Dolcevita Diva

JP -Thanks. My GE is not slated for renewal again until 2026, but just renewed my passport last year and your post reminded me to update the passport info on the CBP/TTP/GE site.

On the other hand, if the passenger wearing pastel clothing looked like this, I might not notice the lack of tie. 😎

And will it be enforced? Cannot envision them turning away a party that has paid an additional $320-$640 if the gentleman did not pack a tux or suit.

Yes, the ships are packed. A lot of people are still using up their travel credits from 2020-2022, though; and there are new competitors in the higher end marketplace. Will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next year or two.

Hope that you didn't get too close to the veranda rail...

Agree that this reminds me of the approach that they took with the Otivm spa, except at least with that rollout they provided some examples of the unique experience elements that would be provided. In this case, the rollout and communications regarding this "enhancement" have been poorly handled. In the past, the upcharge for La Dame and Kaiseki were nominal and were rationalized as a means of moderating demand since those venues are small and some of the ingredients offered in those venues (e.g., Wagyu beef) are higher cost ingredients than available in the other dining rooms. Now, these venues are being turned into revenue generators. Hmm, what's next on the enhancement list? Stray thought...Silversea typically has charged around $200 for the premium wine or champagne tastings aboard the ship. Here's a thought - can we order the $90 and $140 pairings from La Dame a la carte without dining in La Dame...? (just kidding) 😎😁

There is - the former Chief Financial Officer is now President/CEO of the parent company.

So the question is...with the new pricing for La Dame on the Silver Nova ($250-300 per person if the wine or champagne pairing is chosen) with the statement from Silversea that La Dame will require formal dress...will the dress code be enforced? After all, "he paid his money, is on holiday and doesn't want to wear a tie." Ducks and runs...😁

But, but, but - you may have to pay tens of thousands of dollars more, but the value of the complimentary La Dame dinner included with those suites has been "enhanced!" 😂

Additional details were obtained from Silversea and posted on that other site by its administrator. How foolish of us to think that the increased charges might include the wine pairing... Specialty Restaurant Charges on the Silver Nova The changes only affect the new Silver Nova at this time. La Dame will have an enhanced offering with a choice of either a Tasting Menu or a la carte selections, including an exclusive La Dame selection of French wine and digestive. La Dame will be $160 per head, with options for Connoisseur wine pairing (+$90) or Champagne pairing (+$140). Kaiseki will also have an enhanced offering using Washoku cuisine with a choice of either a Tasting Menu or a la carte, including an exclusive selection of sake and Japanese whisky. Kaiseki will be $80 per head for dinner (and still included for lunch). S.A.L.T. Chef's Table is a new concept being introduced on Silver Nova as an interactive dining experience at a single sitting each night for a fixed Tasting Menu. S.A.L.T. Chef's Table will be $180 per head, inclusive of paired wines and unique cocktails. Reservations: La Dame and Kaiseki as usual through My Silversea or onboard, however S.A.L.T Chef's Table can only be booked onboard. Dress Code: Kaiseki and S.A.L.T. Chef's Table will be the daily dress code, while La Dame will always be Formal. VS Loyalty Benefit: Guests with more than 350 days will receive one complimentary dining in one of these 3 venues per voyage. Guests with bookings on Silver Nova will receive more information directly from Silversea, or via their travel agent.

So many interesting possibilities on the Connoisseurs' list! Looking forward to learning more about this enhanced offering as they release more details.

The letter from Silversea said that the pairings will be designed in conjunction with Moet-Hennessey. They certainly have plenty of champagne houses in their portfolio. I'll root for the Krug to be included in this pairing.

Silver Oak holds a special place in my memory. Back in the early 1980s, my firm was engaged in consulting on several large-scale initiatives with a global client and I was the only female in a non-administrative role in our meetings. At the initial kickoff dinner for around 20 people, our Director-level client took the wine list, handed it to me and said to the table "Dolcevita will select the wine for us tonight." There were several eye rolls and expectations were pretty low - until the Silver Oak (which was not as well known back then) was poured and they tasted it. It was a very classy and subtle way for my client to show the broader team that he trusted my judgement and establish my role as a key decision influencer for this project.

Lots of drama on that other site after someone posted the pricing news. It's a shame that Silversea's IT team went live with the price changes before the email from Silversea went out. @A Tucson Guy scooped the news 😁

More details have emerged in an email that just arrived: Prepare to embark on an extraordinary culinary journey during the inaugural season of Silver Nova. Savour the pinnacle of luxury travel with our nine remarkable restaurants, including one brand new experience and our latest dining enhancements, taking your culinary voyage to unprecedented heights: Discover S.A.L.T. Chef's Table, an immersive and interactive meal like no other Pull up a seat in our unique S.A.L.T. Lab, which transforms during the evening to showcase our chefs’ creative expression. Accommodating only 20 guests, this one-of-a-kind setting treats you to a choreographed menu of small plates celebrating regional flavours and star ingredients. Paired perfectly with wines and cocktails, prepare for lively engagement and passionate culinary conversations. Reservations will be taken onboard at the Guest Services Desk. Indulge in La Dame’s exquisite new dining experience Merging French culinary heritage with modern innovation, La Dame on Silver Nova presents an exquisite new dining experience. Immerse yourself in deep, balanced flavours through our curated tasting menu or à la carte selections, paired with our complimentary wine collection. Alternatively, opt for a meticulously crafted French Wines or Vintage Champagne pairing, specially selected by our wine ambassador in collaboration with Moet Hennessy. Reserve now on My Silversea or onboard. Embark on an authentic and re-imagined Japanese gastronomic journey at Kaiseki Inspired by her knowledge of the Japan Culinary Institute in Shizuoka, Anne-Mari Cornelius, our culinary development chef, has crafted a delectable journey that embraces the traditions of UNESCO-listed Japanese cuisine, Washoku. Discover visually stunning and wholesome dishes expertly paired with a new and exclusive selection of sake, Japanese whiskeys, tantalising teas or refreshing cocktails. Reserve now on My Silversea or onboard. Prepare to be treated to an unforgettable culinary adventure, as we aim to make your voyage truly exceptional in every way.

There was a thread around a week ago on another site when La Dame was unable to be booked for the crossing in November. At the time, their Silversea rep told them that was due to pending price changes. Ironically, another response was that Silversea was considering not charging for these venues.

When you first mentioned the price increase for La Dame, I wondered whether they were going to include premium wines at that higher price point, as they did many years ago. That doesn't make sense for Kaiseki.

Just looked at my September 29th voyage on the Nova and it is showing the same. $160 per person. Kaiseki is priced at $80 per person. Fortunately, neither have ever been "must dos' for me.

Great pictures!!! Have seen them perform in concert twice, but it’s been many years. When they announced their tour last year, they were scheduled in Milan a few days before my cruise departing Venice and I was very tempted to rearrange flights and attend.

Lucky you- envious that you will be stopping in Pylos! Many years ago when Olympia was closed due to a strike, Pylos became our alternate port and we are so glad that we got to spend a day there on our own. It's well worth reading up on the history of Pylos, as it has played a significant role in a number of wars and has "changed hands" a number of times over many centuries. There are two castles - the "newer" castle/fortress (built by the Ottomans in the 1500s) is on a promontory above town and is an easy walk. Around 10 km north of the town are several historical sites, including the Palace of Nestor, an archeological museum and a Mycenaean beehive tomb. The town is tiny, but charming, with cafes, shops and galleries around the square. Highly recommend that you seek out Atelier Sud, which is on a side street leading up to the fortress. The artists/owners are on premise and the gallery has gorgeous high-quality sculptures, ceramics and paintings. I purchased the piece shown here titled The Traveller; this photo does not do justice to the exquisite detail.

Is @jpalbny changing careers?? 😉

Has anyone yet heard who the Captain, Cruise Director, et al will be aboard the Nova for the initial group of voyages in 2023?

Will be boarding this beauty on September 29th in Lisbon - can't wait!

You are absolutely right that there is a wide difference between a slob and resort/business casual (or country club casual). As @bitob noted above, a number of people on the Silversea voyage he is on now are dressing like slobs...