Redrob123

52 minutes ago, mogilevk9 said:

We are booked on Crystal Symphony’s Mumbai to Athens sailing at the end of March.
Nothing has been forthcoming from Crystal regarding whether this cruise will be cancelled etc, although their holding statement assures you they having continued dialogue with affected guests🤣🤣

So, just to show any Silversea passengers you are not alone, we dedicate this playlist to you all. Enjoy!

 

Crystal’s Top 5 Playlist in The Avenue Saloon tonight are:

1. Our Lips Are Sealed by the Go-Go’s

2. Silence is Golden by The Four Seasons

3. The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel 

4. It’s Oh So Quiet by Bjork

5. Road To Nowhere by Talking Heads

 

🎹🎹🎹

I have a friend on that cruise, Sydney to Mumbai.  Passengers onboard haven’t been told anything  but the feeling is that it will end in Singapore.

Hello everyone, I have an opportunity to do Sydney to Taiwan segment on Sojourn in a couple of weeks.  Have only cruised on old Crystal and most recently Silversea.  Silversea has a solo program and there’s always opportunity to have a drink or dinner with solos or others.  If there’s anyone on there at present I am interested to know what’s it like onboard a world cruise segment for a solo.

Thanks

11 hours ago, drron29 said:

First here is the ACCC guide as regards travel for both business and consumer. If SS does not pay the difference between business which you usually fly and economy you definitely have a strong case to claim the difference.

And I posted my case to show that in some cases SS does give options and this strengthens your case for compensation. feel free to quote what I was sent.

 

First the Scenic case where Scenic claimed that the floods were out of their control. the high court found they were liable for distress and discomfort and damages weren't limited.

https://www.holmanwebb.com.au/blog/735/scenic-tours-left-with-10-million-damages-award-after-substantially-failing-in-its-latest-appeal

 

Next Carnival lost their high Court appeal when they said they were a foreign corporation and weren't subject to Australian laws. They are and so will Silversea.

https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/legal-regulatory/ruby-princess-passengers-win-class-action-against-carnival-australia

 

And the ACCC guide.

https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/publications/travel-and-accommodation-an-industry-guide-to-the-australian-consumer-law#:~:text=This guide provides information on,more detailed guidance for business

 

You should start with your State Consumer Affairs Body and get their advice re next steps.

 

Thanks😀

3 minutes ago, Redrob123 said:

Yours is definitely pick one option but we have ticks against both which to me and everyone else here means both.   

I’m interested in the new ACCC rulings.  Definitely had much distress and disruption as am in Bali in transit to Dubai. I only fly business class due to health issues and my TA says that they will probably only cover economy flight back to Australia even though my Mumbai to Brisbane that I have to cancel is in business.   I am way out of pocket from this trip that they delayed cancelling.  I’ll be looking for other cruise options after this debacle.

Drron, can I contact you to find out how I go about claiming for disruption and distress.  Mine is rmh654atgmail.

36 minutes ago, drron29 said:

We have had a cruise on the Muse for may 2025  from Doha to Athens disappear from the website and from our bookings on My Silversea. We were sent an email from Silversea that the cruise was going to sail 3 days later and our cruise from SIN to Doha end 2 days earlier. Leaving a 6 day gap in between what was previously a back to back voyage from Singapore to Athens.

This was the offer for the Doha to Athens cruise.

 

Alternately, we would also like to offer for your consideration a saving of 10% to rebook on a future voyage. Please find below details of the options available: 

 

A. A Shipboard Credit of USD 500 per person to be used on your existing booking. 

 

B. A saving of 10% should you choose to book a different 2024/2025/2026 sailing when booking before 20 January 2024. This voyage-to-voyage (V2V) offer is combinable with any public fare. World Cruise excluded.

 

C. A refund of the full cruise fare.

 

And for the shortened first cruise.

 

Alternately, we would also like to offer for your consideration a saving of 10% to rebook on a future voyage. Please find below details of the options available: 

A. A 15% savings off the new fare, combinable with any other public promotions. 

 

B. A saving of 10% should you choose to book a different 2024/2025/2026 sailing when booking before 20 January 2024. This voyage-to-voyage (V2V) offer is combinable with any public fare. World Cruise excluded.

 

C. A refund of the full cruise fare

 

So definitely they are saying pick one option. Our TA says definitely only 1 option but as we have only paid the deposit that would be moved to the new cruise if we took that option. I would presume for those that have already paid that would be moved to the newly booked cruise. Then you would have to ask is there going to be any refund if that cruise is less than the cancelled one.

 

However for those in Australia The ACCC has amended it's policies re travel insurance after the cruise industry (Scenic and P&O ) lost cases in the High Court where cruises which don't sail in Australian waters are still subject to Australian consumer laws.

The second case ruled that Australians can sue for distress and disruption with no cap on damages.

 

 

Yours is definitely pick one option but we have ticks against both which to me and everyone else here means both.   

I’m interested in the new ACCC rulings.  Definitely had much distress and disruption as am in Bali in transit to Dubai. I only fly business class due to health issues and my TA says that they will probably only cover economy flight back to Australia even though my Mumbai to Brisbane that I have to cancel is in business.   I am way out of pocket from this trip that they delayed cancelling.  I’ll be looking for other cruise options after this debacle.

Just now, fudge said:

This is from SS a few days ago.

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.

Yes, that’s the same letter I got.  I have asked my TA to check with the US office to see what they say.

49 minutes ago, fudge said:

Our cruise sailing on the 1st Feb has just been cancelled, Moon, Doha to Muscat. We received a mail from our TA, full refund AND the offer of a 20% discount on a future cruise booked by 2024.

That’s what my letter says as well but Sydney office saying it’s one or the other.

28 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

This sounds much more like it.  I can't imagine any cruise line offering only one or the other.  @Redrob123's TA must be mistaken.  [Let's hope 🙏]

My TA has said that they checked with supervisor and that is what they were told.  The way I read it it definitely is for both.  Even my TA said that she thinks I am right but Silversea in Australia doesn’t agree.   Im not sure where to go from here?  It’s devastating enough that it was cancelled last minute as I’m already in Bali.   I wouldn’t have come if I wasn’t going to Dubai and now trying to get back home.  I am out of pocket and now they are arguing about 20%.  It was a lousy offer to start with.

24 minutes ago, Downunder55 said:

 

For which sailing ?

January 26.  Were you in this cruise and got the cancellation offer?

My TA has just informed me that the offer from Silversea for refund and 20% off 2024 cruise if either/or.  The way I read it is that both are applicable.  Has anyone been given other information that you can get both a refund and 20% off.  

Thanks

5 minutes ago, johng75370 said:

Hi Redrob, I was very impressed with how Explora has a dedicated host for various groups (singles, non-English speakers, LGBTQ+, etc), and makes a great effort in that respect.  They have single events on the schedule, and similar to the lines you are used to it is seems easy to mix with other people apart from what the line organizes.  Can’t speak directly to the experience as a single traveler, but from our December cruise I observed they make a good effort.

 

Hi B&B, what we found in a basic OT1 was they were happy to stock to your request; would be surprised if they would not stock with a Moët bottle as your wine choice (although it is not on the list, but we requested “off-list” and had no problem).  

Thank you so much for your reply re solos.  Makes me more interest to possibly explore their itineries.

On 1/12/2024 at 3:34 AM, breadandbutter said:

I have a couple of questions, any help will get greatly appreciated. 

 

With the in room bar set up, is it possible to have a bottle of champagne instead of a spirit or wine?  I didn't see it listed on the menu I saw in a YouTube video.

Also, is it one choice per person or per cabin?

 

Are there any complimentary exercise, yoga etc classes?

 

Many thanks in advance.

Rather than starting a new post thought I would add to your topic as I also have a newbie question😀

I travel solo and am ex crystal and now Silversea.  Every night Silversea hosts a meetup for solos then dinner plans can be made with the solo group or whatever you choose.

Does Explora have anything in the evening for solos? Basically, how does Explora cater for their solos? I know they have a coffee chat meetup in the middle of the morning but anything in the evening?
 

TIA😀

Wire transfer landed in my account today so they have started processing overseas claims.  I’m in Australia.

39 minutes ago, travelberlin said:

It is indeed. Only in our case I do not know how we are going to get the checks in Germany or how can we cash it 🤔

 

Ivi

I had an email from them last week when I asked as I hadn’t received any acknowledgment that my claim was valid.  I am in Australia and was told that payment would be around first quarter and it would be via wire transfer.  They would contact me closer to when the funds will be sent to get bank details.

I was on Spirit for 28 days in December and walk very early in the morning when the pool guys are putting chairs out.  The worst offenders are the pool guys who put the towels and books on particular double loungers. The same books stay in the bar area and just moved to chair every morning when they set up.

Happy to report that my TA applied on Sunday and it came through on Monday.  Still don’t understand why I couldn’t complete it on my iPad or other hotel computer I tried.  I still remember pre Covid we were on the Crystal cruise originating in Mumbai cruise and pulling our hair out trying to get the visa done.  Obviously things haven’t changed too much since then.

Good to hear that processing only took a few days.  One of the reasons I left it so late was because of the 30 day rule.  Fingers crossed that I am one of the lucky ones as I am in transit and would be devastated if I couldn’t board as this is my first SS after Crystal fiasco. 

3 hours ago, ak1004 said:

 

Well, on their website they say "Government of India makes no provision of charging of any emergency fees or additional fees for grant of any emergency / express e-visa." Some agencies say they can expedite it, but I doubt it. I would suggest contacting your TA and/or SS and explain the situation.

 

If you mention on your application that your cruise is on Dec.8 and you won't be allowed boarding if you don't have your visa, they might issue it faster. I know that some people got it in 4-7 days, others took almost a month. You might get lucky and get it fast, but 72 hours mentioned on their website means nothing.

Thanks for all your info.  My brilliant TA was able to do my online application which is now pending so she can troubleshoot for me now.  Fingers crossed it is approved sooner rather than later.

6 hours ago, ak1004 said:

 

Didn't you read my post????

 

We were able to apply for e-visa using our other passport. We applied on Oct.25 and it took 25 days to get the e-visas. 

 

 

It says 72 hours on their website, in reality it is usually at least 2-3 weeks. We are traveling with 4 more couples, it took all of them 20-30 days. Many US citizens report similar timeframes.

 

Anyway, good luck. I just tried to help..

 

 

Thank you.  Didn’t realise that you could get evisa.  Now I am really worried.  I wonder if an agent is able to get it quicker?

Evisa takes maximum 3 days.  Different from UK and Canadian visa Which isn’t evisa.

30 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

@Redrob123 we are on the same cruise. We are Canadians but have dual citizenship, so were able to apply for e-visa using our other passport. We applied on Oct.25 and it took 25 days to get the e-visas. It might be different for you if you mention that your flight is earlier, but hard to know.

 

We advised SS while waiting, they said we won't be able to board without the visa, but they will provide us future cruise credit.

 

To answer your question, we used Chrome for fill the e-visa application with no issues.

Luckily I can get evisa which doesn’t take time.  I’m usually  more organised and would have applied earlier but life got in the way.

10 hours ago, Fletcher said:

I read your post on Facebook and noted you are in Bali.  My wife suggests - as a last resort - you contact the Australian consulate in Bali and hope they may help, if only to offer you access to a computer.  You may not be able to board the ship in Dubai without an Indian visa but it's theoretically possible for you to apply for the visa using the computers on board the ship.  At least Australians qualify for the eVisa.  Britons and Canadians do not and that makes it even more complicated.

 

Personally I refuse to have anything to do with India right now

Thanks for reply.  I think the only answer is a computer.

I am asked this question on SS facebook page so will also ask here.  I am on Dubai to Mumbai and trying to apply for Indian evisa.  Tearing my hair in frustration out as every time I save the info and go back to partially completed application all the info from page 2 has disappeared so can’t go any further without filling out the form yet again.  Have tried numerous browsers but I can’t get past page 2.  Anyone on here having same problem or can give me a fix?  I am out of ideas.

Help please🤬

14 minutes ago, TER777 said:

 

No. According to what TAs have been told, open bookings for solos are $250.

I received the email from my TA and it is quoted as USD500/AUD700.   No mention that solo deposit is half although OBC $250.  They can process from tomorrow.