The Dog Fosterer

Is it possible that the Silver Moon will arrive in Mumbai early?

Interesting that the excursions team are flying over.  Are they trying to set up something a bit more interesting.  Let's hope so.

Almost time to leave the UK now so probably won't hear anything further until we arrive.  We have no tickets etc. so it's a bit of a leap of faith.  See you all on the other side. 

Thanks for all the weather updates, yes I think layers are the key for the Golden Triangle.

Just a tiny warning, I have been into My Silverseas and seen some random excursion bookings, and even double bookings on the same day.  Also some included excursions are being charged.  I am sure all these can be rectified when I speak to the Silverseas Rep in the hotel, but it might be an idea to keep checking your bookings to make sure the ones you want are still reserved for you.

Nearly there now, looking forward to meeting you all 'on the other side' 

Would it be helpful, for those who have not heard what offerings are available on the new cruise dates, if we listed the excursions on each day.  Then you would be able to chose which ones you are interested in, then you could perhaps email silverseas/your travel agent and ask that these are booked for you before they are full.  No-one can reserve in Mumbai (these need to be done on arrival).  All those for the latter part of the cruise that remained unaltered have stayed in place.  It is just the earlier part of the cruise that needs to be re-booked.  It may not work, but if you think it's worth a try, let us know.

15 hours ago, UK__cruiser said:

Yes, I'm with Imagine Cruising. Of the 10 excursions that we had booked on this cruise, 6 were 4 hour trips and 4 were longer (2 of these longer ones were paid excursions for things we wanted to specifically see). This balance is what we tend to do on our cruises, as at our age, full day excursions, particularly when back to back can be very tiring! Consequently we are OK with the offerings. On the 11th we are travelling down from Delhi and won't get to the hotel until early afternoon so we will spend the rest of that day familiarising ourselves with the hotel and surrounding area. We are due to board the ship on the morning of the 14th and so that leaves us with potentially 2 full days for excursions. The full day trip will be one day for us and a half day trip around the City on the other will do us fine.

We are also flying down from Delhi, probably on the same plane.  I will probably do the shorter 2 hour drive in the afternoon and two of the 4 hour excursions on the following two days.  I am not sure I can cope with the local trains, but we'll see.  Having slept on it, it doesn't seem too bad.  I will just make sure I have a good book and my swimming costume to relax on the rooftop pool area which looks perfect.

There is no mention of a transfer from the hotel to the ship, have you heard anything about who is providing this? 

It was interesting that the excursions for the first two ports of call, whilst available for booking yesterday, have been removed again.  Not sure why. 

Looking good.  I have been able to book excursions for all days apart from Mumbai.  They seem to have done a lot of work in the background over the past couple of days.  Hopefully it won't be long before we get to see our itinerary for Mumbai.

Now I'm really confused.  The Departure date from Mumbai has been changed to 7.00 p.m. on the 14th, with an arrival time in Cochin of 7.00 a.m. the following morning.  I don't think it is possible to sail that far in 12 hours.  Am I missing something? 

Just noticed on the itinerary that Mormugao is Missing.  First stop now is Cochin.  Is this a new adjustment or have I just missed it previously?

Also noted that the planned activity in Singapore has been restored.

Still no confirmation of Mumbai activities.  Perhaps they are going to hire a Maharajas Express🙏

What could possibly go wrong!!!

That's the day of our Elephant Orphanage excursion, so obviously they are working through things methodically.  Our excursions for the latter part of the cruise, where the itinerary didn't change, remain in place, with the exception of the tour we booked in Singapore.  Can't find any options available, which is puzzling.  Definitely feel like things are falling into place now.

Interestingly, I have checked my activities this morning and have noted that the trip I planned for the Elephant Orphanage has been moved to the new date.  This was the only excursion that we paid extra for.  None of the included excursions are showing yet, but it does show there is activity in booking things.  I'm remaining positive that things will work out ok in Mumbai.  I am just hoping they are imaginative in their offerings.   I have googled Mumbai and the Caves and National Parks look interesting, so fingers crossed we will be offered more than panoramic drives,  I, for one, would enjoy a cookery school offering, but that's just a personal opinion.  I don't envy them their task on finding a variety of luxurious activities to suit everyone's personal taste in entertainment.

I am determined to remain positive, and I definitely won't waste any energy dwelling on it once I board the ship.  

Our Transfer from the hotel to the dock doesn't show up yet, but I don't think we will be stranded.  

Hope our Australian friends get confirmation of their bookings soon.

We have now heard from our Travel Agent.  SS is using two hotels, the Taj Mahal and The Trident. (Checked MySilverseas and we are booked into the Trident).  We were advised that this is on a full board basis, so unlikely we will be using external restaurants, we were also advised that there is a "drinks package" in place.  Don't know what this includes, we'll find out in due course I expect.

Don't book your own hotel, SS are booking everyone in.  Try checking your Booking Details on your MySilverseas, that's where our booking was noted.

We were also told that they believed Silverseas were transferring all our booked shore excursions to the new date of arrival in any particular port.

I appreciate that pound for pound, the arrangements probably don't meet the cruise price, but I think Silverseas are doing their best in very difficult circumstances.  I'm happy with their plans and really looking forward to the journey.

Hi There.  I'm new to this chatting, but have been following the thread about the Silver Moon and her progress around Africa.  Firstly, can I say a big thank you to those who have taken the trouble to post updates and changes to the itinerary.  We haven't been contacted directly by Silversea, but having spoken to my travel agent this morning, it would seem they will be getting in touch with those booked through them (Imagine Cruising) by Friday 26th January.  They will be telling us about hotel arrangements etc.  

I have to say I'm sorry for all these events.  Me and my husband seem to attract difficulties with all our holidays.  We had a recent trip to Israel/Egypt/Jordan and commented on how peaceful things felt, well that soon changed.  We had a trip to South America and managed to get ourselves driven around by crooks who took £5K and my jewellery.  The exploits of a Motorhome holiday in Northern France would make for a good comedy film, but difficult to live through at the time.  My friends tend to avoid going places at the same time as us.  So, to you all, I offer my sincere apologies, it is obviously all my fault!!

We have been on the Silver Moon previously, when she was brand spanking new.  She is beautiful.  On this trip though, we have only booked a Vista Suite.  I am hoping that the accommodation they book for us in Mumbai is not on a scale of suite type, as we might end up in the YMCA, or in the room directly above the Night Club. 

I'm sure whatever arrangements they put in place will be perfectly fine. I just really hope I don't miss out on my excursion to the Elephant Orphanage.  That would be sad.  Otherwise, it is a bit like a magical mystery tour and I'm really looking forward to chatting to you in person and hopefully raising a glass or two.