Questions for starting out with a luxury line.

[clkc86]

Hello all! New to Cruise Critic. Wanting to plan a trip next March for the big 25th anniversary. Started reading this forum some and came across Silver Sea. Since I usually book all my travel on my own I don't have a trusted travel agent. The cruise line has sent one my way, but not sure if I should try them or seek out someone local. What are your experiences booking? We will only be able to swing a Vista suite, sadly, but better that than the mass cruise lines. Love that it is inclusive of so much, makes it a better value. Also, I like the thought of including air fare, is it a good deal or not? Looking at a 7 night trip out of San Juan leaving from Tulsa OK, so airfare looks to be around 500 bucks give or take. We like a good value for our travel dollars and time. We do stay in nice hotels when available, Fairmont, Four Seasons, RitzCarlton, but only if we feel we get what we pay for.

 

It has been 15 years since being on a cruise ship, previously have done 2 on NCL. Could be why it has been 15 years! Wanting a trip that is totally relaxing, so we can just be. Cruise sounds like it might fit the bill. I really appreciate any insight you good folks can give me!

[gdlamberth]

clkc86,

We did our first luxury cruise in March out of San Juan a few years ago(2002):D. Except for family events haven't been back to mass market, though I'd say the worst cruise I was ever on was wonderful;). While you can tell we've been a Regent a few times we do have a SS booked for this summer (Norwegian Fjords on Cloud). So I'll couch my comments as "in general."

I would recommend a TA that specializes in luxury cruises. We did our first directly with Carlson (who owned Regent (then Radisson)) at the time and everything was fine. Since then we've used a TA and it has been helpful from time to time when needing something special or when finding out about itinerary changes and such. Best I can tell booking with a TA will not cost you any more than going direct to the line and you might even get something a bit extra...maybe.

Depending on when you're sailing and your itinerary you might overlap Easter or Palm Sunday. We were in Antigua on Palm Sunday and most everything was closed. However we did go up to an old Anglican Church maybe 200M from the dock and attend an "Island" Palm Sunday service. That was pretty nice. I should point out that we are ALWAYS looking for the "totally relaxing vacation" as opposed to activities 24/7 and such.

One thing I think you'll both find very relaxing is the "open seating" at meals. We always sort of "wander down" when we want (unless we've made arrangements to meet someone for dinner). That certainly removes some stress.

If you have frequent flyer miles or can get a good deal on air fare you might want to see what "air credit" SS will give. May or may not be a good deal.

I would also recommend flying down to San Juan a day early. Two reasons: first, San Juan is certainly worth a day's visit (I loved El Morro and you can do it on your own at your own pace). Second, this removes stress of flight delays/weather and such. If you use SS air they will charge you for the "air deviation" ($100pp I think) and if you use your own air you'll have to arrange your own "airport to dock" transfers (taxis airport to dock though weren't very expensive in San Juan as I recall but it's been a while).

 

It would help other posters a bit if you'd post your itinerary and what you both like to do when on vacation. That'll give folks a bit more to build on for providing insights and maybe suggestions...maybe even other than cruise.

 

Greg

[clkc86]

gdlamberth,

 

Thank you for replying! I am looking to be "somewhere" on our actual 25th as most of our anniversaries have been cursed by nearby family! So looking for a trip including March 22, 2011. Looked at Regent and just can't swing being away from home for over 8 or 9 days. I like the itin. listed for SS cruise leaving San Juan 3-22. In the past I always liked the days just at sea. Basically we want to see something new and this itin includes mostly new places for us. Normally when we travel it is all about learning about different cultures. In the past year we have been to Puebla and Mexico City, Mexico and Dublin, Ireland. So we think by next March we will be ready for a relaxing vacation. DH is curious to try a cruise again. But I don't care to be around 2000 of my closest friends that I have never met. Want a trip that feels like a splurge to us but still smartish money wise. Have looked at booking at some beach front resorts in MX, but DH isn't convinced about that, so we are back to trying a cruise, but more upscale than NCL!

 

Does SS get tons of kiddos? Doing this at spring break time I fear there may be too many about? We never had any kiddos and don't want to spend our quality vacation time with somebody elses. That probably makes us sound like big old pains in the you know what's! I would think it would be easy to get away from them if they get obnoxious? I have read that you have a better time with a good attitude and we will most assuredly do that!

 

I don't quite have all the ins and outs of cruise critic figured out yet, so please guide me and if I am asking repeat questions, just let me know !! I read Tripadvisor quite a bit and am more used to their format.

 

Have a friend who's good friend is a TA so will call her and see what she has to say.

 

Thanks for your input!

[gdlamberth]

Good point about kids. Our experience with kids on Rgent has been that they are very well behaved, but I know others have had totally different experiences. You might check and see if SS is offering any sort of family inducement (e.g., Third person free) that might precipitate more kids. If you do wind up on SS and you go to St. Thomas I'd recommend the Mangrove swamp kayaking (based on your preferences sound a bit like us). One of the better ships tours I've been on; also gets you away from the crowds a bit (but you may miss the duty free shopping at Charlotte Amalie). Also, the smaller the ship I think you'll have less kids (less for them to do). So which SS are you thinking?

 

Our first luxury cruise was really a life saver. We had booked a 25th anniversary cruise to Alaska already but my wife was having a real stressful year at work. So our March cruise out of San Juan was a real impromptu thing. And it was one of the most relaxing things we've every done. So I think a SS to the Caribbean will be what you're looking for: low stress, a little special, a little romantic, and a bit laid back.

 

Greg

[DebbieH103]

We are on the March 22, 2011 San Juan to San Juan, and we fly from Houston. We have had several cruises from San Juan and stay across the street at Sheraton. It is not too luxurious but is fine for us for one night. We hang at the casino and also have a casual dinner and veg and then head to the ship.

 

This time, we took the included air because the air credit offered was $200 pp, and we certainly cannot go to San Juan for that. We are also booked on November 6 Spirit Barbados to Barbados. Right now we are sitting on the air credit, but we will probably take the air on that, too since we can't get on anything to Barbados for $200, and they can't put us on any different flights than we could get ourselves (slim pickings).

 

Now that you can board at noon, it is a toss up on whether to take the credit, but if it's a financial thing (and I know those cruises are a particularly GREAT value), then I'd go for the air.

 

I'm a certified luxury specialist, and I recommend you evaluate what is most important to you if you do seek an agent. There's nothing wrong with getting to know a person and what they stand for. If you do decide to go direct with Silversea, ask them some questions, too. I recommend you read some of the reviews around here.

 

We've been on Whisper several times, and it is a great ship. I think I have at least one review of that ship in the member review area.

 

Don't worry too much about kids. There aren't that many cabins that handle even one child. Our first Silversea cruise was a San Juan round trip at similar dates, and there was one lap baby and a 7 year old on board, and that was it. You never know.

 

If you have not been on a ship for 15 years, you will likely fall in love with cruising all over again if you go on this voyage. Some of the ports are pretty neat. We've been to St. Barts, Antigua, and St. Kitts, so I can speak to those ports, also.

[CatServants]

clkc86,

 

For our first two (mass-market) cruises we used a local travel agent who, other than placing the reservation with cruise line, basically did nothing else for us. When we asked for help in getting a wheelchair arranged for the mother/mother-in-law, her response was to call the cruise line ourselves. We dropped her after that cruise.

 

With the advent of Internet booking, we figured we were just better off doing everything ourselves, including air flights, and calling the cruise line directly to book the actual cruise. Our next three cruises were (again) on mass-market lines, and we found the cruise line agents varied from mundane to good in the areas of product knowledge, handling of special requests, response time, etc. We basically followed this procedure with our last cruise (first on Siversea), except we used their air, and were more impressed with the professionalism of their agent in the above areas.

 

Our initial booking for our next cruise was done directly though Siversea while still on board our last cruise, but prompted by a thread on this board several months ago, and a personal recommendation from a friend, we eventually switched it to a travel agent who specializes in luxury cruises. To echo DebbieH, if you choose to go this route I would strongly urge you to pick an agent who specializes in at least luxury vacations, and ideally luxury cruising. The average local travel agent just won't be familiar with this specialized product. Of course, you'll also want one who belongs to an agency with a good reputation (A+ BBB rated in our case), and that is associated with a larger network (e.g., Virtuoso or Signature).

 

So far, we have been very happy with our switch from doing it ourselves to using a professional. The agent we selected had personally done 30+ cruises on Silversea himself, as well as several on Seabourn/Regent/World. We are to receive a refund of ~5% of our cruise price upon completion of our cruise, a private cocktail party during our cruise (yes, not quite as large a perk when drinks are already included!), will have a "host" from the associated travel network on board, and will get a private shore excursion in one port that will include lunch (which we could have declined and received a $300 credit instead). In addition, although our final payment isn't due until June, we already have our flights and hotel. Interestingly, these are both still through Silversea, but the agent took the trouble of price shopping for his cost of these before recommending we stay with Silversea's, then dealt with their travel department to get our desired flights.

[meow!]

. We are to receive a refund of ~5% of our cruise price upon completion of our cruise, a private cocktail party during our cruise (yes, not quite as large a perk when drinks are already included!), will have a "host" from the associated travel network on board, and will get a private shore excursion in one port that will include lunch (which we could have declined and received a $300 credit instead). In addition, although our final payment isn't due until June, we already have our flights and hotel. Interestingly, these are both still through Silversea, but the agent took the trouble of price shopping for his cost of these before recommending we stay with Silversea's, then dealt with their travel department to get our desired flights.

Generally good advice. Is your $300 credit by AmEx or on top of AmEx to make a total of $600? A 5% refund is just "regular", some agencies (cannot be named) give 12% or even more depending on whether they have a "block" of cabins on that voyage. Silversea's commission is higher than mass market, and higher percentage refund is possible .. meow!

[CatServants]

Generally good advice. Is your $300 credit by AmEx or on top of AmEx to make a total of $600? A 5% refund is just "regular", some agencies (cannot be named) give 12% or even more depending on whether they have a "block" of cabins on that voyage. Silversea's commission is higher than mass market, and higher percentage refund is possible .. meow!

 

I believe (but can't remember for sure - we took the shore excursion) it was a $300 on-board credit from the travel agency through Silversea - we don't use American Express.

 

In "fairness" to our travel agent, the 5% number I gave you was for the total fare, including Business class airfare. Still, I like your numbers better! :)

[meow!]

We are only nameless cats. Try searching on the web, make a few calls and ask around. I think a few other posters know where to find them too, perhaps they can communicate with you on this. We apologize for our anonymity and do appreciate your kindness through the years .. meow!

[ceejaykay]

OP, hope you don't mind my piggybacking off of your thread. I'm booking my first Silversea cruise for next May, taking advantage of the 60% discount and free air travel. I'm curious about the airlines that are included in this promotion. Does anyone know which airlines Silversea uses for flight from the U.S. to Barcelona?

[batecher]

ceejaykay,

 

I don't know which airline(s) Silversea would use for MCO-BCN, but they booked us on Lufthansa (connecting in Munich) on our return from Barcelona to SFO this May - and we don't have get up at 5:00 am to leave our hotel and catch an early morning flight!

 

Bob.

[cechase]

If you are a solo passenger, then I would recommend that you get a TA who has considerable experience with cruise lines, and specifically Silversea.

 

My experience is that the average TA never even thinks about negotiating the "solo supplement". After not great experiences, I have a wonderful TA who goes to bat for me, and has been very successful in negotiating solo supplements. She saves me a lot of money, and about two or three weeks before a cruise I get a check!!

 

I literally cruise on Silversea in a Veranda Suite for less than I could cruise on some of the big premium cruise lines - why - they want a 200% solo supplement!

[ging466]

Hi Charlie

 

Interesting post.

 

I wasn't aware that the single supplements were negotiable. On the fares page of the SS website, the supplements are listed separately for Vistas and Verandas.

 

Have any other solo passengers negotiated their supplement? :confused:

 

Cheers

Jennifer

[Host Dan]

Hi Folks,

 

Just a friendly reminder that sharing TA information is against board guidelines. This INCLUDES asking for TA info to be emailed privately.

 

Thank you.

 

Host Dan

[poss]

Just wondering: Why is it important to go with a TA who belongs to a larger network? I'm leaning towards booking with one who isn't; it's something I hadn't considered before. I assume the main point is just to be sure the connection doesn't fold? Thanks.

[clkc86]

DebbieH103

 

You are already booked on the trip we are looking at, leaving San Juan on 3-22-11. I have contacted an agent who is starting to work on this for me. The TA is a very experienced cruiser so I have faith that she knows what she is doing. Thanks Debbie for including the extra advice re air and hotel. I do want to go down at least 1 day ahead so no fretting about "missing the boat" literally! If the stars align for us to be able to swing time away, perhaps we will see you there next year!

 

I will continue to peruse the forums and educate myself. Thanks for any additional thoughts on the matter all.

[RachelG]

I'm from Tulsa too. I do not recommend going with any of our LOCAL TA's.

I usually do all my travel plans on my own, but for cruises (we mostly cruise Regent but have an Antarctic cruise on PAII scheduled for next year), I use a TA who specializes in luxury cruises only. They are very familiar with both Regent and Silversea, since that is about all they do. And they have gotten some great deals--whenever the price has dropped on a cruise I have already booked, I have been able to get the new lower price by using this TA. Also when Regent added the all-included shore excursions, we were able to get that as well. It was supposed to be for new bookings only.

[CatServants]

Just wondering: Why is it important to go with a TA who belongs to a larger network? I'm leaning towards booking with one who isn't; it's something I hadn't considered before. I assume the main point is just to be sure the connection doesn't fold? Thanks.

 

Poss,

 

Luxury TA's associated with larger networks offer (in my limited experience) the following additional advantages over a local agency:

 

1. A number you can call 24-hours a day, from anywhere in the world, and get a human being at the other end.

 

2. More leverage on pricing due to the larger aggregate volume they book with a cruise line.

 

3. On at least selected cruises, an onboard host, private cocktail party, and private shore excursion.

 

I'm sure I'm also missing other advantages that (hopefully) will be filled in by those with more experience.

[ltsally]

ONLY time we use a TA is for our cruises - on SS or SB. And we started with, and have been happy with, one of the companies listed in the annual round up of top TAs, in Travel & Leisure, or one of the other travel mags. Shouldn't be hard to find. They do them by category...including "luxury cruising." (Don't think this is 'against' rules, Dan??)

[poss]

Thanks, all.

Cat-- I think (though may be wrong) that Rachel uses a TA that is not associated with a larger network, but who does all the things you mention. In any case, there's been much good help from many people; many thanks for that.

[CatServants]

Thanks, all.

Cat-- I think (though may be wrong) that Rachel uses a TA that is not associated with a larger network, but who does all the things you mention. In any case, there's been much good help from many people; many thanks for that.

Poss,

 

I'm not sure how a standalone TA could do all of the things a TA associated with a larger firm could do (e.g., on-board host, etc. ), but I've been wrong many times in my past life, and will continue to be so in the future! Regardless, all that really matters is that you enjoy your cruise.

 

Happy Sailing!

[RachelG]

The TA I use specializes in luxury cruises and safaris, but is not associated with any large company that I know of. She does have several ladies who work for her, but I would call her company a small one that provides very personalized service and actually saves you money in the long run.

[poss]

Rachel: Does you TA, in fact, do the kinds of things that Cat mentions? I'm particularly interested in the detail about being available 24 hours a day; I think that could be important.

Btw, do you book insurance through your TA, or do it on your own?

Thanks.

[RachelG]

Don't know about the 24 hr a day getting a actual person on the phone thing, Poss, because I have never had need to call them. All my interactions pre-cruise have been handled by email. They do give you a number to call if there are problems, but I haven't had to use it.

They definitely do have pricing leverage--because they only book with certain luxury lines.

Many cruises throughout the year are hosted and have private cocktail receptions, dinners, etc with the owner of the travel company and other cruisers who book through her. We have been on one of these cruises, and we had a great time. But I don't base my choosing a cruise on that. I pretty much just look at itinerary and time of year (when I can take off work).

I don't buy cruise insurance as we have coverage through access america through my AMA membership.

[poss]

Thanks, Rachel.