Port Power

I have always booked well in advance (18-24 months) to take advantage of 25% solo rates. Solo discounts always disappear well before 12 months out and usually are only available again much closer to the sail date. Transoceanic cruises excepted.

I have the opportunity of trying Seabourn without the expense of international flights in March 2026. Seabourn Sojourn will be in Australia and my TA has a good offer. On inquiring, there are only a very small number of cabins left. In 2026! No solo rate cabins at all. I would be paying the same daily rate as I would for Silversea but without the included shore excursions. Of course I don’t need excursions on this itinerary, but it does highlight the price difference.

I’m pretty sure I posted that photo from Silver Wind in Dec23/Jan 24 in response to queries. The private zodiac booked through the expedition team was the same price, so well worth booking with the photographer. Different ship, different photographer, so it might be dependent on the shipboard photographer?

I am just astounded by the differences between my experience in December/ January and yours in late February. It seems much warmer now, more like summer. Lovely seeing the chicks almost fledged. I am enjoying your posts.

You can see why it’s known as the smiling assassin! Great photos, demonstrating also that you need luck to be in the right place at the right time.

On a recent cruise on Muse, I was waitlisted. Shorex staff onboard explained that sometimes the tours are not finalised with the suppliers that far in advance, or they are waiting on further information/planning. My waitlisted excursions were all confirmed. Another cruise one wasn’t as it was cancelled. Just wait and see. Places are also kept aside for booking onboard.

I have come to your thread late as Ryan and I were on an NCL cruise around NZ. Great cruise, but the free WiFi was useless. I couldn’t open CC at all. Breakfast at W certainly looks heaps better than at MO. The waiting area with snacks, drinks and included champers extremely better! The waiting area at the airfield is different to what we experienced in Dec/Jan. They must have realised their office was too squeezy and found a bigger place to use. Love your photos and your impressions of places I went to only a month ago. What a difference a month makes in the Antarctic! Safe travels. 🍸

A train enthusiast ’s happy place, for sure.

I was having breakfast in my Auckland hotel this morning (post cruise with another line) and decided to check the cruise schedule. I was delighted to see Mariner had arrived. I am on next year’s World Cruise, which is why I am enjoying reading your trip report, @crusin7. I’ll go down for a look at the ship before heading to the airport this afternoon. Keep on enjoying your cruise.

This has been mentioned several times on recent threads. However, in all cases the reserved excursions were honoured with no extra charge. One poster said the excursions were still on his “MySilversea” with $0.

I think you have already answered your own question. You really want to visit Glacier, Bay, so do that. HAL is a good line, so book it. Enjoy the change so you can appreciate your next Silversea cruise more.

I just finished my bottle two nights ago. I passed the actual bottle on to a friend and neighbour who makes home brew gin: and very good too! I really enjoyed the distinct difference of Blue Turtle Gin. I might be doing an 7-night expedition cruise in Fiji in July. You know where I’ll be heading….

It has probably been a bit of a holiday for many crew members. Without passengers, crew are often allowed to use the swimming pool and gym. Without the need to service suites, housekeeping and butlers would have a lot more down time; waiters and bar staff also; kitchen workers. Laundry workers wouldn’t be quite as busy. Possibly some spring cleaning going on, maintenance, and crew drills. The logistics for crew changes will be another headache for Silversea, but the crew themselves have probably been enjoying the break.

Prices vary depending on destination and how far from the port to the airport.

Definitely available; I’ve booked a few times myself. Rather than last minute, you can ask immediately after boarding the ship. You would still have plenty of time until the end of your cruise to book alternative transport online, or just catch a taxi on arrival.

Jonathon was CD on two of my cruises last year (I think Silver Muse back-to-back in August.). He performed his own show, which was excellent. With the demise of the six singers, it was also a welcome addition to the entertainment.

The OP particularly mentioned that he/she did not want to use a laundry room.

Yes, you can book a port to airport transfer through the shore excursions desk. @Joc123 might feel more comfortable booking that as an option.

Another option is to book a Vista guarantee. You will often end up in a verandah suite anyway. A good option for a shorter cruise. I agree with @jollyjones that Silversea is particularly good for solo travellers.

I’ve been on many ships that have provisioned in New Zealand. Restocking fruit and vegetables in particular. These ships included Celebrity Solstice and two “Of The Seas” as RCG has been going to NZ for decades now. Bio security is for incoming food, not outgoing.

A donation to the crew fund via the customer service desk is a desirable option.

I was researching very carefully for next year’s World Cruise which calls only at Shanghai. China now allows 144 hours visa-free transit at many cities, Shanghai being one of them, so I am not going to obtain a separate visa. This is for most nationalities. It will be interesting to hear feedback, @Fletcher, exactly what your experience is with the two ports.

On a shore excursion with Silversea in August, we drove past that dock. There was a NCL ship there. The area looked derelict! We were all astounded! SO far out of town, nowhere to just go for a stroll. Anywhere would be better. At least Regent passengers would have a free shuttle into town. NCL passengers probably have to pay for the transfer.

Sorry, cross culture confusion. 🥴

Bow ties usually show on the activities planner in “my Silversea”. Very occasionally the date might change once on board for various reasons.