant cruise line. For example, if a Regent cruise, then start your new thread here in the Regent forum titled something like “Grandeur Adventure around Japan” or such like.

Australian and NZ travel agents can’t do the discounts and incentives that US agents give. Different relationships and fare structures basically. You will find the best discounts and bonuses by attending an RSSC presentation, as I did 18 or so months ago when I booked the 2025 World Cruise. A good CLIA (CLINZ?) TA rather than a chain store one is better too, especially one that is a Virtuoso or similar affiliate. Virtuoso is a sort of TA wholesaler or buying group. They sometimes provide extra dinners, shore excursions or OBC. I also received extra OBC (US$500 IIRC) in lieu of luggage forwarding, as we don’t have that facility down under.

Not to mention your personal escort from the aircraft door, the first class bus, and delivery to the First Class Lounge.

I just saw on You Tube the statistics for maiden voyages. Three out of 9 actually did sail as planned. Of the rest, even the second proposed dates seldom eventuated. Unfortunately, I think you are right to be nervous!

Aaaargh!!

I didn’t realise how lucky we were last August when Silver Muse was the only ship that in port day!

The Dakar Airport to hotel transfer will be arranged by SS, not via a Blacklane link. There is usually an SS representative in the arrivals area to meet passengers. The transfer might be a minibus or car, depending on how many passengers are arriving around the same time. You will receive notification of the arrangements nearer your departure date. All the other transfers (except to home) will also be provided by SS, whether group transfers, chauffeured cars or taxi depending on how many passengers on each occasion.

So sorry to hear of DH’s injury. I hope the journey home isn’t too painful for him. Thank you for your posts and lovely photos.

I am so sorry that you were let down so badly. Was it too late to call a taxi or uber? It sounds like you were boarding the ship on the day of flying in. Not a nice way to learn to fly in at least a day early. After a missed flight connection last year, I am now thinking to arrive two days early for a cruise! Thankfully in Australia Blacklane has contracted with a very reliable car company rather than using ad hoc independent drivers. Also pretty poor that there isn't an emergency number to call when problems arise during travel. How would SS have handled rebooking your flights and getting you to the ship if you had been fully D2D?

It is exciting if you are actually in the perfect spot, or pretty near, for viewing a total solar eclipse. There are enthusiasts who travel the world to attend each one. I’ve met a few! Scott Reef, off the north coast of Western Australia, April last year. I was on a Coral Expeditions cruise with Australia’s chief scientist and a National Geographic photographer as guest speakers.

But @Host Jazzbeau just posted this photo?

Perhaps they had booked back to back, or B2B2B, so still had to be accommodated?

The Grill will still be open.

Couples massages definitely can be booked once on the ship. Balcony dividers are able to be opened, but I have yet to read when this was allowed. No good reason not to open when both suites want that, but unlikely to happen. Drop luggage from 12pm and you might be able to board earlier after protocols. La Dame is NOT worth the new, excessive price. Most reviews agree with this. Atlantide in a smaller setting! Chef’s table (I’ve not done it) by all reports is worth the charge, but ask about the menu before booking. Enjoy your family cruise.

Where is the “wow!” or “I am stunned” buttons! “Like” and “thanks” aren’t enough. 😳

No, this is just my observation, and reports of lack of fruit and veggies posted on Cruise Critic. I have experienced shortages myself on cruises along major routes. I have also hung over the ship’s rail in ports and not seen the usual loading of F&V.

I have been on 7 Silversea cruises, all extended voyages and most at least 14 days each. I have another this year and two booked in 2026. My Antarctica cruise was booked 18 months in advance, which is why there was only a 25% solo supplement added. As are the 2026 cruises. I definitely will not book a SS cruise at the double occupancy rate. Looking at the new price schedules, I doubt that I will book SS again. There is a limit to what I can afford, as well as a price limit on what I consider value. Running out of fresh food on a long Antartica cruise is not unusual. There are no ports to reprovision! However, I was surprised and not impressed that ships were not taking on fresh produce in larger ports along the way as they used to do. I just cannot think why that practice has stopped. Bad move! Bad decision. So I won’t say “never again”. I’ll keep my eye on fares and will see what happens. However I might now be taking cruises more locally (saving on expensive, long haul international flights) on NCL or Celebrity instead. More entertainment as well as good food, but without the expectation of excellent food.

I find the body lotion rather light: perfect for arms and legs after a shower, but not rich enough for dry hands. All right in a pinch, but I like to travel with a richer hand cream. Personal choice, of course.