Live from Silver Spirit Nov 6, 2010 Sailing

[DebbieH103]

Well, as we continue on the cruise to nowhere or mystery places, they spent ages getting to Marigot, and they refunded tours for St. Barths. We were not booked for any, but I signed up for one of the two tours they offered for Marigot that they were barreling about in the hallway announcements. It took 40 min to get thru, and they made no accomodation for breakfast to run late or lunch to run early and then I was told to tender by 12:30 to make 1. I got down there at 12:10 or so and all roped off and then it was almost 12:40 before I could leave or even later and then they called the tender for me but they still did not wait and I got right back on. I think only 6 people made it, and there were 32 more to go. Ridiculous, so I saw nothing and really think after a broken down bus and all the other stuff I have heard of the few people that got tours, so me of it was a mixed bag.

 

Maybe I will feel better if I get a refund, but all I have ever seen in St. Martin is the airport, so I was looking forward to doing more than wasting 4 hours trying to do anything.

[Orange County Murphy]

Were you able to book a particular cabin or cabin category for your Silversea 2012 world cruise segments? Were fares quoted?

 

I enjoy reading your posts; hope your Voyager transtlantic is terrific.

[Travelcat2]

Debbie. . . . following your itinerary has been interesting:eek: Do you know if the port changes/omissions are due to hurricane damage done last week, or, rough seas now? Like yourself, we have been to almost all of the ports we will be stopping at. New ports for us are Dominica and Martinique (that replaced St. Lucia -- another port we have not visited).

 

Have you been able to follow the saga of the Carnival ship that had been floating around without power for over 48 hours after a fire (thankfully, no one hurt)? When the passengers finally get home and have internet access, I'm sure their stories of eating spam, no working toilets for at least half a day, etc. will be interesting to say the least.

 

Really enjoying your posts. . . in between doing last minute things before we leave for Barbatos on Friday:-)

[BILLP1]

We had St Barts changed to St Martin three weeks ago on the Whisper. We were told the night before. There must be some very bad damage to the island for these ships to keep skipping their visits...

[Emtbsam]

Debbie. . . . following your itinerary has been interesting:eek: Do you know if the port changes/omissions are due to hurricane damage done last week, or, rough seas now? Like yourself, we have been to almost all of the ports we will be stopping at. New ports for us are Dominica and Martinique (that replaced St. Lucia -- another port we have not visited).

 

Have you been able to follow the saga of the Carnival ship that had been floating around without power for over 48 hours after a fire (thankfully, no one hurt)? When the passengers finally get home and have internet access, I'm sure their stories of eating spam, no working toilets for at least half a day, etc. will be interesting to say the least.

 

Really enjoying your posts. . . in between doing last minute things before we leave for Barbatos on Friday:-)

In fairness to Carnival, management has refunded everyone's fare, agreed to pay for additional costs of transportation and given all passengers another free trip. I'm not sure anyone could ask for more than that. And, they announced it immediately. Well done Carnival! (Did I really say that!)

[DebbieH103]

Yes, following Carnival.

 

There were 25,000 people in St. Barths today, so captain said there was no slot for us.

 

I guess 24 people did get a tour and were not treated shabily. I was not one of them. My money was refunded, memories, well, you won't see a single photo from St. Martin.

 

I had words with shore department, but they did not particularly care to be cordial.

 

Butler department is exemplary. They felt they made me miss it due to being late with room service and came here on their own when I did not even mention that. TOP CLASS to Nolan our butler and the head butler. These butlers are amazing, and anyone who does not avail themselves of this service is missing out horribly.

 

Nothing but points games today, nothing else to do, same stuff over and over.

 

Off to Venetian Society thing and then dinner.

 

Looking forward to Aquarius show if I can make it up. It was great at Christmas.

 

More canapes tonight. Quite a variety here, no need for a menu, he brought a selection!

[Travelcat2]

In fairness to Carnival, management has refunded everyone's fare, agreed to pay for additional costs of transportation and given all passengers another free trip. I'm not sure anyone could ask for more than that. And, they announced it immediately. Well done Carnival! (Did I really say that!)

 

Hope it did not sound like I was bashing Carnival as that was not my intent. They are doing everything they can do for their passengers and their communication has been excellent. We have been reading about the difficulties that the passengers have had in terms of food (2 hour lines), lack of air conditioning, etc. Certainly nothing that can be fixed at the moment.

 

Hope that all of the cruise lines pay attention to this as it could happen on any ship -- anywhere in the world (including the Gulf of Aden. . . . that is a scarey thought).

 

Debbie: Does Silversea typically have a certain day when they do the Venetian Society thing? We're trying to figure out when it is so we can book Stars. Thanks:-)

[billcrooz]

Yes, following Carnival.

 

There were 25,000 people in St. Barths today, so captain said there was no slot for us.

 

I guess 24 people did get a tour and were not treated shabily. I was not one of them. My money was refunded, memories, well, you won't see a single photo from St. Martin.

 

I had words with shore department, but they did not particularly care to be cordial.

 

Butler department is exemplary. They felt they made me miss it due to being late with room service and came here on their own when I did not even mention that. TOP CLASS to Nolan our butler and the head butler. These butlers are amazing, and anyone who does not avail themselves of this service is missing out horribly.

 

Nothing but points games today, nothing else to do, same stuff over and over.

 

Off to Venetian Society thing and then dinner.

 

Looking forward to Aquarius show if I can make it up. It was great at Christmas.

 

More canapes tonight. Quite a variety here, no need for a menu, he brought a selection!

Deb; you mentioned 25000 in St Barths.no slots, my experience has been only very small ships can anchor in St. Barths. just curious

[DebbieH103]

Well, I will show you the pic in my blog and they kept saying 25000 people and that they never would take us anywhere like that. I know what you were saying as I thought that, too. Maybe Jennifer or someone will correct me if I am wrong, but they announced so many times.

 

Jackie, Venetian was Wednesday, last night, and that thing is always on an informal I think. It is 30 minutes from 7 to 7:30, and STARS does not even open till 10.

 

I won a blackout bingo yesterday. Todd missed bingo as he was at so many different activities all around the ship yesterday and was still in shuffleboard.

 

At trivia, my team finally defeated Jennifer's team. Best we had done is tie them. We would have had a perfect score if anyone had listened to the other travel agent and I. Though I am sure many on the boards here could put my geography to shame, I take many courses and have been a lot of places. I keep my mouth shut unless I am sure, so when I say something, I either know or say, well I think but not sure.

 

Anyway, it was more fun winning than anything and playing is always fun.

 

Then for golf putting, I got 3 of 6 in, as did Todd. Lots of folks now doing golf.

 

We got dressed for Venetian. It was in the theatre and the first event we have ever attended on Spirit where they served cocktails. It went well, so I wish they would take this up regularly.

 

I am sorry to sound so down on this cruise. I will say I have enjoyed it less than all of our other SS cruises and probably any cruise. I have still had a wonderful time and continue to support Silversea. There are some things that need adjusted on staff levels on this ship to keep it up to par with the others. In fact, except for the cabins that we love and if a person is into Seishin, I no longer see any advantage of this ship over the others since they have changed all the advantages to try to turn this into a big Whisper/Shadow. It is a shame since it was its own product.

 

What we loved last time was the main bar was always open and a hangout spot. Well, it was like that the first day or two on this sailing, but now it is almost always closed, and people go in there looking for something and it is not even open. The hangout spot is now Panorama. Cherry does a lovely job over there, and it is fun, but it is not as large, and I am disappointed they killed the main bar.

 

Amadeus does a nice job, but his before dinner set ended too soon last night. We went in the lounge for cocktails after Venetian and to hold out on dinner till 8:30 so that we could stay up for Aquarius Dawning since the shows are so late. Well, we were loving it, and the room was full, but he stopped and played a programmed DJ set. Todd actually loved that set, and I enjoyed it, but live music is always nice. It was very relaxing just resting there doing nothing, and I was happy that Todd let himself, as the casino was clearly calling his name. I just kept saying, "not today". I want to savor being up for at least a day, I was thinking!

 

Well, dinner was great in the dining room because Cherry worked it, and she brought us that lovely South African chardonnay we had the first day. Nobody else has produced it. That really enhanced the whole dinner. I will put dinner photos on the luxurycruiseandland.com blog. Todd had the filet from the everyday menu, and I had the shrimp dish from there. It was good. Spicy as it indicates, but I love that.

 

At Venetian, there was one couple that hit 501 days. Those parties still choke me up with emotion, and they had entertainment for us. That was nice.

 

Aquarius Dawning was very good, and as much as they talked it up, there was still plenty of seating. We enjoyed it more 10 months ago, I guess because it was the first production of it, and I think the cast was better. Anyway, these guys are great, so don't miss the shows.

 

Today is the only real sea day, and they have a wine tasting and finally a cooking demo on this ship. They have both a bridge and galley tour. The BBQ is outside tonight, but the main dining room is open, and the production team is doing a show at 9 followed by disco music.

[wripro]

Debbie, glad you're enjoying the cruise despite the nits to pick. The most disturbing issue to me was the tendering situation. This should not occur on a luxury line. One of the reasons to book a luxury line is to avoid things like that. Also the bar being closed sounds like a means to cut back on expenses. Saves a bartender and servers.

 

To me the Whisper is the ship to book now because it has recently had the upgrade in dry dock and is still small enough to provide better service.

[Travelcat2]

It seems that most of what I have read about the Spirit is no longer correct. Earlier in the life of the Spirit, it opened either 8:00 or 8:15 p.m. The music did not start until later. There was also a butler's menu (really good choices on it). And now we learn that the Bar is closed a lot of the time.

 

Still keeping an open mind. . . . and, since I have nothing to compare it to in terms of Silversea's other ships, we will be judging it on it's own merits rather than comparison. We do like what we hear about the Whisper. Our only concern is doing the transatlantic portion (Canada to Ireland -- 4 days I think) could make us permanently seasick.

[sea gal]

Thank for all the info Debbie,

 

leaving for the airport in few hours Barbados here we come.

 

Carol

[Bon.Vivant]

What we loved last time was the main bar was always open and a hangout spot. Well, it was like that the first day or two on this sailing, but now it is almost always closed, and people go in there looking for something and it is not even open. The hangout spot is now Panorama. Cherry does a lovely job over there, and it is fun, but it is not as large, and I am disappointed they killed the main bar.

 

 

 

 

DebbieH103; Thank you for taking the time and expense to post your commentaries. I'm so disappointed to hear that the Bar is closed much of the time. Is that still going on? Is it closed down for the whole night? The Bar has always been one of my favorite spots in the evening -- for a pre-dinner drink and catching up with friends, and for after dinner as well. I'll be on the Cloud in a few months. This is really a bummer, and a deal-breaker for me if they continue it.

[chicagogal]

We do like what we hear about the Whisper. Our only concern is doing the transatlantic portion (Canada to Ireland -- 4 days I think) could make us permanently seasick.

 

We did the Spirit crossing from Canada to Ireland in April (4 days) and it was very calm. I did not hear of anyone feeling sick in fact! We really enjoyed it.

[WesW]

Debbie, enjoying your seamail--appreciate your positive attitude despite the niggles.

 

Orange County Murphy, we had to deposit like we were booking the WC ($2000 pp) we asked our TA to book us the closest veranda to mid ship when available...Dougburns requested his TA book any veranda cabin from 620-629.

[DebbieH103]

It is the daytime the bar has been closed from noon to five on the days in port. Panorama is always open during those hours and is very active.

 

I've given a low rating on the score card on the shore excursion with the comments it is understaffed and the girl is surly.

 

Jackie, there may be a canopy menu. Cabins below silver are not even supposed to get them,and the guy is bringing piles of yummy things, so I have not felt we should ask for a menu.

 

Last night he brought gorgeous cheeses and dried fruits and grapes and nuts and lots of shrimp cocktail. We have had pates and crap dip and the salmon thingees and I ordered fois gras a day in advance an d had two huge portions prepared elaborately.

 

The pool deck service is not as good but not understaffed. Some of them just wander and you have to go to them. Once you start them up, they are attentive.

 

Just read the sheet, and there is entertainment all evening in The Bar. It was just so unique on this ship to have them open in the daytime. Likely in cold weather they will do it again.

 

I agree if they are going to turn this into a Whisper wannabee, might as well be on Whisper. I've given overall rating of 8 this time, making it my worst sailing ever, first time to rate under 9.

 

Yesterday, I had the nightmare of slamming my finger in the front door hinge as I watched the door slam and close bending my finger back and crushing it to the bone.

 

I screamed, "somebody help me" over and over until 5 or 6 guests rescued me and Todd finally figured out I was not in the bathroom but was outside the front door. Todd could not get anyone on the phone at any number, and Amadeus the pianist came by, along with a waiter and then they got a nurse to escort me to the doctor. Todd help my hand thru the tentis shot and the anesthesia shot and the stitches, and we talked to the security officer and the doctor filling out the incident reports. The doctor promised gloves and things and did not give, we got them from the butler so I could bathe today. He also got ice for it. The guests helped me a lot, and I hope I did not ruin too many people's day.

 

I had been on the way to make the beautiful bracelets, and the hostess promised me beads to make them but has not brought them yet.

 

I was a trooper for bingo and trivia but was quite "off" from the severe pain and trauma. We hate the bbq but went there, same lovely waiter that knows us from before came and carried my plate cutting in the salad line for crab claws. A guest came and scolded me, but when she saw me, she understood. I could not really sit there more than 10 minutes while Todd c

hoked down his food, and we were not able to stay for the show.

 

Todd turned on movies for me while I laid on the couch in the night, as I woke up at 1:10 am from the throbbing. I have to go get the dressing redone before getting off the ship, and I have to go to my own doctor to have the stitches removed next week.

 

Paulo, the HD asked about me last night and obviously had been informed, said it was the first such incident. I have heard of several things with the balcony doors, but they are very stable in these calm waters, unlike that Barcelona to Lisbon cruise.

 

We seem to be now in Bequia, and the tenders have begun. We have been here before and done most of the things. I would like to walk around in a while just to get my mind off this finger.

 

I do urge people to not take lightly the need for travel insurance! This little incident was $606 and change, and I have to go back tomorrow.

[DebbieH103]

Butler brought one of those small boxes of Pierre Marcolini chocolates with a get well note from staff, officers and crew and a nice surprise note that they will be taking us at 9 am from the ship for a day room at Savannah Hotel for a few hours before our 3:40 pm flight.

[duct tape]

That was a BIG OUCH!!! Glad to see it was not your typing hand! Feel better and enjoy while you are onboard.

[dusababy]

DebbieH103; Thank you for taking the time and expense to post your commentaries. I'm so disappointed to hear that the Bar is closed much of the time. Is that still going on? Is it closed down for the whole night? The Bar has always been one of my favorite spots in the evening -- for a pre-dinner drink and catching up with friends, and for after dinner as well. I'll be on the Cloud in a few months. This is really a bummer, and a deal-breaker for me if they continue it.

 

 

I think she was referring to THE BAR on Spirit - not the other ships. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Travelcat2]

Debbie, really appreciate the time and effort you always put forth when you are on a cruise to share your experiences with CC. Reading your well balanced, honest review of the Silver Spirit is going to help us tremendously when we sail tomorrow (leaving the house in 8 hours and 15 minutes. . . . but, whose counting:-)

 

Very sorry to hear about your finger. Think I heard that a couple of strong drinks gets your mind off of injuries. . . . . Probably should not go into the Bar because it's closed right now -- try the Panorama Lounge (I'm learning). Hope it heals quickly:)

[RachelG]

Debbie, so sorry about your finger injury. I mashed mine in a bathroom door onboard Regent Voyager last year in rough weather, but not so bad that it required stitches, but it sure did hurt. Those doors are heavy.

 

I am enjoying your posts. Don't think I would be able to be happy onboard with having to pay that much for slow internet though.

[Orange County Murphy]

DebbieH103, thank you for your always enjoyable and informative posts. Hope your finger heals quickly.

 

Colonel Wes, we are considering the Rio-Cape Town segment, or perhaps Cape Town-Cape Town if the Wind repeats that itinerary in 2012.

[wripro]

Sorry to hear about your mishap, Debbie. I hope you can enjoy the rest of the cruise.

[DebbieH103]

I tried to post before I got off the ship, and the system hung. I tried to write Last night at about 2 am when we got home, and the screen went white again, so I guess it was Cruise Critic. I wrote for about an hour but did not save it.

 

Let me try again.

 

First off, if it never posted, it is noon to five that I did not see them serving drinks at The Bar on the days in port. All lounges and the pool deck for Hot Rocks had entertainment every night. Hours sometimes a little off, but if you read the Chronicles, you could experience many nice scenarios. Do not worry on that. I was just saying the all day pubiness has moved to Panorama from The Bar, which is a shame. It is OK because there are only so many places to look for people, and you can find interesting people and conversations fairly easily.

 

Ethernet is not activated in the cabins, so wifi is what you have to use even though the ports are there.

 

I got some pretty pics in Bequia.

 

The security guy came to the room and took more pics and interviewed Todd and did not come back when I was there. All coversations seemed to come from an obvious position of liability (90% theirs IMO) vs. feeling of valued client. I made a special trip to ask for luggage assistance for debarkation and at Savannah hotel. Neither were provided though it was promised, and we did struggle a bit. I managed using bending techniques and continuing to stick my finger out of the way. I have laid awake with the throbbing pain a few nights and analyzed that it might have been about 54 seconds my finger was in that door. I asked for them to do safety inspection, so glad they did, but since I was not involved, I guess my input was not important or valued. Todd still does not understand how this was possible, and he was not a witness, so interviewing him seemed odd. All he said was I had a lot of continued discomfort. What else could he say?

 

I had the wound redressed about 45 minutes before I got off the boat and they said it would be a week or longer before the stiches could come out but the finger was in shape now and just looks like Dr. Frankenstein!!

 

We had a nice breakfast though rushed due to doctor and needing to catch Silversea ride to Savannah. They had samosas and fritters and sandwiches and fruits, along with juices and coffee and hot tea there. We had towels and use of pool and beach there. We enjoyed our time there, wish they had had soda, wine, etc. and some suntan lotion, but it was nice. The same clueless person that did the airport transfer did this transfer, so it was also chaotic with everyone as uninformed. It was appreciated nonetheless. I think the shore excursion and transfers were the weakest portion of the cruise.

 

The shore excursion, transfers, lack of any guest entertainers, and the safety issues were why my rating of this cruise is 7 to 8 but still a nice vacation for the most part. I have to consider that this was SS's cheapest sailing of the year, and our maiden voyage on Spirit was similarly most expensive segment of the year.

 

Isibelita gave me a little jar of beads and some thread to do my own bracelet since I was on the way to the bracelet making when I had my accident.

 

Improvement on Spirit over last trip on spirit is that at some events there were drinks in the theatre and the cooking demo and wine tasting elements are there, and by end of cruise, hot canapes were coming, which had been missing even for canapes that should be hot.

 

Mike, Carla and Isabelita did their best to make a nice time for us with such a port intensive itinerary and the captain changing the itinerary. I think a comedian or magician or something would have made things nice. Also improved as others have mentioned is the movie selection, which was great. One guest said he would like to punch in exact movie number. We were OK and previous situation of system needing constantly rebooted was non-existent. All problems seemed to be gone in that area.

 

I hope guests continue to do comment cards. I think they need to add a blank page because 3 or 4 lines is not enough to explain anything.

 

The charity donation opt out works great and there is zero hassle whatsoever.

 

The cruise consultant was the most available that I have seen on any sailing.

[DebbieH103]

Duct Tape, typing is interesting. It is left pinky, so I am just using different fingers when that one is needed. Just typing a little slower, but normally, I am fast.

 

It was awesome to meet Jennifer from CC and some other new people and share a lot of stories. As usual, we enjoyed our trivia times and al the other games. Todd did the most games, more than me, and he was out and about more than usual. I think he enjoyed that.