Observer

This is disappointing news.  Perhaps an abbreviated menu will enhance the speed of service in LaT, especially in face of staffing challenges.

Spaghetti aglio e olio has often been my default entree if nothing else on the menu appealed.  It does not appear to be on the abbreviated menu.  Does anyone have experience ordering a simple dish like this without the 24 hours notice?

8 minutes ago, Catlover54 said:

 

Chairs for the orthopedically unchallenged (not far from Arts Cafe):

 

 

 

Such chairs, without arms, seem to be increasingly prevalent on the recent ships.  They may be fine for the younger demographic Silversea seems to be seeking.  They are very challenging for some of us older folk who rely on the arms when getting into and out of a chair.  

Comments about the music are very sobering. I have noticed the presence of loud recorded music on the pool deck and on the area outside Panorama Lounge on Muse class ships.  I complained once to the HD and was informed that the A/V guy controlled the music and decided what would be played and when and how loud.  I was dismayed. I would have thought there was a corporate policy on this matter and that control was not simply in the gift of the A/V guy.  Is this the Carnivalization of Silversea?   

Thank you for a wonderful, detailed, elegantly written review.

Your essay raises a question and an observation for me.

First, the question: Is the Marquee entirely exposed to the elements or are there covered areas in case of rain, etc.  Are there overhead heaters for chilly days/evenings?  Is there a bar ready of hand so that one can grab a drink before taking a table?

Second, the observation: People complain about the inability to get restaurant reservations, but (as you observe) Silversea compounds the problem by making it difficult to cancel reservations.  One cannot do so online after embarkation.  Butlers are off duty at precisely the hours one might decide to have dinner in the suite or just grab a simple pizza. And on two separate occasions in recent years I have call Reception to cancel that evening's dinner reservation, only to find that all of my reservations for the cruise were canceled.  I have now given up on trying to have Reception cancel the reservation.  

5 hours ago, Lois R said:

 I have sailed Dawn 3 times and she is probably my favorite ship. 

Just curious.  Have you sailed on Moon?  Is there a reason that Dawn trumps Moon?  I understand that there are some significant differences between Dawn and Muse, 

20 minutes ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

1) Pickup is completely dependent on the conditions set by the airport.  So any comments above really need to specify what airports allowed what meeting point.

 

 Thank you. As usual, you are very knowledgeable and helpful.

So let me be more specific. Arrival on a domestic flight at Fort Lauderdale airport.

Many thanks.

Blacklane advertises "Meet and Greet" as a core part of their airport transfer service.

When being provided Blacklane service from airport to home, does the driver meet you in the terminal, escort you to baggage claim and then to the car?  Or do you have to schlep your own luggage and find the car/driver in the taxi/limo lane?

Many thanks.

46 minutes ago, FeliciaLee said:

They are some great, in depth reviews from non-sponsored YouTuber's. 

 

What does "non-sponsored" mean?  Did they pay their own fares like any other guest?

What ship?  Did you complain to server or maitre d'?  What was their reaction?

31 minutes ago, Carolfay said:

I'm willing to use Silversea's service if it's available to me.  I was under the impression it was only offered to folks on Grand Voyages or similar lengthy cruises.

Not so. It is included in the fare (free?) for many long voyages.  It is available for a fee on most (all?) voyages.  

Information at valet@silversea.com

A great advantages is that, in my experience, the Silversea port agent is involved both in picking up and delivering the luggage.  

I used Luggage Forward for years with good results.  But they seem to have grown very fast, and their service has really deteriorated in my experience.  I am now using the Silversea Baggage Valet service.  It is somewhat more expensive than Luggage Forward, but I believe it is worth it.  

In many respects, Silversea does not have complete control over the excursions.  They must of course contract with providers in the various ports. There will be a finite supply of coaches or vans and guides.  If there are a number of ships in port on a given day, transport may be more crowded than it would be on a day with fewer ships.  Silversea could presumably specify that no vehicle can be more than half full.  However, in that case, many more excursions might be unavailable ("sold out"),

I suppose I have been living on another planet, but I am surprised (and very disappointed) to learn that lunch is not routinely available in the MDR.  Is Waterside closed only on port days?  Is it open on sea days?  

4 hours ago, toseaornottosea said:

 No ice cream in Arts Cafe in Nova.  Bummer. 

On the Muse class ships it has been available 11 am until ~ 10 pm  at Spaccanapoli.

1 minute ago, sasejm said:

 

Observer - See post # 44.

Thank you. I noted that post and was tempted to respond.  Clearly, Crystal is using dynamic pricing in this instance.  It does not work for me. For various reasons, I must book well in advance.  Furthermore, I imagine that this arrangement might distress solo guests who had booked long in advance and find that their solo neighbor on board has a much lower single supplement.  

38 minutes ago, travelberlin said:

I think, that well travelled solo cruisers, do have limits on which per diems they are willing to pay for an itinerary. I least I know some people, including myself, that would not pay per diems which are above other comparable cruise lines.

 

Ivi
 

This is precisely my situation. I would like to return to Crystal occasionally, especially with reduced guest capacity. As a solo, I can be comfortable in the smaller Crystal cabins.  However, I require a veranda attached to my cabin, and the Crystal fares for solos in cabins with verandas are far higher than can be found on other luxury lines like Silversea.

The deposit required and/or cancellation penalties may be much more severe with port to port.

I have frequently seen various options for disembarkation. One was a direct transfer to the airport. Another (in some cases with multiple offerings) included sightseeing and even lunch, for a surcharge.  

I do not doubt that there is cost cutting in various areas. I do not think that this is one of them.  

10 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

That was a change that was not applauded universally.....

Are any changes in cruise line policy/practice ever applauded universally?  🙂

As I recall, the Crystal decision to include alcoholic drinks in the cruise fare was the source of much controversy.  

“All inclusive“ is a very ambiguous term.  Silversea includes tours in every port, with no charge.  Crystal.AFAIK does not.

Only a limited number of massage slots are made available online.  Many others can be booked once on board.  

I used to be a real fan of Luggage Forward.  But they are now so restrictive -- and their customer service has suffered as they have grown -- that I do not use them any more.

12 hours ago, scseas said:

The best service is the have the butler pack and unpack. It makes arriving and departing so much better.

 

I understand that unpacking and packing are advertised services, and my butlers have routinely offered such service.  I would never ask for unpacking.

The butlers are very busy on embarkation afternoon/evening, introducing themselves to guests, providing requested sodas or spirits, trying to sort out issues like missing luggage, etc.  They are servicing a number of suites. To ask them to unpack seems unreasonable.

Packing is another matter IMHO.  Most of the settling in work has been resolved, and there is a full day during which the butler can schedule packing.  

10 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

Another special attribute is the aft on most passenger decks where you can sit outside it is like being on a private yacht.

 

I am happy to have your information that smoking is not permitted on the promenade deck on Serenity.  

As I recall from my most recent Crystal cruise, several years ago, smoking was permitted on one side of the aft decks.  (I think it was the starboard side.)  Is this still the case?

On a related topic: is the exercise equipment still installed on the aft decks? I do not recall seeing it in recent photos.

TIA.

11 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

And the promenade deck is now completely non-smoking. We suggested signage for this and hopefully this will be up soon.

 

This is great news!

I have sailed much more on Serenity than Symphony, and my recollection of Serenity is much clearer.

I recall that there was an area forward of the promenade deck at the bow of the ship where crew could gather and smoke.  (As I recall, no crew were smoking the odiferous cigars that some people used to smoke in the stern seating area.)

Like most Crystal cruisers, I care a lot about the wonderful crew. As an ex-smoker myself, I know how good it is to have a smoke if one is so addicted.  

Do crew still have access to this area for a smoke break? If not, are there other areas where they can smoke?