Silver Moon 3 Jan 2022 it's finally here! Feedback.... And any Questions, fire away.

[les37b]

43 minutes ago, seaver said:

Les, What your guess-estimate for how many will be aboard by the time we board in Bridgetown?

 

Genuinely no idea. There are 35 grand voyagers now.  Not sure what the original leg was or loading. My guestimate for the 3rd Leg is 35.

 

Hope you get 300 ....  It's a bit strange guest company missing.

 

Virtually everyone off now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[les37b]

3 minutes ago, Trailcreek said:

Thanks everyone. We were all packed up and waiting for our driver to pick us up and take us to the airport to fly to Lima and then catch a plane to Guayaquil when my husband got the email from SS. We had jumped through all the hoops required to go on this trip. Health insurance, a negative PCR test, QR codes, forms, etc. I have a folder an inch thick of documents that were required. What distresses me the most is my TA and I have been in contact with SS operations about schedule changes since Friday. They kept assuring us that there were no changes. We even called yesterday morning and asked them again if their was ANY rumblings about Argentina. They said there no foreseeable itinerary changes. This was yesterday morning. My husband said he was not going even if it could not get a dime back because he could no longer trust SS. He felt their practices were deceptive and they were giving out disinformation.  We immediately called our TA, who never received the information about the schedule change. She called SS and told them we wanted to cancel because this was not the cruise we had purchased and they were going to leave us in Montevideo with no plans of how we were going to get to Buenos Aires to catch our plane back home since we did not purchase their air. SS told her they need to talk to a supervisor to get a FCC. They did not call her back and when she called back they did not answer the phone. Finally after 4 hours and many attempts she was able to get someone to issue us a credit. We have been loyal SS customers and felt this was inexcusable. This is corporate not a reflection on the individuals who work for SS and seem to have a done a wonderful job aboard the Moon.  Sorry for the long story. Yes thank you and we will contact you for the real story.

ekfastow@gmail.com

 

Really so sorry to hear this.

 

Why a FCC? The cruise is a different product to what you booked. If you look back, it was probably 6 days ago I knew something was afoot with Argentina, though it wasn't confirmed. The Grand Voyagers on the moon now do not seem to have any email regarding this change which is such a poor show its embarrassing. 

[RetiredandTravel]

33 minutes ago, les37b said:

 

Really so sorry to hear this.

 

Why a FCC? The cruise is a different product to what you booked. If you look back, it was probably 6 days ago I knew something was afoot with Argentina, though it wasn't confirmed. The Grand Voyagers on the moon now do not seem to have any email regarding this change which is such a poor show its embarrassing. 

 

 

Very unfortunate.  I'm left with the impression that SS senior management didn't do a good job instituting contingencies for the personnel to deal with inevitable.   Transparency is key, IMO its much better to just get the bad news.  

 

I'll get off my soapbox.  Glad to hear in the end you had fun Les.  The SALT bar does look very cool, sorry if I missed it but what is the house Champagne??

 

Cheers!!

Edited January 19, 2022 by RetiredandTravel

[Silver Spectre]

1 hour ago, Trailcreek said:

Thanks everyone. We were all packed up and waiting for our driver to pick us up and take us to the airport to fly to Lima and then catch a plane to Guayaquil when my husband got the email from SS. We had jumped through all the hoops required to go on this trip. Health insurance, a negative PCR test, QR codes, forms, etc. I have a folder an inch thick of documents that were required. What distresses me the most is my TA and I have been in contact with SS operations about schedule changes since Friday. They kept assuring us that there were no changes. We even called yesterday morning and asked them again if their was ANY rumblings about Argentina. They said there no foreseeable itinerary changes. This was yesterday morning. My husband said he was not going even if it could not get a dime back because he could no longer trust SS. He felt their practices were deceptive and they were giving out disinformation.  We immediately called our TA, who never received the information about the schedule change. She called SS and told them we wanted to cancel because this was not the cruise we had purchased and they were going to leave us in Montevideo with no plans of how we were going to get to Buenos Aires to catch our plane back home since we did not purchase their air. SS told her they need to talk to a supervisor to get a FCC. They did not call her back and when she called back they did not answer the phone. Finally after 4 hours and many attempts she was able to get someone to issue us a credit. We have been loyal SS customers and felt this was inexcusable. This is corporate not a reflection on the individuals who work for SS and seem to have a done a wonderful job aboard the Moon.  Sorry for the long story. Yes thank you and we will contact you for the real story.

ekfastow@gmail.com

Really sorry to hear that you have been messed about so much. With such a significant set of changes I would like to know why you haven’t been offered a full refund. Like others who are feeling distressed with SS’s service at the moment I suggest you take it up with Barbara Muckermann.

[Silver Spectre]

Hi Les, do you know if Vicki has made it off the ship, and if so who is her replacement. If you can get off in Chile do you which port it will be.

[Gourmet Gal]

I’m really shocked at the what could be construed as either deception or incompetence.  I almost wish it were the latter which could possibly be blamed on the myriad Covid travel complications.  There’s port closures, rigid testing requirements, infected staff all to be “navigated” by rookie and/or reduced staff across the board.  Are these problems attributed to the Corporate ownership or is it hard to tell because if the massive Covid impact?  I’ve always thought the true essence of a company will show itself during major challenges.  Sounds like SS is not measuring up.  I have one more cruise booked with them this year and will proceed with caution before booking another.

[les37b]

We all had another Antigen and every one passed. Phew. That's 5 antigen and 4 PCRs in 7 days.... I'm as certain as I can be my close contact is no longer a concern. I've escaped against all the odds.

 

 

Below they are setting up for the new arrivals. I expect the tent is the testing point. 

 

 

 

Vicki has been cleared to get off today and being replaced by Katerina and her first stint as CD but has been with SS for a while. She is from Greece 

 

Numbers arriving and sailing the second leg are still vague. I'd previously posted total was 69 which I did seek clarity on if that excluded those staying on and was told it was including. Seems that may have been wrong. I've just been told 63 boarding but expected that number to decrease. Very sad, but the lack of clarity and poor communication have made a difficult situation unforgiving. 

 

I've just been told this port is now on Ecuador's red list and tours cancelled.thats different to what I'd been told earlier. No issue to me ... Im now in cotton wool and taking no chances 

 

I understand one individual and close contact chose to disembark and do their 14 days here. Odd choice, but sure there is a reason.

[les37b]

That info re no tours was hot off the press when I posted....and wrong. There is one tour which you cannot get off the bus, so technically I guess correct.

 

People have started to arrive and expect the first may be boarding by 13.30 which is better than FLL

 

 

Grand Voyagers got their letter regarding Argentina after the antigen test and the cruise I guess has now officially begun now the itinerary is on the TVs.

 

 

Edited January 19, 2022 by les37b

[Silver Spectre]

The WC’ers had one bus tour yesterday, no getting off the bus and a police escort to make sure. Not sure how many got off or on the Whisper.

[les37b]

13 minutes ago, Silver Spectre said:

The WC’ers had one bus tour yesterday, no getting off the bus and a police escort to make sure. Not sure how many got off or on the Whisper.

 

Exactly the same (though no idea about the police escort.)

 

One (or two?) of the Moon Grand Cruisers just joined them.

 

 

[rkacruiser]

6 hours ago, Silver Spectre said:

Like others who are feeling distressed with SS’s service at the moment I suggest you take it up with Barbara Muckermann.

 

"Chains need to be rattled" in situations like this.  And, those "chains" need to be heard further up the food chain than Ms. Muckermann.  

[les37b]

Well as you can imagine once the excitement of the antigen test was over the rest of the morning and afternoon was a bit of a bore. We got some euphoria (myself and the other husband .. who supports the same soccer team as me) watching a remarkable victory with an OMG moment to saviour. The game wasn't on TV but was able get on my phone and stream. As guests came on, the bandwidth noticeably went. 36 people sharing (I might have been the only one using) got worse..... So we missed the highlight of snatching victory from defeat with 40 seconds to go. Woo hoo....  Something to Lap up.

 

Anyway, using my phone killed my battery. They had already made an announcement that Ecuador "needed" to check everyone's bags again.

 

The game had finished, but happened to see from panorama all the bags laid out (I counted 79) with many Ecuadorian policemen and a sniffer dog running back in forth while one of the policemen filmed. 

 

Needless to say they were wasting their time and soon after luggage was on board. Everyone has done the drill, so maybe we will set off on time for 3 full sea days followed by a day in Arica for yet another PCR to clear requirements for entry in Chile. Sadly this is the only port our "extra voyage time" gives us. My wife will be free from jail by then.

 

Excuse the lack of "midnight express-esque" type photo. Blame that on my team winning, so a damn good reason. Lol

 

Hopefully new guests coming on will present their own perspective and contribute their thoughts  I'll repeat again... It's been a good cruise under the circumstances until those pesky tests. I wouldn't change anything on dobbing ourselves in, despite the outcome.

Edited January 19, 2022 by les37b

[Silver Spectre]

Make the most of your days at sea and enjoy that nice, warm feeling of a mid-week away win.

[les37b]

Salt bar has changed menu... Boom....

 

 

It's back!!!

 

 

46 minutes ago, Silver Spectre said:

Make the most of your days at sea and enjoy that nice, warm feeling of a mid-week away win.

 

Oh I certainly enjoyed it. 

 

I've a feeling her release from jail time means she misses the trip we had hoped to do in Arica by an hour. Cruel. 10 days is actually 11 ! Confused? She was!

 

[tv24]

I've been following this voyage and this thread and find it troubling as a first-time Silversea passsenger, with a crossing booked on the Silver Dawn that may not sail.  I'm not feeling feely trusting of the corporation.

[cece50]

Good Luck to you & your wife Les. Wishing the remainder of your journey goes very smoothly.  Thanks for sharing your trials & tribulations knowing that you helped many people organize their thoughts regarding future plans.  I, for one, am extremely thankful for your insights & recommendations.  These are unprecedented times in travel & taking off the rose colored glasses right now will help everyone make sound  decisions based on their own tolerance level. The true victims  right now in the travel industry are the hardworking crews, TA,  all staff in hospitality industry, small shop owners etc.  I pray this is all over soon and government bureaucracies step aside as I fear they see no end game.  Just MHO. 

Edited January 20, 2022 by cece50

[les37b]

Trying to find out the realise time and date, we have finally got this and some good news. Day 10 is the release day but doesn't have to complete the full 24 hour block. So we've just this minute got a date and time of 23 Jan at 9am all cleared and approved with the CDC. I'm over the moon.

 

In between I just saw something this morning that was disturbing and intend on bringing to the attention of the HD. I had literally arrived in La Terrazza with the intention of getting some fresh fruit. I'd previously commented at being unhappy the bowls were being passed through rather than over the top.

 

There was a gentleman just in front who decided he would stick his hands inside to pick up the spoon from the bottom with his hand touching the fruit. The server tried to stop him but didn't make it. I turned away and the guy handing out plates asked "you're not hungry today". I said I was but after seeing guests hands going into the bowls I'm going to pass. Hopefully it's constructive criticism that can be resolved ... Even if it's just sign "not self service".

[seaver]

Les, I know if it was me in  my cabin for 10 days I would go crazy. Have you heard of anyone asking to take a walk say at 3 or 4 in the morning just to get out for a little exercise?

[saminina]

Thinking about boarding Moon next month.   Bottled spring water.....can you advise what is being served......if anything?   Maybe better to bring own on board?   Thank you!

[saminina]

Looks like we're boarding the next stop.....if they do stop in Montevideo.   Besides spring water, what obvious culinary items might be missing?   Maple syrup.....is it on board?  Meaning the genuine stuff, not Mrs. Butterworth or her cousin.  This is a reluctant booking, but looking forward to seeing my favorite Ukrainian.

[les37b]

7 hours ago, seaver said:

Les, I know if it was me in  my cabin for 10 days I would go crazy. Have you heard of anyone asking to take a walk say at 3 or 4 in the morning just to get out for a little exercise?

 

 

They have machine gun guard at the entrance! lol

 

Nah, the whole area is blocked. No one outside the doors of their suites let alone into corridor. 

 

Well something mad just happen. Engines have been shut down. Just prior (I'm on the panorama terrace) the whole of the canopy vibrated so much it felt like it was going to collapsed. Inside a ceiling panel came down.

 

After a couple of minutes the engines have been cut. The vibrations were felt at the front and extremely violent all over.

 

Engine failure or propellor issue? 

 

No idea what, but looks very serious. We are barely moving, but has now increased power a little, the vibration can still be felt. 

 

New captain only been on 2 days. No announcement yet.

 

It's all happening on this one

[saminina]

Are you sure you're on Moon, not Wind?

 

But, YIKES!  

[les37b]

2 minutes ago, saminina said:

Are you sure you're on Moon, not Wind?

 

But, YIKES!  

 

Haha.... Well it's windy and moon is out.

 

Speed back up to 13MPH

[les37b]

Seems ok again now.... Never had that before!

[jpalbny]

47 minutes ago, les37b said:

Seems ok again now.... Never had that before!

Maybe they rebooted Windows?