RetiredandTravel

Our cruise is over 9 months out and several of the "included" excursions are waitlisted. Is it reasonable to think that if we go on the waitlist we will actually get on the excursions? I looked at a few different room types and I'm guessing this cruise is 2/3 full. thanks

Room choice question. Is there any advantage to either side of the ship for cruising Milford/Doubtful Sounds? Or in general for a Sydney> Auckland trip? Tons of great information. Thanks.

Thank You HPD. I would lke the road trip details. Is there a town or two (resort) on the South Island we could use as a base and explore during the day?

Very helpful. The time of year may be the overriding factor for us and its good to hear the positive comments on #2. Thanks Woodrowst, my initial thought was to do a land based trip to both Australia and New Zealand. Its just too many stops and geographical distance for our taste. Thats just our own perference. Thanks again.

Thanks. Looks unanimous. I think this Muse itinerary is probably best but we are on the Muse (10 day Alaska) in May/June and would really like to try the Nova. https://www.silversea.com/destinations/australia-new-zealand-cruise/auckland-to-sydney-sm250202014.html We have never been to Australia/NZ everyone's insights are invaluable.

thanks everyone. The advantages to #2 is it goes to Hobart for two days, eaiser time of year to get there (Eastern US so we would probably leave 12/30 or 31 for #1) and it has less sea days. Of course two sea days + two outstanding sights is better then four days of average sights. I've read that the cruise from Australia to/from NZ can be choppy. Is there any difference between going to/from the North Island or the South Island? Again great input. We plan to book once the air schedules open up, some biz class prices are outlandish.

We also plan on spending time in Sydney.. Your help is greatly appreciated #1 - Sydney > Auckland (Nova) https://www.silversea.com/destinations/australia-new-zealand-cruise/sydney-to-auckland-sn250105016.html #2 - Auckland > Melbourne (Nova) https://www.silversea.com/destinations/australia-new-zealand-cruise/auckland-to-melbourne-sn250121016.html

Previously I described our serious toilet flooding issue on the Mariner in 2019. Housekeeping did a remarkable job cleaning up the mess (took the entire day to dry with the door open) and the head of housekeeping apologized. What surprised us the most was the entire lack of acknowledgement by anyone in senior management on the ship. Not an apology note or call, maybe send some cookies (included) or wine. Crickets. Things go wrong, sometimes its how its handled thats important.

Interesting. Can you use the OBC for tip?

There are multple discussions comparing SS to other lines in this forum. If you search this forum for "oceania" for example you will find the comparisons. Although the standards have decreased some recently SS is probably one of the most formal in dress of the cruise lines. Under "packing your cruise luggage" you will find the dress code. https://www.silversea.com/travel-informations/general-information.html Cheers! '

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthKorea.html

unless the economics are overwhelming I would go with th convenience of the car service at the cruise terminal. We had an exceptional experience with Tokyo MK car service but only one trip and it was pre-covid. They charged $225 from Narita to the Hilton. I would guess that regular taxis are less expensive and in our experience Tokyo taxis were very reliable.

If you are new to Regent I think it is. Once you make Silver (21 nights) you get the same priority on booking excursions & specialty restaurants. So the advantages are the internet & some discounts as Irishwitchy describes. I think there is also a hotel night and generally a better location on the ship. https://www.rssc.com/discover-more/blog/upgraded-amenities-of-your-concierge-suite

There are multiple trips in 2025 that go to Istanbul.

I see multiple trips that include Turkey. Maybe those trips also included Israel?

Looking like JPOW & Co. may actually be pulling off a "soft landing". Also crazy.

🤩 Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays

They have a larger burger called "the matador" I beleive at the pool grill which is highly recommended. Ice cream right next door. 😁

The water and soot almost reached our bed before the water was turned off when our toilet (8th floor) overflowed on the Mariner in 2019. There were multiple dryers to dry the water on 1/2 the floor.

We had a private tour from Positano, it wasn't from a ship. My recollection is it was about 3-4 hours of walking. Some of the walking is on uneven terrain with some inclines. There is little or no shade and the summers can be very hot. We are similar ages, both fit but my wife has arthritis in her knee and I think we would be fine. If you google "pompeii walking" etc there is a lot of information on the stress level. Mount Vesuvius erupted 79 AD and the lava preserved a large part of Pompeii, it is absolutely amazing. This is one that I think would be worth the cost of a private tour. Our guide also took us to a small Italian restuarant (8 tables) in Ravello owned by an Italian lady. She came over to the table and said let me select the food for you. One of the best Italian meals we have ever had.

We have only done land based vacations to Italy. If you haven't been I would highly recommend going to Pompeii. Pompeii is exceptional to see. We've travelled quite a bit and its one of the coolest trips we've ever done. Enjoy!!

From last year https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2872037-wine-lists-from-splendor/#comment-63744114

I would also recommend a private tour for Alhambra.

I have also noticed that the 2025 excursions are very limited. Quite often when I look at the 2024 excursions on the website there are many more at the same ports so I'm hoping this is just timing. Seville is very cool and IMO Reales Alcazares Palace is the highlight.

If you are interested in a non Regent hotel we always stay in The Stafford. Friends of ours love The Goring.