les37b

Dam..... I wonder if it's just Spirit suffering or if Muse has closed it also. If they are both closed, that would make it significant. How many guests with you? If it's near capacity, I'd expect that would impact all restaurants with overcrowding? Hopefully Mr Silver you may be able to find out if this is just temporary and for how long. I k now this is a first world thing, but when you chose a ship and place restaurants as a huge preference, it's pretty significant. PS are you able to order from the Indochine menu in Atlantide? If you can, it's less of an issue. Fingers crossed. I'm guessing supplies would be curtailed making it unlikely.

Agreed... And getting more and more. The Gen 2 dishes are "mobile". I believe the original dishes are locked to the original install location. Not sure how true that is.... But gen 2 can be used anywhere. Inside the dish it actually contains over 1000 satellite antennas which are controlled by microchips and align. Mind blowing really.

Good to hear. In Jan on a 16 night Silversea Panama cruise my wife contracted (we were self testing every other day) and was isolated in the "red zone" for 10 days. She had zero symptoms. I had to quarantine for 2 days and released but advised to stay away from people, which I did. We missed our debarkation. The option of a further 14 days quarantine in Ecuador (the 6 days she'd done didnt count.... So would have been 20 days.... Without any illness whatsoever!) We were given a pro-rata refund for the 10 days lost (either as cash or +15% FCC... And we didn't need to pay for the extra 9 nights we sailed down to Valparaiso. I've volunteered to quarantine for our Japan to Alaska next April.... Hope it's on the 5 sea days! 😁 Though I quite fancy doing the forward leg to Vancouver should we miss Seward.

To be fair, I've found the Internet speed on Viking, far better than on SS. My next sailing isn't until March 23, so fingers crossed it's up and running for then and is the service we are hoping it'll be. I suspect it won't be for the free service, but an incentive to pay for a premium.

Ditto... And has been since our experience in January. That said, there were worse places to be locked away. As. Long as you're not stopped boarding or getting your flight home, I'm more at peace with it.

This actually isn't something new. Piraeus for some reason has been out of sync for some time and that includes not accepting tests not done in a clinic. When other countries were accepting PCR tests done up to 3 days before, Piraeus insisted your PCR or Antigen had to be within 24 hours and it's a topic that's cropped up frequently on other boards. But, the good news is. There are (or at least we're) numerous test locations in the port that are fine to use, don't need an appointment and typically between €5 an €10 I'm sure someone will be able to advise some of the locations.

Sounds a reasonable assessment. I can't imagine it would be too taxing to do, though a search online revealed how to order, it didn't go into detail of the physical equipment needed to be installed on a ship. Internally on the ship, nothing would need to be altered beyond the initial starlink equipment. That's already taken care of, though could always be improved. My home network distributes ethernet or WiFi at close to gigabit speeds, but that's because it's what I need and my mesh in the house are strategically place to optimise. I "need" the speed to stream 4K etc. Silversea I suspect will be aiming to deliver fast web browsing etc, but stop short of Netflix without a charge. It's certainly possible though. I can remember one Caribbean cruise on the Wind, they were trialing a new system which was really good and I was able to stream IPTV to watch football. I was as happy as Larry, but alas, they chose a different system. I mention purely because streaming actually has been possible and Starlink is a step up. I would expect though bandwidth is going to be rationed and sold as a premium service. Nonetheless, the basic and premium will be better than we currently get. I suspect nearer the time we will learn this info. I'm certainly hopeful it's in place by next March. I don't need connectivity for work, but it's always been nice to bring the internet with me. The internet and satellite technology has always been of interest. My first personal "internet" was via prestel and a BBC Micro in 1986. Full www via a speedy 14.4k modem in 94 on a PC and one of the first ADSL installs in the UK. FTTH is just bliss at home now. I hate to think how much I've spent on satellite since my first multi sat system in 85, when the array of "extra channels" wasnt really worth bothering with, but it was fun (and challenging) to install. Starlink doesnt carry such challenges as azimuth and elevation alignment on a polar axis like a motorized sat system does and I genuinely don't think the physical installation beyond location and integration will be hugely difficult. However the logistics for RCI with fleet location and people to install with enough time to complete whilst in port I'd suspect is more problematic along with configuring inside their PC systems. There are lots of YT videos on the topic. Some are pointless, some too technical this one seems a worthy watch. I do wonder if they will be installing several Dishy McDishface per ship. All a mystery! This video also talks about Gen2 starlink satellites and coverage now and future.

Indeed. 2 of my 3 bookings are D2D and include transfers from home. The next booking was made pre D2D and whilst isn't P2P as it includes flights and pre cruise hotel and transfers, is the classified as D2D. I suspect it does, but changes are clearly things that need to be watched.

Just to clarify. The comment he made on G7 was simply the Japan will fall into line with other countries and not remain "backwards" (his term, not mine) going forward.

I share your thoughts and likely to do the same. Friends of ours sailed on the Dawn in June out of Venice and reported it wasn't too much hassle. Sounds like disembarking is a whole new ball game. Sailing in and out of Venice always was one of my favourites, but that pleasure has also been removed (unless the lighter Wind or Cloud do so.)

Likewise, I have mixed feeling on the news. I do want to get back to normal life and do actually no longer have any great fear of catching COVID. I am however concerned about potentially being locked away or unable to fly home because someone came onboard and the virus has spread. But then, that can and does happen now when visiting ports. The news is maybe a blessing and a curse, though I am certainly more on the side of good news. In the meantime, Japan has announced that its increasing numbers from 20,000 to 50,000 tourist entries per day with no test required for fully vaccinated individuals and set to be increased further. Great news and now more hopeful my Muse sailing in April 2023 may well go ahead.

I just got an update. Can't see anything on the internet yet, but he was spot on with the details previously including the date PCR tests would not be required for entry.. He also said there would be an announcement shortly the tourist daily numbers will be increased from 20,000 to 50,000 people. That's now just happened apparently. This is what he's just said... The Japanese prime minister just now announced,all the foreign tourists,including individuals, can visit Japan from 07th.Sep. PCR test is not required after 3 Boosters. The daily numbers are 50000,but it will be released to the same level of G7 countries in the near future. So, I am sure,you will be OK!! Sounds more promising now! (As long as we remain in the G7! lol)

So no need for more than the 2 initial injections and booster then? There's a mixed message there somehow! I know of some who've had 3 boosters now. I know there had been countries (Austria and Croatia for example) who originally stated if 270 has expired since your booster, you are considered to be non vaccinated. That's been removed (and actually gone further.... No one even needs any vaccination at all now!) I guess the question back, is if the booster is non expiry, why further boosters? I'll concede for elderly and vulnerable, as a precaution it's reasonable. To everyone else though, would you consider someone who's had their 3rd booster less susceptible to someone who has their 1st and only booster a year ago.... Or 2 years ago... Or.... Just saying it's a mixed message. I'm certainly not anti Vax (I actually phoned last week to require on a 2nd booster as 11 months had passed and told I couldn't get one.) Is there a science to the decisions? Or does it all boil down to cost? Is it needed or is it not needed? Does a booster really not expire? I appreciate this has probably strayed into COVID discussion and apologise if it has, but with some cruise lines now opening up to non vaccinated and no test needed, I think my questions are with merit, particularly since when I had it in May, I had it worse than my wife who had zero symptoms. I sneezed at least a dozen times. I suspect that's the reason 2nd boosters are not being offered in the UK for under 65s, in much the same way age is a factor for the annual flu jabs. ie your body can cope I suspect the moral of my ramble is it the case we are seemingly over it? (Apart from where money can be made via hotel quarantine.) At least Ecuador has reduced it's instruction, down from 14 days (in January) to 7 days. No soap box. I'll comply with whatever I'm told. My only challenge is the reality of a "forever" single booster.

My last was 11 months ago (booster) which assume means I'm past my sell by date for the COVID vaccine and effectively no longer considered protected? Nothing I can do to change that since a further booster isn't available (UK) unless considered vulnerable or over 65. It does rather send a mixed message regarding infections and protection. I'm assuming in protecting me, it protects others. (Which with an out of date certificate, means I'm no different to someone who wasn't vaccinated in the first place.) Which with that in mind, makes some very searching questions over the whole thing.

Good news. I wonder if that also means VS ship visits are back too. Not that it matters.... Don't think there are any Tower Bridge visits this year (apart from Wind in June which I missed as I was away in Stockholm.

Not good enough really is it. There has been more than enough time to get something sent out and it's not being unreasonable to expect it to be done promptly. I just had some good news from a Japanese friend off on a cruise at the start of September. He's said that Japan is removing many restrictions and an announcement will be imminent. He believes he won't need a PCR to return home and that tourism will be allowed to return to Japan shortly (from 7 September), so I live in hope might may well sail next April.

What was the outcome? Did you finally get your cancellation email? What was the wording? Did you get offered any future sailings you could slot into or just as you anticipated with refund offer or FCC @ 115%.

No argument on that. They decided the day before our mid cruise antigen test on the moon in Jan would be scraped. Something I wasn't impressed with, particularly as the missing day 7 test was followed by my wife (self testing) positive on day 10. My thoughts at the time was that it could have been a contributing factor (ie caught from another guest who hadn't been tested and "caught"), but now as certain as can be it was while off the ship in Honduras the infection came from. Goalposts move and suspect the delay in passing on decisions made is through the very poor communication from the top which as you've said, is very noticeable and could be improved with a little effort.

Very reasonable review. Thanks for taking the time to post. I've taken 7 cruises post COVID and SS had been the worst embarkation process of all up until my last on Azamara 2 months ago. I noted others on the same moon cruise as us fared better than us. But that was because they arrived independently and wasn't faced with the bulk gatherings we had on arrival from our hotel by coach. It didn't impact our cruise, but could and should have been at least as easy and quick as the mainstream lines we'd used (just to get back on the sea) last summer. Viking were the best on this front and were in our room within 30 mins of getting off the coach. Our butler on our Moon cruise in Jan was the best we'd had to date and couldn't do enough. The previous,was the worst and seems similar to yours by being conspicuous by her absence. We knew the next guests (TTS) who stayed in our suite after we'd left. They posted photos of the replenished m&ms and other bits they found on day 1. We had none on these on any day and whilst we are an easy touch for a butler (ie not demanding), we truly would expect more than hello "I'm your butler" and then not see for the next 6 or 7 days. I am aware she had a very difficult male couple in the owner's suite (placed there because they had complained about something on day 1), but even so, there is no excuse in my opinion for the poor service. The guests in the next room to ours and have kept in touch with, commented the same as we saw. She became our first butler not to receive a tip at disembarkation on any cruise taken. Despite the couple of negatives though, I'm pleased you had a great time. I've not sailed on any cruise where I can honestly say was perfect, but luckily the negatives the cruise line could take ownership of, hasn't sour things. I had the misfortune to book a Virgin seacation last August and took the kids and partners. They remain the only CL I've sailed I would never book again. Finding a half eaten pizza and vibrator in room on arrival was merely the start! Thanks Richard, but no thanks. I'm not a sailor and I don't do Heidi Hi. My kids enjoyed it. I found it cheap and tacky. Being double charged for drinks more than once just made me angry. $22 for a Tanquery Sevilla (double shot which wasn't asked for) leaves a very sour taste.

Well the good news appears to be that guest was misinformed by their agent. Time will tell if that's the full story. More often than not info on cancellations is available on CC way in advance of official announcements or emails. Hopefully it remains that way, though I certainly wouldn't be too shocked if the spring Japan season is cancelled in 2023. Fingers crossed no changes are needed.

On our January sailing the negatives we experienced were all COVID related or use of 3rd party operators who definitely fell short of the goal. We were fortunate that numbers sailing were low, so service particularly after leaving quarantine, were always very good but actually got better. (And I genuinely think the guest count going down from 220 to 120 wasn't the reason... SS just treated us with kid gloves and couldn't do enough.) I've zero concerns on the quality for the 3 future bookings we have.... though I think we have just lost Japan 2023 and I don't think that'll end well with clear increases in prices.... Not good on something originally booked in March 2019 and already cancelled twice. I don't think this will be third time lucky.

The Muse grand voyage has allegedly been cancelled, so I'm guessing Japan is off the Menu until at least Autumn 2023. Not overly shocked but disappointed as it means my transitioning cruise from Osaka to Seward in April 2023 will also be a casualty. Not heard anything from SS direct... and that info my wife spotted on that Facebook group, so no reason to disbelieve. But I do wonder how long SS take to notify and if they will still allow guests to make bookings on cruises they know will not sail.

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The clue here is the prices shown in €. I don't know how many geo specific location they have (there are certainly US, UK, EU and Aus... I suspect also Canada and New Zealand) and packages understandably vary on each since flight factors will be different for obvious reasons. At times when your currency is strong. It could be useful to check and compare. Alas currently that wouldn't be a good idea for anyone in the UK with currant rates.

From the airport itself. When scheduling connections from an international flight we recommend that you schedule at least 3 hours between arriving and your next flight to have enough time for processing and to prevent missed connections for your next boarding times. Mine is reverse (or I'll be international going forward), but the principle is identical. Cost is a huge factor and a degree of laziness I suspect. In the long run, it will mean more work. My old boss used to have in his email signature something along the lines of "Planning - do it once, do it right", which is a mantra they should adopt. My TA spoke with me finally on Friday, so she has a clear understanding of what's to be avoided. She said they were unable to call and communication was done via email. That I would suggest is the cause of issues like this. Instead of asking / confirming. Flights are booked and "hope for the best". I requested a change on the sailing prior to this one for March which was a booking made direct and that took about a week to be done and was via email also. I'm guessing procedure has changed.