les37b

12 midday is common for boarding to start but never guaranteed. 2pm seems to be the standard time they start you can start. Probably a sensible move as all those in the know, wont arrive at 2 with everyone else and making bigger queues!

My cruise last year from Reykjavik on Viking, I was able to board at 10am, then approx 25mins later, I had boarded, did my lifejacket drill, checked in and back off to do the private tour I'd got booked. (I needed to do this to check in my luggage and hand luggage I didn't want to lug around to Gulfoss.) I was actually planning to hike from the trail 18km to the active volcano, but it got put out the day before I arrived in Iceland, so revisited Gulfoss instead.

2 hours ago, jollyjones said:

 

I agree that the water bottles seem to be excellent quality, and if I hadn't had more than enough of my own at home I would have been tempted to take home the ones I had on my past two cruises. Maybe they assume everyone will.

 

Because I was a bit surprised when at dinner with a senior officer I asked how they cleaned them for the next pax and was told that they don't, they throw them away.

I do not know if this is actually true.

However, if it is, it makes a bit of a mockery of the idea that these bottles are used to cut down on (admittedly plastic) waste.

 

LOL that's hilarious if that's the case! This change had nothing to do with A. "saving the planet" and everything to do with B. clearing the debt. I will never forget my embarrassing encounter in St Baths waiting for the tender. I innocently went to take a cup of iced water from the table before realising the table with fruit, juice, cold water and cookies in fact was for Seadream tender guests moored nearby. The fact I've never seen any refreshments being given at a tender point proves to me beyond any doubt B. was the answer. Quite incredible not to be able to get a refreshment while you wait up to an hour before you can depart for the ship. As I keep saying "its the little things" that was always good to see, which unfortunately are vanishing and becoming a big thing! Just my opinion of course.

How strict is the no pet policy?

On 5/31/2024 at 6:43 PM, Gourmet Gal said:

Yes, as mentioned it is frustrating there is an offer to book another “similar” itinerary but no details.  I booked before a more than 30% increase on my Japan cruise and the 15% “discount” is not an incentive to rebook.  In fact it is yet another incentive to delete SS from all my future travel plans. They promote cruises by encouraging to book before fares increase, cancel said cruise and then squeeze out a higher fare anyway if you choose to rebook.  Original fares should be honored and prorated if the replacement cruise is shorter or longer.

Historically, I’ve done pretty well when SS cancelled my bookings and managed to negotiate a better deal than offered, but have to agree with your feelings on the “new SS”. Fond memories but zero intention of any further bookings unless something changes, which I’m not holding my breath for.

My future plans now revolve around DIY tours. My first is next January in Singapore and Malaysia for 3 weeks, with the one after set to be a Bullet train bonanza in Japan for 3 weeks. I know with 100% certainty I will see far more than on a cruise and a significant saving. Sure, it means lots of planning and decision making, but that’s part of the fun. 

On 5/30/2024 at 10:23 PM, dawntrdr said:

I hate to be a party pooper on this forum, but I feel like I've gotten a punch in the teeth.  With the amount I have spent to get 100 days on SS, I could have had 250 days on RCI.  Persons with 250 days on RCI will get 10% off future SS cruises as VS level members, while I still only get the 5% for a 100 day VS member, and I am the one who demonstrated commitment to the brand.  Am I reading this change incorrectly?

I don’t blame RCi guests being all over this. 
 

Look on the bright side. It seems a fair trade to lose discounted fares and free laundry, for 10% off a glass of beer! Sounds like a fair exchange to me! 🤔

I wonder if any other lines give status exchange with SS? Sounds like a better option if the case!
 

3 hours ago, late2cruisin said:

Except that Essential isn't really the old Port to Port, because the excursions are missing! But I'd agree that the new Port to Port is like the old Door to Door without flights and transfers (and hotels).

Without the huge price variation you would expect, making you more likely to sigh and think what the hell, all these “extras” seem like a bargain.

Are they still excluding this fare from the VS status night count?

Whilst I have zero interest in travelling on any of RCi butlins ships, I did try to see if anything similar mentioned above is shown up in my.silversea.

Cant see anything meaningful within that, but unless I’m mistaken the 100 day laundry and 5% milestone has been removed. I also can find no record of sailing nights to have any clue how near to what now appears to be the first rung after initial sailing of 260 days on SS.

i can only think this can’t be the case as it truly would be a kick in the face.  So luckily, I know I’m on 162 days and know I’ve no intention of reaching 250 or sailing on RCI ships so probably a mute point. I suspect others may feel different. I hope it’s just an error or I’ve misunderstood what I saw.

i did however manage to find this page which is as clear as mud, though does appear to indicate 100 days gives “platinum”status on RCI but no idea what that means.

https://www.silversea.com/vs-status-match-terms-and-conditions.html

Hoping someone can make head or tale of it or some kind RCI sole could clarify. What is needed on RCI to receive platinum and what are the perks? Free laundry? Is this reciprocated for you on SS?

I can’t help feeling the reason SS are changing so many T&C is they are confident of replacing ex loyal “esteemed guests” by its larger customer base. Apologies if that sounds like sour grapes, but I’m fairly sure the attraction to SS is the luxury branding and smaller ships, so this loyalty thing really looks like a one way street in terms of being being used. Each to their own. There is no guarantee RCI guests will love the smaller ships, but I’m reasonably confident SS guests are more likely not to want to jump ship. (Pun intended.)

it just seems to be one turn off after another as time passes.

.

Not envious of your flight, but certainly am for the rest. I know you’ll have a great time and look forward to your posts. Say hi to Albert for us!

13 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

If I'm not turned around, this pic is of the starboard side and TTS is port.

Yup, you are correct. Strangely I had convinced myself 738 was on the port side. It’s been 5 years since I last stayed in it and I’m getting old and memory not as good as it once was! lol No wonder TTS didn’t wave from the window!

Had an enjoyable VS visit yesterday, The process of boarding has certainly changed and somewhat confusing. To get on, your passport is taken (as usual). GS then asked for my passport again and asking what my suite number was. It was resolved eventually after waiting 15 minutes and a “voucher” issued, which is something that I’d not seen before. (The voucher also said I had a named sponsor but no idea who that was!) I suspect this is to counter individuals getting a free lunch or several, if they attempt more than one venue. Good move if that’s what’s happened.

I was gutted when my 738 booking was cancelled for Aug 2020 on what was scheduled to be the final sailing of the Wind as a classic ship. The departure tomorrow it would seem is going to be the final Wind (or Cloud) use of Tower Bridge. Such a shame dropping this iconic port, but believe this is the LPA putting an end to it, not SS. 
 

Hope disembarkation went smoothly and everyone boarding today has an enjoyable cruise to Reykjavik. Hope you get to see the smoke and glowing red of the current volcanic eruption. I shall give a customary wave when it sails through the bridge at Dartford tomorrow.

3 hours ago, drron29 said:

A beautiful scene. We were privileged to board her via the Belfast when she still was a classic ship. Before the cruise we stayed at the Cheval apartments at the Tower of London so we were able to see her arrive.

The bonus was when we left to board the Silversea staff were collecting bags no more than 10 metres from where we left the building. Highly recommended

i do remember that sailing and it did introduce me to the best location to video in and out from. 
 

Had a lovely lunch but was told all ship visits because of the GE issues were close to being cancelled!  The final straw after today’s problems! lol

Well, I have heard we were very fortunate to get on board and potentially all visits being cancelled. Phew…. They weren’t!

Ahoy there!

I waived but you wasn’t home!
 

Will post some photos from London Bridge shortly after we get up there! Hopefully the journey is less eventful than earlier today! If you see an odd looking fella with a monopod taking photos onboard, say hello!

I thought the gods were transpiring against me this morning. Up and showered at 4am. Left to get to flight control at 4.30 for what should have been a 18 to 20 minute journey. Arrived at the midway point to join the M25 only to find what appeared to be a warning sign the carriage entrance was closed. (Never seen this neon sign before!) Did a detour down the A20 and then half way there, found the road blocked for an accident that had taken place shortly before. (Astonishingly, google maps even had the accident showing - but didn't realised an air ambulance had been called and police cars had blocked the road. So as it was now after 5, I went back to route one only to be dashed to find the carriageway entrance was still signed. So did a detour in the wrong direction of the M25 to to the previous junction and then back to plan A.

So Google maps tells me to take a long winded route at the next junction which I decided to ignore as I knew best! About 1/2 mile later I found out Google actually did know best and was greeted with a 4 lane grid lock and overhead "Incident" warning. It just didnt look like it was meant to be.

After waiting a good 10 minutes, finally there was some movement and I was back on my way.

I actually arrived in good time - it was Silver Wind that was late! 

After setting up, I watched as she passed the bend at Tilbury docks and waiting eagerly to launch.

The video is fresh off the press and very quicky edited to upload so anyone onboard could browse while having breakfast in the pool of London.

Enjoy.  

Your route up the Thames looks like will be cloudy but no rain. Rain is due from about 1 to 5pm which puts a dampener on a La Terrazza lunch or drinks on Panorama veranda overlooking the Bridge…. But great no rain for a chorus of Rile Britannia sailing into the pool.

Fingers crossed. Don’t forget to wave to the port side as you approach Dartford bridge. I guess that will probably be a little difficult unless up and about at 5.45am lol

12 hours ago, Tothesunset said:

We must have had 30 or more dinners in terraza and each time been disappointed. Yet still we go back. 

In 4 days? That must be a record! 🤣

Have to admit La Terrazza was always our favourite, but less so now the menu choices seemed to have been halved. 

1 hour ago, jpalbny said:

Thanks for sticking with this and getting it sorted, Les! Now back to (hopefully) our scheduled itinerary! 

I wouldn’t go as far as making that claim, but certainly guilty about noticing it.

Hope the internet is working on the Wind! 😅

On 5/18/2024 at 10:04 PM, kitcrazy said:

• How large are the groups for ship-sponsored shore excursions?  I prefer 20 or less, and wondering if I should join a ship-organized cruise, or make my own plans.
• On other cruises, I have often booked a private tour, and then found others to join me to split the cost.  Is that common on Silversea itineraries?  I noticed that there are a lot fewer roll calls on CC for Silversea ships, which is why I ask.

Generally the free or paid for excursions are likely to be around 20 persons. Obviously this can depend of the tour, but I've never had any that are overfull.

The included excursions since they started including as part of your fare, have not been too bad, but obviously if there is something specific you'd like to do which is not a freebie, the paid for excursions are a premium far in excess of what you could get by a DIY tour. I've never managed to plan a combined with other guests strip on a SS cruise, but have booked a few of my own activities through companies like Get your guide. I did manage to book a mini bus tour once on a larger ship cruise that took in Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius and worked out at 32 Euros each for the 12 passengers. The ship probably charged what we paid for 12 guests! 

Rollcalls on here are usually sparse, but its worth a go. I've certainly met a few people from doing so.

Enjoy your cruise. Silver moon is a splendid ship and absolutely certain you will agree with that.

On 5/18/2024 at 5:57 PM, beaujolais said:

 

Les 

Arrival, at The Pool, is showing on the PLA website

The issue that I shared with TTS 3 or 4 weeks ago was. (1) Silver Wind was showing as berthing at Greenwich Cruise Terminal and (2) Tower Bridge shows that Silversea had not booked a lift on the up and downstream journeys. This was confirmed as still being the case when I spoke with Tower Bridge on Friday. I did also speak with the LPA who did actually say, they have Wind arriving at the Pool of London, but they did agree that SS needed to pull their finger out and make that booking.

I'm pleased to say that after a further chase up today to make SS aware they still haven't done so, FINALLY, this evening Silver Wind is now officially arriving to Tower Bridge and have contacted to make the booking.

I didn't want to let on what I'd spotted and actually posted a cryptic reminder for TTS to chase once on board. I suppose I should have kept it off the thread, but as much as anything, if something did go pear shaped, the proof would be in the thread that it was known about and had been chased. TTS, will be able to confirm I did suggest after I'd spoken with LPA, I thought all would be fine, but its pretty infuriating that pointing out their mistake, was just ignored.

My interest in the arrival is because I'm due to go on for a ship visit but at first was simply checking times to watch sailing through Dartford Bridge. Usually lift times are showing up to 9 months in advance but probably booked as soon as scheduled. Why this wasn't I've no idea, but concern was genuine and not without personal angst of a similar issue last year, when I was continually assured we would be travelling on the train from Seward which was then on the end of an esteemed guest letter to tell us about "operational difficulties" after we had boarded. This after 3 weeks before boarding when I chased again because the transfer suggested was being handled by an Alaskan Agency - who once I called, told me they only deal with coaches. So SS knew well in advance and had been stringing me along for the previous year after finding out that the AR timetable didn't even start until 3 days after we arrived. I was assured, "Its a charter, don't panic, you are definitely on the train." On this same trip, we missed the stop at Kodiak Island because SS booked our arrival too late and Viking got in before us to confirm the one spot. So we were to scheduled to tender, but weather put paid to this. (If only they scheduled in good time when this cruise was advertised, we would have berthed and managed to actually stop after leaving Japan. Missing stops is never fun - especially if they could have been avoided. Booking these things should be taken seriously - 10 days before arriving in London doesn't seem to suggest it has been!

Anyway - just bringing a little reasoning to my fears / concerns.... and I'm pleased to say, its all systems go..... Though that arrival time will mean an even early rise to drone the passing at Dartford.

How is 738 TTS?

33 minutes ago, Tothesunset said:

24 hrs from now we should, with a fair wind, be in our favourite suite on our favourite ship. 

 

Sometimes we just need to step back and remind ourselves how privileged we are. 

Enjoy. Was the last time in 738 on the rather rough seas to Tower Bridge from Fort Lauderdale? At least you can be sure you wont get those seas on this one! 

BTW, I've had no joy with the issue we are aware about and its still not showing up as you board. I'll check again on Monday and have another go. Might be an idea to speak with the HD to advise your name needs to be on that list or you wont be coming in (and ask if they understand how it works!) Please post if you do get some feedback. My fingers and toes are crossed for you.

26 minutes ago, DavyWavey70 said:

I’ve wondered about this previously. Certainly within the Uk and the EU they would be fully liable if any part of the service failed or caused a loss under the package travel and linked arrangements act 2018 and wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. It’s such a shame that they can’t find a better partner. Emirates seem to have it off to a tee with their partners. SS need to play hardball with Blacklane, who in turn need to play hardball with their service providers. Tighten up those contracts and if that driver just  chooses not to turn up then he’s paying for all consequential losses. Blacklane fail to provide the service then they’re paying. That would sort the wheat from the chaff. Get the contracts right and you don’t need to absolve yourself of any responsibility for not providing a service that has been paid for as part of a “luxury” package. 

The fact they are proving this service and part of their price which is included in your fare paid direct to SS, I can’t see how they could ever consider suggesting “tough luck buster”, nothing to do with us. Is a luxury line honestly saying you need to book another service just in case Blavklane don’t arrive?

Fair enough if you missed your flight and cruise because you used your own means (and making it a claim off your insurance company if you had cover for whatever the reason was.) 

They can put whatever they like in their small print, but they can’t trump consumer law. I suspect in the US they can get away with it, but not in countries where consumers are afforded protection.

On 4/19/2024 at 7:32 PM, jollyjones said:

I bet you could find me if you try - both les37b and Stumbles managed it first go on cruises long past. (Where are you both? We miss you)
 

PS - BTW the duck pasta thing in La T has been rubbish for years  - do not let your eyes settle for even a nanosecond on that menu option. 

Still here (just!). Not sure how I missed this thread until just now - humble apologies!

Agree, the pappardelle ragu isn't as good as once was, but it still never stopped me having it every time in La Terrazza (Made easy as the menus don't seem to change!)

15 hours ago, gnome12 said:

I just got my invitation to book my transfers. I'm trying to set up a Blacklane account, and it keeps rejecting my passwords. The only thing that comes up green is that I don't use my email or name. I have tried a number of options, all with at least 8 characters, at least 1 capital letter, at least one number and at least 1 special character. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

It looks like $ is not considered a special character.

Password123! worked for me.

I suspect its your email address its not liking. As a thought, do you have a secondary one you can try?

I had been relatively happy with our SS consultant who I have to say looked out for us and managed to get us sorted with some good options when we had cancellations, I probably foolishly opted to use a large TA whom I managed to get a 10% discount from (on top of the VS and on board booking discount.) However, my experience with that agent was frankly shocking and made me realise SS direct was the better option, which I did on our last booking.

Unfortunately our trusted consultant's worth was noted within and he was promoted and the new green replacement consultant has left me unable to contemplate SS or a TA right now, which is just as well as I've no intention right now of another SS booking unless a cant refuse offer came up.

On 4/9/2024 at 4:28 PM, mklions said:

I spent a whole of last Saturday morning sorting out my issues with Blacklane. I live 47.9 miles away from Heathrow airport. 

When I booked the transfers with Blacklane using their website link (sent over via Silversea ) they registered my milage as 61 miles and provided me with an additional cost of £33 each way ( £66 for the home and return journey).

The problem with Blacklane in the UK is you cannot talk to anyone direct by telephone, you have to use their online chat service.

I decided to use this chat service and got into a semi heated discussion with this very arrogant and unhelpful person.

Apparently their computer calculations on the milage is all that matters and if it doesn't pick up a shorter route so be it.

 

I had exactly the same issue with them on the 2 return bookings made. The problem is down to them not having an option for T5 at Heathrow and instead use the furthest point they could use. I am 51.1m and they put it down as 56.5m. (You have an allowance of 52m). It took probably a dozen calls numerous emails to finally get them to admit their mapping and charging system was wrong and the £33 each way they were adding to my bill get removed. You would have though they would have learned their lesson on the next booking, but they did the same again. Clearly no intention of not overcharging unless you notice and challenge. They did agree once again to "remove the charge as a goodwill gesture". I'd prefer a them to acknowledge it would be fraud not to. While I was away on my last trip 2 months ago, I noticed there was an odd charge on my credit card and reference to being a wait charge. When I got home, I checked my CCTV time stamp and sent them photos of the car arriving 5 minutes early with us departing inside the vehicle before our schedule pick up. We left the house within a minute of his arrival. I also suggested if they really were sticking with that claim, they need to speak to the driver who appeared to have an average speed for the entire journey above the national speed limit. I got the usual "goodwill gesture" response.

I most certainly would never chose to use Blacklane and agree with your views on them as an organisation.

I had spotted the SS "not our fault if you miss your flight and cruise", but frankly I don't think they would get away with that in a UK court and is once again something I really dislike about D2D particularly if you cannot take ownership.

6 hours ago, Tothesunset said:

If you haven't sailed into the Pool of London under Tower Bridge before, you're in for a treat. Should be the highlight of the cruise. 

Completely agree. It would be the highlight of most cruises. I’ll certainly watch you sailing under the Dartford Ctossing at 6am and hopefully be there in the pool to say hello a few hours later. My fingers are crossed for you know what… and as of now, it’s still not rectified.

Enjoy your cruise and 738 and hopefully the cupboards on board are fully stocked!

Looking on the SS website, I see they are still using my video extract of Wind sailing under Dartford Bridge and Cloud under Tower Bridge. Brings back such fond memories.

https://www.silversea.com/destinations/northern-europe-british-isles-cruise.html

Click watch video on the page to view.

This was a live broadcast I did on YT which I’m sure you were watching TTS?