Mayflower1

As far as I am aware the SS Booking Conditions clearly state that SS take no responsibility for any delays caused by Blacklane - another example of their idea of ' Seamless Luxury Service' !!!

You are of course correct - Fusina & Maghera are part of the same Industrial Port area away from Touristic Venice. As I understand it, the present system for Silversea is that they use the old Cruise Terminal in Venice to complete the basic Check In Procedures and then Bus Guests to Fusina for Boarding. If one stays at San Clemente it will involve a Water Transfer to The Cruise Terminal, followed by a Bus transfer to the Ship. If Arrangements have changed for 2024 please forgive me.

Good morning etual324 - Whilst your experience isa tad unsettling I would say that I have stayed at the San Clemente Palace Hotel and it is superb - the position on its own island is great to be away from the frenetic Venice with a Swimming Pool etc and the Private Hotel shuttle Boat into a position close to St Marks square is very regular and a lovely ride. ( I agree The Monaco & Grand is also lovely for different reasons - had our 25th Wedding Anniversary Dinner on The Terrace there which was magical ). I hope you have a great Cruise. The only unfortunate Issue now, with Cruises starting from Maghera is that the Transfer to the Ship will be quite long.,

My Understanding of the Non D to D Pricing has always been that Venetian discounts cannot be applied and therefore those of us with myriad Days cannot benefit from our Loyalty. This makes comparisons with other Lines much more relevant as SS now seem to be constantly increasing Prices. Also the D to D Excursions are becoming less and less attractive ( a number of Included Excursions for a Cruise in Europe in 2023 are now moved to Purchase Excursions for an identical Cruise in 2024 ). I wonder how long the Venetian Society will continue ?

Good Afternoon Fletcher - I too discovered that this ' Luxury Benefit ' really only works if you live within apprx 50miles of Airport/Port. I have a Southampton Round Trip Cruise pending and the Blacklane Add On is far more than I will be charged by my usual Executive Level Provider.

We hope you have a great Cruise drron29 - so looking forward to your analysis of the current standards on board as we know you are a reliable source when comparing present day offerings with what Regulars expect.

If what you have learnt Mr Silver is correct it clearly indicates that any real consideration for the ' Esteemed Guests' is now long gone unfortunately.

It is such a pity, having been a Guest for 25 Years, to see a Once Great Cruise Line lose their grip on the basics such as Communication, Food and Guest Satisfaction whilst at the same time continuing to Issue Marketing hyperbole. Unfortunately there are now a number of ' Esteemed ' Regulars who are becoming tired of having to deal with a Management who seem not to care anymore.

If it was 1st April I would merely say that SS is operating a Bad Joke Policy - however one must now conclude that those in HO have lost their minds completely. It is becoming ever more apparent that SS is no longer a serious Luxury Cruise Player and I doubt for its continued success.

Good Afternoon Mr Silver - Thank you for the further Information - its always the Case that there are two sides and often only one is known.

Good Morning drron29 - I wonder if your reference to your outstanding Butler referred to Suthit ? - If so we would concur wholeheartedly. We knew him from his original days as a Waiter, then Bartender on The Cloud and watched his promotion to Guest Relations and eventually HD. Unfortunately he was not we fear as well regarded by Head Office and he was forced to leave Ss for Viking - a great loss in our opinion. Its great to have such good memories of past travels on SS when it really was ' Special '

I hope the Sea Days have offered the opportunity of some Bridge and you are having some success.

Thank you for the update which is a slight relief.

Good Morning Mr Silver from a dull and wet UK . Surely SS are not going down the Art Auction Route !!!! - If so it merely shows how far standards have fallen recently - Food, Entertainment, Communication - where next ? I hope you have a great Cruise and look forward to your further Reports.

Good Morning Terry - So pleased that you have finally managed to get to India and appear to have had a great time Touring. The idea that your situation of Poor Food at The Taj Hotel in Mumbai is the fault of the Hotel is, in my opinion, absurd. We have dined at The Taj and I can only say that the Food & Presentation was second to none. I agree that unfortunately it seems that Silversea is failing on the Food front across a number of Ships according to a some reliable Contributors and your experience confirms that Standards have definitely fallen due to costcutting. I am afraid the Silversea Advertising on a number of aspects does not come good in reality. I sincerely hope that matters improve once on board and that you have a wonderful Cruise - Looking forward to your Reports.