Silver Moon: Late Dec., Jan. Sailing Challenges/Questions??

[Skyhigh]

E-tickets for the Jan 6 embarkation at Aqaba were sent this morning.  Otherwise, no other word from SS.

 

It appears that a "US led operation" will help to protect ships in the area.  

 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/18/politics/commercial-ships-red-sea-gulf-of-aden-houthi-attacks/index.html

[Colleen Higginson]

Hard to believe SS will do this cruise considering human safety 🥺

[TLCOhio]

On 12/19/2023 at 12:13 PM, Skyhigh said:

E-tickets for the Jan 6 embarkation at Aqaba were sent this morning.  Otherwise, no other word from SS.  It appears that a "US led operation" will help to protect ships in the area.  

https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/18/politics/commercial-ships-red-sea-gulf-of-aden-houthi-attacks/index.html

 

Appreciate these follow-ups and added information for the upcoming Silver Moon sailing.  The ship is now in Greece and we look forward to learning how things will work out during the critical Jan. 11-12 period when needing to navigate around the Yeman shoreline.  

 

From MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “Houthi rebels continue Red Sea attacks despite new US-led coalition” with these highlights: “Yemen’s Houthi rebels continued to attack ships in the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel’s war on Gaza, with at least two vessels and a US destroyer targeted with drones over the weekend.   The US military said the USS Laboon shot down four drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen towards its position in the southern Red Sea on Saturday and responded to distress calls from two commercial vessels.  A Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker was reportedly hit, while a Norwegian-flagged tanker was targeted but not struck, Centcom said.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/middleeast/houthi-rebels-continue-red-sea-attacks-despite-new-us-led-coalition/ar-AA1lY5oO

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 247,292 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

[midfield anchor]

We are due to board Silver Moon in Muscat on 16 January. We know that the previous cruise will depart from Jordan on 6 January, but will it, in fact, be able to complete its journey to Muscat as scheduled? It entails making the passage via the dangerous Bab al-Mandab Strait. Has any cruise ship actually undertaken this risky journey since the rebels began launching their attacks? We certainly do not envy Silversea having to face this decision, but the clock is ticking. Passengers will require clear information.....  

[fdnycruiser]

I’m wondering  if SS insurance companies are going to charge them a huge premium to go through this area, or will they decide not to insure. Seems like the area gets riskier each day.

[TLCOhio]

6 hours ago, midfield anchor said:

Has any cruise ship actually undertaken this risky journey since the rebels began launching their attacks? We certainly do not envy Silversea having to face this decision, but the clock is ticking. Passengers will require clear information.....  

 

Great question as to any other cruise ships operating in this Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.  My following of these various news stories has not mentioned anything about cruise ship being fired upon and/or impacted.  My guess and speculation is that there are not now many, if any, cruise ships operating in this Red Sea region or area of the world.  The peak load of ships in the Med have now shifted west-bound to the Caribbean or ships doing Alaska going down to Australia/NZ, etc.   We will keep checking and following any and all updates.  

 

Good luck to midfield anchor with your Jan. 18 boarding of the Silver Moon.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[gypsyjennifer1]

1 hour ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Great question as to any other cruise ships operating in this Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.  My following of these various news stories has not mentioned anything about cruise ship being fired upon and/or impacted.  My guess and speculation is that there are not now many, if any, cruise ships operating in this Red Sea region or area of the world.  The peak load of ships in the Med have now shifted west-bound to the Caribbean or ships doing Alaska going down to Australia/NZ, etc.   We will keep checking and following any and all updates.  

 

Good luck to midfield anchor with your Jan. 18 boarding of the Silver Moon.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

https://www.cruisemapper.com

check this website as you will see there are no other cruises sailing in the Red Sea.  Follow the Silversea Moon in the next days 

[TLCOhio]

14 hours ago, gypsyjennifer1 said:

https://www.cruisemapper.com

check this website as you will see there are no other cruises sailing in the Red Sea.  Follow the Silversea Moon in the next days 

 

Appreciate this great web link and follow-up.  Wonderful and useful Internet site.  Below is a screen shot for what I just checked as to the Silver Moon's current location.  Will be following along, especially as the Silver Moon sails south in early January down the Red Sea.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[midfield anchor]

Thank you for your comments.

 

Urgent questions remain for the 6 January cruise (Aqaba to Muscat):

1. In light of insurance implications and the threat to crew/passenger safety, will Silversea actually proceed with the plan to send the Moon through the dangerous Bab al-Mandab Strait on 11/12 January? It seems that no other cruise ship has attempted this journey since the Houthi rebels began launching attacks on shipping in the area.

2. How long might it take Silversea to inform passengers that they will not be able to reach Muscat as planned? A swift and transparent decision is required. A separate thread ("Silver Moon sailing 6 January") highlights the importance of such transparent communications.

 

We are scheduled to board the 16 January cruise from Muscat to Dubai. We really hope that this trip happens, but we have our doubts....

[Colleen Higginson]

Surely it can’t - Silversea wouldn’t be insured to cruise there  - neither will passengers insurance cover anything there. Interesting this company is not making decisions to cease cruising in this area and passengers expected to just keep planning airfares, accommodation and visas etc. 

[CardowMD]

Just heard Maersk resuming Suez Canal transits since multi-country Joint naval task force will be escorting ships thru the transit now.

[gypsyjennifer1]

1 hour ago, midfield anchor said:

Thank you for your comments.

 

Urgent questions remain for the 6 January cruise (Aqaba to Muscat):

1. In light of insurance implications and the threat to crew/passenger safety, will Silversea actually proceed with the plan to send the Moon through the dangerous Bab al-Mandab Strait on 11/12 January? It seems that no other cruise ship has attempted this journey since the Houthi rebels began launching attacks on shipping in the area.

2. How long might it take Silversea to inform passengers that they will not be able to reach Muscat as planned? A swift and transparent decision is required. A separate thread ("Silver Moon sailing 6 January") highlights the importance of such transparent communications.

 

We are scheduled to board the 16 January cruise from Muscat to Dubai. We really hope that this trip happens, but we have our doubts....

Great questions but Silversea can only answer these questions. Not sure if anyone on the board has called Silversea lately and talked with a supervisor or manager..

[TLCOhio]

2 hours ago, CardowMD said:

Just heard Maersk resuming Suez Canal transits since multi-country Joint naval task force will be escorting ships thru the transit now.

 

Great news to hear!!  Will keep monitoring and checking.  Within the week, we will see and know for sure as the Silver Moon is scheduled to head south down the Suez Canal on Dec. 31.  Good luck for all involved.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[Charli001]

I received my e ticket for Silvermoon sailing from Dubai to Mumbai 26/01.

 

Charli001 from Sydney

[Charli001]

I think is is very dangerous for Silvermoon to sail the Red Sea, it would appear Silverseas is still going ahead with the 6 Jan cruise, no other cruise lines are taking this course. I don't think we can expect war ships to guide Silvermoon through the Red Sea for a cruise. Missiles are targeting ships 300 miles from India. Would like to hear thoughts on this.

 

Charlie001 from Sydney

[Hopafora]

5 hours ago, Charli001 said:

I think is is very dangerous for Silvermoon to sail the Red Sea, it would appear Silverseas is still going ahead with the 6 Jan cruise, no other cruise lines are taking this course. I don't think we can expect war ships to guide Silvermoon through the Red Sea for a cruise. Missiles are targeting ships 300 miles from India. Would like to hear thoughts on this.

 

Charlie001 from Sydney

We are booked Aqaba to Dubai 6th Jan

SS’s (or the parent Co Royal Caribbean) lack of communication on this matter is appalling. We have not heard from them since 8th Dec. On phoning All we get is “your safety is our no1 priority” - aren’t they reading the news? 
With less than 10 days to boarding (in Aqaba) it is highly unprofessional that they have not contacted us either way. 
This was to be our first SS cruise but now will be the last. 

[9stilton]

7 hours ago, Charli001 said:

I think is is very dangerous for Silvermoon to sail the Red Sea, it would appear Silverseas is still going ahead with the 6 Jan cruise, no other cruise lines are taking this course. I don't think we can expect war ships to guide Silvermoon through the Red Sea for a cruise. Missiles are targeting ships 300 miles from India. Would like to hear thoughts on this.

 

Charlie001 from Sydney

To me SS are taking an enormous risk in continuing with this sailing.  IMHO the risks are immense -- should some terrorist group seek to get in the headlines!!

I don't understand why SS don't acknowledge that the events which have occured have created a quantum change in their clients feelings and approach and therefore they should allow ANYONE to withdraw from the cruise without financial penalty.    There is no doubt from these boards that fear exists and to effectively force people to continue with their holiday, where commercial decisions seem to dictate, is simply not right.    It is clear that many are questioning the approach being taken!

Yes, SS may look toward the t&c / small print but my own view is that any responsible company should look to the future and do the honourable thing, given the prevailing situation.

[fdnycruiser]

Hapag Lloyd announced that they’re keeping their ships out of the Red Sea area, and taking the long route around the Cape of Good Hope. 

[TLCOhio]

54 minutes ago, fdnycruiser said:

Hapag Lloyd announced that they’re keeping their ships out of the Red Sea area, and taking the long route around the Cape of Good Hope. 

 

Appreciate the update from fdnycruiser and the wise follow-up from 9stilton about "enormous risk".  As shown below, this "situation" right now is very "fluid" and somewhat difficult to predict with much future certainty.  Plus, other info from Charli001 and Hopafora in Australia. 

 

From the New York Times yesterday, they had this headline: “Shipping Giant Maersk Is Returning to the Red Sea After Houthi Attacks" with this sub-headline: "A shipping advisory that Maersk released on Wednesday showed that several of its vessels were headed for the Suez Canal, which lies at the northern end of the Red Sea and handles about 12 percent of world trade.”

 

Here are a few of their reporting highlights: “Hapag-Lloyd, a large German shipping company, was still avoiding the Red Sea, its spokesman said on Wednesday. MSC, a Switzerland-based shipping company, said that one of its vessels had been attacked on Tuesday but that no injuries had been reported. Shipping tracking websites show many ships now traveling through the Red Sea, including oil tankers.  A U.S.-led naval force has been assembled to defend vessels in the Red Sea and warships already there have prevented attacks on ships.  ”

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/27/business/maersk-shipping-red-sea-houthi-yemen.html

 

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 249,792 views.

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

 

[Hopafora]

Now our opposition leader is calling for the Aus govt to send a war ship to the Red Sea as the longer route diversion will add to our costs (fuel). 
It’s great that the combined navies are trying to protect this valuable trade route. 

I think it is reprehensible Silver Seas would consider sending a pleasure cruise into this area and expect to be protected. 

 

it is 8 days to the boarding date at Aqaba and NOT A SINGLE WORD from Silver Seas regarding this cruise! 

[Charli001]

The opposition leader was calling for Australia to send a war ship when the request was first made, it was Albanese who rejected the request to say no to our allies much to the disgust of most Australian's. I agree Silverseas shouldn’t expect a war ship to protect a cruise ship, they’re there to keep the Red Sea open to allow ships carrying cargo through to provide goods worldwide. Silverseas should do the right thing and cancel the Middle East cruises.

 

Charlie001 Sydney 

[Charli001]

Would welcome others to hear their thoughts re Silverseas cruising the Middle East,

 

Charlie 001

[Colleen Higginson]

I think it’s dreadful - there is no similarity for warships protecting global supply routes and a cruise ship for pleasure. I have a SS cruise through the Red Sea/Suez in March booked as well and am very upset they haven’t cancelled and continue to send reminders for me to buy my visas. I have lost confidence in SS as most other cruise companies cancelled earlier 

[Charli001]

Agree with Colleen. I don’t think the moon will be full of passengers, I’m sure many have already cancelled the Red Sea sailing. I’m deciding whether to cancel the first part of the cruise in the Middle East and pick up the ship in Mumbai. Has anyone else cancelled their Middle East cruise? 

 

Charli001 Sydney

[TLCOhio]

41 minutes ago, Charli001 said:

Agree with Colleen. I don’t think the moon will be full of passengers, I’m sure many have already cancelled the Red Sea sailing. I’m deciding whether to cancel the first part of the cruise in the Middle East and pick up the ship in Mumbai. Has anyone else cancelled their Middle East cruise?      Charli001 Sydney

 

Appreciate these comments and follow-ups from our friend in wonderful Sydney, plus Colleen's legitimate concerns.  

 

From the website of www.cruisemapper.com, below is their map from a few minutes ago showing the Silver Moon turning and heading south to the Suez Canal.  Clearly, this is confirmation that the Silversea management believes that things a safe enough to navigate this route to the Red Sea.  Hopefully, this sailing will be with some military support and protection.

 

For those boarding the Silver Moon on Jan. 6, we look forward to live reports (and visuals, if allowed) during the key Jan. 11-12, 2024, period when this ship needs to be navigating through the narrow passageway near Yemen and the pesky rebels.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 247,560 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

 

From www.cruisemapper.com, below is their map showing the Silver Moon, blue in color and circled in red, as it sails towards Egypt and for the upcoming transit of the famed Suez Canal.: