MrsWaldo

39 minutes ago, Mahogany said:

. "Breakfasts were the same"? What do you expect for breakfast? Fresh fruit, pastry, eggs any way, several meats, salmon, fresh-squeezed juice.  Yeah, that's real boring! And "institutionalized"? Like prison?

 

 

Australia has a very strong breakfast culture.

As an example my local cafe breakfast options include:

Breakfast Board - this has chickpeas, poached eggs, olives, zataar, halloumi, spicy sausage

Knafeh French Toast

Breakfast Burrito with either salmon or ham and avocado and scrambled eggs

9 hours ago, Redrob123 said:

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

Have you spoken directly with Sydney office or is it just your TA?

 Because on the phone yesterday I was told by them it is a combinable offer.  The only hitch is it has to be a 2024 cruise?

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 ?

6 hours ago, CrusinPaul said:

Do you think the above sailing from Mahe to Dubai will be canceled ?  In view of the unrest in the Middle East ?  And the cancellation of the moon going thru the coast of Yemen? 
I hope silver sea decides quickly and sends us a letter confirming the voyage is still going in spite of area difficulties. 
I am looking forward to the trip ! 
unfortunately I read from a contributor that Silver Sea has canceled all voyages in the UAE.

I got this email from my TA rep yesterday as I am also on this cruise

Thank you for your email.  Hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year break.  I understand what you said about the Red Sea situation/. At this stage, your voyage from Mahe to Dubai is going ahead as schedule. We don’t have any further information about any cancelation or itinerary change.

Hopefully all will be as planned

“Thank you for your email.  Hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year break.  I understand what you said about the Red Sea situation/. At this stage, your voyage from Mahe to Dubai is going ahead as schedule. We don’t have any further information about any cancelation or itinerary change.”

So we wait 

My air goes through Dubai both ways.   It’s a very long trip from here involving an overnight courtesy of Emirates in Dubai before the flight to Mahe.  

I”m thankful I took the door to door option as it is now all in the hands of Silversea to sort it out.  

being part of a Grand Voyage may help in the long run, she says as she clutches at straws.

I am hoping it doesn’t become a Cape Town cruise as I have been to Africa several times, both on and off cruises   But it would be better than no holiday at all.  

I’ve sent an email to my SS rep requesting any information.  
 

Clealey  with the moon now going around the horn the possibility of itinerary switch is not on the cards. 
 

With so much lead time maybe they will send it back down the African Coast stopping at different ports (this is my cancellation alternative hope because if it’s cancelled I’m done.  I can’t apply for more leave this year, last minute isn’t an option, not to mention I finding an itinerary in the price frame that is attractive as a solo is a challenge.  
 

The discount is a moot point,  it’s only good if you can use it.  

This is my cancelled, cancelled, cancelled cruise that was originally supposed to be Jan 2021. I would never have dreamed booking this far out it wouldn’t go ahead so close to being no alternative.  
 

I’ll update if I hear anything from my rep today but don’t hold your breath 

Paula,

I’m on the late Feb Mahe to Dubai leg… which has its second port at Muscat 

When this issue first started I was told reroute to finish in India was possible. TBH I’m not sure how feasible that is in terms of the future cruises after this point. 
 

The other rumour I have heard is that Moon and Spirit may “swap” itinerary 

I can’t see them canceling the leg, just a huge reroute at this point. Perhaps Plan B is already in place ready for implementation if needed.

Hobart you will dock right in town.  If you look at a google map you‘ll be near MacQ01. If you need any help on places that are must do in town shout out. 
 

1 hour ago, PaulaJK said:

No Bruzin here but thanks for your post. I think that it is too late to anticipate added

excursions, included or not…disappointing…makes me wonder why we are even

stopping at the port. 

For me one of the attractions was never having been in that part of the world. I’m doing it as a taster so not too stressed that the tours are generic 

I’ve booked a mix of selected and included. I’m often happy just to do the included shuttle into town or the walk when you dock nearby. 
 

I booked in late 2020 at a bargain basement price due to a gazillion offers thinking it would never happen so in all regards it’s a winner. If I booked several months ago it would be 2x the price I paid.  

Paula,

I’m on the Mahe to Dubai leg and there were initially some interesting excursions offered, but they were cancelled early in the piece. I’m wondering if SS has changed the port agent, or more correctly RCCL did. 
 

I’m also wondering if the more interesting excursions have been reserved for Grand Voyage cruisers…..

19 minutes ago, david63 said:

I would contend that that is somewhat meaningless - unless it is perfectly acceptable for a "gentleman" on an informal evening to just wear a jacket, and optionally a tie!

Bottomless options to adhere to the dress code. 

1 hour ago, Lookingtocruise42 said:

 

As long as the definition is a “Collared shirt” with “jacket”: a polo plus blazer or jacket would 100% meet the terms of a policy.

If it is “button down shirt”, no, it would not match. However, shirts such as what UNTUCKit sell would.

 

How does the uniform the staff is wearing impact what the guests wear? Treating the staff with respect means being polite to them, not holding them accountable for things out of their control, and treating them as you would like to be treated.

The formal wear they have on is just a uniform.

 

 

Of course all those other things are just being a good human being, respect goes beyond what you say.  
Maybe my take is different because I’m basing on discussions I’ve actually had with people who work in hospitality. 

The uniform they have to wear is based on the expected style of clothing guests would wear in the venue, along with the tasks being performed, otherwise wouldn’t everyone just wear the same thing in dining venues throughout the ship? 
eg. What they wear at the Grill is very different to what is worn in the main dining area, as is what is worn at breakfast versus what is worn at dinner in La Terraza.

25 minutes ago, Lookingtocruise42 said:

That is an opinion; not a fact.

Who says that a polo or Hawaiian shirt can’t be Stylish?

 

 

Of style... yes..... the shirt of choice of the Great Aussie Bogan on the mass market party ships.  Generally worn with matching thongs (AKA flip flops)

Missing the key....  graceful and....  Yet to see a graceful Hawaiian shirt.

Polo shirts here are part of uniforms for either school or workplace casual. Usually so branding can be seen 

I have no issue with these types of items on a smart casual provided they are stylish, a la Ted Baker, etc and worn with appropriate pants. (slacks)  They work for the Outdoor Pool deck spaces in the evening.

TBH ..

IMHO It is all about respect...  the wait staff are dressed in a formal manner, then the diner should at least make some effort.  To walk into a nice dining area looking as though you have just come from the pool or beach is ......

18 minutes ago, Lookingtocruise42 said:

What makes suits, tuxes, and dresses “elegance”?

Elegant is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, to me, I view them as old fashioned and stuffy.

Just the definition of the word elegant actually:

graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.

Can't see that in a polo shirt TBH 

(SNAP!)

The price is dependent on the visit type. eg Lunch was one price, dinner another (works if you have an overnight stop somewhere)

It will be on the form.  I would request prior.... can't hurt and the price would be the same IMHO..  If you've pre lodged it then you have more chance of it happening.  It was very popular in Sydney, so much so, that people who had made requests missed out.  

When we have done this mid or end of voyage it had to be lodged onboard.   This may have changed 

For embarkation day via the CC

2 hours ago, MrsWaldo said:

Hmmm

 

WaldoJr (VS) (SWMBO had to work) came on board for debarkation from Sydney when DrWaldette and I sailed away.  

 

Should read embarkation….

8 hours ago, MBP&O2/O said:

Yup ... that $60pp is a taking into account my previous cruises.

Noy paying that for a buffet lunch 🤭

Hmmm

WaldoJr (VS) (SWMBO had to work) came on board for debarkation from Sydney when DrWaldette and I sailed away.  

We had a lovely lunch in Atlantide including 3 plates of caviar, a 3 course meal each and some lovely wines,  They actually let him board before pax so he was already one Pommery in before we even got on the gangplank.  

Personally, I thought it good value.  

And it won’t work in Australia or New Zealand 

Update on my situation.

Flight dates switched easily and I asked for upgrade to PE price.

Checked online booking direct for me and the upgrade cost is exactly the same difference I see.

Hopefully I'll be able to easily select seats...

3 hours ago, Tothesunset said:

Lizard Island is lovely - we had 4 nights there about 15 years ago and loved it. Especially the free loan of little motor boats so you could cruise round the island and find your own little secluded beach. We were a little worried about the fabled saltwater crocs and had the following conversation with the marine biologist:

 

 

Almost never! 

I have only ever seen 2 in 20 years of return visits...... both last November  Mumma croc whad obviously found a friend 

5 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Fantastic @TLCOhio

Keep em coming!   Weather was too iffy for a flyover for us.  I bet your trip was fabulous.  We've just arrived at Lizard and conditions are looking. Thanks for the preview.

Lizard is my second home.  
 

Mr Waldo resides in Mermaid.  If you get the chance it is the pick of snorkeling but you need to get out to the white buoy. 
 

the itinerary showed you there tomorrow so I was going to post tips this afternoon 

In Watsons just be careful around chinamans and the outlet from the creek. You may end up a little more close and personal with a croc.  They were trying to move them on. 
 

clam gardens are still good.  

35 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Thanks for your kind wishes! We had a nice day in Cairns. But I can see how one could run out of things to do if not focused on the reef.  We did think of going on the jet ski crocodile tour but ran out of time. 😃

 

Thinks were still rocking and rolling last night. Cabin contents flying around, including us. 🫨 Except for being docked at Cairns it’s been this way for the past few days. Lots of sea sick passengers.  Things have calmed a bit this a.m., we have a following sea. Our briefing for this afternoons Ribbon Reef snorkel starts shortly. Stay tuned!😃

I do wonder how many takers they get for the crocodile jet ski tours.  More to the point, how anyone hasn’t been taken.

it will be interesting to hear how the reef is.  The area you are in was wiped by a cyclone a few years back then coral bleaching slowed recovery.  I didn’t get out there last November due to a huge storm wiping out the day cruise boat the day before I arrived.  The fringing reef on the nearby island has recovered spectacularly.

No name reef and dynamite have always been my favourites 

Large groups may have been because it is Mothers Day Weekend here.

Hope the wind has dropped a bit.  

Lots of outer reef things on hold a few days ago, or just very unpleasant.  Water was far from crystal clear.

Personally, I think the blurb has really oversold the area...