boccenana

On 11/4/2023 at 2:49 PM, Dolcevita Diva said:

Not specific to the ship, but I do want to mention an outstanding excursion in Cartagena, in case that port is on any of your future itineraries.  
 

This was an excursion to an Andalusian Horse Farm.  There were 4 tour buses, but never seemed crowded. We were greeted by a friendly Jack Russell terrier who came outside to greet the guests.  We learned about the history and unique characteristics of these beautiful horses, as well as insights into the logistics of the breeding farm business.  
 

We were then treated to an absolutely stunning dressage performance set to flamenco music.  Here’s a snippet. 

IMG_2168.mov 20.06 MB · 8 downloads  

 

One of the BEST excursions we had on the Lisbon to Lisbon cruise.

2 hours ago, Dolcevita Diva said:

Alright, I'm back. The Reentry to Reality phase post-cruise really reinforces the need for Silversea to adopt my recommendation from several years ago for a post-cruise butler service option. 😉 Hear me out - you arrive home in your Blackstone vehicle. The lights are on and a Silversea butler is standing outside your front door with a Welcome Home sign.  Inside, candles are aglow, there is a chilled bottle of Pommery and some canapes at the ready and a therapist is on hand to work out the travel knots while your butler unpacks for you.  He/she has ordered dinner for you from your favorite local restaurant and serves it plated on your china, while music from your favorite artists aboard the ship plays in the background.    After enjoying the delicious chocolates left at your bedside, you nod off to sleep that evening to the white noise sound of ocean waves. 

 

The following morning, you awaken to wonder if that was all just a dream - until you go to the kitchen and find freshly brewed coffee or tea in a thermos, with an array of pastries and other breakfast goodies on the counter, including the necessary fixings for a bloody mary or a mimosa.  Your laundry has been taken care of, your shoes are polished and there's a note letting you know that necessary perishable and pantry items have been ordered and will be delivered that morning - and that your luggage has been cleaned with an ecologically friendly cleaner.   And of course, tucked under that note is a Silversea brochure for you to peruse and plan your next voyage...

Just call me Maaadaahm.🫠

Anyone who has been on the Nova have a suggestion of a good place for our Cruise Critic acquaintances to meet next week. With a bar, of course. 

Elaine 😎 

Dolce, since you have been aboard the Nova, would you have a suggestion for a good spot for our Cruise Criticers to meet?

Dolcevita Diva your detailed posts have been informative and very entertaining. Looking forward to your continuing observations about the Nova.

We sail on her in 6 days.

Between you and Lois you could write a book on Cruising with Silversea.

I do have a question for you.

Is there a place to purchase small items you may have forgotten, ran out of or just weren't allowed in baggage?

Thank you.

Elaine 😎 

Really eye opening to the process. Thank you so much.

That's funny. I told my husband after our Ausralian cruise that I could actually live on that ship for a very long time.  It was the Muse.

Welcome home. So happy all went perfectly.

We are hoping for the same.

The logistics, when you think about it are mind blowing.

We are on the Nova Lisbon to Lisbon for 22 days next month.

When you get settled let us know your final thoughts.

Enjoyed your posts while you were on her.

Elaine 😎 

If I remember correctly we don't receive our actual ticket number until we receive our tickets a few weeks before sailing.

7 minutes ago, Randyk47 said:

Pardon my question but I did a search and read through this thread and can’t find what is the process for selecting seats on Silversea arranged flights?  I can now see our flights fir our upcoming cruise but no seats are shown and no passenger number assigned so I can look at the airline’s record.   First time we’ve ever used cruise line arranged flights.  And, by the way, they have us leaving Vancouver, BC at 7 AM.  If that holds true I guess we’ll have to up and off the ship by about 5 AM.  😱

I usually go to whatever app the particular airline has and pick seats there.

6 hours ago, A Tucson Guy said:

Works fine just like the Muse class ships. We have just used it.

Hey Tucson Guy, it's Oro Valley Girl. So glad to see you are on the Nova.

Your great reporting is much appreciated. We sail Oct. 16th. 

Guess the four of us will have to get together one of these days.

Elaine😎

Well said Bob.

We never had a  non stop flight from Tucson International,  the price we pay for having a beautiful smaller airport less than 45 minutes away.

I ran into a lot of problems with my TA last cruise.

Nothing but stress. Whenever I asked for information I was told they are waiting to hear from SS agent.

I figured....hell,  I might as well book directly with SS agent.

So glad I did.

 It has been smooth sailing 🤭ever since. He has been wonderful.

Elaine 😎 

Do any of you use a Silversea TA?

That's why I love Silversea Air.

We just need to let then know ASAP what we need changed.

I hope so too.

Sounds like our earlier Silversea Cruises.

After that first cruise I wanted to learn Italian I even switched my coffee to Barista Italian dark roast.☕️

La Terazza was amazing back then.

I can't wait to hear all about your cruise....Italian Style.

🍷🍜

Elaine 😎 

12 hours ago, bitob said:

Agree.  We also Tucsonans.  No Blackstone.  We received $100 credit each for the rt.

Seems like we have many Silverseaers from South of Phoenix.

I shouldn't be surprised, we desert 🌵 rats need to sail the briney sea 🌊every now and then.

Elaine 😎 

6 hours ago, saminina said:

50 mile or so limit eliminates TUS area for a free (included) ride.

 

I was given $45 credit for not using the service.   Didn't argue about it as it was minor compared to the overall challenge with SS Air.

I don't know where you are from but e are well within the 50 mile limit of Tucson International where our flights are booked.

I agree with Flyertalkers explanation why Blacklane has no presence at TIA.

Elaine 😎 

1 hour ago, commodoredave said:

I always compare the cost of a cruise line's air and upgrades, versus what I can arrange on my own. Our next SS cruise is to Japan next April and I was able to arrange a much better deal flying through Chicago and onwards to Tokyo with points on JAL than the CDN$10,000 per person it would have cost with SS. Same with our cruise in October with Seabourn from Barbados to Manaus. The last time I found a better air deal from a cruise line was in 2011 with Regent to Australia.  

 

How do I have so many airline points? I put every expense I can on my credit cards that are affiliated with either Star Alliance or One World. I also buy points when they are on sale with a bonus of 75% to 100% more points, making them very cost effective.  How do my points go so far? I arbitrage different airlines point schedules and look for bargains and special offers. Most of this I learned from reading articles on different websites like the Points Guy.

 

I know that most people don't want to put this much effort into finding less expensive flights that what cruise lines offer, but those that do may save enough money to pay for another cruise or two!

I totally agree with you Dave.

If I had the time, amount of credit cards and were younger, I too would find better deals. Been there, done that.

But alas.....we are 79 and 81 years old. You would never know it of course. 🤭

We want as many long cruises with new  itineraries and fun people as we can squeeze in while we are still upright. 🙃

I am usually pretty stressed out the weeks before we cruise, preparing to be away for a month, packing, arranging medications etc.

I don't want DH to be lifting heavy baggage anymore. 

The many hours it takes to reach some of our destinations, no matter how perfect the flights are never easy on we silver haired devils.

So.....in our case, we put our faith in Silversea. For good or for bad.

So far it's been pretty darn good.

Never enough pampering for Madame. 

Elaine 😎 

11 minutes ago, A Tucson Guy said:

I got reimbursed since we have no Blacklane in our sleepy little town of Tucson- darm!!

Same here. You forgot we are from Oro Valley huh?

I wonder if anyone knows how much of a passenger count would be needed for Blacklane to service Tucson International?

1 hour ago, A Tucson Guy said:

We are boarding the Silver Nova on Aug. 21, 2023 (second official cruise for Nova) in Venice. We booked D2D (Bus Air) and originally flew to Heathrow and then on to Venice. I try to avoid Heathrow for connections whenever possible, but such is life. A few days ago, I got a new routing from SS and now we are connecting in Philadelphia with a direct flight to Venice. We are flying out of Tucson AZ. Post Covid, this is our third D2D with SS business air. So far, I love the SS Air desk. The return is easy going Florence, Paris, LAX and then Tucson. I can hardly wait to see the Nova in person!!!

So excited for you Tucson Guy... and Gal I would assume.

We are D2D on the Nova in October. 

Did you get Blacklane Limo Service or were you reimbursed as they do not service Tucson International Airport?

Elaine 

3 hours ago, bitob said:

We, too, always booked our own business class air with miles.  As you all know mileage flights have gotten more expensive (thinking Delta skypesos in particular) and good routes harder to find.  Easy to find multiple stops with multiple classes or 40 minute connections which we do not want.

 

SS gave us such an amazing deal from Heathrow to Tucson in business class that I asked my TA to get it in writing as it seemed too good to be true.

 

London to Denver - Delta One

Denver to Tucson - Delta First

$599 per person

 

Doesn't get better than that.

 

My advice:  check it out -- might be a good option.

We also got some great flights, one last year  put us on Emirates coming back from Dubai fantastic.

We also have the Delta One returning from Lisbon this November.

Seems we get the best of the best returning to Tucson International than going out.

All part of living in paradise.🫠

So far no real complaints.

A perfect flight itinerary these days isn't easy. Logistics must be a nightmare for SS Air. 

That's my story and I'm sticking to it until I have a reason not to. 

Elaine 😎 

Excellent, thanks for the information. 

All seems going according to plan.

Elaine 😎 

That's why for our last cruise, next cruise and all future cruises, I will,only book through my SS agent. 

Elaine 😎 

Haven't seen anything new. 

Nothing from Google alerts of interest as of now.

Elaine 😎