skleeb

On 3/19/2024 at 4:54 PM, Dolcevita Diva said:

No. Silversea has really cut back on the number of voyages in any fare category available with a low single supplement. The RCL revenue management team doesn't seem to understand that's another tool they can use to fill close-in sailings. 

These essential fares are also not offered on transatlantic crossings.

What exactly IS a corkage fee? You bring your own bottle, the waiter opens it, pours it, then stores it if there is any left? Do you pay this amount for each bottle? Could you bring a bottle of vodka, say, and have them serve it for you at the table and keep it in the pantry for the next night???

2 hours ago, jollyjones said:

 

Generally crossings are reasonably priced and carry only a 25% solo supplement so there's always a lot of solos - 90 is rather more than most but may reflect interest in a novel ship.

I am boarding the Dawn (my favourite ship) next week for the crossing - I chose it for the more southerly route (Lisbon-Canaries-Puerto Rico-Lauderdale) as it'll be warmer and maybe calmer - but I too am very interested in the Nova and am very much looking forward to my sail on her through the Panama Canal next April.

 

That makes sense-new ship and good deals! Hey, I will be on the Dawn crossing with you, jollyjones. perhaps we will meet at the solos group? I also like pingpong and the trivia, so hope to see you on board!

How are they handling 90 solos on board? Usually, the ones I've attended have maybe  8 or 10. Any idea why there are so many on this crossing?

38 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hello friends,🙂 thought I would start this a little early.  I fly to London on Friday, arriving Saturday morning. I am staying at the SS hotel, The London St James. It looks lovely on line and have heard good things about it. I will be taking the SS transfer to the hotel. Hoping my arrival and finding Immigration and baggage claim go smoothly (and finding the SS rep). My flight is on Delta JFK to LHR. I have read Delta has a new Business Class Lounge. Will be in there for a long while because my my flight from here to JFK has a long layover. But that is ok. Rather have too much time than be in a rush🙂

 

Anyway, this will be my 3rd time on The Dawn. If you have any questions, I will try and answer them.

 

 

Have a grand time, Lois. I want to thank you for steering towards Silversea few years ago. I had asked about solo travel and you suggested this line. My fourth Transatlantic is coming up in November and I have loved each minute I have have spent on either the Dawn or the Moon!!! One of these days we will meet in person! 

All of this info is super helpful to this fellow Cunarder! I shall plan accordingly!

40 minutes ago, tony s said:

As a New Yorker I can tell you none of them are close to the dock in Brooklyn. Recommend Hilton near WTC and hotels can arrange car

Thanks for info. This is for May, 2024. Actually, I was thinking of walking from Penn Station(taking the train from MD) to a hotel, then getting transportation to the Brooklyn dock the next day. You think there is a better way for me? Solo traveler, 67 years young by then, 2 rolling carry-on size suitcases, 

16 minutes ago, TheOldBear said:

The pub food is included with your fare [drinks are extra, like any other dining venue]

 

Can you get a glass of water to drink on the house if you don't have the drinks package?

3 hours ago, BigMac1953 said:

If you brought your own bottle(s) aboard, I don't suppose there's much stopping you pouring a small glass and taking it with you. Probably nobody would take any notice.

What about making a drink in your cabin with your own alcohol, then bringing it to a show or dinner? Is that allowed?

3 minutes ago, bluemarble said:

The Cunard US website offers pre-voyage hotel options at these three New York hotels.

 

NYC Hilton Midtown
NYC Marriott Marquis
The Knickerbocker

What are the advantages to these 3? Do you know if they are near Penn Station(which I would need) or how far miles and timewise from the dock? Do they give a group discount if a lot of passengers will be using the hotel? Is it better to get your own transportation? Thanks.

Was this an email?

Thanks for clarification. Glad to know I will have time to have a little breakfast before departure from the grand lady. 

45 minutes ago, D&N said:

Yes that's it.

 

I'm guessing you get off at Red Hook.

 

We were told 7am or 7.15am for Southampton. By time we called pursers desk we were given 7.15am.

 

We saw a queue for 7am on way back from breakfast. When we got back down we had a clear walk off.

 

Not sure how long you have after that but I get the impression they prefer those self-disembarking to be off before the main disembarkation starts.

What exactly is self-disembarking? I'm guessing that you must take your luggage off the ship by yourself? Is that it? And you leave earlier?

7 hours ago, buchanan101 said:

We were front of the timed disembarkation which ran a bit late (8:15). Self disembark started at 7. You are supposed to book slots for that.

 

There were cabs (mostly green ones) waiting when we got off, so you should be fine getting a cab - as someone else said, why lug luggage any other way (and the ferry from Red Hook gets you to Wall Street or change and get to 34th Street on the east side, so either way still metro or a cab whilst in Manhattan

 

https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/

 

I'd get a cab - a lot cheaper than Cunard arranged cars

On 2/3/2023 at 9:09 PM, navybankerteacher said:

If "back home" is in Maryland as it seems, you would want to get to Penn Station, not Grand Central.

This is very helpful. Looks like I will take a cab directly back to Penn Station where I will board a train back home with a ticket I purchased way in advance. I'll look at the schedule, but will probably be safe with a ticket after 11 AM.

11 hours ago, bluemarble said:

 

Assuming you are on a crossing in 2023, you can check the schedule for QM2 I've posted at the top of this thread to see what I have as the themes for your crossing. You should also confirm the schedule by looking at the Day Calendar section of your booking in My Cunard. The dress code and theme schedule for your voyage is shown there.

 

Are you on an eastbound or a westbound crossing? The usual schedule for an eastbound crossing is to have Red and Gold and Roaring Twenties for the themes. The usual schedule for a westbound crossing is to have Black and White and Masquerade for the themes.

 

However, I was recently informed that the first theme for the June 23rd westbound crossing is going to be Red and Gold instead of the expected Black and White. So do check your calendar in My Cunard to confirm the schedule for your crossing.

Thanks. I am actually doing a back to back in May 2024. Looks like I should plan for two theme nights each crossing!

6 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

If "back home" is in Maryland as it seems, you would want to get to Penn Station, not Grand Central.

See, yes, I need help. I will purchase my ticket home depending on the time I get back to Penn Station(thank you, navybankerteacher).

On 12/30/2022 at 8:33 AM, buchanan101 said:

We had great plans to do this, but when we got out of the terminal there was a row of green Brooklyn cabs offering a fixed fare to midtown so we took it. Would've needed two ferries to get E34St, then a cab so...

What time did you get off of the ship? I need to get back to the train station and get back home, so I want to know which train I need. How long is the ferry ride? Then how long is it to get to Grand Central?

Should I bring a black and white dress, and and a masquerade mask on my crossing? I already have a gold shimmery top if it is gold and red one night.

Sure! My sister and I were in the same cabin, but since we were without significant others, we kind of deemed ourselves as solos. We didn't have to everything together all the time, either. The cocktail gathering is a great place to start. You needn't feel obligated to go every night-just when you need a break!! You'll make some friends for sure!

On 12/17/2022 at 4:03 PM, TLCOhio said:

 

Sorry to hear, Spins, of your cough challenges, plus the special needs for your DH.  Appreciate these added details and background from your sailing.  Great to hear that the new staff members are quick to adapt for the Silversea customer needs.  What location and timing is planned for your next sailing adventure?  

 

Any interesting speakers on this trans-Atlantic cruise?  Had very mixed reactions when I saw your comment of "Lots of coughing aboard, and very few masks."

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

There were four lecturers on board. All engaging . One was a retired judge from UK that told stories about some of the difficult cases he had before him. One was a 2-star general that delved into the US's past military victories and mistakes. The other was a gent that gave current events having to do with Russia and the KGB.  The last was one that told stories about various entertainers-Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, the Beatles, etc. Never a dull moment!

Thank you, sweetpea, for the excellent comparison of the 2 lines.I have a couple transatlantics in the pipeline with Ss(Dec.'22 and Nov.'23), so I'm not sure when I could try the Cunard crossing money-wise.The classes and guest speakers sound delightful, though.I'm sure I would partake in as many of those as possible on the QM2. There's not as much going on with Ss during the sea days.I may be spoiled for Ss, though, you are right, it is pure luxury all the time. This is a wonderful problem to have, isn't it? Deciding on which beautiful ship I want to take me across the ocean!!!

On 5/22/2022 at 8:06 PM, Sweetpea711423 said:

Many thanks!

Will you do a comparison between the 2 lines? I was planning a QM2 crossing(NY to Southampton and back)and I have done 2 transatlantic with Silversea. Enjoyed Ss immenseley (sp?) but want to look at other possiblities.

Three guests, TWO bags??!! Five guests, FIVE bags??!!! Do they charge more for extra bags? Seems illogical......

I had the most beautiful time aboard the moon it was my first Silversea cruise. It exceeded my expectations in the very best way. My only complaint and I stress my only complaint was that coffee at breakfast was never really that hot. Any suggestions on getting good, hot coffee?

Sorry, but what does 'waitlisted' mean?