boccenana

The Moon was the most beautiful Silversea Ship we have been on so far.

The small changes from the Muse were very well done.

Each ship has it's own charm.

The one consistency is of course THE CREW! Haven't disappointed yet.

Is just an Antigen test accepted by SS. Results are quick.

PCR is a different test, takes longer for results at local drug store testing sites.

Would you happen to know if those suites 752 and 761 are the same size making the bathrooms without a tub roomier?

We will be on deck 7.

Excellent,  thanks for your quick responses.

Does anyone know if there are Veranda Suites available without a bathtub on the Silver Spirit?

On 11/24/2021 at 7:46 AM, Doolz said:

We’re currently departing out of Guayaquil on the 18th Dec, certainly challenging rearranging flights as we decided to stick with our Machu Picchu trip, we managed to get a direct flight to Guayaquil from Lima as the major worry is losing your baggage and not allowing enough time to recover the situation. Glad to see the email from SS offering to cover the costs (up to $500 per/pax) incurred for airfares if you booked independently though.

 

We all understand that its a logistical nightmare dealing with the constant changes to each and every country, a bit surprised to see that they stated that Peru was closed to international travellers and this was the reason for the re-routing, I believe it’s closed to cruise ships but not to international travellers from what I have seen on Peruvian government websites, otherwise we've got another challenge to re-route our pre-arranged flight and tours in Peru!

 

II don’t understand why they cancelled Manta in Ecuador as we didn’t receive an explanation, as we are obviously embarking from Ecuador.

 

I suppose if you can’t handle the pressure and probable changes then don’t book a cruise in these uncertain times, for us it’s still worth the challenge as the feeling, experience and treatment when you finally get on board makes it all worthwhile.

You are so right on all fronts Doolz

We had the 4 night excursion to Machu Picchu before boarding the Moon on December 18th.  A real disappointment.

Like you we just want to get on the darn ship and enjoy this cruise.🦐🍷🍸🍹🥂🍾

Our nice long business class that we had to book ourselves is now a bunch of short flights.

We wanted to book through SS but they would not let us upgrade to Business Class. Still have not figured that one out. 

The good news is we will be in your country in November 2022. Another cancelation we  rebooked. Athens ending in Dubai. I cannot wait to see Dubai.

We will see you in  beautiful Guayaquil on the 18th of December. 🙏

Elaine😎

16 minutes ago, Silver Spectre said:

Well the mail arrived this morning, offering $250 pp off any brand new booking made by Dec 6. That’s pretty cute considering SS is closed over the weekend, I.e. on the 4th and 5th. So it’s Monday or bust. Or maybe not.

Big deal...we already are booked for November. Book and pay  early get something off. Wish all the fares were the same and back to the primo service from start to finish. More and more like the airlines.

 Mo, your positive attitude is amazing considering the logistics of your family cruise.

All we want at this point is to finally be on board and free to enjoy all the Silvermoon has to offer. Fun...food...friends and libations.

See you all on 7.

Elaine 😎

2 hours ago, fdnycruiser said:

The immigration debacle was ridiculous. Only a handful of agents, and the global entry ( which we pay for was closed) . Not a good welcome to the US.

Thanks for information.  Is this FLL airport you're referring to?

Very disheartening 😔. 

Is there no end to this political insanity? 😖

The blame game will continue. Doesn't cure the problems, only people with cajones will.

This post will probably get deleted.  If not, maybe there is a semblance of hope.🤔

2 hours ago, fdnycruiser said:

It certainly was a great cruise, beautiful ship, great crew and I believe that a good time was had by all. Favorite bar and restaurant was SALT. I’ll miss having my drinks there tonight. Home,unpacked,and trying to figure out what to eat. 

Back to reality huh? Life's a ***** without a butler🤭.

Thank you so very much for your uplifting reports from the Moon. We can't wait to board her in Ecuador on the 18h. Praying, praying 🙏🙏🙏 no more changes.

Elaine 😎

On 11/21/2021 at 3:30 PM, les37b said:

Have a great time SS.... Get them to fix all those glitches before we arrive.... And stay away from deck 6! 

I'll second that.

Keep those wonderful reports coming in.

Elaine 😎

38 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Appreciate these good comments, opinions and follow-ups from Silver Spectre and boccenana.  From our first cruise in July 2010 on the Silver Cloud to the summer of 2009 on the Silver Muse to Alaska, we have seen some changes.  But, overall, we have been very happy as "change is not always bad.  Change can mean improvements and/or focusing more on the higher priority customer needs/interests.   Itineraries are our top priority and Silversea is excellent for creativity and unique offerings in that category  The staffs been very good and highly responsive.  For us, worrying about whether we get caviar or not, is not our major priority or need.  The newer ships such as the Muse are very nice and highly impressive.  

 

From USA Today and Yahoo News today, this morning, they had this headline: “ 'I felt safer on the cruise than Walmart': COVID protocols on cruises prove effective, initial CDC data shows” with these highlights: “The coronavirus continues to be present on cruise ships sailing in U.S. waters, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention obtained by USA TODAY shows. But travelers are feeling more secure with the  protocols in place.  In the two-month period spanning from when the first cruise sailed with paying passengers on June 26 through Aug. 26, there were 452 confirmed cases of coronavirus on cruise ships reported by cruise lines to the health agency.  The cases reported were spread among crew and passengers who tested positive via viral testing on ships.  'We've never said that cruising will be a zero-risk activity,' Capt. Aimee Treffiletti, who leads the CDC's maritime unit, told USA TODAY in late October. "I think we've all always expected that cases would be identified.' ' 'Unlike other forms of travel, a cruise ship is more like congregate residential setting where thousands of travelers (passengers and crew) are living for multiple days (or months for crew) on the same ship: eating, sleeping, and participating in activities together in one location. COVID-19, like other illnesses, can spread quickly in group settings like cruise ships,'  Caitlin Shockey, spokesperson for the CDC, added in an email to USA TODAY.  The protocol in place on ships to mitigate COVID-19 'absolutely has' worked to make cruise ships safer as the world faces a global pandemic, Treffiletti said.  While there still remains some risk of transmission of COVID-19 on board cruise ships, robust protocols including testing and masking, among other elements, have reduced the risk of the pandemic's onboard spread.  As of Thursday, 52 cruise ships were sailing with paying passengers in U.S. waters following CDC guidance, according to the CDC's cruise ship status tracker, spokesperson Dave Daigle told USA TODAY.”

 

Good overview and background as to how the CDC is getting ready to loosen up and allow more "flexibility" for future cruising.

 

Full story at:

https://www.yahoo.com/now/covid-protocols-cruises-absolutely-worked-191044849.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 69,025 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

We too had our first cruise in December 2010 on the Cloud. It was our first cruise ever. That pretty much set a high standard for any future cruises we would be lucky enough to book.

Our last cruise was on the Muse to New Zealand and Australia in 2019. Two nights before that cruise ended, while in the Indian Ocean,  we were notified that our one and only child, our Son Scott was missing.

The new friends we made on the cruise surrounded us with love and support until we disembarked. That is what makes Silversea,  particularly the Connessiuers Corner so special to us. It is where we have made the most fantastic friendships.🤝😘

We were looking forward to a 48 day Athens to Singapore that got cancelled a few month's ago. Each one was the cruise of a lifetime for us.

Thankfully we replaced that cancelled one with two more cruises that will be even better.🤗

The very close friendships we made on those first two cruises are still the highlight of our memories.

Silversea has a very warm place in our hearts for that reason.🥰

Sorry to digress, I think after so much stress put on the world this last almost two years leaves our emotions bare.

The excitement of knowing we will able to cruise once again is overwhelming. 🤣

Elaine😎

12 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

 

YES!!  Agree with our SW Ohio neighbor that "things" are always moving and changing. At times the "goal posts" get moved backr?  Or, closer??  Great comment and follow-up!!

 

Today is an example?  From the Seatrade publication this morning, they had this headline: “Jason Liberty to succeed Richard Fain as Royal Caribbean CEO” with these highlights: “Richard Fain, whose innovations during more than 33 years as CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group helped shape the modern cruise industry, has decided to step down as CEO on Jan. 3.  CFO Jason Liberty will succeed him as CEO and join the board, which Fain will continue to chair.  The third-longest serving CEO among current S&P 500 leaders, Fain's storied career is defined by the innovations he championed involving every aspect of cruising — from revolutionary ship design to major sustainability efforts to the technologies and ground-breaking features that enriched the on-board experience for millions of passengers.  Liberty joined the Royal Caribbean Group in 2005 and served in several financial, strategic and operational roles before becoming CFO in 2013. His operational duties have expanded over the years and gone well beyond the responsibilities normally associated with a CFO.”

 

Having listened in during the past two years to the quarterly Wall Street analysts reports and Q/A sessions with both Fain and the CFO, I kind of been able to know a decent amount about both of them.  They are very, very different personalities and styles.  Did not realize that Fain had been in charge that long.  Interesting timing by Fain to be leaving now.  According to web sources, Fain is age 72, but he seemed to me to be much younger  as I listened to him, sensed his energy, style and vigor, etc.   

 

Things are getting better for the cruise industry, but it will take much more time to get back to a real “normal” AND dig out of their current, deep financial hole.  Jason Liberty is more of a “bean-counter” finance guy.  Yes, he is very smart and savvy, but does he really understand customers and their needs, motivations, etc.????

 

Added reactions, background and thoughts?  Am I fair or unfair as to how I characterize these two business leaders and the questions for the future?

 

Full story at: 

https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/people-opinions/jason-liberty-succeed-richard-fain-royal-caribbean-ceo

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 92,761 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

Thanks for this information Terry,

Fair or unfair, we have the same apprehensions. I pray for naught.

I sure hope we didn't make a mistake booking in November of 2022 Athens to Dubai.

When Royal Caribbean took over, I had the feeling that Silversea passengers were not quite as special as they were on our first cruise on the Cloud in 2010.

This doesn't include the ships, the butlers, the crew, the staff, the food, the Silver Note, the best cigar lounge on the high seas and of course the fun of meeting old friends and new. It was the little niceties that made it extra special.

Our last one on the Muse to Australia two years ago was fabulous, but they had already cut back on the special things like the directory of passengers, beautiful voyage books, tote bags,  folios, luggage tags and other goodies that made Silversea so special.

I understand that Covid caused so much damage to the industry, but I am still raving and recommending Silversea to all our friends.

Now after reading your posted article, I am having second thoughts.

I was so sad when Silversea was sold out to Royal Caribbean but was hoping they would not only keep up the high bar that was set by Silversea but even improve.

This has to be one of the toughest industries to not only run but to run well.

With a new CEO we shall wait and see what shakes out.

Elaine😎

I 

We are in that elder bracket also and figure we have only two years  to properly enjoy the cruise excursions.

I appreciate your suggestions pertaining to other cruise lines.

SS was our very first cruise 11 years ago.. Yup, we started at the top.

We thought that was the cruise of a lifetime. It was glorious. 

We decided then and there,  that would be the only way to cruise if we ever did it again.

I really enjoy long cruises.

Our second was in 2018, we thought again it was a cruise of a lifetime. And it was.

Suddenly we had no one to leave our sheckles to and our little fur baby Agatha passed so that was it. Find a Cruise and "book it!"

We had to canceled our Alaska this summer and our 48 day Athens to Athens to Singapore was just cancelled. All Silversea cruises.

We don’t have any bennies....oh the money we spend for free laundry 😆.

When deciding cash or cruise credit, I checked out all the small

ships on other lines and still opted for Silver Sea.

We have one priority the ship must have a fine cigar lounge.

That left only a few choices. 

Silverseas Connoisseurs Lounges fits the bill.

But I digress.🤭

Thank you for your thoughts on the covid issues, I too feel for the hell people have been put through all over the world these last 18 months. Frustrations are building more each day.

I am thrilled to know that everyone out there isn't in panic mode.

Hope to meet you as we gaze out during a Sailaway some day.

We will have a great time on our Lima to Fort Lauderdale cruise.

Machu Picchu or bust!!! 16 days, Christmas,  New Years and our 46th Anniversary.  Whoopee 🥳

That's my nightmare. Not getting Covid but testing positive because so many of these PCR tests are set to such high levels you get way more positives than are necessary for the safety of all.

My prayers are with you, Chris and all who are choosing to cruise right now.

 We are booked this November after we cancelled Alaska last summer and SS just had to cancel  our 48 day dream cruise.

We want to cruise for our pleasure and to support Silversea which we love.

We're looking forward to adding to our wonderful Silversea circle of life long friends.

Elaine 😎

Thanks for some sanity in an insane world.

Patience will out.

😴

Same here, if it will at least go Athens to Dubai we would go.

We also had Dubai to Mumbai and Mumbai to Singapore.

Would think the last two are iffy for sure.

TA says SS working on it. 

1 hour ago, dawntrdr said:

This is how my Nov. 1 Athens-Dubai Silver Moon cruise appeared today on My Silversea.  I don't think I have to ask Barbara Muckerman to tell me that this means that cruise is cancelled.  If cancelled, this is consistant with the rumor that the Moon will be used for the TA starting Nov.19.

 

Urrrgh😤. My T.A. Said she spoke with SS yesterday and it was a mistake. Right!!!!

She said it would be straightened out today.

If we don't go we probably want our money back.

Not sure what 125% cc will do for us.

Our trip included Business class Air Fair for the whole trip.

What about that?

I'll  keep 😃 smiling....😢 crying on the inside.

2 minutes ago, boccenana said:

I understand where your coming from.

Right now things are getting better in India and many other countries.

Today numbers are all down according to W.H.O. which I think is the strictess when it comes to protocols.

 

 

This is not my post. My bad for hitting the wrong icon. Sorry all.

Elaine 

I understand where your coming from.

Right now things are getting better in India and many other countries.

Today numbers are all down according to W.H.O. which I think is the strictess when it comes to protocols.

22 minutes ago, Observer said:

 

This would appear to be a very sensible move.  The transition from the one ship to other should be seamless for guests.  It appears that the suite numbers and locations are identical from one ship to the other.  Moreover, Moon is currently staffed, etc.  There should be zero concerns about sailing on the maiden voyage of ship with some remaining i's to be dotted and t's crossed.

 

Am I missing something in thinking this makes good sense? 

12 minutes ago, Observer said:

 

I understand, and I apologize if I seemed insensitive.  But I had thought it unlikely that those voyages would take place given the situation in India, the strictures in Singapore, etc.

Doesn't make sense for those of us already booked on the Moon November 1st to December 10th!

2 hours ago, Silver Spectre said:

We have heard that the Dawn maiden voyage is cancelled and replaced by the Moon

Where did you hear that?

Very important if true.

Thanks

1 hour ago, eastwoodboy said:

I am still waiting for tickets for Shadow tomorrow and my TA is blaming the SS tech problems. 
Why have SS not just said turn up on the quayside which I intend to do anyway? It should not be too much of a surprise for them as they have booked my flights to get there.

You are absolutely right, this is quite stressful.

We have a 48 day cruise and have many arrangements to make to leave for that amount of time. A Silversea friend is staying at our house while we are gone. She has to make flight and other arrangements too.

The last news we received was an email with a slight change in itinerary before server went down.

Usually I am besides myself with excitement. Now I can't sleep wondering if we will get cancelled last minute.

Sorry to dump negativity 😔 today.

I am usually a very positive person 🤗.

How fortunate are we that this is what we have to complain about.

Thanks Philly, no better place to be than on a beautiful new Silversea ship.

🛥️

We are Oct. 23rd Athens to Athens then Nov.1st Athens to Dubai (long story) followed by Dubai to Mumbai and Mumbai to Singapore. 

I just pray we go. Every day is an adventure right now when traveling to so many countries.

We leave in 45 days and keeping our fingers crossed 🤞that all goes well.