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

[Downunder55]

27 minutes ago, Charli001 said:

Spoke with SS this afternoon and told Silvermoon will not be arriving in Mumbai on 11 Feb, possibly 14 Feb but nothing confirmed.  Would like to hear from anyone who has any updates.

 

Charli001 Sydney

 

Now that is interesting news.

 

The 14th could make sense based on calcs from a past post.

 

While the Mumbai - Singapore has a nominated departure of 11th Feb, it is actually planned to depart Mumbai at 14:00 on the 12th, so arrival on the 14th might only have minimal overall impact with a little bit of trimming along the way.

[MrsWaldo]

1 hour ago, Charli001 said:

Spoke with SS this afternoon and told Silvermoon will not be arriving in Mumbai on 11 Feb, possibly 14 Feb but nothing confirmed.  Would like to hear from anyone who has any updates.

 

Charli001 Sydney

 

Curious.  Was this Sydney SS? They rang me today and said the cruise should depart as scheduled.  
 

They also said my Mahe is probably all good but the next leg is ????
 

smoke and mirrors ?

[texanaust]

On the ship location sites, Silver Moon's destination is showing Valletta with an ETA of 1800 on Jan 17th.   I wonder if SS is planning to scrap the entire Asia deployment and just stay in Europe?  It wouldn't be surprising, especially if they decide to offer little to no compensation to guests.  It might actually save them money to lay up the ship for a few months and send the crew home.

[TLCOhio]

4 hours ago, texanaust said:

On the ship location sites, Silver Moon's destination is showing Valletta with an ETA of 1800 on Jan 17th.   I wonder if SS is planning to scrap the entire Asia deployment and just stay in Europe?  It wouldn't be surprising, especially if they decide to offer little to no compensation to guests.  It might actually save them money to lay up the ship for a few months and send the crew home.

 

YES, as the below graphic shows, it was a quick turn-around in the Athens port and now per www.cruisemapper.com the Silver Moon has set sail . . . QUICKLY!!!   Destination shows as Valletta, Malta, arriving Jan. 17 at 6 p.m.  It shows their current speed as 17 kn / 31 km/h.      

 

Nothing yet from Silversea and/or on our Feb. 11 cruise "My Silversea" website to indicated as to when and if the Silver Moon does its sail-away from Mumbai.  

 

Given that most of the Asian Silver Moon cruises are fully booked, I doubt that they are going to scrub all of those cruises.  Hopefully, Silversea will update in the next few days.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

[CardowMD]

May be stopping in Malta to restock food and supplies, since they didn’t have time in Athens?

[TLCOhio]

4 minutes ago, CardowMD said:

May be stopping in Malta to restock food and supplies, since they didn’t have time in Athens?

 

This makes sense as it gives them more time to get ALL of the food and supplies pulled together for that long journey down the western coast of Africa.  Also, in Malta, they can shift various staff on and off of the ship.  

 

Hopefully, we will hear more details from those passengers who were forced off in Athens as to what details the staff shared before their disembarkation.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[wyocruiser]

I think SS owes it to the customers to share what they are planning for the Silver Moon. Even if their plans change, it would be helpful for future cruisers to know their current thinking.

[MsCrystalina]

I doubt if the Moon would reach Mumbai before 23 Feb.  That is quite a journey and would be so expensive and add wear and tear to the ship.   Would require 'militarization" with front and rear heavy escorts to venture down the Red Sea.  All the security specialists and insurers have a big decision to make!

If passengers were allowed on the African circumnavigation- would be a full ship! 

 

[drron29]

44 minutes ago, MsCrystalina said:

I doubt if the Moon would reach Mumbai before 23 Feb.  That is quite a journey and would be so expensive and add wear and tear to the ship.   Would require 'militarization" with front and rear heavy escorts to venture down the Red Sea.  All the security specialists and insurers have a big decision to make!

If passengers were allowed on the African circumnavigation- would be a full ship! 

 

I would love to do that circumnavigation of Africa. However passengers would really slow the Moon down.

[texanaust]

1 hour ago, drron29 said:

I would love to do that circumnavigation of Africa. However passengers would really slow the Moon down.

The same with us, but do you think Silversea is just going to cancel the last two Silver Moon cruises in May and sail back empty again?  It seems like a wasted opportunity.  

[peace out]

In reading all of these comments, it is frustrating that there is such a lack of transparency from SS.  I know this is all just conjecture as we are trying to figure this out.  We are booked on the Singapore to Hong Kong sailing February 29th. I wonder as texanaust says if they will scrap all of Asia….

does anyone have any added thoughts on this?

[Charli001]

The last conversation with SS was that the Moon would be arriving in Mumbai  14 Feb, however could arrive 12, or 13.

Advised to book accommodation from 11Feb to be on the safe side.  Can anyone add additional information to this.

 

Charli001

[wyocruiser]

Shouldn’t SS take care of any accommodation required after the cruise was supposed to start???

[Charli001]

I would like to think so. What about visa for Saudi they cost $450.00 AUD for two. Would like to think that SS would take care of this plus accommodation in Dubai. Was anyone scheduled for Dubai to Mumbai cruise that was cancelled. Would like to hear what SS had to say to them.

 

Charli001

[Downunder55]

46 minutes ago, Charli001 said:

The last conversation with SS was that the Moon would be arriving in Mumbai  14 Feb, however could arrive 12, or 13.

Advised to book accommodation from 11Feb to be on the safe side.  Can anyone add additional information to this.

 

Charli001

 

Well they are only due to leave Mumbai on the 12th at 2pm

 

They also have a few hours spare (maybe 15) on Wed 14th Feb which is a day at sea they could make up by cruising at the 17kts

 

Agree a booking for the 11th maybe a good contingency

[wyocruiser]

38 minutes ago, Charli001 said:

I would like to think so. What about visa for Saudi they cost $450.00 AUD for two. Would like to think that SS would take care of this plus accommodation in Dubai. Was anyone scheduled for Dubai to Mumbai cruise that was cancelled. Would like to hear what SS had to say to them.

 

Charli001

I was on the January 26 cruise from Dubai to Mumbai. I emailed Guest Relations, and they said they would reimburse me for the Saudi Arabia visa ($130 for United States).

[mandymay]

I was booked on the Dubai to Mumbai 26th Jan sector.

Silversea has informed me there compensation offer is a refund OR 20% discount on a 2024 cruise NOT both.

Have others recieved this offer ?

[fudge]

Just now, mandymay said:

I was booked on the Dubai to Mumbai 26th Jan sector.

Silversea has informed me there compensation offer is a refund OR 20% discount on a 2024 cruise NOT both.

Have others recieved this offer ?

 

We got this from SS last Sunday, we were sailing 1st Feb Doha to Muscat, you will note, there are two ticks by the side of the offers, our TA has confirmed its a full refund AND 20% off a future cruise booked by 2024.

 

We hope this letter finds you well. Today, we are writing with important news regarding your 2 February 2024 voyage aboard Silver Moon. Due to the fluid geopolitical situation in the region that has most recently escalated after military action and under advisement from our Global Security team, we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel your 6-night voyage departing from Doha to Muscat. We sincerely regret this disruption to your travel plans and assure you this decision was made after thorough consideration and prioritising, as always, the safety and security of our guests and crew. In light of this news, we would like to offer:

A refund of the full cruise fare paid, including any flight cancellation costs and fees*

A saving of 20% on any published 2024 sailing of your choice excluding World Cruise and Grand Voyages.

*For guests with independent air arrangements, Silversea will reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket costs for any change, cancellation, or differential air travel fees. To request a reimbursement, guests should email receipts to GuestRelations@silversea.com. Refunds and claims will be reviewed and processed within 30 days of receipt. Note: If a prior FCC was applied to your booking, it would be reinstated to your guest profile with the previous amount. IMPORTANT: If you booked your Silversea cruise as part of a package with a Tour Operator or Travel Agency, please refer to them for the full terms and conditions of your overall package and any elements other than the cruise. Thank you for understanding the circumstances beyond our control that necessitated the cancellation of your voyage. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact your travel advisor or cruise consultant or reach out to Resolutionsdesk@silversea.com We sincerely hope to welcome you aboard another Silversea voyage exploring our planet's authentic beauty in whispered Italian luxury and all-inclusive comfort. Best personal regards, Silversea Terms & Conditions Apply.

[TLCOhio]

Appreciate these additional comments and follow-ups.  From our TA who has close contact with SS key people, it is still "SILENCE" as to any specifics to confirm exactly when the Silver Moon will arrive in Mumbai.  

 

From www.cruisemapper.com, the Silver Moon is getting very close to arriving in Malta.  Per this website, the ship is sailing at a speed of 17 kn / 31 km/ and is still due to arrive there at 6 pm today.  

 

Last night from the sea-distances.org website, I was doing some rough estimating as to ship travel distances and speeds, etc.  Will share more later today.  

 

Would love to hear from those who departed the Silver Moon in Athens as to if all of the staff was staying on the ship or if a large number departed there.  It could be that Malta will be the major re-supply and staff changing point.  More to come??  When from Silversea??

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

[TLCOhio]

9 hours ago, wyocruiser said:

I was on the January 26 cruise from Dubai to Mumbai. I emailed Guest Relations, and they said they would reimburse me for the Saudi Arabia visa ($130 for United States).

 

Great to hear from wyocruiser that Silversea appears to be acting reasonable for doing such reimbursements as for the costs of the Saudi Visa, etc.  

 

As to the bigger questions for the circumnavigation of Africa and when the ship arrives in Asia, Silversea must figure out its "logistics" for getting down to Cape Town and then going to India or Sri Lanka.  On another thread some have suggested it would be more reasonable to move the start of this Mumbai-Singapore cruise to a boarding in Columbo, Sri Lanka, on Feb. 16.  Maybe?  Maybe not?

 

From the website sea-distances.org, the Cape Town to Mumbai journey is 4599 nautical miles, requiring 10 days 16 hours if using a sailing speed of 18 knots per hour.  By contrast, at the same speed, going to the capital of Sri Lanka is 4362 nautical miles, taking 10 days 2 hours.

 

Going to Columbo would save 16 hours, but would add huge additional costs to Silversea as roughly 600 passengers would need to spend (and be reimbursed) thousands of more dollars for flights, hotels, etc., in getting from Mumbai down to Sri Lanka, etc.  

 

For the Silver Moon, 17 knots is the normal "service speed" with 21 knots as its highest speed.  I figured as using 18 knots speed for my estimates/calculations.  A higher ship speed burns more fuel, but it could be very much worth it in order to lessen the additional costs in shifting the Mumbai sail-away time too much from Feb. 12.  

 

To complete my "speculations", from Malta assuming a midnight departure later today: it is Malta to Gibraltar, 984 nautical miles, 2 days 7 hour. Gibraltar to Cape Town, 5094 nautical miles, 11 days 19 hours
Cape Town to Mumbai, 4599 nautical miles, 10 days 16 hours.  That would total to Mumbai about 11k nautical miles, and require around 25 days using the 18 knots estimate.    Maybe, if and if, realistic to board on Feb. 11?  

 

It all depends on sailing speed, where and how many re-fueling stops, etc.  What am I missing and/or failing to consider?

 

Look forward to learning more, but agree that it might not be till Friday that Silversea is able to finalize all of these calculations and re-supply details.  

 

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 248,212 views.

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

[mandymay]

5 hours ago, fudge said:

 

We got this from SS last Sunday, we were sailing 1st Feb Doha to Muscat, you will note, there are two ticks by the side of the offers, our TA has confirmed its a full refund AND 20% off a future cruise booked by 2024.

 

We hope this letter finds you well. Today, we are writing with important news regarding your 2 February 2024 voyage aboard Silver Moon. Due to the fluid geopolitical situation in the region that has most recently escalated after military action and under advisement from our Global Security team, we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel your 6-night voyage departing from Doha to Muscat. We sincerely regret this disruption to your travel plans and assure you this decision was made after thorough consideration and prioritising, as always, the safety and security of our guests and crew. In light of this news, we would like to offer:

A refund of the full cruise fare paid, including any flight cancellation costs and fees*

A saving of 20% on any published 2024 sailing of your choice excluding World Cruise and Grand Voyages.

*For guests with independent air arrangements, Silversea will reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket costs for any change, cancellation, or differential air travel fees. To request a reimbursement, guests should email receipts to GuestRelations@silversea.com. Refunds and claims will be reviewed and processed within 30 days of receipt. Note: If a prior FCC was applied to your booking, it would be reinstated to your guest profile with the previous amount. IMPORTANT: If you booked your Silversea cruise as part of a package with a Tour Operator or Travel Agency, please refer to them for the full terms and conditions of your overall package and any elements other than the cruise. Thank you for understanding the circumstances beyond our control that necessitated the cancellation of your voyage. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact your travel advisor or cruise consultant or reach out to Resolutionsdesk@silversea.com We sincerely hope to welcome you aboard another Silversea voyage exploring our planet's authentic beauty in whispered Italian luxury and all-inclusive comfort. Best personal regards, Silversea Terms & Conditions Apply.

Hi Fudge,

The following is word for word from my TA.

 

Dear Sue,

 

I am also very sad that Silversea had to cancel the voyage, and I would be happy to help arrange a refund back to your credit card, however Silversea is adamant about it being either a full refund, or 20% off another sailing for 2024, they refuse to do both, even though the letter did not say And/Or between the two line offers and is very ambiguous.  I have spoken with several offices and all say the same thing.  If you find another sailing for this year, I can try to force the issue with them again and as them to  book it for you with additional 20% discount from this offer (cannot guarantee the results, but will do my best). Please let me know.

[highplanesdrifters]

FWIW

 

https://maritime-executive.com/article/more-cruises-cancel-red-sea-electing-to-deadhead-around-africa

 

“We have canceled Silver Moon’s voyages between Muscat and Dubai, scheduled from January 16 to January 26, and Dubai and Mumbai, scheduled from January 26 to February 11,” Silversea writes in a statement to The Maritime Executive. “The voyage between Mumbai and Singapore, scheduled between Feb 11 and Feb 29, is currently scheduled to proceed as planned.”

 

 @TLCOhio Fingers still crossed.

[TLCOhio]

3 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

FWIW

https://maritime-executive.com/article/more-cruises-cancel-red-sea-electing-to-deadhead-around-africa

“We have canceled Silver Moon’s voyages between Muscat and Dubai, scheduled from January 16 to January 26, and Dubai and Mumbai, scheduled from January 26 to February 11,” Silversea writes in a statement to The Maritime Executive. “The voyage between Mumbai and Singapore, scheduled between Feb 11 and Feb 29, is currently scheduled to proceed as planned.”

 

 @TLCOhio Fingers still crossed.

 

Appreciate this added follow-up from Sue in London.  Sorry about the confusion as to refund versus also getting the added 20% 2024 discount.  All is very frustrating and confusing.  Hopefully the various SS offices can clarify and provide the maximum benefit to its customers. 

 

YES to highplanesdrivters in having our "FINGERS CROSSED" in hoping that the Feb. 11 sailing will happen as currently scheduled and promised.  Having SS officials quoted in print helps a little.  BUT, as happens with politicians, "things can change".  What is said, claimed and/or hope for on one day, can be changed the next day or week.  

 

Per my calculations and estimates, Feb. 11 in Mumbai is still possible, if and if.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

[Colleen Higginson]

Is SS giving different refunds to everyone? I would also be interested in what SS are offering as I’m booked on a SS through the Red Sea in March which possibly will not go ahead 

[fudge]

21 minutes ago, mandymay said:

Hi Fudge,

The following is word for word from my TA.

 

Dear Sue,

 

I am also very sad that Silversea had to cancel the voyage, and I would be happy to help arrange a refund back to your credit card, however Silversea is adamant about it being either a full refund, or 20% off another sailing for 2024, they refuse to do both, even though the letter did not say And/Or between the two line offers and is very ambiguous.  I have spoken with several offices and all say the same thing.  If you find another sailing for this year, I can try to force the issue with them again and as them to  book it for you with additional 20% discount from this offer (cannot guarantee the results, but will do my best). Please let me know.

Hi, My TA just spoke with SS, here is the reply. 

Thank you for your patience while I looked into this.

 

Silversea have advised that they can offer either a full refund of the monies paid, or they can transfer the monies paid to a new sailings and apply a 20% discount to this. So they are not offering both, however if you were to book a new sailings and take this 20% discount, you would not lose the money that has been paid.

 

Suffice to say this is such a lousy deal from SS, I have asked for a full refund asap, I certainly will not be looking for another SS cruise!!