dilly2

Les, that's great you have got what looks like a great deal. I have been speaking directly with Silversea, and they are offering incentives to book direct with them. I feel for the TA's though. My usual TA works very hard putting everything together, finding the best flight deals and knows our preferences on airlines, hotels etc. They also give a small discount on the cruise price and access to a 24hr emergency contact number. It's a lot to give up .... back to the calculator!

I really don't think there is a true 10% discount, the base fares are increased to allow for the discount. If you compare the cruise prices on cruises that are sailing within 6 months that are not offering the discount, the base price is a lot less than the cruises that offer the discount. As per my earlier post, I think it's just a selling technique that has the added benefit for Silversea of giving them great cash flow. It's a great business plan!

I have also been looking at the 'special offer' that Silversea are promoting of giving a 10% reduction if you pay in advance. A friend booked a Silversea cruise a few months ago and had to pay by end of September to get the 10% discount. And since then the offer has been extended again and again. I suspect once a cruise gets to within about 4 months of sailing, that offer will not be available, as you would have to pay in full by then anyway. But it is likely the base fare will then be reduced to balance for the withdrawn discount. I think it's just all about getting customers money up front well in advance of sailing, it's a lot cheaper than a bank loan for building the new Muse! We are very interested in a cruise on the Muse sailing late next year, but don't see why we should either pay in full now, or have to take a chance that the fare will be reduced anyway nearer the sailing date. We have almost 100 days sailing with Silversea, and have never come across this selling technique with them previously. Any thoughts from anyone?