SeekingShelter

I’ll answer the second question: yes there is a mini fridge in your suite which they will keep stocked with your choice of beverages. You can let them know your preferences prior to sailing, or just ask the butler to stock it to your requirements when you board.

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Could be interesting when baby boomers, who are currently a huge part of the cruising market, feel too old and creaky to leap in and out of zodiacs ....

 

 

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Agreed. The demographics (income and age) need to be considered.

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Gorgeous nature photography, Spins! And thank you, Terry, for making it possible for her to share them with us.

Ditto!

Gorgeous shots. Thanks for sharing.

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MDR is open seating. If you want, you can ask to join a larger table, or dine alone, and you can decide each night depending upon your mood.

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Gorgeous shot!

Enjoying this very much.

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What a great insight into a short visit to Rome. Thank you!

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So, the big 17-day holiday cruise that departs on Dec 20 will be the break-in voyage before the World Cruise starts in San Fran on Jan 6? Based on SS's recent past with ship refurbishments, it's a bit scary to contemplate. Hopefully, the extra time SS is devoting to the dry dock will enable the ship to have a clean relaunch. Otherwise, if the work isn't completed on time and they continue to perform work during the holiday voyage, I can only imagine the negative press they'll receive.

The holiday cruise was always the first cruise after the refit. Eastwoodboy’s cruise (the one cancelled) was the last one prior to the refit.

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We just get the chef to cook the meat for us (usually come out perfect) and use the rock for heating up the vegetables. That really saves on the splatter factor too.

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Thanks tgh, for sharing. Very informative.

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What happens when you book private excursions, but then due to inclement weather or other factors the ship doesn’t actually make that specific port? We’ve had this happen with excursions booked through SS and we just aren’t charged for the excursion. Are the private tour operators as accommodating?

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We’ve crossed the Atlantic in the Whisper without issues, and the meaning of ‘Pacific’ is ‘peaceful’, at least when compared to the Atlantic. If you’re susceptible to seasickness I’d recommend mid ship on deck 4,5 or 6. Weather should be fine that time of year.

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i didnt know you could carry over onboard credit to another cruise. does anyone else know?

Good question. We’ve never tried!

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We have received very generous OBC from our SS TA, just by asking. Never hurts to ask.

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And so the nickel and dime-ing begins.

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Yes, it is.

 

 

 

Anybody who gets to go on a SS cruise (even a partial charter, 'booze cruise' from Hell ;)) is better off than 99.9% of the people in world.

Agreed. I find I have a bit of personal guilt associated with enjoying such an indulgence when millions of people on the planet are without a clean source of water, food security, or have been displaced due to war, religious intolerance or other factors.

It reminds me of the posts from various cruisers shortly after the devastating hurricanes in the Caribbean, complaining that their itineraries had been changed, when the people on the islands were struggling with lack of power and total destruction of their infrastructure.

Sometimes it is helpful to take a step back and appreciate the tremendous good fortune it takes to be able to even afford one of these cruises.

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Cyber Kat: first, I don’t think that BeeMinor experienced a ‘luxury’ trip.

On a typical SS voyage one doesn’t normally have to contend with the “gotta get my money’s worth” attitude of gluttony they obviously encountered with the large charter group.

Our experiences with SS have been quiet, refined, unobtrusive service. It’s not so much ‘unlimited booze’ as a freedom to not have to show a card every time you want something. If something is possible, it will be done.

There are no line ups, either to get on board, or while on the ship. The ships are (normally) quiet and calm. The crew is there to see to the passengers’ needs and wants.

There are some differences between the smaller SS ships and larger ones in dining venues. When the Muse was first introduced it had an all reservation system, which worked in the cruise line’s favour but removed some of the ability for spontaneity from the passengers. One of the hallmarks of luxury is the freedom of spontaneous dining with new friends. The price paid reflects the expectations. There were a lot of complaints about the new format and SS responded.

Luxury isn’t so much stuff as attitude, space, and service.

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Is there a cost for the laundry machines? Thank you in advance.

They are free to use. SS also provide laundry detergent.

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I wonder how many of her fans will be disappointed when they book a ‘suite’ and don’t get one with a corridor?

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Thank you for your entertaining and informative updates. So good to hear it met your expectations.

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Mature, low key, tasteful....perfect description, and this pretty much describes Silversea as we now know it. I usually add this: friendly, well traveled fellow passengers and excellent crew with no hand kissing.

I feel sure that you’ll have a wonderful holiday...this is all making me consider changing my mind about staying home this year!

Join us on the Whisper!

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We’re just taking a wait and see attitude, but also checking out the Ritz Carlton cruises for 2020 ...

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Thank you, CruisinPashmina, for the thoughtful, well crafted reply. We’re trying a holiday cruise for many of the same reasons you and your late husband did: An escape from extended family obligations and obligatory cheer. Now that we’re empty-nesters we thought we’d try something different which will allow both of us to relax.

Observer: mature, tasteful, low key is exactly what we’re hoping for!

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Thanks, Bluebelle. Happy to learn you’ve had good experiences in the past. We are on the Whisper as well.

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Thank you, Observer. I’m very glad to find out that there will be something for the crew. (I was having some moments of guilt).

I know it’s still a few months away, but anticipation is half the fun.

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Thanks, shipsmail. I’m presuming that New Years will be a formal evening?

Please feel free to share any other insights! We’ve cruised with SS before, just not over the holidays.

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