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

[temerarious]

On 1/2/2024 at 12:33 AM, Charli001 said:

I too appreciate the updates. Do you have any security on board and have you seen any navy ships? What has been the reaction to passengers when on excursions? Look forward to hearing your updates.

 

Charlie001 Sydney 

 

 

I don't know anything more about the security other than what we were told in the letter I previously posted. 

 

UnfortunateIy, I'm not paying any attention to what other ships might be nearby (navy or otherwise), so I can't answer that question either. 

 

MY OPINION:  people outside the mosques in Medina seemed slightly hostile and not at all interested in us or friendly.  (I got the vibe they would have preferred we were not there.)  When we arrived at the restaurant for lunch, however, all of the staff members were curious and friendly and using their cell phones to record video of our arrival and departure. 

In Jeddah today,  no one really seemed to pay too much attention to us one way or the other. 

Edited January 3 by temerarious
spelling correction

[temerarious]

23 hours ago, Fletcher said:

 on a trip to Madinah women were given abayas on the bus to the train station.  My wife kept hers on all the time but some female passengers took them off on the train. 

 

 

This is true, but on my tour the communication was very poor regarding the abaya.  Most of us were not aware this was a requirement until they were distributed when we were at the train station, and we were told we had to wear it.  The information was extremely unclear.  Our tour escorts told us the guide in Medina would explain everything,  but when we arrived, he was "unpleasant" (this is the most generous word I can use) when I asked questions about it.  I pressed a bit, and he told me it had to be worn at the museum and outside the mosques.   I chose not to wear it on the train, on the bus or at the restaurant for lunch. 

 

It would have been much better if these expectations were communicated before we left the ship.  It isn't correct to assume that everyone knows this.  Some of the tour participants did see a description of the tour that included this information, but MANY of us did not.   I'm quite thorough in my reading of provided material, and I was not aware. 

[TLCOhio]

9 hours ago, temerarious said:

This is true, but on my tour the communication was very poor regarding the abaya.  Most of us were not aware this was a requirement until they were distributed when we were at the train station, and we were told we had to wear it.  The information was extremely unclear.  Our tour escorts told us the guide in Medina would explain everything,  but when we arrived, he was "unpleasant" (this is the most generous word I can use) when I asked questions about it.  I pressed a bit, and he told me it had to be worn at the museum and outside the mosques.   I chose not to wear it on the train, on the bus or at the restaurant for lunch. It would have been much better if these expectations were communicated before we left the ship.  It isn't correct to assume that everyone knows this.  Some of the tour participants did see a description of the tour that included this information, but MANY of us did not.   I'm quite thorough in my reading of provided material, and I was not aware. 

 

Appreciate this added background and info above by temerarious, from Fletcher, etc.  

 

The map below shows cruise ships and their locations around the world.  But, for the far Eastern Med and Red Sea, the blue dot below for the Silver Moon stands out as the only one sailing or nearby.  Yes, a number of ship are in and around Dubai.  Lots for the rest of the Med, in the Caribbean, near to Australia, eastern Asia, etc.  

 

This website does offer a unique world-wide perspective.  Clearly the Silver Moon has unique positioning and location compared to the many other cruise ships.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From www.cruisemapper.com, below is their map showing the Silver Moon, blue in color, as it is the only ship in the Red Sea.:

 

 

Edited January 3 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

From cbachell helpfully posted on another SS CC Board thread, below is the letter received today for those currently sailing on the Silver Moon.  

 

Plans have changed!!

 

An entire Jan. 16-26, Muscat to Dubai cruise has been scrubbed.  

 

Now the question is whether as the Silver Moon sails through the lower part of the Red Sea near Yemen into the Gulf of Aden, if the entire crew does this sailing?  Or, if it is more of a basic, skeleton crew will be going through these challenged waterways?  Then, if this later option, Silversea flies most of the other crew members to Dubai, housed them there and hooks up on Jan. 26 with the Silver Moon? 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

[Colleen Higginson]

Interesting - I think it would have been much better for SS to let passengers know earlier - getting airfares, tours, accom and Visas all takes time and effort 

[Charli001]

Thanks for the update Terry in Ohio. I’m booked on the Dubai to Mumbai, wonder if it will go ahead!

Charli001

[Charli001]

SS is still advertising the Muscat to Dubai sailing on Jan 16 on their website.

 

Charli001

[wyocruiser]

Latest news:

 

In one of their most complex attacks to date, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels targeted international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea on Tuesday, U.S. Central Command said in a statement.

On Jan. 9, at approximately 9:15 p.m. local time, the Iranian-backed Houthis launched one-way attack UAVs (OWA UAVs), anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen towards international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea. It took place as dozens of merchant vessels were transiting.

This is the largest drone and missile attack from the Houthi’s since they began attacking commercial shipping in November. It is also the 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea since Nov. 19.

 

[Charli001]

SS should just cancel all middle eastern sailings until safe to cruise these waters, does anyone else have any thoughts on this? As an incidental is Trivia Pursuit being played?

 

Charlie 001

[Colleen Higginson]

Absolutely agree Charlie 

[drron29]

Though cruises involving the middle east around the UAE or Saudi Arabia are not yet involved in this danger. It is basically the narrow part of the Red Sea off Yemen that is the problem. 

 

However it is already creating problems beyond 2024. We were booked on back to back cruises on the Muse Singapore to Doha and then to Athens in May 2025. We got an email just before Christmas saying the Singapore to Doha cruise was being shortened by 2 days arriving 21/5 instead of 23/5 but the Doha, Athens cruise was postponed now leaving Doha on 27/5 but the same itinerary.

We were offered $1000 OBC for continuing on to Athens and a 15% reduction on the Singapore to Doha cruise. We have to make our decision by January 18th.

No compensation for having to now spend 6 days between cruises and the inconvenience of having to pack and get off then go through boarding again.

 

However the cruises disappeared for awhile and now the Singapore Doha shortened cruise is back on the website but the next cruise for the Muse is now an Athens to Athens cruise on June 20th. How to we make an informed decision when we don't have all the information?

[Graham P]

What is interesting is the current amended itinerary for the Moon includes 2 ports in Egypt. The Grand Mediterranean Voyage itinerary was amended to exclude Egypt and Israel due to security concerns, so what has occurred to now consider Egypt no longer presents risks to passengers. The official Australian Government advice for Egypt is to reconsider your need to travel.

[TLCOhio]

8 hours ago, wyocruiser said:

Latest news:  In one of their most complex attacks to date, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels targeted international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea on Tuesday, U.S. Central Command said in a statement.  On Jan. 9, at approximately 9:15 p.m. local time, the Iranian-backed Houthis launched one-way attack UAVs (OWA UAVs), anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen towards international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea. It took place as dozens of merchant vessels were transiting.  This is the largest drone and missile attack from the Houthi’s since they began attacking commercial shipping in November. It is also the 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea since Nov. 19.

 

Appreciate these updates, comments and insights.  Great question from Graham P. as to "so what has occurred to now consider Egypt no longer presents risks to passengers?"  Correct from Dr. Ron as to how complicated things are for later 2024 and 2025 with Silversea and other cruise lines as they attempt to do scheduling in and around the Middle East.  

 

Look forward to learning more from those on the Silver Moon.  Below is the latest map showing this ship now sailing northbound.

 

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “U.S., U.K. Warships Shoot Down Houthi Barrage in Red Sea" with this sub-headline to provide more background as to this mess in the Red Sea:  "Latest attacks come as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tries to prevent Gaza war morphing into regional conflict.”

 

Here are more of their reporting highlights: “U.S. and British warships shot down one the largest barrages of missiles and drones fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels into the crucial Red Sea shipping lane while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken continued his efforts to prevent the conflict in Gaza from escalating into a broader regional war.  The overnight Houthi attack came a week after the U.S. and an international coalition warned that continued attacks by the Iran-backed rebels would come at a cost. The U.S. military has prepared options to strike the group. The barrage, including 18 drones, two cruise missiles and one ballistic missile, caused no damage or injuries.”

 

WOW!  This is a serious amount of firepower from the rebels being directed at ships in this troubled region.  

 

Here is another item of "context" and background from this WSJ reporting/story: "The continued attacks have caused international shipping companies to reroute voyages from the Red Sea to around Southern Africa instead and brought the Houthis to the forefront of several Iranian-backed groups in the region that the U.S. says have sought to turn the conflict in Gaza into a broader war."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/houthis-launch-fresh-red-sea-barrage-as-blinken-tries-to-contain-gaza-war-91fed4fb?mod=hp_lead_pos6

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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[Charli001]

With all the tension and missiles etc in the Red Sea SS won’t be able to get to Dubai via the Red Sea for the 26 Jan cruise Dubai to Mumbai. The Moon arrives in Muscat 16 Jan, how will the Moon get to Dubai from Muscat? will she have to go via Cape of Good Hope? Any ideas?

 

Charli001 Sydney 

[TLCOhio]

25 minutes ago, Charli001 said:

With all the tension and missiles etc in the Red Sea SS won’t be able to get to Dubai via the Red Sea for the 26 Jan cruise Dubai to Mumbai. The Moon arrives in Muscat 16 Jan, how will the Moon get to Dubai from Muscat? will she have to go via Cape of Good Hope? Any ideas?   Charli001 Sydney 

 

Appreciate this great question and follow-up.  My idea or, to be honest, GUESS is that after unloading all of the current passengers in southern Jordan that the Silver Moon will sail south in Red Sea with only the crew members . . . OR . . . just a limited-size, sailing-only, more basic crew.  Plus, added security staffing.  AND, hooking up with naval military escorts.  BUT, what do the insurance companies tell Silversea what will or will not be covered for financial protection on this multi-hundred-million-dollar vessel?

 

From a breaking news maritime trade publication just a few minutes ago, they had this headline: “Cruise Ship Silver Moon Reverses Course to Avoid Southern Red Sea” with these highlights: “The luxury cruise ship Silver Moon has become the latest ship to divert away from the southern Red Sea, altering the itinerary for its current cruise and canceling at least one upcoming cruise.  While it is common for passengers to remain aboard for multiple segments, everyone has been told they must disembark in Jordan and onward flights will be arranged. The cruise due to start in Oman is canceled with a spokesperson for Silversea Cruises only commenting that the company is 'currently meeting about the situation in the Red Sea. We hope to have an official statement soon.'  In jeopardy is nearly five months of scheduled cruises if the ship can not proceed.”

 

Any added information from those currently on the Silver Moon as it sails up towards Egypt?

 

Here is more from this trade publication this afternoon: "Speculation aboard the ship is that after disembarking all passengers, the Silver Moon will proceed through the Red Sea only with crew aboard and go directly to Dubai where she would resume her published itineraries.   The Silver Moon has become the second cruise ship in recent days to divert away from the Bab el-Mandeb and the region around Yemen. MSC Cruises announced a last-minute change of itinerary for its world cruise as it was departing Italy instead scheduling the MSC Poesia to make a loop around South Africa to reach Kenya before resuming its itinerary which will take it west to South America."

 

Full story at:

https://maritime-executive.com/article/cruise-ship-silver-moon-reverses-course-to-avoid-southern-red-sea

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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[Fletcher]

1 hour ago, Charli001 said:

The Moon arrives in Muscat 16 Jan, how will the Moon get to Dubai from Muscat? will she have to go via Cape of Good Hope? Any ideas?

 

Charli001 Sydney 

My idea is for you to consult an atlas. 

[wyocruiser]

 “The cruise due to start in Oman is canceled with a spokesperson for Silversea Cruises only commenting that the company is 'currently meeting about the situation in the Red Sea. We hope to have an official statement soon.' “

 

Releasing an official statement soon would be nice  since I’m sure a lot of people on the January 26 cruise are flying to Dubai a few days early.

[Charli001]

Thanks for the update. If you hear anything please let us know.

 

Charli001

[AJTRAVEL06]

I have just had this reply from our Silversea consultant. We are on from 26th Jan - 11th Feb.

 

"Your cruise is going ahead. Sadly we had to cancel one cruise, the one before yours, because the current sailing had to be rerouted due to safety concerns in the Suez canal. The ship is going as per schedule again from Dubai from 26^th Jan"

[fdnycruiser]

And this morning it was reported that a tanker was hijacked in the Gulf of Oman. It had left Iraq for Turkey, but now is headed to Iran. 

[drron29]

55 minutes ago, fdnycruiser said:

And this morning it was reported that a tanker was hijacked in the Gulf of Oman. It had left Iraq for Turkey, but now is headed to Iran. 

But not at all related to the other troubles in the Middle East. It was a tanker that was seized by the USA last year during Sanctions against Iran. they unloaded it's oil. Now the Iranians have seized it and intend to unload it's oil.

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uk-shipping-authority-receives-report-vessel-boarded-by-armed-persons-off-oman-2024-01-11/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=Daily-Briefing&utm_term=011124&user_email=42c279be87db2e6b362e5c5af53114ca6a8bab3e0d36948cf7872b29529df7e9

Edited January 11 by drron29

[TLCOhio]

3 hours ago, AJTRAVEL06 said:

I have just had this reply from our Silversea consultant. We are on from 26th Jan - 11th Feb.  "Your cruise is going ahead. Sadly we had to cancel one cruise, the one before yours, because the current sailing had to be rerouted due to safety concerns in the Suez canal. The ship is going as per schedule again from Dubai from 26^th Jan"

 

Appreciate this sharing of the "message" from Silversea.  BUT, however, if and if, Silversea needed to "rerouted due to safety concerns", then what will be the new reroute that provides total and assured "SAFETY" in this challenged and uncertain territory and waterways??  

 

Inquiring minds want and need to know much more details and specifics.  Right or wrong?  Fair or unfair?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[TLCOhio]

50 minutes ago, drron29 said:

But not at all related to the other troubles in the Middle East. It was a tanker that was seized by the USA last year during Sanctions against Iran. they unloaded it's oil. Now the Iranians have seized it and intend to unload it's oil.

 

Excellent additional information and follow-up from Dr. Ron.  Maybe this action by Iran is a one-time deal that will not widen out the danger zone??  Or not??  

 

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Iran Seizes Oil Tanker Linked to U.S. Sanctions Dispute" with this sub-headline:  "Seizure off coast of Oman comes as Blinken wraps up Middle East tour.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “The Iranian Navy said it had seized an oil tanker off the coast of Oman that has been at the center of a dispute between Iran and the U.S., raising the stakes amid a spate of attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels along Middle Eastern shipping routes and warnings of retaliation from Washington.  Iran’s seizure of the vessel Thursday raises the specter of threats to shipping spreading to the Persian Gulf, another key trade route.  Houthi attacks have already forced close to a quarter of ships to reroute to avoid the Red Sea, generally navigating instead around southern Africa, according to British shipping-intelligence company Windward.  The U.S. is now considering targeting land-based Houthi positions in Yemen in response to the Red Sea attacks.”

 

Here is the WSJ map/graphic showing the route of this tanker.  The orange circle shows where the tanker was seized.  In my view, this location is getting too, too close to Dubai, Muscat, etc., where a number of cruise ships are currently operating. Or planning to be shortly, including for the Silver Moon later this month. Am I worrying too much as to how this "situation" could widen and spread?? 

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/armed-uniformed-men-divert-oil-tanker-to-iranian-waters-d843f9a3?mod=hp_lead_pos2

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

PS: Below is the current Silver Moon location at this Egypt port in the south of the Sinai region.  

 

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[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Telegraph this evening, they had this headline: “Britain and US prepare to strike Houthi rebels in Yemen” with these highlights: “Britain and the US were preparing to strike against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday night in order to protect global shipping in the Red Sea.  UK aircraft and Royal Navy ships were set to take part in action approved by Cabinet ministers in an emergency joint call, with strikes expected within hours.  On Thursday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, the Egyptian president, that the 'UK would continue to take action to defend freedom of navigation and protect lives at sea'.”

 

Will this type of direct military action cause the rebel to slow down and/or stop?  Or, will this ramp up the tensions and attacks in the troubled region?  Silversea executives and future Silver Moon passengers will be watching with interest.  And fingers crossed??

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/11/britain-set-to-strike-houthi-rebels-red-sea-yemen/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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[wyocruiser]

Interesting - considering it’s almost 2 am (on Friday) in Yemen, we should know pretty soon if these strikes took place.

 

Al Jazeera is reporting:

 

Any attack on Yemen’s Houthis on the part of the United States will not go without a response, the group’s leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi has said in a televised speech, as the Iranian-backed group stepped up attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea in protest against Israel’s war in Gaza.

“Any American attack will not remain without a response. The response will be greater than the attack that was carried out with 20 drones and a number of missiles,” the Houthi leader said, referring to a strike on Wednesday, when Houthi drones and missiles targeted US and United Kingdom ships in the largest single attack yet on foreign vessels.