MrsWaldo

Australia has a very strong breakfast culture. As an example my local cafe breakfast options include: Breakfast Board - this has chickpeas, poached eggs, olives, zataar, halloumi, spicy sausage Knafeh French Toast Breakfast Burrito with either salmon or ham and avocado and scrambled eggs omelette brioche roll, koji tomato chutney, mizuna, shichimi pork patty or smoked tofu Breakfast Rice bowl etc Change of cafe = change of menu. However, I do not expect a wide variety of breakfast options such as that when travelling. Personally, I thought Indochine on Muse was excellent, and The Grill...meh I think when we talk about food on these boards we all have a different perspective.

Have you spoken directly with Sydney office or is it just your TA? Because on the phone yesterday I was told by them it is a combinable offer. The only hitch is it has to be a 2024 cruise?

Curious. Was this Sydney SS? They rang me today and said the cruise should depart as scheduled. They also said my Mahe is probably all good but the next leg is ???? smoke and mirrors ?

I got this email from my TA rep yesterday as I am also on this cruise Thank you for your email. Hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year break. I understand what you said about the Red Sea situation/. At this stage, your voyage from Mahe to Dubai is going ahead as schedule. We don’t have any further information about any cancelation or itinerary change. Hopefully all will be as planned

“Thank you for your email. Hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year break. I understand what you said about the Red Sea situation/. At this stage, your voyage from Mahe to Dubai is going ahead as schedule. We don’t have any further information about any cancelation or itinerary change.” So we wait

My air goes through Dubai both ways. It’s a very long trip from here involving an overnight courtesy of Emirates in Dubai before the flight to Mahe. I”m thankful I took the door to door option as it is now all in the hands of Silversea to sort it out. being part of a Grand Voyage may help in the long run, she says as she clutches at straws. I am hoping it doesn’t become a Cape Town cruise as I have been to Africa several times, both on and off cruises But it would be better than no holiday at all.

I’ve sent an email to my SS rep requesting any information. Clealey with the moon now going around the horn the possibility of itinerary switch is not on the cards. With so much lead time maybe they will send it back down the African Coast stopping at different ports (this is my cancellation alternative hope because if it’s cancelled I’m done. I can’t apply for more leave this year, last minute isn’t an option, not to mention I finding an itinerary in the price frame that is attractive as a solo is a challenge. The discount is a moot point, it’s only good if you can use it. This is my cancelled, cancelled, cancelled cruise that was originally supposed to be Jan 2021. I would never have dreamed booking this far out it wouldn’t go ahead so close to being no alternative. I’ll update if I hear anything from my rep today but don’t hold your breath

Paula, I’m on the late Feb Mahe to Dubai leg… which has its second port at Muscat When this issue first started I was told reroute to finish in India was possible. TBH I’m not sure how feasible that is in terms of the future cruises after this point. The other rumour I have heard is that Moon and Spirit may “swap” itinerary I can’t see them canceling the leg, just a huge reroute at this point. Perhaps Plan B is already in place ready for implementation if needed.

Hobart you will dock right in town. If you look at a google map you‘ll be near MacQ01. If you need any help on places that are must do in town shout out.

For me one of the attractions was never having been in that part of the world. I’m doing it as a taster so not too stressed that the tours are generic I’ve booked a mix of selected and included. I’m often happy just to do the included shuttle into town or the walk when you dock nearby. I booked in late 2020 at a bargain basement price due to a gazillion offers thinking it would never happen so in all regards it’s a winner. If I booked several months ago it would be 2x the price I paid.

Paula, I’m on the Mahe to Dubai leg and there were initially some interesting excursions offered, but they were cancelled early in the piece. I’m wondering if SS has changed the port agent, or more correctly RCCL did. I’m also wondering if the more interesting excursions have been reserved for Grand Voyage cruisers…..

Bottomless options to adhere to the dress code.

Of course all those other things are just being a good human being, respect goes beyond what you say. Maybe my take is different because I’m basing on discussions I’ve actually had with people who work in hospitality. The uniform they have to wear is based on the expected style of clothing guests would wear in the venue, along with the tasks being performed, otherwise wouldn’t everyone just wear the same thing in dining venues throughout the ship? eg. What they wear at the Grill is very different to what is worn in the main dining area, as is what is worn at breakfast versus what is worn at dinner in La Terraza.

Of style... yes..... the shirt of choice of the Great Aussie Bogan on the mass market party ships. Generally worn with matching thongs (AKA flip flops) Missing the key.... graceful and.... Yet to see a graceful Hawaiian shirt. Polo shirts here are part of uniforms for either school or workplace casual. Usually so branding can be seen I have no issue with these types of items on a smart casual provided they are stylish, a la Ted Baker, etc and worn with appropriate pants. (slacks) They work for the Outdoor Pool deck spaces in the evening. TBH .. IMHO It is all about respect... the wait staff are dressed in a formal manner, then the diner should at least make some effort. To walk into a nice dining area looking as though you have just come from the pool or beach is ......

Just the definition of the word elegant actually: graceful and stylish in appearance or manner. Can't see that in a polo shirt TBH (SNAP!)

The price is dependent on the visit type. eg Lunch was one price, dinner another (works if you have an overnight stop somewhere) It will be on the form. I would request prior.... can't hurt and the price would be the same IMHO.. If you've pre lodged it then you have more chance of it happening. It was very popular in Sydney, so much so, that people who had made requests missed out.

When we have done this mid or end of voyage it had to be lodged onboard. This may have changed For embarkation day via the CC

Should read embarkation….

Hmmm WaldoJr (VS) (SWMBO had to work) came on board for debarkation from Sydney when DrWaldette and I sailed away. We had a lovely lunch in Atlantide including 3 plates of caviar, a 3 course meal each and some lovely wines, They actually let him board before pax so he was already one Pommery in before we even got on the gangplank. Personally, I thought it good value.

And it won’t work in Australia or New Zealand

Update on my situation. Flight dates switched easily and I asked for upgrade to PE price. Checked online booking direct for me and the upgrade cost is exactly the same difference I see. Hopefully I'll be able to easily select seats...

I have only ever seen 2 in 20 years of return visits...... both last November Mumma croc whad obviously found a friend

Lizard is my second home. Mr Waldo resides in Mermaid. If you get the chance it is the pick of snorkeling but you need to get out to the white buoy. the itinerary showed you there tomorrow so I was going to post tips this afternoon In Watsons just be careful around chinamans and the outlet from the creek. You may end up a little more close and personal with a croc. They were trying to move them on. clam gardens are still good.

I do wonder how many takers they get for the crocodile jet ski tours. More to the point, how anyone hasn’t been taken. it will be interesting to hear how the reef is. The area you are in was wiped by a cyclone a few years back then coral bleaching slowed recovery. I didn’t get out there last November due to a huge storm wiping out the day cruise boat the day before I arrived. The fringing reef on the nearby island has recovered spectacularly. No name reef and dynamite have always been my favourites Large groups may have been because it is Mothers Day Weekend here.

Hope the wind has dropped a bit. Lots of outer reef things on hold a few days ago, or just very unpleasant. Water was far from crystal clear. Personally, I think the blurb has really oversold the area...