Silver Spirit Review Part 3: The Ports

[Northerncheapo]

Ports of Call:

1. Monte Carlo, Monaco: We did a self-guided tour and had no problems. Easy to navigate, small, and pleasant areas to explore.

 

2. Valletta, Malta: We took the Segway Tour offered by Silversea. We were picked up on time, taken to the Segway garage, given an overview and then set off towards the Dingle (sp?) Cliffs. Well run and excellent tour, highly recommend it.

 

3. Agios Nikolaos (Crete): Beautiful little fishing village, easy to walk around and navigate. Not overly crowded, very pleasant. We did not take any tours; we took a cab to Elounda and had a swim. We took a ferry to Spinolonga and visited the island. Bring lots of water, very hot.

 

4. Rhodes, Greece: Visited Lindos on our own. Very

slippery and steep walk up to the acropolis, be careful! Well worth the trek up for the views. Walked down and visited the lovely beach (cold water, but manageable). Then went to Old Towne and explored the little alleys and stores. Old Town was pretty but looked like any and all other old towns that I’ve seen in Europe…very much like Avignon in France. Filled with typical ‘kitschy’ souvenir shops.

 

5. Bodrum, Turkey: Was probably my favorite port. We took a private tour (not through SS) to visit a Haman Bath. We were picked up and taken to the bath, had the sauna, scrub and massage. It was AMAZING! Then we had lunch, walked around the town area, crashed a funeral, then tried a melon flavored hookah in a coffee shop. Oh, and Turkish coffee, of course! Fabulous day!!

 

6. Santorini, Greece: We did the self-guided walk from Fira to Oia. We climbed up the stairs from the ship tender area which took about 20 minutes. It’s not an easy climb as you have to maneuver yourself around the hundred mules blocking your path…they don’t move! But it was HALARIOUS and we loved every minute! Once we got to the top, we found the path that went to oia and we walked the Caldra for approx.. 12 Km. It took us about 2 ½ hours to make the walk including stopping for pictures and for a bottle of water. It is not a well-marked trail, but at the same time, hard to get lost as long as you keep the sea to your left. I highly recommend this! When we got to Oia, which is very lovely, we walked down a set of stairs for about 10 minutes to a seashore restaurant and had the most amazing lunch. We took a cab back, cab driver tried ripping us off, then took the steps back down to the tender area, dodging mules all the way. What an amazing day!!

 

7. Taormina, Sicily: Again, self-guided. Absolutely beautiful here. We wondered the streets and alleys, had the best pizza ever. Had a gelato too J Took a cab up to Castaloma, walked around a bit while cab driver went to pick up his cheese for his family. Did some shopping. Met the SS shuttle at 2:30 for the 30 minute drive back to the port. Was a great day!

 

8. Sorrento, Italy: Due to high winds/waves we could not stop in the tendered town and had to dock in Naples. I absolutely hated Naples; very rude people and everyone looking to rip you off. I had arranged a private helicopter tour of the Amalfi Coast so we had to take a cab to Sorrento (oh my god, how did we survive that..1 hour). We took our helicopter tour which dropped us off in Ana Capri. We took a taxi from the heli-pad to the town area (about 5 minutes) and then fought with the cab driver who suddenly meant that it was FIFTY Euro’s NOT FIFTEEN Euro’s for the trip. He suddenly didn’t know how to speak English (which he did perfectly up to this point) when I called a police officer to come over and help. I’m half Sicilian…it didn’t go well for him J Not my first rodeo. Capri, I am sure was nice, but it was so crowded and we lost 2 hours with trying to get to Sorrento that we didn’t really get a chance to explore it well. We had a good lunch and a coffee before boarding the hydro-foil back to Naples. We walked from the port of the hydro-foil to the port where The Spirit was docked which took about 45 minutes and 5 people unwilling to help us with directions. Was very glad to get out of this port.

 

9. Portoferraio, Elba Italy: We took a 4 hour bus tour of the island with SS. Not a whole lot going on with this island, so we figured we would try a tour (we’re not group tour types). It is a very very beautiful island. Very lush and gorgeous beaches everywhere. Some shopping, nothing major. I would return to this island for some serious R and R.

[duct tape]

Yes, the ports are terrific except for Naples! You must be tired!

[Northerncheapo]

Duct tape, we found that we couldn't really do much more beyond 5-6 hours. We typically got off the ship around 9:00 and were back on by 3:00...we were pooped!

 

I didn't mention my post cruise part yet...when the cruise ended in Monte Carlo, we flew to London for 2 nights...AMAZING city, we absolutely loved it and can't wait to return. Then we flew back to Toronto. I crashed and burned two days after our return but all better now :)

[Stumblefoot]

Sorry to hear you were unable to anchor at Sorrento. We absolutely loved our time there and along the Amalfi coast, including the super quaint Positano. After reading your post, I'm sure glad we didn't visit Naples.

[dusababy]

Duct tape, we found that we couldn't really do much more beyond 5-6 hours. We typically got off the ship around 9:00 and were back on by 3:00...we were pooped!

 

I didn't mention my post cruise part yet...when the cruise ended in Monte Carlo, we flew to London for 2 nights...AMAZING city, we absolutely loved it and can't wait to return. Then we flew back to Toronto. I crashed and burned two days after our return but all better now :)

 

Northerncheapo what a pleasure to read such an enthusiastic, balanced report -- nothing is perfect but sounds like you found near perfection on this cruise.

[Northerncheapo]

Stumblefoot, I was really disappointed that we didn't anchor in Sorrento, but the Captain had to make the 'call' the night before where we were experiencing 20 foot waves. He had an opportunity to secure a slip (is that what they're even called with a ship?) in Naples and thought it safer.

 

I have to agree that his decision was safety first and that is all that matters.

 

And, yes, you didn't miss much in Naples. It was funny that as we were leaving port we were in the Observation lounge and I said to my DH, "I'm glad to be leaving this place" to which several other pax's turned to me and laughed and said, "Me too!". So, it just wasn't me.

 

Funny story: The Naples port is not attractive at all. A typical commercial port with cranes and those train box cars (I think it's called inter modals?) stacked a mile high.

When we docked in Naples, poor Clive was at the desk frantically getting printed materials put together for people to use for their unexpected day in Naples. He had his usual charm and smile on his face, but you could see that it was going to be a miserable morning for him.

My DH waits at Clives counter and when it was our turn he says to Clive, "Would you, by chance, have a tour available that highlights the local inter modual system and cranes?". And, without skipping a beat, Clive responds in his lovely English accent, "You so happen to be in luck!". We all laughed!!

[brgnhntr]

Hi,I am new to Cruise Critic and hope you can help. I have enjoyed your posts and want to know if you can enlighten me on the price range of the excursions for the Spirit in the Med. I am being told I can't see the prices till the cruise is booked. The costs will determine if the SS cruise falls within our budget. Other cruise lines post this information but I can only locate the choices not the prices on SS. Maybe prices can't be discussed here? My husband and I are considering our first SS cruise for our anniversary. Thanks in advance!

[Northerncheapo]

Hi brgnhntr and welcome the the SS side of CC. I thank you for your compliment!

 

I have to check my clump of papers from the cruise to see if the price sheet is somewhere in there. I'm off to an appointment right now, but will hopefully post tonight or tomorrow. I can tell you that Wripro's advice is bang on. Use the on board credits and book privately when you can, it IS less expensive than what SS would charge. And I also agree with Wripro that many many of the ports are 'self guided' friendly. If you look at this post, you will see that we did mostly Do It Yourself guides. We are also in our 40's, active, and able, so I think you'll be ok.

 

Anyway, I'll take a look around for that price sheet and get back to you later.

[Northerncheapo]

Ok, I found it... I looked at your itinerary and just provided info for the ports that I was on and that you'll be on:

 

Valetta, Malta

• Malta Highlights 7 hours $179
  
• Scenic Gozo 7.5 hours $219
  
• Malta Exclusively Yours (Private guide and driver, Mercedes) 7.5-8 hours $999
  
• Segway Tour 3.5 hours $209
  
• 3 Cities and Dghajsa Cruise 4 Hours $79
  
• Treasures in the Fortress City 4 Hours $89
  
• Valletta's Hidden Gems 3.5 hours $69
  

Taormina, Italy (I realize that you are in Palermo and Catania, but it will give you an idea for Sicilian tours. Keep in mind that driving distances will be different and thus affect cost)

• Mound Etna 4.5 hours $89
  
• Sicilian cooking class with local 7 hours $279
  
• local 4 hour tour $89
  

Sorrento, Italy

• Amalfi drive, Positano and Lunch at San Pietro 6 hours $379
  
• Ancient Pompeii 4.5 hours $129
  
• Capri 7.5 hours $169
  
• Helicopter Adventure and the Isle of Capri 7.5 hours $7099.00 (yes, I typed that right). This cost includes a 45 minute air time tour, lunch at Grand Hotel Quisisana and Capri tour including Blue Grotto. Total cost is for two people. My husband and I did a helicopter tour and self guided capri tour for $1600 CAD, just for your reference. Both choices are private, no one else.
  
• Ruins of Herculaneum 5.5 hours $129
  

We did go to some Greek Islands, but not the ones you are going to, but if you want a point of reference, let me know and I'll give those to you too.

 

Trust me when I say this: My DH and I are not social people at all. Not rude, but we don't want reindeer games, we don't want to sit with other people at meals, we just want to be left on our own. I hesitated in booking Silversea in October 2010 for our first 7 day and it was FABULOUS...we just got back from a 12 day on The Spirit and loved it even more! You will not regret it,honest.

 

When we originally thought about cruising, we had this image of crowds, line ups for everything, rude passengers, dining with strangers and being forced to make small talk (ugh), Hairy Chest Contests and Bingo around the pool. Silversea is NOTHING like that...we dub it "the cruise for people who hate (mainstream) cruising". You will love it!

 

I've only been twice, so do pay attention to those other CC'ers that are experts.

 

Enjoy!

[Stumblefoot]

When we originally thought about cruising, we had this image of crowds, line ups for everything, rude passengers, dining with strangers and being forced to make small talk (ugh), Hairy Chest Contests and Bingo around the pool. Silversea is NOTHING like that...we dub it "the cruise for people who hate (mainstream) cruising".

OMG... I felt like I was looking in the mirror while reading this. My wife (would that be my DW? I'm still learning.) and I felt the exact same way as you and your DH, and therefore avoided cruising for the first 20 years of bliss. Like you, we couldn't believe how much we fell in love with SS during our first cruise back in '08. It honestly felt like to us what Four Seasons Hotels would be like if they were to start a cruise line. We thoroughly enjoyed the Med on SS in '10 and now, absolutely cannot wait for our next cruise.

[Nigella]

Trust me when I say this: My DH and I are not social people at all. Not rude, but we don't want reindeer games, we don't want to sit with other people at meals, we just want to be left on our own. I hesitated in booking Silversea in October 2010 for our first 7 day and it was FABULOUS...we just got back from a 12 day on The Spirit and loved it even more! You will not regret it,honest.

 

When we originally thought about cruising, we had this image of crowds, line ups for everything, rude passengers, dining with strangers and being forced to make small talk (ugh), Hairy Chest Contests and Bingo around the pool. Silversea is NOTHING like that...we dub it "the cruise for people who hate (mainstream) cruising". You will love it!

 

I've only been twice, so do pay attention to those other CC'ers that are experts.

 

Enjoy!

 

Well said! This describes us too. I was very anxious about cruising and expected it to be just as you did! I'd always seen SS brochures though, and had an inkling that SS would be different.

As for socialising on board, well, my husband and I spend a lot of time apart due to business. We work hard. When we have precious vacation time, we want to spend it together. We really don't mind having a quick chat with the people at a neighbouring table, or sitting at the bar, but mostly we want to be alone. SS gives you the freedom to be sociable if you wish, and to just relax together if that's what you prefer.

[duct tape]

Don't forget the wet t-shirt contests!

[Northerncheapo]

and the ice sculpture demo and the singing waiters at dinner with the baked alaska and the newlywed game, etc, etc, etc :p

[brgnhntr]

A big shout out to Northerncheapo for going above and beyond with the tour prices!!! That was more than SS was willing to share. Thanks to Stumblefoot, Nigella and other's for offering great advice and info.

I am truly grateful. What a wonderful forum to be involved with.

 

V.

[Stumblefoot]

A big shout out to Northerncheapo for going above and beyond with the tour prices!!! That was more than SS was willing to share. Thanks to Stumblefoot, Nigella and other's for offering great advice and info.

I am truly grateful. What a wonderful forum to be involved with.

 

V.

 

I agree... So glad I "stumbled" upon this forum recently too! Very good people here as you've seen already in their responses. I really enjoyed Seafairer's responses on your other thread that offers a ton of solid advice.

 

Being in the mid-40's ourselves, I really think you and your DH would really enjoy a Silversea cruise. My only other sugegestion would be to consider the cruise length. It seems there is some disappointment with the 7-day European itineraries amongst some here as the crowd can be a bit more rambunctious. We've done a 10-day and 9-day in the past and enjoyed them immensely.

 

Have fun planning!

[duct tape]

geez, I forgoT he Baked Alasla!

[Stumblefoot]

I really enjoyed Seafairer's responses on your other thread that offers a ton of solid advice.

 

I also meant to include Northerncheapo's response here as well. She did a great service to us all by sharing her details.

[Northerncheapo]

Duct tape...how can you forget the baked alaska...complete with sparklers? :D

 

Stumble, thanks for the kind words...i'm all for sharing. Speaking of which, if you would like to send me your email address to northerncheapo@hotmail.com I will send the pick of my DH in his morning suit. Uploading to Flicker is a pain with people having to 'join' to see my photo's...looking for an alternative.