RachelG

2 hours ago, christraveller said:

There are process, supervision and training issues here. 
 

The Vero sparkling is too salty and under carbonated.   Makes sense, it is desalinated on board. 
 

The filtered Vero waters are served at room temperature, quite horrible, really. There is no ice near the guest tables, so the poor staff have  trudge off to find ice, served in a separate glass on a plate. Every. Single. Time. 
 

20% of refills got the still vs sparkling wrong. 
 

This needs rethinking!
 

 

Spot on.  My husband would have to ask for ice every meal, and apparently that is a hard commodity to source as many times we would be almost to dessert before it appeared.  

So on Cloud last month, we were told no Pelligrino or Perrier.  Environment given as excise.  But some bottles of Pelligrino mysteriously appear in our suite after I vigorously complained.  None in the bars or restaurants though, and yes, I can taste the difference.

3 hours ago, where-to-next said:

We were in Auckland in December last year and on disembarking, left our luggage at a luggage storage office on the pier.

We have done this as well, granted, it was pre covid, but apparently still possible. 

As far as the Polaris lounge access, only available if it is a united flight, not a partner, but you should be able to access the united club. 

10 hours ago, Port Power said:

 

It seems all those who went on Silver Cloud did thoroughly enjoy their experiences.  No mention of going out in zodiacs, so possibly they rarely left the ship.  Certainly the "small ship cruises" were a hit!  At least the ship fills up, which is good for business, and the real expedition passengers still enjoy their expeditions.

There were definitely many onboard who didn't go out on the zodiacs much, if at all.  Often this cruise, they would start calling the zodiac groups down early as not many people were showing up.  I haven't really experienced that much previously.  

2 hours ago, lincslady said:

Possibly a late incentive to just one or two agents, to contact their own clients?  Not publicised?

Likely possible.  I have received such offers in the past, but have never been able to take advantage of them.  And yes, as JP stated, there was a lot of availability on this cruise until about 6 weeks prior then all of a sudden it was full. So something happened.

George and I had the 3rd most days onboard which was really unexpected.

of course, a big draw for Aussies would be the relatively short flights.

I am pretty sure Silversea filled up a large number of unsold cabins with deeply discounted fares offered to Aussies at last minute.  I say this based on the large number of Aussies onboard, most who had never sailed on Silversea or any other ship for that matter and who had no idea what expedition cruising was about.

Just catching up after a couple of long flights and super busy days at the office.

would I do this itinerary again?  Probably not.  We saw a lot of very unique and beautiful things, but I think it is a one and done. The lack of snorkeling at Ashmore Reef was really a disappointment particularly since snorkeling was mentioned in the initial description of the itinerary when we first booked.

the crew were great and all worked hard to please.  Our butler was always looking for things to do, and our cabin attendant was great.  Waiters were mostly great as was the sommelier.   They learned our preferences and really tried hard, even with the limitation that all fresh produce and meat had to be Australian origin.  Was very impressed that the seafood buffet included crab.  You don’t see that on Regent anymore.  Included wines were also better than on regent, and wine list prices for the premium ones were not bad.

it wasn’t as hot as I expected until the last 2 days, but we are used to Oklahoma summer hot, which is a whole other ballgame.  I did get bitten by a few insects, but George didn’t.  I have the ability to get bug bites anywhere when no one else does, so no surprise.  I didn’t actually see any mosquitoes, and this seems to be another insect as the bites aren’t like mosquito bites.

while Regent remains our favorite for traditional cruises, we actually booked a Tahiti to Tahiti cruise on Whisper for 2026, as Regent doesn’t go there in the summer.

any additional questions, I will be happy to answer.

July 29, 2024–Broome, Australia and disembarkation 

When we awoke, we were just pulling alongside a long jetty.  Land outside was very flat, dry with rust colored soil.  There are no terminal facilities.  Luggage was just offloaded onto the jetty.

We had done our air independently, so I had booked a driver and car through the only company in town that is allowed to drive out onto the jetty.  I learned later, we probably could have taken the Silversea bus to the airport, but George doesn’t like bus transfers with luggage anyway.  Our driver was ahead of schedule, and Skulk had to page us overhead to disembark.

It was a short drive to the airport, and we were there before the Qantas desk opened.  When the check in agent arrived, she was extremely efficient, and we were checked in and through security in no time.  There is a big open air area with tables and chairs, and a nice gift shop.  I did some shopping for grand babies.

Our plane was an airbus A320, no first or business class, but we had exit row seats with the seat between us being empty. No jetbridges, just the old outdoor stairs.  2 1/2 hour flight to Perth.

We landed on time and reclaimed our bags as we are on a separate reservation to Sydney made with AA miles.  Our bags were almost the last out, so by the time we rechecked them and went back through security, we had less than an hour before boarding the flight to Sydney, a 737-800.  Business class seats were large and comfortable though not lie flat.  It started pouring rain as we taxied for takeoff.

We arrived in Sydney ahead of time.  Luggage was out first this time, and we were soon in a taxi and to the West Hotel, which is the other Hilton property in Sydney.  Equal distance to the airport than the other Hilton, and less expensive with no exec lounge, but very modern rooms with multiple USB ports and a very nice bathroom, comfortable bed.  I would stay at either again.

18 hours ago, Port Power said:

There is something I must correct.  There was an accident a few years ago, but never any fatalities. No one died at Horizontal Falls.

 

The traditional caretakers have now stopped the boats going through, although with about two years’ notice IIRC.  (Totally unrelated to the previous accident.)  There was quite a business with float planes flying from Broome and landing on the water there, and passengers then boarding the boats. 
 

I’m glad you have been enjoying your Kimberley cruise.  The area is a wonderful part of my home state.

Just reporting what was told to us by our guide.  The float planes are still flying in and out, and the big fast boat is still blasting through the lower falls through.  We saw that. They don’t seem to pay much attention to the zodiacs, so we had to really stick near to the shore.

July 28, 2024–Talbot Bay, Australia 

We anchored overnight in Talbot Bay, as the Cloud can only enter and leave when the tide is right.  We were the 2nd group of zodiacs today, so had a leisurely breakfast.  George was still recovering from his dehydration and heat exhaustion from yesterday, so elected to stay onboard.

It was pretty warm outside already at 9:30 am when we went out.  The main feature of the excursion was the Horizontal reversing falls.  I will try to explain.  Talbot Bay is filled with hundreds of islands large and small.  Between 2 of these, there is a narrow gap.  The tides are very extreme here, so when the tide either goes in or out, the rushing water creates a rapids like flow of water.  We were there when the tide was flowing out, so the water was coming toward us.  You used to be able to ride all the way through, but there was a fatal accident, so now there is only one company which is allowed to go through.  Rumor has it that they won’t be able to either when their contract comes up for renew next year.

At any rate, zodiacs are still allowed to go into the falls, just not all the way through.  We headed off.  The current was very strong, and getting stronger the closer we got to the falls.  We were just almost to the turn around point when the current grabbed the bow of the zodiac and flipped it around quickly, with a resulting massive amount of water coming into the zodiac and drenching everyone on that side, me included.  Surprisingly, our lifevests did not deploy.

After we had bobbed around in the rapids for a while, we headed off the explore further.  Alongside came a zodiac with bartenders, champagne, mimosas, and beer to refresh us.

We went further and saw a couple of crocodiles resting onshore.  We were able to get really close, and they didn’t seem the least bothered.  We also saw sea turtles and birds as well as a lot of geology.  After 2 1/2 hours, we returned to the ship in time for lunch.

They had prepared special hamburgers for both of us.  They were quite tasty.  After lunch, the dreaded packing had to begin.  Plus a nap.  

Due to the shallow entrance into the bay, Cloud had to leave on a precise schedule.  At 3:15, she started snaking her way through the maze of islands toward the ocean.  Lots of people, including me, were up on deck, and it was very scenic.

Trivia at 4:15 was hard.  We came in 3rd yet again.  The social hostess does put a lot of effort into the trivia questions—not just out of some trivia book. This was followed by a viewing of the voyage video which was very well done.

Final dinner with friends in the grill, AKA Hot Rocks.  Very good, but I ordered touch and couldn’t finish my food.

July 27, 2024–Montgomery Reef and Freshwater Cove, Australia 

We had to be up early as we were the first group off at Montgomery Reef at 6:45 am, so I actually set the alarm clock.  Looking outside, the sun had just come up.  It was a clear day, but there was a strong wind, and the sea was really picking up. 

Our group was called.  We were warned.  YOU WILL GET WET!  And told to sit down immediately upon entering the zodiac.  I am a good rule follower and had my butt down in a flash after pretty much falling into the zodiac.  

It was really rough going out to the reef, but we stayed pretty dry.  Once we entered the reef, it was much smoother.  Imagine a river of saltwater flowing between coral ledges on either side with waterfalls cascading down from either side.  The reef is underwater at high tide, but exposed at low tide, and then becomes a seafood buffet for the birds.  There were lots of sea turtles, but impossible to get a decent picture as they just pop their heads up then back down.  We saw lots of birds too, but the real show is the water flowing in off the reef from both sides, just spectacular.

We headed back to the ship after an hour and a half.  The sea was really moving, the roughest I have every been in, and that is saying a lot because I have been on hundreds of zodiac trips.  waves were coming over the bow of the zodiac and dumping gallons of water in.  Fortunately the water was actually warm, and zodiacs drain quickly.  By the time we got back onboard the ship, we were soaked to the bone.  George’s Apple Watch actually recorded him as swimming.  We had another shower and clothing change as we were dripping salt water.

Yesterday, George had complained about the sorry state of the ship’s hamburgers.  Norman, the head sommelier, discussed this with him and promised that the chef would make him a delicious hamburger, served wherever he wanted.  We went to La Terrazza.  Our presence was noted.  They had an extensive seafood buffet, including crab, lobster, shrimp and clams, set up. Now this is just about heaven for George, so he tucked in.  I am surprised, because crab has all but vanished on Regent, but it was there in abundance.  

Then the hamburger appears, and it was just about the perfect burger.  I had a bite and it was nearly as good as our own beef at home.  Clearly they had ground it onboard.  So point being, they actually can produce a quality hamburger onboard, but you shouldn’t have to have special treatment to get it.  Tomorrow, we have burgers ordered for both George and myself.

The afternoon excursion was to Freshwater Cove, a short distance away, and the ship sailed during lunch.  The sea was much calmer, and we were really close to shore, so had a nice smooth and dry zodiac ride over to a sandy beach.

The indigenous people control this area but are kind enough to welcome visitors.  We were greeted with a welcome to the nation ceremony where they apply ochre to your face.  Then there was the option of a long hike or a short nature walk.  Guess which we chose?

The hiking started with a smooth sandy dirt path through high grass with no shade. It was pretty hot, in the upper 80s.  Then we started climbing, gradually at first, but then a pretty steep rock scramble.  Really big boulders on places.  We were drinking a lot of water.  

Eventually we arrived at a cave where there were exceptionally detained rock paintings.  We were allowed to photograph, but can’t publish online.  The native guide actually knew the tires being told so was interesting.  We rested awhile then hiked back down, much easier going down.

There was a small shop with expensive native art.  I didn’t buy any as we have more art than our house can hold, but it was high quality.

Back to the ship, another shower and clothing change.  The first 3 clothing change day of the trip.  Fortunately I had planned for this. Actually surprised it didn’t happen sooner.  George got way overheated, so much so that he didn’t wander around.  We brought some liquid IV, so he rehydrated with that but was still under the weather.

I went up to trivia, where we came in 4th.  I should have been more forceful with one of my answers.  Didn’t have George for backup.  There were whales on the ocean behind the ship, a lot of them.

George was still recovering from heat exhaustion/dehydration so I went to the captains farewell alone.i love seeing the crew members who take a lot of pride in their work.

Dinner was in the main dining room.  George had recovered enough to join us.  My salad and pork medallions were great.  

Crocs

July 26, 2024–Hunter River, Australia 

We awoke at anchor at the mouth of the Hunter River.  One the schedule for today—crocodiles.  This are is known for an abundance of saltwater crocodiles.  The zodiacs set off very early, 6:15 am, but fortunately I was in the later group.  George however was scheduled for a helicopter ride to Mitchell Falls.

Again a bright sunny day.  We were warned it might be cool in the morning but would quickly warm up and no breeze at all.  The water was smooth as glass.

We set off in zodiacs up a wide river mouth with mangroves at waters edge backed by steep peaks.  It was low tide, so there were muddy beaches in places which is where the crocodiles like to hang out.  We saw a bunch of dolphins first, beautiful but very difficult to photograph.

Finally our first crocodile, in the water close to shore.  We watched for a while, but he didn’t seem interested in getting out.  We saw another in the water, but then a big guy laying on the mud bank.  We were able to get pretty close for a good view but still a safe distance.

We saw a few more birds and lots of mud skippers, those little frog/fish like creatures that live on land and water.  Soon it was time to head back to the ship.  A perfectly smooth ride, even going fast.

George came back from this helicopter trip.  He said it was great.  The waterfall is not as spectacular as it would be in the wet season, but still impressive as it is like a 4 layer wedding cake with cascades between each layer.

After lunch, we went out again, but the weather changed abruptly after we had been out only a few minutes.  Some heavy clouds came in with a strong breeze. It was actually comfortable and cool.  

First we saw a crocodile resting on the shore, posing for photos.  Further on, the tide had come in (a 7 meter difference since morning), so all the mud was gone, and we could only see the tops of the mangroves.  A dolphin jumped up right in front of us.  He was alone, and didn’t want to show himself again.

We pressed further into the mangroves, seeing a huge jelly fish and a bunch of birds.  No ore crocs, and by this time we had been out almost 2 hours, so it was time to head back to the ship.  The wind had really picked up, and there were big waves.  

One of the other zodiacs broke down, and they couldn’t get it restarted.  We were still really far from the ship, so a rescue team was sent out from the ship.  We got really wet what with the waves breaking over the bow of the zodiac and a lot of spray as well, but made it back safely.

One of my friends who was on the zodiac that broke down told me the engine kept cutting out and overheated, apparently due to some leaves caught in the exhaust.  So the people on that zodiac had to transfer over to the rescue boat—pretty exciting.  The expedition leader and another guide stayed aboard the broken down zodiac and were able to eventually get it going again and return to the ship.

We had very little time till trivia, and came in 2nd today so improving.

I got some great sunset pics including a really cool rainbow.  

Our dinner reservations were in La Dame again as George wanted to return.  The food is wonderful, but just too rich for me.  I gave it my best effort, but couldn’t even get past the main course.

Currently on Cloud.  No HVAC or plumbing issues in any of our 5 cruises on her.  We did Antarctica and South Georgia Island on her right before covid.  Would do again for sure, but I heard they are not going to allow landing at South Georgia currently.  
 

there is an enclosed forward observation lounge on cloud.  The only time I ever go in there is in cold or bad weather, but it is a nice space.

19 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Great rock art pics!

I can actually see some of the images more clearly in my pics than when actually there.

July 25, 2024–Swift Bay, Australia 

After a great nights sleep and sail, we awoke anchored in a big bay with rocky small hills all around.  We were to visit two different areas with rock art today, but much newer than the previous, only a few hundred to 4000 years old.

We went to the main dining room for breakfast (as good as yesterday) then went for a mani/pedi as we were the last zodiac group.  The girl didn’t do nearly as good a job as my manicurist at home,which is consistent with previous experience on ships, but I was in dire need.  She finished just as our zodiac group was called.

I rushed down and was last on.  The water in the bay was completely still and smooth.  The landing was onto rocks, so dry, then there was a bit of a rock scramble up to the path to the cave and rock art.  We had been warned, and it think a lot of people wisely skipped this one.  I didn’t have any issues, nor did George the mountain goat, but if you had any balance or stability problems, it would not be the place for you.

Once up the short path, we were at a rocky ledge and overhang with magnificent art.  Ducks, fish, people, hand prints, a crocodile, an echidna.  It was huge and the images were clear and detailed.

Afterwards, we went back down to the rocky outcropping and walked a little, too short to call a hike.

Back to the ship in time for morning trivia.  We came in 3rd again, with the questions being very difficult.  We got 8 out of 20 with the winning team only getting 11.   Lunch in La Terrazza.

Our afternoon tour wasn’t supposed to go until 3:30 as we had rotated to last in the line, but so few people went from the earlier group that they called us at 3:00.  It was a long but relatively dry zodiac ride to the other side of the bay.  There was a pretty steep scramble up some rocks then a narrow short climb to the rocks and caves where more elaborate rock art was located.  This time we saw a wallaby, a couple of kangaroos,  a snake, people and hand prints and fanciful space alien like creatures that were really detailed.  George climbed up some rocks where no art was located of course, just because they were there.

It was really a beautiful day, not too hot but sunny with a little breeze, and the zodiac ride back to the ship was quite pleasant.  We had a quick walk around up on the walking track to top off our steps while they hoisted up the zodiacs which is quite an efficient production.

Dinner was in La Terrazza.  I had something new-Frito-which is a potato cake of shredded potatoes topped with carmelized onion and served with a radicchio and walnut salad.  It sounds weird but was great.  George and I both had pasta for our mails and too tired and full for dessert.