Silver Endeavour Getting "a bit" of a Makeover...Question

[number one eagles fan]

Does anyone have any details as to the plans for Endeavour? I read that she may have some cabins added where the helipad is currently located. When and where may this take place? I also wonder if they plan to make any other changes to the ship. She looks beautiful. I'm curious because I sail her down to Antarctica, the Falklands, and the South Georgia Islands on her first fall trip on October 31st.

 

This will be my first Silversea trip, being a seasoned Celebrity cruiser. I think I'm going to be in for a treat based on what I'm reading.

[Rothko1]

When I was aboard her last month they did mention that she's going into dry dock, and that they are going to add some additional suites to her where the helipad is.  Also, they are reconfiguring the space where the casino used to be.  I imagine they will do some other refurbishments as well.

 

You are absolutely going to love the ship.  She is top-of-the-line.

[number one eagles fan]

20 minutes ago, Rothko1 said:

When I was aboard her last month they did mention that she's going into dry dock, and that they are going to add some additional suites to her where the helipad is.  Also, they are reconfiguring the space where the casino used to be.  I imagine they will do some other refurbishments as well.

 

You are absolutely going to love the ship.  She is top-of-the-line.

Oh thank you for the response. We are very excited. Since she is new to the fleet it is difficult to get information on her.

 

We have booked a "Classic Veranda Guarantee." I'm curious as to where we end up...especially with them adding new suites. 

 

How was her "movement" in Antarctica? Not sure if you did the "Antarctic Bridge" or not?

 

Thank you for the information.

[Mr Luxury]

2 hours ago, number one eagles fan said:

Does anyone have any details as to the plans for Endeavour? I read that she may have some cabins added where the helipad is currently located. When and where may this take place? I also wonder if they plan to make any other changes to the ship. She looks beautiful. I'm curious because I sail her down to Antarctica, the Falklands, and the South Georgia Islands on her first fall trip on October 31st.

 

This will be my first Silversea trip, being a seasoned Celebrity cruiser. I think I'm going to be in for a treat based on what I'm reading.

My TA is on Endeavour at the moment.

He has said that it is in great condition and the food is excellent.

The pictures of the cruise look great.

[Rothko1]

40 minutes ago, number one eagles fan said:

Oh thank you for the response. We are very excited. Since she is new to the fleet it is difficult to get information on her.

 

We have booked a "Classic Veranda Guarantee." I'm curious as to where we end up...especially with them adding new suites. 

 

How was her "movement" in Antarctica? Not sure if you did the "Antarctic Bridge" or not?

 

Thank you for the information.

 

We did the Antarctic Bridge, so we did not go through the Drake (Thank God!).  For our trip (King George to the peninsula, down it and then back up and back to King George), we had pretty nice smooth seas.  On the last night it was a little bit rough, but she handled it just fine.

 

That being said, I would still bring seasickness remedies or medications, because one never knows.

 

I was originally listed as a Classic Veranda Guarantee when they switched our cruise from the Explorer to the Endeavour.  But then when I got our actual room assignment, we were upgraded to a Deluxe Veranda suite.  Maybe if you are lucky the same will happen to you!

 

[Woodrowst]

This is from a November 25, 2022 article in Travel Weekly. 

The link for the complete article is: https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/First-Call-Silversea-brings-small-changes-to-Endeavour-for-now

 

Bigger Changes in Store

A planned drydock after the Antarctic season will bring several substantial changes to the Endeavour.

The large casino, which Silversea isn't using, will be turned into crew cabins and an infirmary, while the current infirmary will become four balcony suites. 

The helicopter bay on Deck 8 will be remodeled into six suites, since Silversea doesn't plan to carry the two helicopters that Crystal had on order for the ship.

Muckermann said the helicopters are being shelved for several reasons: They can't be offered to every guest; they are costly to staff and maintain; they can provoke anxiety for wildlife; and most importantly, if something goes wrong in Antarctica, limited rescue resources and harsh climate conditions can compound any problem.

But she said Silversea hasn't ruled out employing helicopters in other parts of the world, using local tour operators that would land and take off their own helicopters on the ship. 

Silversea had hoped to make other changes prior to the Antarctica season but due to supply chains issues was unable to have them done. Muckermann said the company is focused on making short-term fixes to such "customer experience" issues. For example, some bathroom shower doors rattled at night and had rubber bands holding them in place. Silversea also plans to alter an overactive motion-sensor light in the walk-in closet as well as the closet door that doesn't latch properly.

"That's actually a really complicated door to get rid of and install," Muckermann said. "Since the 15th of July, we knew we needed to fix this stuff but due to the constraints we couldn't." 

[number one eagles fan]

2 hours ago, Woodrowst said:

This is from a November 25, 2022 article in Travel Weekly. 

The link for the complete article is: https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/First-Call-Silversea-brings-small-changes-to-Endeavour-for-now

 

Bigger Changes in Store

A planned drydock after the Antarctic season will bring several substantial changes to the Endeavour.

The large casino, which Silversea isn't using, will be turned into crew cabins and an infirmary, while the current infirmary will become four balcony suites. 

The helicopter bay on Deck 8 will be remodeled into six suites, since Silversea doesn't plan to carry the two helicopters that Crystal had on order for the ship.

Muckermann said the helicopters are being shelved for several reasons: They can't be offered to every guest; they are costly to staff and maintain; they can provoke anxiety for wildlife; and most importantly, if something goes wrong in Antarctica, limited rescue resources and harsh climate conditions can compound any problem.

But she said Silversea hasn't ruled out employing helicopters in other parts of the world, using local tour operators that would land and take off their own helicopters on the ship. 

Silversea had hoped to make other changes prior to the Antarctica season but due to supply chains issues was unable to have them done. Muckermann said the company is focused on making short-term fixes to such "customer experience" issues. For example, some bathroom shower doors rattled at night and had rubber bands holding them in place. Silversea also plans to alter an overactive motion-sensor light in the walk-in closet as well as the closet door that doesn't latch properly.

"That's actually a really complicated door to get rid of and install," Muckermann said. "Since the 15th of July, we knew we needed to fix this stuff but due to the constraints we couldn't." 

Thank you for the link. I guess I'll have to keep an eye on her this spring to see what her facelift looks like.

[cruiseej]

@number one eagles fan The primary changes to Endeavour will be turning the helicopter bay into 6 suites; moving the medical center to the current casino space, and adding several crew cabins in that space; and turning the current medical center space into guest suites. And after sailing the ship in Antarctica for the pas few months, there's likely a long list of small tweaks and fixes, like the door latches and light sensor mentioned above.

 

Endeavour has just completed the last cruise of the Antartica season, having docked today in Puerto Williams. Her next cruise is May 7, from the UK. So she will be sailing quickly north and east to a dry dock facility in Europe prior to the late-spring/summer cruises.

 

I at first thought they might go to the shipyard where the Endeavour was built, but that shipyard in Germany went bankrupt as part of the whole Crystal/Genting Hong Kong collapse! Instead, she's headed for a shipyard in Genoa, Italy for the structural work. Figure on about 17-19 days to travel to Genoa, and that would leave just under 4 weeks available for the dry dock before she needs to load provisions and full crew for the 5-6 day sail to the UK for the summer season starting with the May 7 cruise. Work on the interior fit-out will apparently continue during the re-positioning to Portsmouth as well as during the first few cruises in May.

[Mr Luxury]

24 minutes ago, cruiseej said:

@number one eagles fan The primary changes to Endeavour will be turning the helicopter bay into 6 suites; moving the medical center to the current casino space, and adding several crew cabins in that space; and turning the current medical center space into guest suites. And after sailing the ship in Antarctica for the pas few months, there's likely a long list of small tweaks and fixes, like the door latches and light sensor mentioned above.

 

Endeavour has just completed the last cruise of the Antartica season, having docked today in Puerto Williams. Her next cruise is May 7, from the UK. So she will be sailing quickly north and east to a dry dock facility in Europe prior to the late-spring/summer cruises.

 

I at first thought they might go to the shipyard where the Endeavour was built, but that shipyard in Germany went bankrupt as part of the whole Crystal/Genting Hong Kong collapse! Instead, she's headed for a shipyard in Genoa, Italy for the structural work. Figure on about 17-19 days to travel to Genoa, and that would leave just under 4 weeks available for the dry dock before she needs to load provisions and full crew for the 5-6 day sail to the UK for the summer season starting with the May 7 cruise. Work on the interior fit-out will apparently continue during the re-positioning to Portsmouth as well as during the first few cruises in May.

I think I'll take my toolbox in case they need any help finishing it.

[number one eagles fan]

5 hours ago, cruiseej said:

@number one eagles fan The primary changes to Endeavour will be turning the helicopter bay into 6 suites; moving the medical center to the current casino space, and adding several crew cabins in that space; and turning the current medical center space into guest suites. And after sailing the ship in Antarctica for the pas few months, there's likely a long list of small tweaks and fixes, like the door latches and light sensor mentioned above.

 

Endeavour has just completed the last cruise of the Antartica season, having docked today in Puerto Williams. Her next cruise is May 7, from the UK. So she will be sailing quickly north and east to a dry dock facility in Europe prior to the late-spring/summer cruises.

 

I at first thought they might go to the shipyard where the Endeavour was built, but that shipyard in Germany went bankrupt as part of the whole Crystal/Genting Hong Kong collapse! Instead, she's headed for a shipyard in Genoa, Italy for the structural work. Figure on about 17-19 days to travel to Genoa, and that would leave just under 4 weeks available for the dry dock before she needs to load provisions and full crew for the 5-6 day sail to the UK for the summer season starting with the May 7 cruise. Work on the interior fit-out will apparently continue during the re-positioning to Portsmouth as well as during the first few cruises in May.

Thanks cruiseej! I'll look forward to seeing reviews from this summer's sailings to get an idea how the changes went. I can understand them wanting to remove the helipad. I'm sure it will be more of a revenue maker for them as suites.

 

Can't wait for our voyage.

Edited March 14, 2023 by number one eagles fan
incomplete

[Rothko1]

That's funny, I totally forgot about the rubber bands on the shower door.  The staff kept putting them on the door to keep it shut, and I'd take it off every morning for a shower, and they'd be back on whenever we came back to the room.  A quirky little thing; I thought nothing of it.

 

Also had a very aggressive closet light sensor that would go off if you walked to the bathroom at night.  Because the closet door couldn't close because of the latch issue.  The butler solved that problem on Day 2 by putting a piece of paper over the sensor so that the light would go on if you walked into the closet, but not if you walked by it.  Never bothered us again after the first night.

[cruiseej]

Endeavour has apparently completed its quick turnover in Puerto Williams this morning and departed; it's now heading for Montevideo, where I'd guess more crew will disembark and provisions will be offloaded prior to the long trans-Atlantic voyage to Italy. 

 

 

6 hours ago, number one eagles fan said:

I'll look forward to seeing reviews from this summer's sailings to get an idea how the changes went.

 

I don't think most of the upcoming changes will even be evident or meaningful to most passengers. The helicopter bay being converted to suites will only be seen by those who book those suites. The relocation of the medical center to the now-unused casino space won't affect people, nor will the additional crew cabins built in part of the former casino space. Similarly, the new suites created on Deck 5 where the medical center is now will only be seen by people who book those suites. So for most passengers, these changes will be invisible. The fix to the door latch and light sensor will probably have a bigger impact for everyone else! 

 

There might be some other small Silversea-ification (de-Crystalization?) tweaks around the ship, but it doesn't sound like there will be extensive changes.

 

It's interesting to me that Silversea hasn't posted revised deck plans, and therefore presumably isn't yet selling the new suites on Deck 5 or Deck 8, for voyages this summer and beyond. And the SS website still lists passenger capacity as 200.

 

 

6 hours ago, number one eagles fan said:

I can understand them wanting to remove the helipad.

 

From what I've read, I don't believe they will be removing the landing pad at the back of Deck 8 — it's just the helicopter bay (hanger) and helicopter lounge that's being renovated into 6 new suites. Barbara Muckermann told Travel Weekly last fall that "Silversea hasn't ruled out employing helicopters in other parts of the world [than Antarctica], using local tour operators that would land and take off their own helicopters on the ship."

 

[number one eagles fan]

35 minutes ago, cruiseej said:

Endeavour has apparently completed its quick turnover in Puerto Williams this morning and departed; it's now heading for Montevideo, where I'd guess more crew will disembark and provisions will be offloaded prior to the long trans-Atlantic voyage to Italy. 

 

 

 

I don't think most of the upcoming changes will even be evident or meaningful to most passengers. The helicopter bay being converted to suites will only be seen by those who book those suites. The relocation of the medical center to the now-unused casino space won't affect people, nor will the additional crew cabins built in part of the former casino space. Similarly, the new suites created on Deck 5 where the medical center is now will only be seen by people who book those suites. So for most passengers, these changes will be invisible. The fix to the door latch and light sensor will probably have a bigger impact for everyone else! 

 

There might be some other small Silversea-ification (de-Crystalization?) tweaks around the ship, but it doesn't sound like there will be extensive changes.

 

It's interesting to me that Silversea hasn't posted revised deck plans, and therefore presumably isn't yet selling the new suites on Deck 5 or Deck 8, for voyages this summer and beyond. And the SS website still lists passenger capacity as 200.

 

 

 

From what I've read, I don't believe they will be removing the landing pad at the back of Deck 8 — it's just the helicopter bay (hanger) and helicopter lounge that's being renovated into 6 new suites. Barbara Muckermann told Travel Weekly last fall that "Silversea hasn't ruled out employing helicopters in other parts of the world [than Antarctica], using local tour operators that would land and take off their own helicopters on the ship."

 

Really good information. I, too, was wondering why the deck plans haven't been updated. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[JSR]

A question for those that understand these time lines. Given that no one will know for sure until the time comes, does anyone think they may fall behind schedule and have to reschedule May sailings? Our cruise is not until June 4, and I am being a little goofy even asking...we were originally on a Seabourn itinerary which was cancelled twice due to ship delays and then never rescheduled. Our cruise is currently sold at 50% capacity. 

Thanks for indulging me about this. 

[riandei]

On 3/13/2023 at 8:51 AM, number one eagles fan said:

 

 

This will be my first Silversea trip, being a seasoned Celebrity cruiser. I think I'm going to be in for a treat based on what I'm reading.

First and foremost GO BIRDS.

 

We too are seasoned Celebrity cruises looking forward to our first SS cruise.

 

we were very happy with our 2 Crystal sailings but ready for something new.

 

again

 

GO 🦅 

 

 

[cruiseej]

13 hours ago, JSR said:

Given that no one will know for sure until the time comes, does anyone think they may fall behind schedule and have to reschedule May sailings?

 

As you say, no one will know for sure until that time, but… This appears to be a relatively "minor" dry dock, and I wouldn't think that they would cancel sailings if the work isn't complete. After all, they are gutting three specific areas of the ship in order to create more revenue-generating suites, so cancelling entire cruises would cost them more revenue than the added suites will generate over many months. As long as they can complete the major structural work — the ship obviously has to be watertight — the interior fit-out work can continue after the dry dock. And that appears to actually be their plan. Since they haven't yet sold the new suites, no one would be displaced as that work continues. Cancelling a cruise or two would cause major disruptions not just to passengers, but to the supplies pre-positioned at the first port, and the travel schedules of the crew coming back onboard. 

 

Could things go wrong? Of course! If the steel and windows and other structural raw materials aren't ready and waiting at the shipyard, that would be a problem. If the shipyard workers go on strike, that would be a problem. But if they foresee such issues which would cause cancellation of multiple cruises, they could also decide to skip the dry dock and continue sailing with the ship as it is now. But since the ship is steaming north at full speed after completing the last Antarctica cruise, it seems like things are still on track.

 

I would think the first cruise after the dry dock might be at some risk, if they start the work, fall behind, and have no choice but to keep the ship in dry dock to get her back to being sea-worthy. The first cruise from the UK is 13 days, which if cancelled would extend the time for the dry dock by roughly 50%. But I think that's unlikely. And your cruise isn't until June 4, the third scheduled sailing; I just don't see that being at much risk. You'll know for sure that your cruise is safe when tracking shows the ship has departed Genoa by about April 30. 🙂

[cruiseej]

On 3/14/2023 at 4:41 PM, cruiseej said:

It's interesting to me that Silversea hasn't posted revised deck plans, and therefore presumably isn't yet selling the new suites on Deck 5 or Deck 8, for voyages this summer and beyond. And the SS website still lists passenger capacity as 200.

 

And addressing my own puzzlement at this two days ago… today Silversea sent an email and updated the website with the new deck plans and information about the new Master (2) and Signature (4) suites on Deck 8 in the space formerly used for the helicopter hanger. (The revised deck plan also shows the 4 new Classic Veranda suites on Deck 5, where the Medical Center currently exists; the Medical Center is moving to Deck 4, where the Casino was formerly.) So, as promised, a total of 10 new suites, with the passenger capacity increased from 200 to 220. The new suites are listed as available beginning on the July 17 cruise, so it will apparently take quite some time after the dry dock to finish the fit-out of these suites. (Or, cynical view: SS executives will sail in them for a few cruises before being sold to passengers!)

 

Editing to add: I just looked at the prices for the new Master suites: nearly four times the cost of a Classic Veranda, and about 50% more than the Signature suites. Wow! Kudos to all who can afford these beautiful suites! I see they're already waitlisted for many cruises over the next year, even though they were just officially announced today. 😉

Edited March 16, 2023 by cruiseej

[number one eagles fan]

15 minutes ago, cruiseej said:

 

And addressing my own puzzlement at this two days ago… today Silversea sent an email and updated the website with the new deck plans and information about the new Master (2) and Signature (4) suites on Deck 8 in the space formerly used for the helicopter hanger. (The revised deck plan also shows the 4 new Classic Veranda suites on Deck 5, where the Medical Center currently exists; the Medical Center is moving to Deck 4, where the Casino was formerly.) So, as promised, a total of 10 new suites, with the passenger capacity increased from 200 to 220. The new suites are listed as available beginning on the July 17 cruise, so it will apparently take quite some time after the dry dock to finish the fit-out of these suites. (Or, cynical view: SS executives will sail in them for a few cruises before being sold to passengers!)

 

Editing to add: I just looked at the prices for the new Master suites: nearly four times the cost of a Classic Veranda, and about 50% more than the Signature suites. Wow! Kudos to all who can afford these beautiful suites! I see they're already waitlisted for many cruises over the next year, even though they were just officially announced today. 😉

I saw the email as well. I think I'll pass on the Master Suite. It's a little rich for my pocketbook. I wouldn't mind, however, making friends with those who are staying in the Master Suite.😁

[bohaiboy]

Here is what I received from SS directly  

ENHANCED SUITES ON SILVER ENDEAVOUR   Silver Endeavour’s inaugural season in Antarctica has now concluded and she will soon depart the Seventh Continent for more northerly latitudes. Since November, Silver Endeavour has pushed boundaries in expedition cruising, becoming the season’s first ship to cross the Antarctic Circle. Now, in preparation for the Arctic, Silver Endeavour is set to evolve yet again. Enhancing her onboard experience for your enjoyment, we will introduce 10 spectacular suites. Elegant, spacious, and light-filled, these accommodations will connect you with the world like never before.   DISCOVER MORE

MASTER SUITES   Ultimate destination immersion with uninterrupted views, innovative glass-dome, lavish amenities with whirlpool and our most spacious balconies.   LEARN MORE

SIGNATURE SUITES   A luxury of space in both dining and living rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, an expansive bed, a generous balcony and separate whirlpool bath.   LEARN MORE

[bohaiboy]

[bohaiboy]

[TLCOhio]

Interesting thread, comments and follow-ups.  From travel guru Gene Sloan yesterday, they had this headline: “The coolest rooms at sea? This cruise line is converting a helicopter hangar into super suites” with these highlights: “They will be suites with such commanding views that being in one will feel like being in a helicopter.  Which is fitting, since the space they will occupy originally was designed for a helicopter.   Luxury line Silversea Cruises on Thursday announced that it would add six super suites to the top of its new luxury expedition ship, Silver Endeavour, in a soaring space with a prime location that until now has housed a helicopter hangar.  Facing the ship's wake with views in several directions, the two new master suites will measure a whopping 1,163 square feet. This doesn't include the massive balconies that measure 312 square feet.”

 

No mention on pricing?  Will I need to win the Lottery to afford these new luxury suites?  Here more from his report: "With the Antarctica season now winding down, the line is moving forward with a significant overhaul of the vessel designed to make it even more luxurious than it was before."

 

Full story at:

https://thepointsguy.com/news/silversea-endeavour-cruise-ship-master-suite/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 246,501 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[machotspur]

On 3/13/2023 at 12:51 PM, number one eagles fan said:

Does anyone have any details as to the plans for Endeavour? I read that she may have some cabins added where the helipad is currently located. When and where may this take place? I also wonder if they plan to make any other changes to the ship. She looks beautiful. I'm curious because I sail her down to Antarctica, the Falklands, and the South Georgia Islands on her first fall trip on October 31st.

 

This will be my first Silversea trip, being a seasoned Celebrity cruiser. I think I'm going to be in for a treat based on what I'm reading.

 

Hey there eagles fan - Mrs machotspur and I will be joining you on Endeavour in October. We have been trying to do this itinerary for 5 years now. For one thing or another there has been 3-4 cancellations !

The ship certainly looks interesting - glad they've got rid of the 'toys' - helicopters etc.

We were previously booked on Cloud but decided to switch to Endeavour, purely as it looked so 'new'.

 

Looking forward to my glass of scotch toasting Ernest Shackleton on South Georgia 😋

 

  

 

    

[number one eagles fan]

16 minutes ago, machotspur said:

 

Hey there eagles fan - Mrs machotspur and I will be joining you on Endeavour in October. We have been trying to do this itinerary for 5 years now. For one thing or another there has been 3-4 cancellations !

The ship certainly looks interesting - glad they've got rid of the 'toys' - helicopters etc.

We were previously booked on Cloud but decided to switch to Endeavour, purely as it looked so 'new'.

 

Looking forward to my glass of scotch toasting Ernest Shackleton on South Georgia 😋

 

  

 

    

We look forward to experiencing this trip with you. And of course, toasting Ernest.🤪

[jsea]

On 3/13/2023 at 9:53 AM, number one eagles fan said:

How was her "movement" in Antarctica? Not sure if you did the "Antarctic Bridge" or not?

We sailed when she was with Crystal. After 30 cruises, I don’t consider myself prone to seasickness, but the Drake was a new experience for me. I wasn’t bedridden, by any means, but I certainly didn’t feel 100%. 
 

We were in a Silver Suite and the door between the toilet and bathroom would slam open and shut during our Drake crossings. So our room steward jerry-rigged  a hand towel sound deadener in the area is the door latch. 

 

She’s a magnificent vessel and I am glad she’s being well-cared for.