JsJourneys

Any recommendations for tours or things to do/see while walking around from port?  Thx.

Hello again!  I just wish to thank everyone who provided insight on the Silversea vibe!  All the information was helpful.  Looking forward to our 2020 Greek Islands cruise.  

On 9/1/2019 at 2:27 PM, bigmjh said:

The last night is always casual dress and apparently you were both dressed appropriately. Cannot understand why any MD would "table-shame" you under those circumstances.

On 9/1/2019 at 3:54 PM, Gourmet Gal said:

Just wondering, what gave you the impression that you were being table shamed?  Did you feel you could not ask for another table? Was there a major eye-roll when you arrived?  In the daily bulletin what was the designated attire for the evening?   Perhaps you weren’t under-dressed at all.  There are bad tables in every restaurant and someone  has to sit there on a busy night.  Quite often a maitre d’ will try to seat people there but will also honor a request to be moved.  But, if you were table shamed that is just wrong. 

Do they do such a thing as ‘table shaming’ on SS??  Or eye rolling??  I really don’t want this kind of vibe which is why I asked the original question.  Thx!

On 8/31/2019 at 11:54 AM, wripro said:

As Maggie Smith said to Hugh Bonneville on Downton Abbey the first time she saw him wear a tuxedo  instead of white tie and tails to dinner...."I thought you were a waiter!" Same thing holds true now, the staff can wear tails and tuxedoes  but those being served are far more casually dressed no matter where you go. It's a sign of the times just as it was back in 1912!

Wripro, this is my favorite response!  Thx for sharing!  Yes, a sign of the times. 

On 8/30/2019 at 9:03 PM, markham said:

Different strokes.

 

Yes, code is casual. Fine. But the ship delivers a 5 star service. FS, Aman? That matters not at all to me here. You have Gilbert orchestrating a sophisticated restaurant service and smart butlers in corridors wearing tails. The substance is not lost on me: these people are proud to serve. It’s a matter of respect, something my parents taught me. My take is that tee shirts and blue jeans are out of place. Anyone can pack some collared shirts and trousers. And a sports jacket. There are no children here but if there were maybe they would be given a pass... As for these adults? That up to them, obviously.

 

Happy and healthy sailing!

What ship might we find Gilbert on?  

On 8/30/2019 at 10:17 AM, ketjupiter said:

I agree with Markham... I recently sailed on the Cloud from Amsterdam to Dublin.. We had a great time, but myself and travel companions were horrified as to how people dressed for dinner....jeans, t shirts, polos, hiking boots to dinner at LaTerraza.. I was happy to see that they turned someone away from LaDame, as they were wearing jeans, hiking boots and a ball cap....I find it interesting that SilverSea doesn't enforce at least a minimal dresscode, especially for dinner.  I do recognize that the Cloud is an expedition boat, but my group wore sports jackets to dinner....I am booked on the Moon next year and am looking forward to a little bit more refined experience.

Oooh, KJ.  That sounds a little too much in the other direction.  Thx for your input.

On 8/30/2019 at 9:14 AM, Colgal said:

I think you will be comfortable on either Silversea or Seabourn. They are both wonderful lines with personalized service and good food.

 

We have sailed with both -5 on Seabourn and are taking our fifth cruise with Silversea (and our second this year) in November. We found the crew on Silversea to be more polished and the food more varied. We did enjoy La Dame on three different evenings and did not have a problem with the upcharge as the experience was really lovely. 

 

There are more jackets in all the dining venues but I would not be concerned by excessive formality. The only evening we saw tuxedos was formal night but a majority of the passengers wore suits or sport coats and ties and the women wore everything from slacks to cocktail dresses- no one was in a ballgown.

 

As to the Butler- we found him to be so helpful-not obtrusive. He served our room service breakfast several mornings, our evening canapés and a room service dinner. He arranged for a mattress topper and even shined my husband’s dress shoes (without being asked). He arranged dinner reservations, helped with the free wifi, cleaned our suitcases before departure, and was delightful to be around.

 

You can’t go wrong with either line and perhaps you should try both to determine which is best for you. Have a great cruise!

Thank you,  Colgal, for the positive comments.  Can you tell me about evening canapés? Something you order from the room service menu?  I’d like to do the room service dinner on the verandah too.  

On 8/29/2019 at 5:08 AM, twoboys said:

We were on Seabourn a few years ago Athens-Venice. It was lovely and we met a nice couple we are still friendly with. But over all, we didn't think the vibe was that friendly or dpwn to earth. The service was impeccable and the food fantastic! Then we did Windstar through Sicily. The people were fantastic and we made plans with several for tours and excursions and dinners on the ship and stayed in touch through social media. It was casual and they do your laundry which made packing so easy. Ships crew were amazing, the food was delicious.  We will be on the Whisper next week and all these posts about tuxedos and gowns are freaking me out a bit . But despite what folks wear, I hope they are friendly

and chill.  If I were goign to cruise through the Greek Isles I might look at a Windstar sailing ship. But its WAY more relaxed, so might be too far over in the other direction for the OP

Thanks, TwoBoys.  Would have liked Windstar but not the right itinerary.  I’m glad to read that tuxes and gowns are minimal.  Enjoy the Whisper!  

If you follow the Facebook Silversea Passengers group page, there is a thread now about formal wear (or not).  Lots of comments.  Some people take this very seriously!  Like ‘why would you take a luxury cruise, if you are not going to do the whole experience including tux and gown?’  Or ‘I just cannot accept men in La Dame not wearing a tux.’  Seriously?!?!  This kind of puts me off and makes me wonder about the passengers and line.  I personally would take a cruise for the ship (including ambiance, food and service), itinerary/ports, travel experience, scenery, relaxation and meeting other passengers who have enjoyed a wide range of travel.  I recognize ‘dressing up’ is significant to some and they don’t understand why others would not feel it’s important, but I’m not allotting luggage space to formal wear and it’s just not a high value thing to me.  Dressing appropriately is fine. This is the first time I’ve ever had these thoughts about choosing a cruise line/ship and it is kind of a different thing to even think about.  I guess I need to feel Silversea will be enjoyable and those who are posting about formal wear (which to me speaks beyond clothing itself) are maybe not representative of all passengers.  Thanks for listening. 

1 hour ago, SLSD said:

I think you should consider Seabourn if they have an itinerary that suits you.  We've sailed both Silversea (albeit some time ago) and Seabourn several times in the last two years--and do love Seabourn.  It is less formal, no butlers (thank goodness) but great service.  

I’ll check it out.  Thanks, SLSD!  So is there a butler, a butler assistant and a cabin steward???

1 hour ago, CruiserFromMaine said:

We’ve found the vibe on SS to be to our liking. Yes, it is more formal than Seabourn but that’s OK with us. The butler can be good and helpful. If not, or you don’t need him/her (which is usually our case), it’s no big deal. We really enjoyed the food and dining options. 

 

We we found the other pax as friendly and approachable as on other lines. There are always a few we click with and a few we don’t in any cruise. 

Thanks, Maine.  Appreciate the positive feedback.  Right about passengers either way.

10 hours ago, philw1776 said:

If you like 900 passenger Viking, you'll like 600 passenger Silversea.  I've cruised a couple times with both.  I'm American and notice that Silver has more Brit Commonwealth passengers than V.  All Commonwealth et. al. passengers I met were charming and friendly towards us rebel Colonials.  Crowd tends to be younger than V on Silver.  Never noticed an issue with smoking but I was not looking for it.
I bring a dark sports coat and have not had formal night issues.

 

Thanks, Phil.  Also American.  Interesting about Commonwealth and Colonials!  Hubs will be happy with dark sports coat...glad to hear.  Thx!

15 hours ago, Fletcher said:

Of the three main cruise lines in this sector of the market - Regent, Seabourn and Silversea - I have sailed on all of them and would say that Silversea is the dressiest by far and in some respects the snootiest.  This applies to the big ships, not the expedition vessels - the Cloud and Explorer. I personally dislike dress codes and Silversea's obsession with the butler thing.  

 

Smoking became a major issue for us on the Silver Cloud in its pre-expedition days when passengers smoked through their dinner on the outside Veranda deck. However, I think that problem has been addressed now.   Food is a deeply personal thing but my view is that Regent has marginally the best food followed by Seabourn then Silversea.  I seriously dislike Silversea's 'hot rocks' dining experience and I also resent being asked to pay extra for their poshest restaurant.  

 

Regent ships lack proper forward-facing observation decks (a big no-no for me) while Seabourn and Silversea have outstanding deck space.  I think cabins are basically the same on all three lines.  The newer the ship the better the accommodation.  

 

A Greek islands cruise has become problematical in recent years owing to 'over-tourism' on some islands, especially Santorini and Mykonos.  You need to check with a website like CruiseTimetables what day your ship is calling at these places and what other ships may also be there.

 

 

Thanks, Fletcher.  Oh dear on the snootiest.  Ugh. Glad the smoking sounds better. Food sounds OK.  Do you think La Dame is extra posh, extra dressy and a good experience or not really something to bother with?  Good info on the decks.  We’re looking at Greek Islands in October.  Hopefully a bit past the busy season??

17 hours ago, markham said:

We are on the Cloud expo ship now on mid-Greenland’s west coast, 71st latitude, and enjoying the small size (220 pax) and superb food, Italian being my favorite.

 

About smoking, there are only 2 tables for that on deck, poolside, port side, well away from the bar. Maybe also somewhere at the stern. This alleviates my annoyance at what I saw on Whisper in late 2017 when there was a large smoking section poolside starboard side, with cigars, right next to the only outdoor bar.

 

The Cloud was renovated over a year ago, I understand, and is in very good condition. For those contemplating the “mainline” cruise ships of Silversea such as Whisper, I hope they all have been upgraded/dated as well.

 

Happy and healthy sailing! 

Thank you, Markham.  Enjoy Greenland!

17 hours ago, MBP&O2/O said:

JS ... I could have posted that myself!

It all fits in with our requirements. 

We are on the Shadow in a few weeks and I have been instructed to look out for the next bunch of schedules to be released so as we can book another whilst on board.

We have never had any problem with smoke .... 

Enjoy.

Thanks, MPB&02/0!  Haha on posting that yourself.  Glad to hear others have had the same questions/thoughts.  Enjoy the Shadow!

On 8/27/2019 at 1:47 PM, Observer said:

If you really resist formal -- and I don't gather you do that strongly -- you can dine in your shorts on formal nights outdoors at the Grill or the pizza restaurant.  🙂

 

I wish that SS were non smoking.  One can get a whiff of smoke if you are at the Pool Bar at the wrong hour or on the aft decks outside Panorama and Arts Cafe (where smoking is permitted on port side of ship).

Thanks, Observer.  No, we’re fine with ‘formal’ guidelines...just not the tux and gown thing.

On 8/27/2019 at 12:15 PM, Lois R said:

Hi😁from reading your original post I also think SS will be a good fit. I sailed mass market for years as well and now? Well? I love the small ship/luxury experience😁

And as for attire, I am not a dress gal. I wear dressy slacks with a nice top, some jewelry and I feel totally appropriate(and that is on formal night).

I have never felt out of place and love the food, service and vibe😁

Hope you have a wonderful cruise😊

Thanks, Lois, for the affirmation.  Ditto on the slacks, top and sparkle.  

On 8/27/2019 at 11:59 AM, Gourmet Gal said:

I think the vibe on SS fits what the OP is looking for.  I can’t comment on the smoke but regarding formal nights you don’t have to avoid any of the dining venues as tuxes and gowns are not required.  Less than half of the pax have worn true formal attire on the SS cruises I’ve been on.  My DH and I travel very lightly, usually all carry-on size luggage and though we would prefer no formal nights we’re able to pack so as to be presentable enough.  I wouldn’t let formal nights be the determining factor.  As for the stiff upper lips...if there are any you wouldn’t want to associate with them anyway, so why worry?  We’ve met very nice and interesting people on SS and believe me, the stiffs are the least interesting of all.

Good points.  What’s OP?  Same with you on packing.  LOL on the stiffs.  Thanks!

On 8/27/2019 at 11:40 AM, les37b said:

Hi and welcome to the Silversea forum. 

 

Generally, I honestly don't think there is any "stiff upper lip" and have always found other guests to be very easy going. On my first sailing I was probably apprehensive but it really was fine.

 

Dressing up on formal nights is also easy to avoid. La Terrazza would be my preferred choice if I didn't want to dress up.

 

I have read a couple of comments regarding smoke, but not something I've experienced. I think most people will respect the rules, but guess you'll always get some that wont.

 

Anyway, hope you decide to book and no regrets.

Thank you for the reassurance about the SULs (stiff upper lips).  Thanks also for acknowledging your apprehension.  It’s strange to even think in those terms about a cruise.  It’s just a different experience than we’ve done.  

Hello!  We are seasoned cruisers but new to Silversea. We’re a couple age 70ish.  Mostly we’ve done ‘main line’ cruises:  Celebrity, RCCL, Viking, HAL, NCL, Disney, Princess, etc.  Also various land tours and independent travel.  We haven’t done luxury lines yet.   We like smaller ships, relaxed quieter atmosphere (no loud music, crowds, lots of activity) and a calm feel as far as decor and overall.  I feel like we’re done with big ships. We’re fairly low maintenance...we’ll unpack our own bags without the butler and we’ll do some laundry in the launderette.  We do like good service and food though of course.  We consider ourselves friendly but able to dine on our own or chat with a neighboring table.  We’re not ones to go to a bar and gather with a group, sing or dance.  We’re not into formal dress...in other words, we would dress nicely but no tuxes or gowns.  It’s just not a priority of ours and we don’t want to devote luggage space to that.  For those who enjoy formal, that’s lovely and each person’s personal preference.  I’ve read a CC review that passengers are ‘an amiable group’ but I also read a comment about ‘stiff upper lip’ passengers.  I’d like to feel passengers are relaxed and friendly but not ‘stiff’ or ultra formal...and that there would be a good mix of personalities. Hope I worded that correctly and it is read in the spirit intended.  We like to be with others who share a love of travel.  We’re considering Greek Islands on the Spirit.  I considered Azamara and Windstar, but ended up liking the Spirit itinerary and what I’ve read about the line and ship...as far as I can tell; hence the questions.  Also, can you comment on smoke...I read smoke can drift up to the cabins, in part of the outdoor dining or yoga area.  Definitely do not care for smoke.  Any comments you can provide on the vibe would be most appreciated!  Forgive me if this has already been covered...I read through some posts but didn’t really see it.  Thanks again!!

Cruisemom42, THANK YOU for such a thorough and helpful response.  Your comments on each topic are just what I needed and are great insights!  Info on the wind, ports, tendering, ships, Crete...so good!  Thanks a million!

Hello, looking at Greek Islands May or Sep or Oct 2020.  

1) Any recommendation for these months on weather or wind?

2) We were unable to tender into Mykonos due to wind/waves last time.  Any comments on small vs larger ship and ability to tender into both Mykonos and Santorini?  Don’t want to miss again.

3) Mykonos and Santorini seem like the obvious, but are there other islands recommended instead (depending on ship)?

4) Need to visit Knossos on Crete.  Comments on taking shore excursion from Agios Nikolos or Heraklion or Souda Bay/Chania (of course, depending on ship)?  Travel time, etc?  Looks like either docking or tendering at Crete (depending on port).

5) I was focusing on Windstar or Azamara or Viking.   Now I’m looking at the new Celebrity Edge.  Obviously, small vs large.  Any difference in tendering or getting into port on small vs large?  

6) Your experiences on Azamara and cabin size, etc?

Thanks a lot!  Appreciate your insights!

PS:  also, are all Verandah cabins updated as well?  Or just some?  Thx!

Hello, I see various photos of signature suites online even when I search for 2018 or ‘refurbished.’  Some look new with dark woods, subdued purples, grays and greens and are very attractive.  Some look old with blonde woods with bright red fabrics, etc and look very outdated.  Does anyone know if all signature suites on the Oosterdam have been updated?  Or just some?  Or which ones to look for?  Or if you do a guarantee, are you more or less likely to get an updated one?   If I’m going for a signature suite, I want it to be updated.  Thanks!!  Appreciate the help.  

Does anyone know if Celebrity has an onboard app for texting other passengers in our party to locate and connect with them onboard?

Or any other ideas for communicating without using cabin phone?

Phones? Walkie talkies?

Thanks!