Rare Silver Spectre Posted June 25, 2018 #151 Share Posted June 25, 2018 Down the pan? Flushed! Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daveywavey70 Posted June 25, 2018 #152 Share Posted June 25, 2018 Flushed! Sent from my iPad using Forums That’s providing you can find your toilet in the dark! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare spinnaker2 Posted July 11, 2018 #153 Share Posted July 11, 2018 Just received a marketing survey from Silversea. Basically one compares the stripped down fare on a sample cruise with 3 other packages which are priced more. Trying to narrow down what one would pay for some additional perks, some of which are already included in the basic price NOW. Disconcerting as it comes on the heels of the buy out. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jpalbny Posted July 11, 2018 #154 Share Posted July 11, 2018 Yes, I wasn't impressed with the additional offerings. And I'd rather not see multiple classes of service on expedition cruises. Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeekingShelter Posted July 11, 2018 #155 Share Posted July 11, 2018 And so the nickel and dime-ing begins. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Observer Posted July 11, 2018 #156 Share Posted July 11, 2018 Yes, I wasn't impressed with the additional offerings. And I'd rather not see multiple classes of service on expedition cruises. Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app I have not received the survey. Was it limited to expedition cruises (which you mention)? Or does it apply to traditional cruises as well? Given your specifying expedition cruises, would you also object to a program like this on traditional (non expedition) cruises? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted July 11, 2018 #157 Share Posted July 11, 2018 And so the nickel and dime-ing begins. Good above summary!! The question is all about what Silversea seeks with this type of surveying. They started well in testing our past cruise history, future general travel interests, etc. Having worked professionally with many top survey experts nationally, I have had much questionnaire development and analysis experience. It, however, became very easy to see as to where they were really headed with this "research". Their main "game" was money!! And how to get more out of our wallets and from my credit card. That's Business 101. Understand that normal objective/goal. But, they could and should have asked more and much better questions about what customers really want and value. Why be so balatantly obvious about only seeking justifications for trying to "pick our pockets" deeper and deeper with various twists and turns? At the end, there was, fortunately, an open-ended opportunity for me to make any added comments. Here is what I posted back to them: "Stick to the luxury 'basics' and doing these important services very well. Many of these ideas being tested seem like a 'money grub' seeking to hide and justify higher charges/fees for many things that are of limited value and use for most customers. Why not ask about stopping your group bookings of drunk sales groups being recruited by Silversea? Those types of rude groups can and do become disruptive to a quality experience that is totally against the SS 'culture' and contrary for normal, expected passenger enjoyment?" Reactions? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting, dramatic pictures can be seen from this live/blog at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337 Now at 40,204 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daveywavey70 Posted July 11, 2018 #158 Share Posted July 11, 2018 Well said Terry, IMHO they should be thinking about getting right what they already charge a large sum for and not making such blatant attempts at squeezing more $’s out of people. I’m not sure how they expected to get this past everyone without them noticing, especially considering the highly publicised recent news about the takeover. It looks to me like another very poor management decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jpalbny Posted July 11, 2018 #159 Share Posted July 11, 2018 I have not received the survey. Was it limited to expedition cruises (which you mention)? Or does it apply to traditional cruises as well? Given your specifying expedition cruises, would you also object to a program like this on traditional (non expedition) cruises?The first question was I think a way to tell whether we prefer expedition cruises vs traditional cruises. Once I answered, the rest of the questions were focused on whether I'd pay more for extra stuff on a hypothetical expedition cruise... Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLSD Posted July 11, 2018 #160 Share Posted July 11, 2018 What were some of the extras they were suggesting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jpalbny Posted July 11, 2018 #161 Share Posted July 11, 2018 I think this is most of it. Luggage delivery between home and ship and back. Private transfers between airport and pier and back. In-suite premium food and beverage setup. Exclusive onshore experiences (not more defined than that, presumably above and beyond the usual tours). Enhanced wifi up to 4 devices Unlimited satellite calling worldwide Early checkin and late checkout. Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare spinnaker2 Posted July 11, 2018 #162 Share Posted July 11, 2018 It depended upon the package one selected. There were three for the hypothetical med cruise. One was to decide basic cruise at a certain price point vs three other packages with varying items and perks, for which one would pay extra. The survey deftly led the person answering through a series of prices, each slide of the grouping had prices that changed based upon the selection one made. The idea was to get a narrow window of what one might pay. The three packed were a relaxation, a adventurer and a gourmet. I don't remember the titles but that was the general theme. I don't have any issue with being asked my opinion. This survey was not to ask my opinion but instead was rather manipulative and I think the message was quite clear. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyCamper777 Posted July 11, 2018 #163 Share Posted July 11, 2018 What were some of the extras they were suggesting? You can see the entire survey starting with post #10 here; https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2654562 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare RachelG Posted July 12, 2018 #164 Share Posted July 12, 2018 Got the survey. Filled it out. Told them I wouldn’t pay more for any of it as the listed cruise was already overpriced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisinPashmina Posted July 12, 2018 #165 Share Posted July 12, 2018 The Survey: I didn’t want to get lured in; I told them that I like Silversea the way it is. My gut feeling is that this “survey” is indicative of what is probably in the pipeline. Anyone else troubled? I feel certain that ALL of the old timers are aware of the gradual chipping away of the almost unbelievable luxury of the 1990s SS..but, the character of the line remained. I started feeling troubled, but only a bit, when the Silver Spirit was launched. We always booked for the itineraries, so we sailed on the Spirit many times. We didn’t like the hotel lobby feeling of the bar, the dining room felt too big and too segmented..but, the fabulous crew, the iconic “Italian feel” encouraged us to overlook the Spirit’s departure from the smaller ships’ atmosphere. And then along came the Muse with no Main Diningroom, cavernous Main bar, weird art, and dreary colors, and now the take over. As I asked: Anyone else feel troubled? ps: I’m concerned, but not giving up. Two big cruises booked, working on booking another...and really trying to stay optimistic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stumblefoot Posted July 12, 2018 #166 Share Posted July 12, 2018 And then along came the Muse with no Main Diningroom, cavernous Main bar, weird art, and dreary colors, and now the take over. As I asked: Anyone else feel troubled? Nope! Just finished our second voyage on the Muse. It has become our favorite ship. You’ll be happy to know a great deal of the art was different than the voyage we took in November. A little something for everyone. ps: I’m concerned, but not giving up. Two big cruises booked, working on booking another...and really trying to stay optimistic.Good for you! We just booked the Shadow for this winter and have the Cloud booked in the winter of 2020. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Observer Posted July 12, 2018 #167 Share Posted July 12, 2018 The Survey: ... My gut feeling is that this “survey” is indicative of what is probably in the pipeline. Anyone else troubled? I am not troubled by the possibility that they will add options for packages. A lot of the items mentioned (premium wi fi, airport transfers, special tours, laundry, etc.) are currently available on a piecemeal basis or available to guests in top suites. I recall that they offered early boarding for a price some years ago but discontinued it. I have no problem with opt-in options. What would trouble me would be including these items in the fare (like Regent or Viking with "free" tours) without a reasonable opt-out possibility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stumblefoot Posted July 12, 2018 #168 Share Posted July 12, 2018 I have no problem with opt-in options. What would trouble me would be including these items in the fare (like Regent or Viking with "free" tours) without a reasonable opt-out possibility.I agree with you 100%! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocchi Posted August 1, 2018 #169 Share Posted August 1, 2018 Project Invictus. uncontested leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition This is a dynamite combination magnified ship revitalization enhanced drydock It all sound wonderful. Link below copied from Cruise industry news website. https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/19439-royal-caribbean-completes-silversea-acquisition-announces-project-invictus.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tothesunset Posted August 1, 2018 #170 Share Posted August 1, 2018 We have the Wind in Apr and Whisper in July so are intrigued to see what the dry docks will achieve. Our fear is that 738 on the Wind might be part of the plan and we might get turfed out into a normal suite. :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted August 1, 2018 #171 Share Posted August 1, 2018 (edited) Link below copied from Cruise industry news website.https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/19439-royal-caribbean-completes-silversea-acquisition-announces-project-invictus.html Appreciate this helpful link and follow-up. Here are the specifics from this story of most interest to me: "The first Invictus enhancements will begin rolling out on the Silver Muse this upcoming August 19th where an upgraded champagne and caviar offering will be initiated. The planned renovation of Silver Whisper in December 2018 will be much more comprehensive than initially anticipated and will include a partial refit of all guest cabins. The Silver Wind will also enter into an enhanced drydock in December 2018. Both vessels will join the overarching plan for a fleet-wide "Musification" which will take inspiration from the design of the Silver Muse. The plan will be completed shortly after with an enhanced drydock of the Silver Shadow." In planning an Alaska July 2019 sailing on Silver Muse, not sure how important the "upgraded champagne and caviar offering" will be for me personally. Caviar is OK for me, but not the highest, must-have need. Others might view this offering very differently. Seems to indicate that the Silver Wind will not be made into an expedition ship as happened with the Silver Cloud. Correct assumption? Other reactions, insights and background? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 229,008 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923 Edited August 1, 2018 by TLCOhio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turtlemichael Posted August 1, 2018 #172 Share Posted August 1, 2018 Appreciate this helpful link and follow-up. Here are the specifics from this story of most interest to me: "The first Invictus enhancements will begin rolling out on the Silver Muse this upcoming August 19th where an upgraded champagne and caviar offering will be initiated. The planned renovation of Silver Whisper in December 2018 will be much more comprehensive than initially anticipated and will include a partial refit of all guest cabins. The Silver Wind will also enter into an enhanced drydock in December 2018. Both vessels will join the overarching plan for a fleet-wide "Musification" which will take inspiration from the design of the Silver Muse. The plan will be completed shortly after with an enhanced drydock of the Silver Shadow." In planning an Alaska July 2019 sailing on Silver Muse, not sure how important the "upgraded champagne and caviar offering" will be for me personally. Caviar is OK for me, but not the highest, must-have need. Others might view this offering very differently. Seems to indicate that the Silver Wind will not be made into an expedition ship as happened with the Silver Cloud. Other reactions, insights and background? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 229,008 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923 If I am reading it correctly both Wind and Whisper will be Musificated (the term grates!), at least partially, in the dry docks at the end of the year. We board Whisper one cruise after her drydock so I am really interested to know what that means. A new restaurant maybe or just a general tizz-up? We can live in hope. Anyone have any ideas? Having one cruise between the drydock and the World cruise if past Silversea performance is anything to go on is going to be a good thing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Silver Spectre Posted August 1, 2018 #173 Share Posted August 1, 2018 That sounds like turning the Wind into an expedition vessel is unlikely for the foreseeable future. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jpalbny Posted August 1, 2018 #174 Share Posted August 1, 2018 Thanks for the link, Rocchi! We will be on the Wind next month, one last visit, before the Musification. Have always been happy with the current setup and we'll see if that continues. Some interesting changes to look forward to! Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THEPRFCT10 Posted August 1, 2018 #175 Share Posted August 1, 2018 One of the last sentences says Dry Dock of the Silver Shadow -- anyone know when that would be? Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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