number one eagles fan

My mistake...I should have been comparing the Classic veranda to Superior Veranda...not Deluxe veranda. But still....a  $6000.00 dollar difference ...per couple, not individually.

21 minutes ago, dawntrdr said:

Original Poster appears to be referring to the "Suite Upgrade" promotion launched yesterday.  The promotion applies to Vista through Deluxe Veranda suites (not all ships have all types of suites, so this is generally speaking; the full details are under the Terms and Conditions).  For example, if you book a Deluxe, they will charge you the Classic rate.  In addition, they will give you $500 per person OBC, maximum of $1000 per suite.

 

This is available on about 130 voyages, including one I was considering.  What I noticed, however, is that SS raised the prices of the veranda suites so that for example a Classic veranda is about $800 higher than it was last week (on the cruise I was looking at).  Netting everything out, it is still a savings, however.  I calculated that I can get the Superior veranda I was looking at for about $500 net less than it was.  Plus, I get the $500 OBC per person.  This is a savings of $1000 over what I would have paid on a booking last week.  This is combinable with VS savings and Onboard booking savings.  I agree that it makes a difference whether OP bought D2D or P2P, since this only applies to D2D fares.

 

OP appears to have booked before the promotion, and but the promotion terms say "Cancel and re-books do not qualify."  The issue is, doesn't this conflict with the Silver Guaranty Fare terms?  I would definitely raise this with my TA or Cruise Consultant.

 

 

 

Exactly! This is a lengthy expedition cruise to Antarctica and it is the "Suite Upgrade" offer that is offering a discount to the Deluxe cabin that now equals what I paid for the Classic cabin. And yes....a $6,000.00 difference. If the Deluxe cabin had originally been offered to me at the Classic cabin rate I would have certainly booked that. I understand that the interior of the cabins are similar but the cabin locations vary on the ship...which is very important in the rough seas around Anarctica.

I'm happy to report, however, that my TA is working on it. Fingers crossed. 

I'll keep you posted!

So, I’m beginning to question my decision to sail on Silversea. Hubby and I booked our first Silversea cruise for the end of October. We booked a classic veranda cabin and I see today the deluxe veranda cabin is being sold, under a new promotion, at the same amount I paid for the classic cabin…. a $6,000.00 savings for those who book that category. Even though I’ve only put a deposit on this cruise, Silversea’s policy does not allow for cancellation and rebooking or any type of compensation. That is not making a good, first impression on me. I can understand no compensation or rebooking after final payment, but they only have my deposit.

I am very sad about this. This is a “splurge” vacation for us.

17 minutes ago, Rothko1 said:

On the SS expedition ships I've been on, including Endeavour, they do have an expedition photographer who will make a video / photo record.  They give you a thumb drive in a nice box at the end of the cruise.

 

The quality does depend on the person, and what they've been able to record.  In the Galapagos, one of the guests who was snorkeling got a fantastic video of a huge manta ray, and gave the video to the expedition videographer, and he included it in the end-of-cruise recording.  So it is possible that some content can come from other people.

 

Also, be sure to ask your fellow passengers for copies of their videos, if they are showing you some good stuff.  I've gotten great videos of killer whales, etc. from other passengers on the ship.

So good to hear that there will "likely" be a videographer on our trip. 

I am so excited about this trip.

Thank you!

Just now, Tex1 said:

Yes, and they provide a free copy to all guests at the end of trip.  However, the quality is all over the place.  Mine for January was about 9 minutes of narrated views of our trip.  But it sounds like many others this season were a 2-3 minute video slideshow.  

Thank you for the information. I've seen a few videos and they have varied in length. I guess there are no guarantees. 

Thanks for the information.😁

We'll be sailing the Endeavour on October 31st for Silversea's Falkland Islands, South Georgia Islands, and Antarctic cruise. Is it likely that there will be a videographer onboard? And if so, do they make their videos available for purchase at the end of the cruise? I've seen some videos on YT and would love to have the opportunity for a copy of a professional video to go along with my own photography.

11 hours ago, kgoodman16 said:

Hi.  Can anyone tell me about the photography program (if any) that Silversea runs on their expedition ships.  I know they advertise that there’s a photo studio on board with folks to support you in Lightroom, but is that accurate?  Also how about on landings and such.  Are there folks to help with camera settings and stuff.  Also does anyone know what if anything is available on Endeavour?  Thanls

 

I'm also interested what offerings they have on Endeavour.

16 minutes ago, machotspur said:

 

Hey there eagles fan - Mrs machotspur and I will be joining you on Endeavour in October. We have been trying to do this itinerary for 5 years now. For one thing or another there has been 3-4 cancellations !

The ship certainly looks interesting - glad they've got rid of the 'toys' - helicopters etc.

We were previously booked on Cloud but decided to switch to Endeavour, purely as it looked so 'new'.

 

Looking forward to my glass of scotch toasting Ernest Shackleton on South Georgia 😋

 

  

 

    

We look forward to experiencing this trip with you. And of course, toasting Ernest.🤪

15 minutes ago, cruiseej said:

 

And addressing my own puzzlement at this two days ago… today Silversea sent an email and updated the website with the new deck plans and information about the new Master (2) and Signature (4) suites on Deck 8 in the space formerly used for the helicopter hanger. (The revised deck plan also shows the 4 new Classic Veranda suites on Deck 5, where the Medical Center currently exists; the Medical Center is moving to Deck 4, where the Casino was formerly.) So, as promised, a total of 10 new suites, with the passenger capacity increased from 200 to 220. The new suites are listed as available beginning on the July 17 cruise, so it will apparently take quite some time after the dry dock to finish the fit-out of these suites. (Or, cynical view: SS executives will sail in them for a few cruises before being sold to passengers!)

 

Editing to add: I just looked at the prices for the new Master suites: nearly four times the cost of a Classic Veranda, and about 50% more than the Signature suites. Wow! Kudos to all who can afford these beautiful suites! I see they're already waitlisted for many cruises over the next year, even though they were just officially announced today. 😉

I saw the email as well. I think I'll pass on the Master Suite. It's a little rich for my pocketbook. I wouldn't mind, however, making friends with those who are staying in the Master Suite.😁

35 minutes ago, cruiseej said:

Endeavour has apparently completed its quick turnover in Puerto Williams this morning and departed; it's now heading for Montevideo, where I'd guess more crew will disembark and provisions will be offloaded prior to the long trans-Atlantic voyage to Italy. 

 

 

 

I don't think most of the upcoming changes will even be evident or meaningful to most passengers. The helicopter bay being converted to suites will only be seen by those who book those suites. The relocation of the medical center to the now-unused casino space won't affect people, nor will the additional crew cabins built in part of the former casino space. Similarly, the new suites created on Deck 5 where the medical center is now will only be seen by people who book those suites. So for most passengers, these changes will be invisible. The fix to the door latch and light sensor will probably have a bigger impact for everyone else! 

 

There might be some other small Silversea-ification (de-Crystalization?) tweaks around the ship, but it doesn't sound like there will be extensive changes.

 

It's interesting to me that Silversea hasn't posted revised deck plans, and therefore presumably isn't yet selling the new suites on Deck 5 or Deck 8, for voyages this summer and beyond. And the SS website still lists passenger capacity as 200.

 

 

 

From what I've read, I don't believe they will be removing the landing pad at the back of Deck 8 — it's just the helicopter bay (hanger) and helicopter lounge that's being renovated into 6 new suites. Barbara Muckermann told Travel Weekly last fall that "Silversea hasn't ruled out employing helicopters in other parts of the world [than Antarctica], using local tour operators that would land and take off their own helicopters on the ship."

 

Really good information. I, too, was wondering why the deck plans haven't been updated. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

5 hours ago, cruiseej said:

@number one eagles fan The primary changes to Endeavour will be turning the helicopter bay into 6 suites; moving the medical center to the current casino space, and adding several crew cabins in that space; and turning the current medical center space into guest suites. And after sailing the ship in Antarctica for the pas few months, there's likely a long list of small tweaks and fixes, like the door latches and light sensor mentioned above.

 

Endeavour has just completed the last cruise of the Antartica season, having docked today in Puerto Williams. Her next cruise is May 7, from the UK. So she will be sailing quickly north and east to a dry dock facility in Europe prior to the late-spring/summer cruises.

 

I at first thought they might go to the shipyard where the Endeavour was built, but that shipyard in Germany went bankrupt as part of the whole Crystal/Genting Hong Kong collapse! Instead, she's headed for a shipyard in Genoa, Italy for the structural work. Figure on about 17-19 days to travel to Genoa, and that would leave just under 4 weeks available for the dry dock before she needs to load provisions and full crew for the 5-6 day sail to the UK for the summer season starting with the May 7 cruise. Work on the interior fit-out will apparently continue during the re-positioning to Portsmouth as well as during the first few cruises in May.

Thanks cruiseej! I'll look forward to seeing reviews from this summer's sailings to get an idea how the changes went. I can understand them wanting to remove the helipad. I'm sure it will be more of a revenue maker for them as suites.

Can't wait for our voyage.

2 hours ago, Woodrowst said:

This is from a November 25, 2022 article in Travel Weekly. 

The link for the complete article is: https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/First-Call-Silversea-brings-small-changes-to-Endeavour-for-now

 

Bigger Changes in Store

A planned drydock after the Antarctic season will bring several substantial changes to the Endeavour.

The large casino, which Silversea isn't using, will be turned into crew cabins and an infirmary, while the current infirmary will become four balcony suites. 

The helicopter bay on Deck 8 will be remodeled into six suites, since Silversea doesn't plan to carry the two helicopters that Crystal had on order for the ship.

Muckermann said the helicopters are being shelved for several reasons: They can't be offered to every guest; they are costly to staff and maintain; they can provoke anxiety for wildlife; and most importantly, if something goes wrong in Antarctica, limited rescue resources and harsh climate conditions can compound any problem.

But she said Silversea hasn't ruled out employing helicopters in other parts of the world, using local tour operators that would land and take off their own helicopters on the ship. 

Silversea had hoped to make other changes prior to the Antarctica season but due to supply chains issues was unable to have them done. Muckermann said the company is focused on making short-term fixes to such "customer experience" issues. For example, some bathroom shower doors rattled at night and had rubber bands holding them in place. Silversea also plans to alter an overactive motion-sensor light in the walk-in closet as well as the closet door that doesn't latch properly.

"That's actually a really complicated door to get rid of and install," Muckermann said. "Since the 15th of July, we knew we needed to fix this stuff but due to the constraints we couldn't." 

Thank you for the link. I guess I'll have to keep an eye on her this spring to see what her facelift looks like.

20 minutes ago, Rothko1 said:

When I was aboard her last month they did mention that she's going into dry dock, and that they are going to add some additional suites to her where the helipad is.  Also, they are reconfiguring the space where the casino used to be.  I imagine they will do some other refurbishments as well.

 

You are absolutely going to love the ship.  She is top-of-the-line.

Oh thank you for the response. We are very excited. Since she is new to the fleet it is difficult to get information on her.

We have booked a "Classic Veranda Guarantee." I'm curious as to where we end up...especially with them adding new suites. 

How was her "movement" in Antarctica? Not sure if you did the "Antarctic Bridge" or not?

Thank you for the information.

Does anyone have any details as to the plans for Endeavour? I read that she may have some cabins added where the helipad is currently located. When and where may this take place? I also wonder if they plan to make any other changes to the ship. She looks beautiful. I'm curious because I sail her down to Antarctica, the Falklands, and the South Georgia Islands on her first fall trip on October 31st.

This will be my first Silversea trip, being a seasoned Celebrity cruiser. I think I'm going to be in for a treat based on what I'm reading.

On 1/1/2023 at 1:56 AM, machotspur said:

Thank you to the OP for a wonderful photo.

 

Only this week we have switched our Cloud Antarctica/Falklands/S.Georgia cruise to Endeavour in November this year. We're looking forward to seeing reviews of the latter in the next few months to see if we have made the correct decision.

 

On Silver Wind some year ago in the Arctic and they had a 'professional' photographer onboard producing the memento movie - for sale at the end. The movie wasn't very good at all hence he got very few takers IIRC. Good news they have switched to a free of charge USB drive, presumably produced by one of the expedition team.        

Do you happen to be on the October 31st sailing? We just booked that one and are so excited.

On 3/4/2023 at 6:00 AM, tjcox9 said:

And if you are a Facebook user, there is a group there you can join named The Antarctic Experience.

Thank you so much. I just joined the group.

On 3/3/2023 at 9:40 PM, Catlover54 said:

 

In case you don't already know, there is a general Antarctica forum on CC which has a lot of useful information.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/370-antarctica/

Thank you so much!

5 hours ago, hoya68 said:

We went on an Antarctic cruise last November on an expedition ship of another "ultra-luxury line and my wife describes it as the cruise as the cruise from hell. Their expedition staff was nowhere near the quality of the staff that one expects from Seabourn. We both got COVID which we believe was the result of lax COVID protocols. There was a general disorganization of the cruise staff (e.g. within hours we received two directly contrary instructions on how to pick up our luggage at the end of the cruise, so we had to get off the ship to find which was true. The food was also mediocre. I don't know what the Venture is like and whether they have much entertainment. We like the full cruise experience...good entertainment, trivia, a casino, etc. as well as wonderful shore experiences. I have convinced my wife to try again next January on the Quest, which we have enjoyed in the past. 

Thank you for your comments. It is difficult to get a consensus on what company to cruise with. It is a high-ticket item so I want to do my best in getting the experience I am truly looking for. I need to continue to do my research.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to respond.

On 2/27/2023 at 4:43 PM, cruiseej said:

 

I think you answered your own question with that statement. I think almost everyone who has done the Quest in Antarctica feels they had an excellent experience. But you do get more of the experience if you go on a smaller expedition ship. It's purely a matter of numbers: the expedition ships with around 200 passengers can get you off the ship twice a day for landings and/or zodiac cruises, where on the Quest with double the number of passengers, you'll generally get off once a day. 

 

You see the same exceptional scenery along the Antarctic peninsula from the ship on a smaller or larger ship, and some people find doing one landing a day is enough for them. And you do get the luxury benefits of a larger ship (more restaurants, more/bigger entertainment staff). But if you want to get "the full Antarctic experience," in my opinion being able to go ashore more often is what delivers the maximum experience. 

 

Just before Covid, we had wanted to book the new Venture to go to Antarctica, but it was delayed, and we ended up booking a similar trip on Silversea. (Older ship, but saved about $20,000 versus the Venture!) If you have the time, and the $$$, you cannot beat taking an extended trip which visits the Falklands and South Georgia Island. When we first became interested in going to Antarctica, it was through fellow passengers on a few Seabourn cruises, and they all said the same thing: "you go to South Georgia!" So now that I've been there, I'm paying it forward, and telling anyone weighing their options that if you can possibly do it, you must go to South Georgia! 😉 And our first day in the Falklands was a huge and pleasant surprise. the trio of theFalklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica is spectacular, and we're extremely happy we chose that itinerary, and although we love the Quest, that we went on a smaller ship.

 

P.S. I thought I was the number one Eagles fan! 

Thank you so much for your thoughts. I was ready to pull the trigger on the Quest but am now reviewing other options. Silversea seems to have more options that include the "trio" of stops. So many cruises exclude the South Georgia Islands and I had read that it is a "must do." Your comments only confirm that. 

I don't know about you but I'm just now getting over that Super Bowl loss. It was, however, a fabulous game and I'm sure Jalen will take us back some day.

Thank you again for your thoughts and recommendations. I hope you have many smooth sailings in your cruising future.

Quick question for those of you lucky enough to be on this sailing. 

I am researching this cruise for next year and wondering if I should book it or go with a cruise/expedition ship that is in the antarctic for the entire season and not just passing through once. I don't want to be short-changed of the full antarctic experience. So my question is this, did you feel you that your expedition guides were top notch and did your experience truly feel like an expedition experience?

Thank you so much for any insight you can give me.

Do these guidelines only apply to port of embarkation? For example....my port of embarkation is Rome but the cruise has a stop in Greece. Will testing be required ....because of the port stop in Greece?

9 minutes ago, Elainemh said:

The new resting requirements state for a US departure.

Has anyone seen new requirements for Europe departures?

 

We leave from Southampton for 12 nights on August 29th.
 

 

 

 

I'm interested about Europe as well. 

7 minutes ago, Maverick! said:

Yes, we were there on a cruise stop 2 weeks ago and the water taxis were running to Oia offering Euro 30 pp. I am pretty sure you can negotiate that if you are a couple or small group.

Thank you for the reply. Did it include the shuttle back to Fira?

To anyone who has sailed to Santorini this year (2022), is the water taxi option to Oia available? I understand, in the past, there was a service that included the the one-way water taxi to Oia, from the tender dock, a shuttle up to Oia and a return bus ticket to Fira. Does anyone have any info on this?

Hi there and welcome aboard!

Don't forget to join our roll call and meet some of your fellow cruisers. 

Here's the link: 

We look forward to chatting with you!

Heather