Catlover54

Glad you were amused! I hope your cruise has been going well the last few days and you have been staying warm in your new room 🙂 Have you found a favorite entree at La Terrassa?

Hi Flare, welcome to the Silversea (SS) forum. I agree with pavementends that it is better to skip Silversea air (Silversea, not Silver Seas), especially if you want to do days before and/or after. Some people have been happy with it, but there are too many people -- those who like control and more certainty -- who have had headaches. You have more control over your flights, seats, details, and changes if you don't use SS. Depending on routing, cost may be less, the same, or more (there are many variables). Below is a video showing someone's nice experience flying Icelandic business class Reykjavik to LHR, which is similar to the kind of plane and service coming from the U.S. DH and I flew Iceland Air business class from the U.S. to Reykjavik and we were quite happy with the service, even though seats did not go flat, even for a longer route. It is like U.S. domestic F in terms of leg room and recline, plus a little more on service. Coming back from Reykjavik to the U.S.was another story. The business lounge is very nice (shown in the video) , but it is before security for the gates that have most planes going to the U.S., and at that time there was no separate business security line and it was extremely unpleasant and long (an hour plus) to get through in the summer heat because the U.S. flights almost all left in a big cluster, thus creating a cluster . . . 😞 . . Despite arriving very early we almost missed the plane because they did not post the gate with enough time to get through security, given their staffing limitations, and other tech didn't work. I told myself when I go back to Iceland in summer months, I will leave it flying to Europe, and then connect Europe to U.S. rather than try to get on a U.S. outbound flight in high season. If you have plans in London area before cruise start in Southampton, you could fly on your usual airline (Delta?) Atlanta - LHR, spend a few days, then do the cruise, end in Reykjavik. Then fly Saga to LHR in business one-way (as in the video below), (if pricing is acceptable to you) and then either spend more London area days or pick up a return connection set up back to Atlanta later that day, if that works. Or, just go Icelandic the full way, without flying back to LHR, if you don't mind risking *potential* (not certain) return airport chaos. Must people don't recommend Icelandic economy flights. Have a lovely trip. Iceland is beautiful. f

Thank you for reposting. I would use the word 'thorough' to describe your report, rather than 'tedious'. Though over 3 years old, and some things have changed and continue to change, it is an excellent reference guide to the ship and the vibe of the Antarctic experience.

I am glad you found my review useful. There were some issues as noted that were a bit annoying (I expected a few, as I had carefully read your review and others' reviews in advance before boarding, and I've been on SS before, starting in 2011). But overall the cruise was enjoyable (I rated it 4.3/5 after all, rounded down to 4/5 for the computer), and I have no regrets about having done it. Each day provided new opportunities to slowly learn about the ship layout and nooks, at different times of day and with different weather, and provided opportunities for trying different foods and learning new strategies. I enjoyed observing diverse people (guests and staff) and their behaviors, meeting some interesting characters, and just simply chilling on my balcony with the sound of the ocean. I hadn't done a transatlantic crossing since the 1970's, when I sailed for basic transportation on a somewhat bumpy Polish ship (the Stefan Batory), where dessert every day was a ball of vanilla ice cream and pax were happy to even have that before retreating into their cramped cabins. The long portless days on the spacious Nova allowed lots of time for reflection and enjoyment of the sea in a much more luxurious enivronment, and it helped me decide I would love to do more TAs, which are a more pleasant way of returning to the U.S. than sitting in an airplane. I was happy that you were mistaken about the balcony chair not being adjustable, as I cannot sit upright and stiffly for a long time, though it certainly wasn't intuitive or easy to adjust. I am glad I checked with my suite attendants before I gave up. I didn't mention that I would also have liked to have had a bridge tour, but the Chronicle didn't announce such an opportunity. Nor was there announcement about a galley tour, which SS used to do so well. So next time I will have to be more proactive about asking for things and alert staff in advance (especially if I sail with engineer DH, who loves all tech), namely, that if they have publicly unannounced limited opportunities for a bridge tour, we would be interested in being contacted, or maybe they could create an opportunity. Many lines announce bridge and galley tours in advance, and thus provide all guests a fair opportunity to sign up, 'first come first serve', and some even charge (that makes it more likely that those who value the experience are more likely to attend). As for the sink, LOL, I posted a picture of it because some people like you complained about it and then others complained about you complaining (it is unclear why people complain about complainers -- we all have different preferences and opinions). So I thought one look might be worth a thousand words in helping future cruisers to decide if that sink structure is acceptable or not for a cruise on Nova. My main concern about it was that *if* the stopper failed, I wouldn't be able to use the big round flat rubber stopper that I travel with to keep the water in when stoppers break, because the deeper section was so narrow. Avoiding traditional dual sinks and having one big one with two faucets allowed the designers to have enough space for both a comfortable tub and a decent sized shower in the same bathroom, but I suspect the rectangular shape and split level were just for style. I wish you happy sailing on whatever ship you enjoy most!

1. There *was* a plant (a tall white flower in a pot, maybe an orchid but I'm not sure), which appeared on the second day. But it spent most of its time unhappily tucked away either near the bottom of the drapes behind the desk, or on the floor near the trash can to the left of the desk. The staff kept putting it there after they serviced the room whenever the seas were anything other than totally smooth, as the butler insisted it could tip over. I would then put it back when I would be in the suite, except on the one day when we had a bumpy ride. If they worry so much about the plants tipping over (which would of course make work for them to have to clean up), maybe a compromise would be to change over to a very stable plant, perhaps one with a wider, lower base (but please, no plastic plants). 2. As for the sofa, I was happy that even without side tables, it was long and soft enough to sit or lie on (e.g., once I moved away the bottles of Pellegrino the butler had initially stashed there). On some ships the sofas are quite short, and/or hard (e.g., on the Seabourn Quest and Odyssey) for my and DH's anatomy, not good for much other than piling stuff on or a deliberately abbreviated breakfast, unless we had also brought an ugly Thermarest. So at least form was following function for me.

I am so glad to hear this. Unfortunately sometimes one just has to sometimes pull out all the cards and stop being nice, and go to "firm" mode, to receive appropriate and just results for which you paid. The next step could have been going to Facebook, contacting Barbara Muckermanm and/or raising CC poster Colonol Wes to kindly help you (he has all kinds of insider contacts to help impasses fade away and has helped fellow cruisers) I hope you are now sleeping well, after this horrible day. Good luck in your new suite (what number is the new one? Making note to self not to book 9041, in case it gets in a bad mood again.

La Dame in my photo just shows one part. There is a whole extra section that gives off towards the right, not shown, so it is plenty big, not smaller than on Moon. I just wanted to show an example of the comfortable looking chairs, the spacing, and the more traditional looking "nice restaurant" venue style. I know we're not supposed to post links to travel agency videos on CC, but I think travel writer videos are ok. So here is a 25 minute youtube video of the Nova by travel writer Cruisetricks which includes more extensive La Dame footage (and a lot of other great footage from Nova including some drone shots -- though much of the food shown, especially in Atlantide, looks more appealing on that breakin cruise a few months ago than what I saw). He's a travel German writer (I may be wrong but I think he is the husband of CC poster Steamboats), but there are English subtitles in places where he talks (and most of the key parts are visual anyway). La Dame part starts a bit after minute 11:43 into the video when he finishes showing red Atlantide.

More of the suite, a tidy basic veranda (before I redecorated): The controversial two level uni-sink; And one of the nightstands with its fixed mushroom lamp in the middle (I would have preferred it be on the wall, to allow more room for "stuff" on the nightstand). One of these, with outlets (both American and European, on each side). Shelving underneath (3, no drawers) which I stupidly cut off. When you get out of the ocean view elevators, on each floor you see this kind of signage (no bow/stern indication, no picture or other visuals). When the sun shone on it I often couldn't read anything except about the floor I was on, and had to pull out reading glasses. Of course you learn, but they make it harder than it needs to be for newbies to the ship. Cheerful Brazilian Chef Giulliano in the Chef's Tasting upcharge seating area (it wraps around on each side), shown not during an event. This is just beyond Salt Bar. Part of the jogging/walking path:

Yes, but unfortunately though I got a picture of the front part of the Observation Lounge, I don't have one of the other side. If you have one of that area, feel free to add on here. Also, every time I thought of taking an Arts Cafe picture there were too many people there for me to be able to half respect their privacy (without resorting to time-consuming face-hiding editing), so I don't have one from there either to show the layout of the snack bar. So if you have one, add that too if you have time, thanks!

Yes! Nothing was going on there, even on the earlier evenings when the weather was better (perfect for huddling). It was all covered up and when I first went there I thought it was a covered hot tub. Maybe on a warm weather cruise it will be fired up.

The Venetian Lounge (up and down, plus lateral view of some of the sofas there). The plexiglas on the balcony levels was a bit obstructing, if you were in the front row. As noted in my review, there was no drink service pre-show, and a strange smell of the synthetic furniture coverings prevailed. The singers and band in action (good voices, it was mostly just not my kind of music other than some of the bluesier Motown at the end ). I would love to have heard those voices applied to some more melodic and less showy Chicago or Mississippi blues, with a double shot of fine bourbon from the Connoisseur's Lounge cabinet, and . . . As noted in my review, the guest artists were very good and suited to a small ship venue (old rocker, comedians, and a Broadway diva). SS can hold its own compared with what Seabourn offers (but cannot hold a candle to Hapag Lloyd small luxury ships because HL does classical, and hires well-known tango groups, but I know most people don't want classical music or tango). My balcony and my closet

The walk past the library ( the 'thrones' are on the left as you pass): Silver Note supper club, and my favorite small plate there (caviar with potato and sour cream): La Dame (upcharge French restaurant, very nice ambience, service and meal): La Dame caviar appetizer (12 year): La Dame Filet of Sole, expertly deboned tableside, luscious flavor (even the veggies): Atlantide at lunch (unfortunately the ocean waves going by don't show up right, these are all old iphone shots without benefit of DH corrections): 9D6C2E89-734B-4FC4-811B-9EAF61EB5DC3.MOV

If you think those are austere (*not* necessarily bad, just different), check out this hallway: Chairs for the orthopedically unchallenged (not far from Arts Cafe): Lone bush: Lonely eyes: Observation Lounge in the bow (deck 10), not far from Salt Bar, which was relatively popular at night -- this is where you get machine/button coffee 24/7 (as long as the beans aren't gone). Lone ballerina (not sure what she thinks of it all):

Some indoor lounging and/or eating venues, starting with the main bar, Dolce Vite (opens with service at 6PM but you can sit there anytime you want). Music was usually mellower here in the mornings when it was empty: 841F6C6E-B192-4372-AE66-F6C29E7064E2.MOV A nook fit for a king and queen, looking inwards towards their subjects walking by on their way to other venues: Entrance to the Panorama Lounge (deck 5, aft, indoor outdoor), typically music-free and quiet in the mornings (though the indoor chairs/sofas are not my favorites in style, very quiet outside when there are no events). Activities like language lessons start up later on, as does bar service at 2. The smoking outdoor area is around the coroner as you go straight out, port side, but well-shielded . Looking down at the Shelter bar, deck 3, close to Atlantide and Salt Kitchen dining venues. You can order end high end champagne here for extra fee, and/or included champagne cocktails (comfortable seats, friendly bartender). It was usually empty. There were more seats off to the right as you look down (a very quiet venue during the day before the bar opens). La Terrazza outside (which looks more or less like LT on other SS ships), deck 4 aft, a very nice "elegant casual" dining venue (open buffet at lunch with usually good selections as protein sources, e.g., I really liked the sashimi, the meatballs, and the tempura prawns were in a tasty delicate batter). Well-staffed, waiters help carry plates and will bring you things from the buffet if you request. Italian restaurant with reservations in the evening with mostly the same menus they go off of (not everything available every night though it looks like it on the TV). The stairway off to the back goes up to the Panorama lounge area. Aerial view

Some of the modernistic indoor artwork:

Here is the tiny foldable map of the ship we got when we boarded (touch-enlarge it and zoom in, and/pr supplement with online deck maps), showing the positions of the lounges and restaurants, and a list of the hours that applied *most* of the time to the venues.

For smokers, the Nova also has an elegant, old-fashioned Connoisseur's Lounge area indoors after near the Panorama Lounge (deck 5), plus a smoking area outside in a nook that is mostly shielded from the non-smoking areas. There are cigar and fine whiskey displays. I don't smoke, but sometimes liked to sit in the covered outside smoking area when no one was there because it was shielded from wind, covered, and quiet.

I agree it would be terrific for warm weather cruising (other than the intrusive music issue I didn't like and commented on, which could be fixed, as noted by Gourmet Gal) . I liked that chairs and loungers faced not just the pool, but also out to sea, with a lot of sun and shade options (depending on wind, music intensity, etc.). People had many choices. There was so much space that at least on this 2/3 full cooler cruise, there was no chair hogging. It was also nice that deckhands came around quite quickly to ask if I wanted drinks, and offered towels, when I sat down. It will be interesting to see how Nova's ambience changes on a warm weather cruise at 100% capacity (especially if it is in summer, when the children of well-off Europeans might also be on board). Below are some photos of a few areas: 2BBBC925-BC43-40A4-AC50-837903B4F889.MOV This was a corner fairly shielded from both wind and music 41B2EFBB-4CE4-49D8-A31F-D5206D38D4E9.MOV 8C9D1447-3781-40EB-8EF1-C4C90E7EEF48.MOV Below is the Marquis, for outdoor dining open to the air on the sides, with coverage above

Gourmet Gal and others interested in hot tubs, be sure and check out the one on the Nova, Cliff Whirlpool, deck 11, open to all (typically 8-8PM, minus times it is sealed off due to weather or staff forgetting to open it up). It is a level or two above the pool action area, and has a stunning view. It is not very private, more like semi-private, as there is a little bar area next to it so at popular times people will walk by in both directions, though most of the action (or what there is of it) is a deck lower. On this 2/3 full TA with ok but not the greatest weather, I walked by it several times as part of my exploration (and scouting for hot tub loving DH for next time), and only once did I see two couples sitting in it and talking. I imagine on stunning weather days (say in the Med) even though it is a level up from the main pool sitting area it would be popular, since it is the only one. It was beautiful after it got dark, and a shame it closes off a 8PM, as it will be closed by the time most people come back from dinner and thus moonlight soaks before bed will be limited absent special arrangements. It also felt appropriately hot to the touch (not luke warm like on the Hapag Lloyd ships). The view can't be beat, but it doesn't have the privacy of the "secret" tubs on Seabourn, or Moon ships. C1C1D5D9-957E-464B-A7A4-FCBA6E39CC87.MOV 81A2F237-BFFA-4208-B321-4DA9E067ACD4.MOV

When I was given a spa tour the first day, I asked about a thermal pool and a staff lady showed me a rectangular pool, maybe 4x3 meters or so (sorry I have no picture and I may be off on the size), with an ocean view, in a little room. It looked very appealing, but would be less so to me if there were overly chatty people in it with me. I asked about hours of accessibility and she gave me spa hours (until 8PM) . She did not say if one had to book a treatment and I didn't pursue it because unfortunately I wasn't fit enough this trip to go in, due to a medical issue. I should have nailed her down on it for future reference. Maybe someone who has used that pool and/or is on board now could comment on whether you have to book a treatment to use the little thermal pool in the spa?

Yes, as I said in my tome, I wanted my very important tub, so the shower I pictured was that of the shower in a suite with the bath and shower. My understanding is showers are larger in at least some (all??) of the shower-only suites on Nova. But I did test out this shower a couple times when I was in a hurry and skipped the tub, and did my best to assess if DH would be happy in it. We would both have been ok in it -- even together in a pinch -- but neither of us has broad shoulders 🙂

That's just my style of reporting facts and opinions so people, especially new readers, have an idea what might be negative, if they care, because cruising is not like the brochure magazines. Negative stuff just takes more words than positive because I like to provide specificity. I was not "disappointed overall" , just in a few things ( some of which I trust will work themselves out, like the smell in VL, and the electronic schedules) . The main things were there -- ship is lovely, I was at sea for many days mostly uninterrupted by the hard work of excursions, I heard some interesting talks, had some great food ( though not all was great enough of it was) and played "scout" to help me decide if the layout and flow of this ship would be in the running for trips with DH and the answer is yes (he likes a lot of ports with a lot of picture opportunities). SS entertainment has also improved, as a bonus, on Nova. As for Ovation food comparison, I would give a small but not "significant" nod to Ovation food because at least on that short cruise it was more reliably good for my tastes. Others may say opposite ( that is to a great degree subjective). I do agree SB is not what it was a few years back but no line is. DH also loved the lone quiet hot tub in the bow on SB ships, SS does not have that ( just one big one way on top) but it isn't deal breaker.

I may be imagining it, but in the same areas I went to, music seemed a bit quieter after my ( and apparently other people's ) comments. I would not just expect staff just to accomodate *me*, as there are other guests. I gave feedback when asked after a few days to comment on what we like or do not like, but what if, say, Lois or FDNY or others like the outdoor music to be everywhere, in that style, and at the louder volume? They might be upset if it isn't there! Who gets the veto? Perhaps if enough complain about too much of it they can compile all data and then fairly decide, or then try it quieter and see if someone gets upset it's too quiet. My suspicion is most don't care one way or the other, and some just don't hear well anyway.

Here you go:

Hmm. Maybe my experience was because 1. There were two public toilets I tended to use most often, in the same area, and 2. I kept my room card in a case. I was definitely motivated to enter! 🙂 On disembarkation day, after 8 AM, when I had vacated my suite I couldn't get into those either, ( the two nearest to Panorama lounge and the Connoisseur's Corner), even with the room key an hour later ( had to track down staff to let me in and wondered if that was by design, like internet expiring after checkout in some hotels). Mystery. Good to know this was not normal.