les37b

Have a good one.... stay safe and covid free.

On our recent South America trip, had SS not been dealing with our air fare, we would have lost our paid for flights from Guayaquil (no refund)nand have to pay for a further on the day flight from from Santiago. True, the insurance company may have covered less any excess, but I trust Insurance as far as I can throw them. They didn't even pay out for the excess parking fees. (OK they did, but the excess ate most of it!) Pre covid, I'd always DIY. I probably still will for any short haul flights, but not long distance. I don't have the luxury of air miles or concessionary fares unfortunately, hence the bookings places with Air. All 3 upcoming with SS are long haul and taken the included silversea air.

I'm not sure why I'm only having those options either, but that's all they have offered. As you stated earlier, it will all be about the rates that SS are charged and what they are prepared to offer. Unfortunately you cannot speak direct and the third party TA has to wait 2 weeks or more to get a reply to the new option (if applicable), which still isn't whats been requested. That's the problem.

The only option out of ANC we’ve been given on any effort has been 10.00 on Alaskan Airways. Personally I’d prefer a later time, but it’s not an issue, plus I’ve struggled to come up with other options. The 6 hour connection, isn’t a problem and it has been suggested as an option. The issue is that was over 2 weeks ago and my flights haven’t been changed so as it stands I’m still on a 1 hour connection. Ordinarily I’d be confident it will be done, but this has been ongoing for 3 months and no changes have been made on either. The outward was with JAL but only 1 hour connection. They had offered to use KLM via Amsterdam., but I’ve requested an earlier LHR first leg. What keeps happening, is they make the change to one flight, but forget the other which we’d already said yes to and we go back to square one. To make things a tad worrying, I’ve seen that KLM are planning to loose some of their long hauls and Osaka. Something to keep my eye on. This is an April 24th departure. Howdie neighbour! I can remember a few years back JFK was closed the day before our arrival because of a 4” snow dump. We chose even then to go for a 7 hour connection rather than 2. It all worked luckily. Shorter would be nicer if it could be guaranteed, so the less stressful option suits.

OK understood. My connections have always been inbound and had to suffer the awful stress of 2 lots of security and PP control on arrival between connections. That said, would you accept a 1h07m connection from Anchorage to London via Seattle? Unfortunately the next flight has a 6 hour connection which I have requested and been accepted (but still not changed!) In Japan, the incoming was 1h15m in Tokyo, which I had assumed would involve PP control on arrival and suspect does. The flight is an evening JAL London departure and I suspect the Japanese will be more efficient, but still dont fancy that chance. If it doesnt work, I potentially miss the cruise or hotel need in Osaka.

I appreciate they dont ticket usually until 60 days before departure (I think), but I really don't want to have a place holding for flights we don't want. Getting it resolved should put us in good sted. I hear what you say regarding prices, but since they have actually offered the flights we want (just not at the same time) I think it's a safe bet pricing is not going to be an issue. But if it is, they can tell us. Interesting what you say on Seattle. Is this something new? All connecting flights involving one part international I've only ever known passport control and 2 lots of security. If the 3 hours mentioned on the Seattle site doesn't apply to an Alaskan Airway connection to a BA flight, what would that time frame apply to? Having missed a 4h15m connection in Atlanta, (and the inbound was on time,) I'm always very wary, particularly needing to be at the gate to board 30 mins before departure

I’ve got the exact same situation with London to Osaka (1h15m connection in Tokyo) and Anchorage to London (1h7m connection in Seattle) I have been attempting to get this amended now for over 3 months. I normally book direct, but this is via a TA and SS are giving them the runaround. What’s too difficult to understand that international connections that involve passport control and 2 lots of security clearances cannot be achieved in an hour. The Seattle airport website states you need 3 hours. it’s now getting close to -150 days and if it’s not sorted, I will cancel. There really is no excuse for the way SS air have handled this. I’ve suggested several options we’d be happy with, all of which are priced virtually the same. They come back with 1/2 the change done…. Then reverse it with another attempt. Words fail me. Does it really take 3 months? The TA are embarrassed. Another couple of days to my next chase. One thing - I’ve no intention of doing, is boarding a flight when there is a certainty can’t work and high risk I’d miss the cruise.

The tobacco barons must be very powerful in SE Asia.

I'm sure you are correct. 270 expiry if you've not had booster, with a booster, so far it does expire. So pleased the vaccine works so well. lol It's great to know that it's 12 months since my booster and still as covered as I was 12 months ago! 🤣

Oh no. An I am right and you are wrong character and no one else’s opinion counts. Not quite sure why you are picking on the OP now, but ho hum. There was every reason for my comment and the sentence above spells out why and the uncalled for suggestion the poster you were abusing was someone to avoid on a cruise. Ironic really. Like I’ve stated, several times now, but you apparently claim you don’t read my responses. I don’t have any axes to grind if you wish to tip whatever you want. Just don’t disrespect others like you did and we’ll all get on just fine.

I would have ask why you were being discriminated against. I'd wager that no one boarding in the Med on MSC after Oct 1st (except Athens) will need a compulsory test unless there is a random request or suspicion of infection. Won't be long!

You know what they say about people who assume? And as for your pitiful comment about being rude, I suggest you read back to the comment I responded where you berated someone and finished saying. "I wouldn't want to travel with you". Well guess what! Ironically it was your rudeness that prompted a response. But I still read what you had to say, agree you are entitled to your opinion, just a shame you are unable to do the same

I understand the frustrations and need for absolute clarity.... But I truly believe Americans arriving in Europe boarding an MSC ship anywhere (apart from Athens) will be treated exactly the same as everyone else. Fingers crossed they update the site for you soon.

To be fair, this is the SS forum and I suspect he was referring to Silversea Ships and not other lines. But point taken, it could have been emphasised. I'm certainly aware of what you say is true. People have been caught out when falling ill and having to leave the ship in the Caribbean area finding themselves in trouble as a result. OP, you will need to get your passport renewed or replaced before embarking. (Assuming it's a SS ship you are sailing on!). I actually misplaced my passport 3 weeks prior to sailing on the Muse in the Med. Luckily I was able to get it replaced in a day or so. I knew it was in the house somewhere and which I annoyingly found a month or so after my return.

Indeed. My wife caught it, I didn't. Luck does play a part, but generally, acting responsibly and avoiding the risks will play a big part in not getting bad luck. Particularly if everyone else is also with the same mindset and being considerate. Minimising risks brings good luck!

Spot on.... Particularly when the "thank you" is given prior to any service received. There is zero explanation other than it being a bribe to be cared for in front of others. That's not showing gratitude in the slightest.

If you are just posting to correct your mistake it's probably wise to point it out. I read what's been added, not the half hidden blurb above the newly posted text, which I suspect is what most forum users do. Shame you didn't respond to the points made, though it's good to see the person you were berating has responded again. He's attempting once more (as a well travelled American) to highlight things that I suspect you refuse to digest. Certainly interested to hear the answer to his end question which is a good one. I suspect you don't tip the flight attendant who has served and cared for you during the flight because they get paid a proper wage and don't feel the need to?

Good advice.... Though Virgin decided to add further charges after we had already departed and absolutely no idea what it was for. I only realised because it appeared on my CC statement a few weeks later. It could have been disputed, but was for about $30 and the hassle wasn't worth the effort. However other events on that cruise in respect of billing "mistakes" make it highly improbable I'd ever cruise on Branson's ships again. Actually, Princess also did this in April, though the charge wasn't an error but was for a meal omitted from the final bill. No harm, but we had already settled up when we disembarked.

You've just responded to your own post? Here's a tip. Answer posts by others, not your own. 🤣 (Sorry - couldn't resist. Just seemed odd to answer your own post!) I genuinely never understand why it's difficult to comprehend that wages should be paid by the employer not the customer. Sure, that equates to maybe the price you pay increasing. So what? The end goal is paying the person's wages right? I've no issue tipping when I've received very good service and is to show my appreciation. Simple question. Why do you think it's ok not to pay "your" staff and expect them to rely on handouts that is a choice and may not be received? It's just wrong. Personally I think it's much fairer to receive a proper salary from the person I work for no matter what job I do. Imagine working somewhere that customers stop visiting in numbers. Would you expect the few who do visit to make up the shortfall? Pretty much everywhere outside the US (in the western world), the employer pays the wages and has to by law and isn't reliant on customer hand outs. I do tip for good service. The clue is gratuity... To show my gratitude. It's derived from French, but appears to be very lost in translation. Fares from the UK generally (there are a couple of exceptions) come with "gratuities" pre paid. It's a shame this "culture" exists. It would have been better not to distinguish what's been added as it sends a message there is no need to show appreciation because you've already paid it. Similarly, if I'm presented in the UK with a restaurant bill with a service charge added (which by law you can get removed if you wished), there is zero chance I would tip on top unless there was an exceptional reason to do so. I think it's something we'll never agree on and this age old "debate" will appear over and over again. I certainly agree with the suggestion of "guilt" is significant on the reason to tip, but the guilt really falls on the employers.

Is that the 20 August sailing? I think you are being optimistic to see the Northern lights that time of the year! Agree the next sailing looks awesome. I had expected it to be an Iceland circumnavigation, so pleasant surprise. If that is the sailing, we will miss you in Reykjavik by a couple of days as we are on a Viking sailing from 7th to 14th August. Such a great place to visit.

Yes, it does make it significant to miss things. We were fortunate as I've mentioned and will stress that IMHO SS went over and above in the care of us once she diagnosed herself positive and gave herself up (apart from the first 2 days which were not good at all.) This continued on our departure when we were presented with a letter giving us a pro rata refund on the cruise price paid because she was in jail. We never asked for anything even though it did feel a bit an unfair loss and the letter was given without suggestion or request on our part. Indeed a pleasant surprise which worked well for all as it prompted me to book Jan 24 on the Dawn with our booty. With rising prices, restaurants closed, items unavailable and continuing flight problems, you need to optimistic it'll all be worth it. I've frequently challenged my sanity by thinking it'll all be ok. It certainly has me changing my preference and now frequently looking at no fly voyages. PS I think your being a bit optimistic with the title challenge! lol

Unfortunately I concur. Venice. is still is one of my favourite cities, but I will avoid it as a cruise destination... Unless on a tiddler like the Wind or Cloud, which is highly improbable. SS is still fortunate to dock relatively close. The journeys for others claiming to visit Venice are horrendous. That said, how Southampton or Dover gets described as London, I'll never know! lol

I guess the moral is, never be surprised by anything in the world now and your findings show how important it is to research. I do agree with your thoughts on who is influencing this madness. I'm still nodding my head in disbelief that it's real!

Hope you feel better soon. Completely concur with your thoughts in all aspects you mention. When my wife came down with it, there were only 220 on board and on the ship most did observe mask wearing. On excursions was a different ball game and felt extremely uncomfortable on a scuba trip from Cancun where the equipment handed out by the boats crew was most definitely not sterile. I commented on this in the cruise thread I started and did register my concerns, which definitely fell on deaf ears. Were your fellow guests kicked off on disembarkation day or allowed to continue quarantine on the ship? That was our saving grace and something we will be eternally grateful for, that we wasn't dumped off in Ecuador to do a further 14 days in clink, but allowed to stay on in relative comfort and a feeling of security. I still don't get how I got away with it, but finally succumbed after returning from a Norwegian cruise in May. Fortunately it was just a sniffle. The wife had zero symptoms. Now that all cruise lines seem to be striving once again for capacity sailings, I certainly won't be at ease, though I'm far more concerned about the effects on my vacation and aftermath of quarantine in foreign lands than I am of the virus itself. I know some more vulnerable won't share that outlook, so please appreciate that's just a personal take on things and is based on real encounters. PS.. we had the same thoughts about the SALT bar and only went in when it was empty. PPS.... An amazing stat from that cruise.... When we stayed on, there were only 120 guests left, of which only 10 were Brits Of which half were men... Of which 3 were fans of our team and season ticket holders. What's the odds on that! We will be meeting with one of them in December and his lovely wife who was the other unfortunate COVID victim on our sailing and flew home together with from out extended voyage in Santiago.

Just had a very quick browse. Love to do it, but £3000pp pn on some of them is way out of my league. I suspect you will have a wonderful voyage Wes..... Very envious I must admit.