Using Silversea hotels pre cruise

[first time cruising]

Husband and I are booked on first Silversea cruise March next year. 31 nights on Silver Moon Lisbon to Athens.

Could I please get some advise regarding booking the hotel (three nights) with Silversea pre cruise. I understand by using the SS hotel we will receive transfers from airport to hotel and hotel to ship. The price quoted from our SS agent is more expensive than if I book direct with hotel myself. Is there anything included? E.g. breakfast, meals or drinks? Also would the room be entry level or a higher level. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give to me. 

[Silver Spectre]

Usually breakfast is included, but that’s it. The room is likely to be slightly better than entry. If you look at a taxi transfer from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the dock that should give you an idea of whether the extra cost from SS is worthwhile. When we started out we used SS transfers and hotels but usually do our own thing now. If you book the hotel, which was the Intercontinental last year, you could always get SS to quote for the transfers separately.

[ronrick1943]

If you’re booking 3 nights, you are better off booking the hotel on your own.  Using a car service or taxi is best, no group of people, no waiting- you travel when you are ready with others.

[first time cruising]

Great, thanks for advice.

[nowornever]

If you book a hotel not terribly far from the port, you are better on your own. In Lisbon, we've had 3 times post cruise with Silversea (always included)  & they have been in the Intercontinental which is a 20 minute drive to/from the port & maybe 30-40 minutes to/from the airport. You can figure out if the extra cost is worth it when they give you the price compared with booking it online.  Enjoy your planning - and the cruise, of course.

[FauxNom]

I also stayed at the Intercontinental in Lisbon post-cruise in June. A taxi to the airport cost around 12 Euro and the port is close to the hotel. I'm guessing you would save a bundle by booking on your own--either at the Intercontinental or another centrally located hotel.

[dawntrdr]

I highly recommend the Sofitel on Avenida Liberdade.  Close to everything and has a very nice breakfast.