Silver Spirit Istanbul Port Embarkation Question

[keytoyz]

I just received my travel documents for our June 26th Istanbul to Athens cruise. Since we will be arriving in Istanbul a few days before the cruise we will be taking privately arranged transportation to the port.

The travel documents state that the ship will be at EITHER the Karakoy or Salipazari piers which are 1/2 mile apart. Any suggestions on how to find out exactly which port or if perhaps it will be obvious once we get to the port complex.

Also docs state that embarkation begins at 3:00. How firm of a time is that? Looking for any advice on best time to arrive since we are in Istanbul that day and are flexible as to when we can leave for the port.

[canyonman]

I say enjoy your time in Istanbul and wait until the last min until you need to board. You will have several days on board. We are scheduled on the siliver cloud on Oct 3rd from Istanbul to Venice can't wait.

[PlanoBill]

The cruise docs include a phone number of the port agent to call. We will be on that cruise, and the private tour person we are using assured us that he will take us to the ship. We should also be able to see from one pier to the next if they are only a half mile apart. The Silver Spirit is 642 ft./198.5 m long. Not easy to miss, even at a half mile. :)

[msrieski]

On embarkation date, you can call the local agent listed in your travel docs and they should be able to tell you where the ship is berthed. If the two berths are only 1/2 mile apart you should be able to see the ship as you approach the docks. If not, go to the closest berth first and if the ship isn't there, your driver will be able to confirm where it is exactly.

 

We've had ship locations change at the last minute; one time (in Stockholm) to a dock 20 minutes away. Our driver was able to get it all sorted out and we made the ship with plenty of time left. I'd aim for a 4:00 boarding just in case traffic is bad or the ship is berthed further away than you might have expected. Yes, you'll be on the ship for many days but why not arrive earlier and less stressed -- the champagne will be flowing at 3:00!

 

Enjoy your trip. We were on the Wind from Athens to Istanbul last Oct. and we loved Istanbul. We're taking a Black Sea cruise next year because we loved Istanbul so much and want to go back.

[Wellseasoned]

Keytoyz, the documents always say 3:00 P.M. for boarding, the "official" boarding time. But you are allowed to board beginning at noon.

 

The docking location can change up until the time you arrive, but hope for the Karakoy dock. It is essentially at the junction of the Golden Horn and Bosporus, very near the Galata Bridge, a short walk across the bridge to the Spice Market and all the wonderful historic sites. If you are anywhere in that area the ship would be very visible.

[duct tape]

The concierge at your hotel will be able to ascertain that info. Enjoy!

[lord of the seas]

Board at noon

[PlanoBill]

Board at noon

This is our first Silverseas cruise. I take it from the comments, that it is possible to board earlier than the official 3 PM.

[unfathomable]

In Istanbul, the two possible locations are close together: half a mile at most. So using a taxi, you could try one and then the other with minimal inconvenience. Also, most of the approaches are from higher ground, so you will probably see the ship from some way away.

[jpalbny]

We just disembarked Silver Wind in Istanbul yesterday - **sob** - and we were at Salipazari which wasn't too bad. The port exit is right on Tram route 1, which goes to Sultanahmet but you have to walk a few minutes in either direction to find a stop (turn R for Finikli, L for Tophane). The tram was pretty easy to negotiate, as long as you don't mind doing an impersonation of a sardine...

 

The position of the ship should be readily visible from most of Sultanahmet, or certainly from Galata bridge (we took pictures of the ship while walking around Topkapi Palace).

 

Regarding boarding, we got to the pier in Piraues at ~11:00 AM and were allowed to board shortly thereafter (though at first they implied that we wouldn't board until noon). Our suite was ready shortly after noon; as consolation we had some wine in the Panorama lounge while we were waiting. :D

[Emtbsam]

We just disembarked Silver Wind in Istanbul yesterday - **sob** - and we were at Salipazari which wasn't too bad. The port exit is right on Tram route 1, which goes to Sultanahmet but you have to walk a few minutes in either direction to find a stop (turn R for Finikli, L for Tophane). The tram was pretty easy to negotiate, as long as you don't mind doing an impersonation of a sardine...

 

The position of the ship should be readily visible from most of Sultanahmet, or certainly from Galata bridge (we took pictures of the ship while walking around Topkapi Palace).

 

Regarding boarding, we got to the pier in Piraues at ~11:00 AM and were allowed to board shortly thereafter (though at first they implied that we wouldn't board until noon). Our suite was ready shortly after noon; as consolation we had some wine in the Panorama lounge while we were waiting. :D

So glad you had a wonderful time on SS.