Travelcat2 Posted July 17, 2013 #101 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I do not expect Silversea to admit wrongdoing in terms of the alcohol (although they should -- they won't). If this practice has ceased, I can accept that (for our next cruise -- may not book after that). The sanitation issue is what needs to be addressed by Silversea. We are only occasional Silvesea cruisers -- people who are regular cruises would (should?) notice if there has been a change in the food and beverage management on the Shadow in the past month. I think we would all like to know the answer to that. We are regular passengers on Regent and sure the heck would know if there was a shake-up as the result of a poor sanitation report by the CDC! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare RachelG Posted July 17, 2013 #102 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I too am very distressed after reading all this. Especially since we have an uncoming cruise on Silver Explorer next month, obviously too late to cancel, and one next year scheduled. IF they are storing perishable food in unrefrigerated areas, that is unacceptable. I don't see that in the photos. The picture of the meat is clearly in the galley, and the thermometer is unreadable to me, but I am figuring the point is that it was not kept as cold as it should be. I am not that surprised about the serving of less expensive liquor and proscecco instead of champagne at all. My experience was that they would try to serve proscecco unless you specified champagne. But filling liquor bottles with liquor from opened bottles left in passengers suites, if it occurred, is really bad. You have no idea what is in there. It is odd to me that this is all on a lawyer's website but not published by the CDC. I have no idea how long it takes for the CDC to publish their inspection results, but a month seems long unless they just publish in batches every few months. I will definitely be looking at things with a critical eye going forward on the upcoming cruise, and if anything looks amiss, I will say something (and report here as well). I was annoyed by the auto charity contribution, but this food and beverage thing and the treatment of employees goes way beyond annoyment if true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emtbsam Posted July 17, 2013 #103 Share Posted July 17, 2013 It is odd to me that this is all on a lawyer's website but not published by the CDC. I have no idea how long it takes for the CDC to publish their inspection results, but a month seems long unless they just publish in batches every few months. Good point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FAP16 Posted July 17, 2013 #104 Share Posted July 17, 2013 This is the statement my TA just received from Silversea. I have advised her that it is totally unacceptable and have cancelled my upcoming cruise on the Silver Shadow. I find it particularly insulting that Silversea finds it adequate to have a Sales Director in Florida issue a statement. To me this is a reflection of how much importance they are placing on the issue and how little they care about our future business. Silversea Cruises Statement On June 17, Silversea’s Silver Shadow received an atypical score of 84 during the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) inspection in Skagway. Silver Shadow has scored in the high 90s on its previous VSP inspections where the maximum achievable score is 100. Silversea is deeply disappointed by this specific and only unsatisfactory score and has taken immediate measures to address the issues identified in the inspection report. The company takes very seriously its responsibility to maintain the highest standards in all areas of its operations. Silversea has an excellent track record when it comes to sanitation, which can be verified on the CDC's website. Silversea ships have achieved perfect scores of 100 on several VSP inspections, including Silver Spirit's most recent inspection in April, which is testament to the company's commitment in this area. Following a thorough review of Silver Shadow's procedures, we have taken the necessary measures to ensure that the standards are the best in the industry. All Silversea ships have comprehensive policies and rigorous training programs in place to make certain its staff and crew implement best practices to ensure shipboard safety. Silversea is sincerely sorry for the shortcomings in Silver Shadow's evaluation and is committed to ensuring that future inspections result in higher scores in line with the usual Silversea standards. Saul Fonseca | Area Sales Director South Florida, Southwest Florida & The Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlondon Posted July 17, 2013 #105 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Jeff, Despite all the outrage about sanitation and cheap liquor, I think you have hit on the most appalling possibility in this disaster-pay and tipping. To the best of my knowledge few people get sick on SS and therefore I wonder about even the pictures. So be it. I'm much more concerned about pay levels, overtime etc. and the paying of tips to deserving crew members. There are a lot of CC posters who object to paying tips directly, I am not among them, because they feel on all cruise lines that include tips the staff is paid generously. In fact SS had a CD make a presentation on our cruise from VP to BA that all crew is happy with compensation. Maybe not! Your link to the crew member's suit certainly makes one question what the truth is and should at least slow down those who refuse to understand that superior service deserves direct compensation. Still, there will be those who say the case hasn't been adjudicated and they are right. I, however, after the mendacity of SS regarding the sanitation am willing to give the crew the benefit of the doubt about pay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted July 17, 2013 #106 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Host Dan has posted Silversea's statement in a new thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travelcat2 Posted July 17, 2013 #107 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Jeff, Despite all the outrage about sanitation and cheap liquor, I think you have hit on the most appalling possibility in this disaster-pay and tipping. To the best of my knowledge few people get sick on SS and therefore I wonder about even the pictures. So be it.I'm much more concerned about pay levels, overtime etc. and the paying of tips to deserving crew members. There are a lot of CC posters who object to paying tips directly, I am not among them, because they feel on all cruise lines that include tips the staff is paid generously. In fact SS had a CD make a presentation on our cruise from VP to BA that all crew is happy with compensation. Maybe not! Your link to the crew member's suit certainly makes one question what the truth is and should at least slow down those who refuse to understand that superior service deserves direct compensation. Still, there will be those who say the case hasn't been adjudicated and they are right. I, however, after the mendacity of SS regarding the sanitation am willing to give the crew the benefit of the doubt about pay. I know a butler that makes $1,400/week -- and he receives tips on top of that because some people feel the need to tip even though it is not expected. I believe that is a living wage in India. The crew should definitely be paid for every hour they work (plus overtime). IMO, this is a is a discussion for another thread (and posters should be prepared to compare wages on all-inclusive lines vs. lines where tips are expected). In the meantime, the sanitation issue is giving Silversea customers something to think about. Do we believe the reports we hear from current and past crew members....... or do we believe the what Florida is saying? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Observer Posted July 17, 2013 #108 Share Posted July 17, 2013 As I wrote above in this thread -- receiving nearly universal flames! :) -- I really think too much is being made of this one failure on a CDC inspection-- disappointing though it is. The Shadow apparently failed by one or two points. According to the CDC website, this was the first time a Silversea ship had ever failed an inspection. Failures happen -- and they are not the end of the world. According to the CDC website, the following high-end lines have experienced failures -- in some cases multiple times: Cunard Celebrity Regent Holland America Hapag Lloyd Seabourn Princess Sea Dream I am not apologizing for the lapses on Shadow. However, a failure is not an exceptional event for any cruise line, and I would be much more concerned if Silversea was a repeat offender. In the event, this is their first failure. Ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Silver Spectre Posted July 17, 2013 #109 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Anyone know who the F&B Manager and HD were on the 17th June when the inspection took place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlondon Posted July 17, 2013 #110 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Jackie, Please read the complaint as linked. As I said the case has not been adjudicated, but at a minimum one has to wonder what is true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otis Posted July 17, 2013 #111 Share Posted July 17, 2013 When we were on Silver Shadow in 2011, our outdoor buffet was moved indoors because of nasty weather. The food was set up in the galley - I was impressed at how hard the crew worked to accommodate everyone. That is, until I looked into one of the prep rooms and saw two large cockroaches scurrying around the counter. I didn't have a camera and I decided not to post this at the time, because I'm sure things like this can happen in close quarters. Now it feels like fair game, and consistent with pattern of cutting corners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seabreezer Posted July 17, 2013 #112 Share Posted July 17, 2013 What proof is there that the photos were taken on an SS ship? The failed inspection is one thing but do the photos really correspond with what the failures were? On the Facebook link the captions only read that the photos were reportedly taken on The Shadow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rally Posted July 17, 2013 #113 Share Posted July 17, 2013 What proof is there that the photos were taken on an SS ship? The failed inspection is one thing but do the photos really correspond with what the failures were? On the Facebook link the captions only read that the photos were reportedly taken on The Shadow. Who knows if the photos relate to actual infractions, since the report is not available, either on the CDC website or elsewhere? As for proof that the photos were taken on Shadow . . . What would you want as proof? The Captain in the photos? :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oregon50 Posted July 17, 2013 #114 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Good point! In fact, the photos resemble those taken on a recent lunar landing. For sure, they were not taken on Shadow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators LauraS Posted July 17, 2013 Administrators #115 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Hello Everyone: We received the following statement from Silversea Cruise Line. It is being reproduced for you here, in its entirety: Silversea Cruises Statement On June 17, Silversea’s Silver Shadow received an atypical score of 84 during the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) inspection in Skagway. Silver Shadow has scored in the high 90s on its previous VSP inspections where the maximum achievable score is 100. Silversea is deeply disappointed by this specific and only unsatisfactory score and has taken immediate measures to address the issues identified in the inspection report. The company takes very seriously its responsibility to maintain the highest standards in all areas of its operations. Silversea has an excellent track record when it comes to sanitation, which can be verified on the CDC's website. Silversea ships have achieved perfect scores of 100 on several VSP inspections, including Silver Spirit's most recent inspection in April, which is testament to the company's commitment in this area. Following a thorough review of Silver Shadow's procedures, we have taken the necessary measures to ensure that the standards are the best in the industry. All Silversea ships have comprehensive policies and rigorous training programs in place to make certain its staff and crew implement best practices to ensure shipboard safety. Silversea is sincerely sorry for the shortcomings in Silver Shadow's evaluation and is committed to ensuring that future inspections result in higher scores in line with the usual Silversea standards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rally Posted July 17, 2013 #116 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Good point! In fact, the photos resemble those taken on a recent lunar landing. For sure, they were not taken on Shadow. Are the photos from the fake landing or a real one? Could that explain the green cheese? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rally Posted July 17, 2013 #117 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Hello Everyone: We received the following statement from Silversea Cruise Line. It is being reproduced for you here, in its entirety: Oh great! Now the statement has been posted three times and, I am sure, countless times to come as a quote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UKCruiseJeff Posted July 17, 2013 #118 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Oh great! Now the statement has been posted three times and, I am sure, countless times to come as a quote. I hope my respectful request for a thread merge will be considered. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted July 17, 2013 #119 Share Posted July 17, 2013 As I wrote above in this thread -- receiving nearly universal flames! :) -- I really think too much is being made of this one failure on a CDC inspection-- disappointing though it is. The Shadow apparently failed by one or two points. According to the CDC website, this was the first time a Silversea ship had ever failed an inspection. Failures happen -- and they are not the end of the world. According to the CDC website, the following high-end lines have experienced failures -- in some cases multiple times: Cunard Celebrity Regent Holland America Hapag Lloyd Seabourn Princess Sea Dream I am not apologizing for the lapses on Shadow. However, a failure is not an exceptional event for any cruise line, and I would be much more concerned if Silversea was a repeat offender. In the event, this is their first failure. Ever. Rally, please note - no Oceania mention on that list :D As someone alluded to earlier here, perhaps the Shadow would have passed again in the high 90's if the inspectors had not been alerted to search for dirty pots and pans and food in the crew quarters? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travelcat2 Posted July 17, 2013 #120 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I wrote to the CDC yesterday and posted their response on the other thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rally Posted July 17, 2013 #121 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Rally,please note - no Oceania mention on that list :D As someone alluded to earlier here, perhaps the Shadow would have passed again in the high 90's if the inspectors had not been alerted to search for dirty pots and pans and food in the crew quarters? Why would I note that Oceana isn't on that list? Have I said something about Oceania . . . Ever??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rally Posted July 17, 2013 #122 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Rally,please note - no Oceania mention on that list :D As someone alluded to earlier here, perhaps the Shadow would have passed again in the high 90's if the inspectors had not been alerted to search for dirty pots and pans and food in the crew quarters? No Crystal, either, nor PG, but so what? I haven't successfully predicted anything since, for a kindergarten assignment, I predicted that in 10 years I would be 15 years old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilroyshere Posted July 17, 2013 #123 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I agree, but isn't that exactly analogous to the IRS blaming things on "a few rogue agents in Cincinnati?" Bravo on the analogy that's lost on too many. If those photographs on FB were real and that really happened on SS, this goes way beyond any corporate 'splanations or blame on a few rogue employees. Having owned and operated more than a few restaurants and FDA food processing ventures, I know that sanitation rules are strictly enforced. Every back of the house person has training in sanitation do's and don'ts, about cross contamination, what are the 'safe' temperatures different foods must be maintained at...which these pix show the worst violations of. My first reaction to the pix were that they were staged cuz the violations are so wrong and dangerous if any of that were consumed. In the U.S., foodies are required to have 'Food Handlers Licenses' and those are on State and Federal levels with testing and continuing education required. Licensed Food Handlers must be present at all times to supervise all operations. It's IMO, impossible for shipboard management at some level to not have known of these conditions if in fact, they really existed. If a foodie operation is beyond retail (e.g; a cafe) and involves packaged food, the Feds step in with FDA licensing, rules and regs...it's all biz and no joke. A fraction of the violations in those pix would shut down and probably close an entire U.S. operation. These kinds of violations don't happen often in better U.S. restaurants as some have stated. Owners know health inspectors will close them down if they do these things. All it takes is one disgruntled employee with a beef against the establishment to call the Dept of Health reporting these things and the health authorities are all over it. If these pix and incident are not shown to have been staged; I cannot see any satisfactory explanation from management for a premium cruise line to apologize or justify being caught maintaining 3rd world food conditions on their ship. ___‹~›__‹(•¿•)›__‹~›___ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rally Posted July 17, 2013 #124 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Bravo on the analogy that's lost on too many. ___‹~›__‹(•¿•)›__‹~›___ Ever watch a show on Food Network called Restaurant Intervention? You should, but not while eating. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilroyshere Posted July 17, 2013 #125 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Ever watch a show on Food Network called Restaurant Intervention? You should, but not while eating. :) Are you comparing SS with the flunky joints that show seeks out to sensationalize for cable TV air time? Really? ___‹~›__‹(•¿•)›__‹~›___ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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