Will The Muse have specialty restaurants only,and no MDR?

[Close Call]

Does anyone know the seating capacity for the Atlantide and the Asian restaurants (loosely being referred to as "half main dining rooms" with interchangeable menus. The difference is only decor? What would be the point?)

 

Secondly, does anyone know if there are 2 scheduled seatings or if the timing is flexible per reservation in each restaurant?

 

We are booked on the Nice departure, May 3. We have always made our dinner plans on the fly, with the exception of formal nights when we dined with a larger group.

 

Speaking of groups- the reservation menu allows us to book two reservations. Are we supposed to contact the friends with whom we are traveling and try to get them to go online and all try to book the same table?

 

Does anyone know the maximum number of people per table?

 

Even if I wanted to make a dinner reservation this far in advance, the first 4-5 nights are already booked. How would you know where you wanted to eat when shore excursions have not been made available and formal nights have not been announced.

 

I like flexibility. This is a port-intensive cruise with many schedules required. I would hope dining wasn't another thing for which to plan so far in advance.

[Bon.Vivant]

Oh dear! The dining situation on Muse sounds very unappealing to me. I often travel solo, and wonder how this system will work for us solos. On previous cruises, I've enjoyed the opportunity to dine with new friends met on board. But, this would not be possible if we all have to make reservations in advance. And, I suppose I would have to book a table for one in the specialty restaurants if I wanted to eat there -- how fun is that?? It's not clear if reservations will also be needed for the "half MDR's". And, are they big enough to accommodate everyone who wants to eat there on most nights? Oh my --I echo what another poster said -- this may be an industry first with respect to passengers having difficulty getting fed for dinner. And what about hosted tables? Will that be possible? That's something I've always enjoyed when travelling solo.

 

Think I'll skip the Muse. I just hope they will not be going this way on the other ships.

Edited January 13, 2017 by Bon.Vivant

[Mayflower1]

The ' Dining ' Section of the Activities List shown on the ' My Silversea ' Web Page, clearly indicates that both Atlantide & Indochine are subject to Reservation, like all other Restaurants on The Muse including the new Pizza Restaurant.

 

This would seem to indicate that any wish to dine ' on a whim ' will only be possible if your chosen Restaurant has spare ' Non Reserved ' Tables at the time.

 

I am sorry to have raised this Hornets Nest but it is only the sparsity of Information from Silversea that is creating uncertainty - I am sure things will develop over time but those on the early Sailings should be given quality information as befits a ' Luxury Experience '

[wripro]

The whole situation, imo, is confusing, complicated and unappealing. It's enough to keep me away. Others may feel differently but one of the big plusses of a luxury cruises is dining when I want, where I want and with whom I want, not having to decide months in advance. It's one thing to make one specialty restaurant reservation ahead of time but to have to do it for every night is a big pain the butt!

[Ithaca]

Totally agree with Wripro!

[les37b]

The ' Dining ' Section of the Activities List shown on the ' My Silversea ' Web Page, clearly indicates that both Atlantide & Indochine are subject to Reservation, like all other Restaurants on The Muse including the new Pizza Restaurant.

 

This would seem to indicate that any wish to dine ' on a whim ' will only be possible if your chosen Restaurant has spare ' Non Reserved ' Tables at the time.

 

I am sorry to have raised this Hornets Nest but it is only the sparsity of Information from Silversea that is creating uncertainty - I am sure things will develop over time but those on the early Sailings should be given quality information as befits a ' Luxury Experience '

 

All 8 choices are by reservations and the Teppanyaki / Japanese Restaurant and La Dame have $60 up charges.

[Master Echo]

I am rather disappointed at Mayflower's tart response to "my contribution", because I feel that comments in that vein are out of place on a forum such as this. There is no reason to be sarcastic when people are just expressing a perfectly valid opinion.

 

As to SS' monitoring of these Boards, whilst I agree that listening to loyal clients' views is important, the issue of dining on the Muse has been the subject of debate ever since the plans for the Muse were issued, and frankly nothing new has been said since the original posts.

 

Anyone who is confused, or who wants clarification should either contact their TA or SS direct. Speculation here achieves nothing.

 

Kind regards

 

Master Echo

[les37b]

So is the general train of thought is to book online before you embark? I have to admit I have tended to book several visits to La Terrazza, Plus Hot Rocks and Le Champagne with the rest just MDR... often switching when on board. Ive never seen a location "sold out" prior to embarking apart from Champagne in Monaco, but that was because Manfredi was hosting Price Albert and some racing drivers and our name wasnt on that list. (Funnily it was the night we wanted to book!)

 

I rather suspect the logic behind it is purely down to numbers. If they are small locations, then you can see why..... though reservation for a pizza is an odd one! Do they do them to go if you cant get a seat? lol

Edited January 14, 2017 by les37b

[wripro]

You are right, master Echo. Speculation achieves nothing. However, I bet once the Silver Muse starts sailing and there is confusion, anger, disappointment and outrage SS will take a very fast second look at this whole arrangement.

[mjnvoyager]

The whole ethos that SS sells to passengers is to dine when and where you wish, with whoever you wish to dine with. I will be amazed if they have resorted to two sittings a la mass cruise lines. I reiterate that we will not rebook as usual. We are travelling with our son and daughter in law and some NZ friends. It would be too complicated to pre book at this point. We are looking forward to experiencing the new ship and hope to be positive about it

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[Mayflower1]

I am sorry Master Echo for my perceived 'attitude' for which I apologise.

 

I do however think matters have progressed since the first Reports in that it is now clear from the ' My Silversea ' Site that it is currently necessary to Book all Restaurants on The Muse - this was certainly not made clear in my opinion at the start.

 

I hope that all those Guests who are travelling on the initial Cruises will Report back with their faithful impressions of how this topic is working on board. I have been in contact with Silversea but as usual their comment was ' confused ' and I suspect they too believe it to be an ' Ongoing ' Issue ?

 

Apologies again for my approach.

Edited January 15, 2017 by Mayflower1

[les37b]

I expect it would be useful to know the capacity of each restaurant which would enable people to judge a little better. If you know there are seating in total for 1000 people and there are 2 sittings, you know getting exactly what you want will not be a problem. If the ratio is nearer to cruise capacities then there is likely to be an issue. I have made aware friends on an early cruise and they were oblivious to it. So much so they intend fact finding themselves with their TA. Generally they tend to use the MDR, so this was a huge negative to them. They are far enough out that cancellation of a grande suite is a real possibility.

 

One thing I'm fairly sure about is that Silversea wont let this manifest itself into a big problem that will cost them business. They will know they cant allow "clued up" people to hog the bookings 120 days out, but then again, I cant see how they can give people quotas on what they can book either.

 

I guess this is the problem with giving you more choice!

 

I think the missing casino will also be a huge negative for the Muse. (I welcome it - but my friends are not aMused.

 

If I hear anything back if they find out anything I will post.

[Stumblefoot]

A simple solution IMHO would be to move reservations to a system similar to Open Table, whereby a certain set of tables would be excluded from online reservations in order to accommodate walk-in guests who prefer to decide where to dine on the spur of the moment. As you can tell, I'm not a fan of the current system because it's not a true reservation system, but rather just a request system.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ernieb]

Hello Les.

 

I believe there is a casino that will be located on Deck 7 starboard side just forward of the Silver Note.

[les37b]

Hello Les.

 

I believe there is a casino that will be located on Deck 7 starboard side just forward of the Silver Note.

 

Thanks Ernie.

 

The deck plan on the SS site shows where you mean, but doesnt name or list it. I just picked up on other members comments saying there wasnt one in previous threads.

 

Edit - this was the thread ..... but at the end there is a link to a revised deck plan.

Edited January 15, 2017 by les37b

[ernieb]

Thanks for the edit. Wonder why there would be 2 different versions of the deck plan?

[les37b]

Thanks for the edit. Wonder why there would be 2 different versions of the deck plan?

 

I'm guessing they had a change of plan! lol (Or moreover correcting an oversight.)

 

But seriously, if you look at the original its dated 2015 and the second was 2016. The latter is the one they use on the Muse web page. I searched google before and thats what it found.

 

It wouldnt affect me. I dont like gambling, so I bet you a £ you'd not see me in there playing.

[wripro]

A simple solution IMHO would be to move reservations to a system similar to Open Table, whereby a certain set of tables would be excluded from online reservations in order to accommodate walk-in guests who prefer to decide where to dine on the spur of the moment. As you can tell, I'm not a fan of the current system because it's not a true reservation system, but rather just a request system.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

If they did that everyone would wait until onboard and there would be an onslaught of requests at the last minute.

[Stumblefoot]

If they did that everyone would wait until onboard and there would be an onslaught of requests at the last minute.

I respectfully disagree. For example, those that prefer to book the restaurant reservations in advance would be able to do so at the time of their choosing and it would be confirmed in real time. But, for those that prefer to make decisions on the day they actually want to dine would have the flexibility to just show-up as a walk-in and be accommodated.

 

Personally, I don't want to have to book all of my nightly reservations in advance as we like to dine spur of the moment some nights. At the same time, it was exceptionally frustrating on our last voyage to have used the current online system to "book" a night in Le Champagne and Seishin only to be informed once on board that our reservations were not honored. That is what frustrates me most about the current "My Silversea" system... it will show you that you've made a booking, but it is merely a request, not a confirmed reservation. A system like Open Table would resolve that problem.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Close Call]

I think there will be a lot of passengers that will try to make reservations on-board. The folks with a lot of history on Silversea will count on their relationship with the ship's staff to get them seated. The staff will be hard-pressed to disappoint a long-time customer. I have tried to get an understanding of seating capacity, per restaurant, from my TA. Nothing yet.

 

In the meantime, the website appears to have cleared up the problems with the first 5-6 days. There are reservations available. We just aren't ready to commit to venues or times without knowing our shore excursion schedule. We may be the ones with the 6 pm or 10 pm dining options!:):)

Edited January 15, 2017 by Close Call

[jimdee3636]

This whole discussion reminds me of a conversation I had with a Silversea food & beverage person shortly after the design of the Muse was announced. "Guests will either love or hate the restaurant concept," he said. I think he was right---at least about the "hate" part!

[les37b]

I think there will be a lot of passengers that will try to make reservations on-board. The folks with a lot of history on Silversea will count on their relationship with the ship's staff to get them seated. The staff will be hard-pressed to disappoint a long-time customer. I have tried to get an understanding of seating capacity, per restaurant, from my TA. Nothing yet.

 

In the meantime, the website appears to have cleared up the problems with the first 5-6 days. There are reservations available. We just aren't ready to commit to venues or times without knowing our shore excursion schedule. We may be the ones with the 6 pm or 10 pm dining options!:):)

 

Interesting. The 16 June in Monaco seems to be full with no booking available for La Terrazza and Atlantide. (The former being my choice for Monaco)

 

Obviously you cant book yet - so I suspect its been prebooked on block by Manfredi like he did on my trip to Monaco last April where La Champagne wasn't available to pre-book and was used by non passengers. (ie Prince Albert and some racing drivers! lol)

 

A bit off to be honest - Sitting on the Terrace when in port - particularly in Monaco would have been a meal highlight thats been removed from choice! Taking out two of the eight seems excessive!

Edited January 17, 2017 by les37b

[tripperva]

Hopefully Silversea will create a main dining room after a few months of passenger complaints. It is hard to imagine a fine ship without the MDR.

We just departed the Spirit yesterday and will continue to sail on Silversea, but we will not book the Muse until we know of better dining arrangement. As the original poster of this thread,it has prompted a lot of good discussion.

[Carol From California]

We just booked a cruise on the Muse for 2018. The concept of no MDR really appeals to us. We like the idea of various restaurants. I am sure they will get the reservation process straightened out. We recently went on an Oceania cruise which has several restaurants and we only ate once in the MDR. I think we will see more cruise lines going in this direction.

[Bon.Vivant]

We just booked a cruise on the Muse for 2018. The concept of no MDR really appeals to us. We like the idea of various restaurants. I am sure they will get the reservation process straightened out. We recently went on an Oceania cruise which has several restaurants and we only ate once in the MDR. I think we will see more cruise lines going in this direction.

 

I really hope that we do not see more cruise lines going in this direction. I usually travel solo, and the prospect of having to dine alone is not appealing to me. I understand that there are more people travelling solo these days, and I'm sure most would feel as I do.

 

Also, specialty restaurants do not ensure "variety". They usually have basically the same menu each day. Whereas, a main dining room usually has a different menu each night.