A Silver Shadow Over The World - December 2023 to May 2024

[mysty]

4 minutes ago, Daveywavey70 said:

Give my regards to Flame and Bunsen if you see them in Auke Bay. Bunsen was only 5 months old when we saw him there. He was having a Whale of a time. https://www.facebook.com/darren.s.owen/videos/10219984392386089

 

Love this DW!  Thank you!  I hope we get so lucky!

[Daveywavey70]

1 hour ago, mysty said:

 

Love this DW!  Thank you!  I hope we get so lucky!

I Hope you do too M, it made my eyes sweat. 

[mysty]

We would be in Fort Lauderdale on December 27, 2023.  This would be the end of the first leg of the Holiday Cruise and the beginning of the second leg.  This is not a new port for us.  We have sailed out of this port but have never sailed into it.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

 

"Things to Visit or Explore:
Billie Swamp Safari on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.

 

Butterfly World is located in Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek, Florida, United States. It opened in 1988, and is the largest butterfly park in the world, and the first park of its kind in the Western
Hemisphere. The facility houses around 5000 live butterflies. Spend a day of discovery exploring two floors of fascinating interactive exhibits at the Museum of Discovery and Science!

 

Fort Lauderdale's 5km (3-mile) strip of pristine sandy beach blends with the urban streetscape of highway AIA known as Beach Boulevard, where open air cafes and bistros overlook waving palms
and the sparkling Atlantic. Combine this with kilometers (miles) of lagoons and a city built around winding waterways connected by bridges and water taxis, and you'll understand its appeal to water
lovers. Since the spring break crowd was banned in the 90s, the promenade is a magnet for runners, walkers, and cyclists, and the beach is one of Fort Lauderdale's foremost attractions. Energize with
kite surfing, waterskiing, scuba diving offshore wrecks, parasailing, and sailboat, jet ski, ocean kayak or power boat rentals and cruises.

Fish off the piers at neighboring Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Deerfield, and Pompano beaches."

 

We booked FLAMINGO GARDENS & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY.

In-Transit Guests can explore the expansive Flamingo Gardens during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

WRAY HOME AND MUSEUM

Depart the pier for Flamingo Gardens, an approximately 60-acre (about 24-hectare), not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary, aviary and botanical garden located just west of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Upon arrival at this Trip Advisor 'Award of Excellence' winner, your guided tour begins with a visit to the original home of Floyd L. and Jane Wray, who built a home and citrus grove on what was then the edge of the Everglades, and started a botanical collection of tropical and subtropical fruit trees and shrubs. Now a museum, the Wray Home depicts a country home of the early-1930s. Leaving the Wray Home, proceed to the Botanical Gardens.

BOTANICAL GARDENS AND TRAM-RIDE

The Botanical Gardens are one of the most beautiful, inspiring and adventurous, yet tranquil, tours offered in Fort Lauderdale. The grounds contain more than 3,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including orchids, ferns, bromeliads, 200-year-old live oak trees, and over 300 species of palms. A narrated tram ride leads through the site's tropical rainforest, native hammock, wetland areas and groves. The Tropical Plant House displays orchids, calatheas and other plants. The Arboretum contains one of the largest collection of non-indigenous champion trees in the region, and the Xeriscape Garden demonstrates low maintenance, minimally-watered gardening.

EVERGLADES WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Next, take a guided tour of the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary section, which provides care for permanently injured, non-releasable wildlife. Fauna includes an American black bear, otters, alligators, bobcats, Florida panthers, tortoises, freshwater turtles, geese, swans, sandhill cranes, blue-beaked ducks, flamingos, bald eagles, golden eagles, owls, peacocks, macaws, and iguanas. The 25,000-square-foot (about 2,300-square-metre) Everglades aviary houses one of the largest collection of wading birds in the U.S. The aviary exhibits five native Florida ecosystems; coastal prairie, mangrove swamp, cypress forest, sub-tropical hardwood hammock, and sawgrass prairie. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute transfer back to the pier.

 

[JoGay]

5 hours ago, mysty said:

We would be in Fort Lauderdale on December 27, 2023.  This would be the end of the first leg of the Holiday Cruise and the beginning of the second leg.  This is not a new port for us.  We have sailed out of this port but have never sailed into it.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

 

"Things to Visit or Explore:
Billie Swamp Safari on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.

 

Butterfly World is located in Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek, Florida, United States. It opened in 1988, and is the largest butterfly park in the world, and the first park of its kind in the Western
Hemisphere. The facility houses around 5000 live butterflies. Spend a day of discovery exploring two floors of fascinating interactive exhibits at the Museum of Discovery and Science!

 

Fort Lauderdale's 5km (3-mile) strip of pristine sandy beach blends with the urban streetscape of highway AIA known as Beach Boulevard, where open air cafes and bistros overlook waving palms
and the sparkling Atlantic. Combine this with kilometers (miles) of lagoons and a city built around winding waterways connected by bridges and water taxis, and you'll understand its appeal to water
lovers. Since the spring break crowd was banned in the 90s, the promenade is a magnet for runners, walkers, and cyclists, and the beach is one of Fort Lauderdale's foremost attractions. Energize with
kite surfing, waterskiing, scuba diving offshore wrecks, parasailing, and sailboat, jet ski, ocean kayak or power boat rentals and cruises.

Fish off the piers at neighboring Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Deerfield, and Pompano beaches."

 

We booked FLAMINGO GARDENS & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY.

In-Transit Guests can explore the expansive Flamingo Gardens during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

WRAY HOME AND MUSEUM

Depart the pier for Flamingo Gardens, an approximately 60-acre (about 24-hectare), not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary, aviary and botanical garden located just west of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Upon arrival at this Trip Advisor 'Award of Excellence' winner, your guided tour begins with a visit to the original home of Floyd L. and Jane Wray, who built a home and citrus grove on what was then the edge of the Everglades, and started a botanical collection of tropical and subtropical fruit trees and shrubs. Now a museum, the Wray Home depicts a country home of the early-1930s. Leaving the Wray Home, proceed to the Botanical Gardens.

BOTANICAL GARDENS AND TRAM-RIDE

The Botanical Gardens are one of the most beautiful, inspiring and adventurous, yet tranquil, tours offered in Fort Lauderdale. The grounds contain more than 3,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including orchids, ferns, bromeliads, 200-year-old live oak trees, and over 300 species of palms. A narrated tram ride leads through the site's tropical rainforest, native hammock, wetland areas and groves. The Tropical Plant House displays orchids, calatheas and other plants. The Arboretum contains one of the largest collection of non-indigenous champion trees in the region, and the Xeriscape Garden demonstrates low maintenance, minimally-watered gardening.

EVERGLADES WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Next, take a guided tour of the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary section, which provides care for permanently injured, non-releasable wildlife. Fauna includes an American black bear, otters, alligators, bobcats, Florida panthers, tortoises, freshwater turtles, geese, swans, sandhill cranes, blue-beaked ducks, flamingos, bald eagles, golden eagles, owls, peacocks, macaws, and iguanas. The 25,000-square-foot (about 2,300-square-metre) Everglades aviary houses one of the largest collection of wading birds in the U.S. The aviary exhibits five native Florida ecosystems; coastal prairie, mangrove swamp, cypress forest, sub-tropical hardwood hammock, and sawgrass prairie. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute transfer back to the pier.

 

For people who want to go to Miami, there is a great tour of Little Havana, and Fairchild Botanical Garden has a beautiful rainforest section.

[mysty]

15 minutes ago, JoGay said:

5 hours ago, mysty said:

We would be in Fort Lauderdale on December 27, 2023.  This would be the end of the first leg of the Holiday Cruise and the beginning of the second leg.  This is not a new port for us.  We have sailed out of this port but have never sailed into it.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

 

"Things to Visit or Explore:
Billie Swamp Safari on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.

 

Butterfly World is located in Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek, Florida, United States. It opened in 1988, and is the largest butterfly park in the world, and the first park of its kind in the Western
Hemisphere. The facility houses around 5000 live butterflies. Spend a day of discovery exploring two floors of fascinating interactive exhibits at the Museum of Discovery and Science!

 

Fort Lauderdale's 5km (3-mile) strip of pristine sandy beach blends with the urban streetscape of highway AIA known as Beach Boulevard, where open air cafes and bistros overlook waving palms
and the sparkling Atlantic. Combine this with kilometers (miles) of lagoons and a city built around winding waterways connected by bridges and water taxis, and you'll understand its appeal to water
lovers. Since the spring break crowd was banned in the 90s, the promenade is a magnet for runners, walkers, and cyclists, and the beach is one of Fort Lauderdale's foremost attractions. Energize with
kite surfing, waterskiing, scuba diving offshore wrecks, parasailing, and sailboat, jet ski, ocean kayak or power boat rentals and cruises.

Fish off the piers at neighboring Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Deerfield, and Pompano beaches."

 

We booked FLAMINGO GARDENS & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY.

In-Transit Guests can explore the expansive Flamingo Gardens during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

WRAY HOME AND MUSEUM

Depart the pier for Flamingo Gardens, an approximately 60-acre (about 24-hectare), not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary, aviary and botanical garden located just west of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Upon arrival at this Trip Advisor 'Award of Excellence' winner, your guided tour begins with a visit to the original home of Floyd L. and Jane Wray, who built a home and citrus grove on what was then the edge of the Everglades, and started a botanical collection of tropical and subtropical fruit trees and shrubs. Now a museum, the Wray Home depicts a country home of the early-1930s. Leaving the Wray Home, proceed to the Botanical Gardens.

BOTANICAL GARDENS AND TRAM-RIDE

The Botanical Gardens are one of the most beautiful, inspiring and adventurous, yet tranquil, tours offered in Fort Lauderdale. The grounds contain more than 3,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including orchids, ferns, bromeliads, 200-year-old live oak trees, and over 300 species of palms. A narrated tram ride leads through the site's tropical rainforest, native hammock, wetland areas and groves. The Tropical Plant House displays orchids, calatheas and other plants. The Arboretum contains one of the largest collection of non-indigenous champion trees in the region, and the Xeriscape Garden demonstrates low maintenance, minimally-watered gardening.

EVERGLADES WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Next, take a guided tour of the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary section, which provides care for permanently injured, non-releasable wildlife. Fauna includes an American black bear, otters, alligators, bobcats, Florida panthers, tortoises, freshwater turtles, geese, swans, sandhill cranes, blue-beaked ducks, flamingos, bald eagles, golden eagles, owls, peacocks, macaws, and iguanas. The 25,000-square-foot (about 2,300-square-metre) Everglades aviary houses one of the largest collection of wading birds in the U.S. The aviary exhibits five native Florida ecosystems; coastal prairie, mangrove swamp, cypress forest, sub-tropical hardwood hammock, and sawgrass prairie. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute transfer back to the pier.

 

For people who want to go to Miami, there is a great tour of Little Havana, and Fairchild Botanical Garden has a beautiful rainforest section.

 

Thank you JoGay! 

[mysty]

We are now at 190 days and counting to the first leg of our grand adventure.  The Holiday Season Cruise departs from Bridgetown, Barbados on December 18, 2023.  We will fly into Bridgetown on December 16th.  We have never visited this port before.  I've been looking for places to see while we're here.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

 

"The Bridgetown Port is located just five minutes away by taxi, about $6, from the capital city of Bridgetown, or at least a 10-15 minutes walk along the boardwalk which runs through the town. Up to eight ships can dock here.

There is a shuttle service to passengers from the port into the city of Bridgetown. $1.
The cruise terminal of Bridgetown has duty-free shopping options, complete with jewelry, clothing, souvenirs and crafts. There's also a tourist information desk and a telecommunications center with phone, Internet and postal services.

Barbados is the most easterly of all the Caribbean islands. The island is very British including high tea and cricket matches. In Bridgetown visit the Parliament Building, The Old Synagogue, St.
Michael's Cathedral.

 

Barbados is a coral island, pushed out of the sea by volcanic activity in a far away time. On the West Coast of Barbados, coral shore beaches of fine white sand stretch along a blue-green sea. Coral reefs fringe the Barbados shoreline to provide excellent snorkeling and Scuba Diving. Along the East Coast, a lively surf is blown briskly by the strong and constant trade winds and the waves pound against a rocky shore. The constant breeze of the trade winds gives Barbados a mild and pleasant tropical climate.

Most of the Bridgetown sites are within easy walking distance of city center.

At Payne's Beach snorkeling with the turtles. The beach is nice and it is an easy swim out to where the turtles are. (just look where the catamarans are)

Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tour. You can see how sugarcane is made into the final product at the Mount Gay Rum Distillery.

If you want to save some money, there is no need to join a crowded tour, just take a taxi and go on your own. Walk down to the parliament building and square where many cabs are situated and create your own tour with a time frame that you like with a cabbie. Hourly rate of about $40 per car.

If you want to rent a car: Rates are steep and driving is on the left."

 

We are booked a room in a Silversea Simply Hotel.  We don't yet know which hotel though.

I've been checking out restaurant options.  Here are some that sound good.

The Boatyard:
https://www.theboatyard.com/restaurant-by-day

 

Josephines Cafe & Bistro:
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g147263-d14040436-Reviews-Josephines_Cafe_Bistro-Bridgetown_Saint_Michael_Parish_Barbados.html

 

Pirate's Cove:
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g147263-d10797823-Reviews-Pirate_s_Cove-Bridgetown_Saint_Michael_Parish_Barbados.html

 

If anyone has suggestions please chime in!  Thank You!
 

[silkismom]

Could you please tell me the secret for getting whatsinport to copy onto some other place. I've tried copy/paste and it won't.  Thanks I'm trying to get all my info onto several pages to take along on our cruise along France/Spain/Portugal.

[mysty]

1 minute ago, silkismom said:

Could you please tell me the secret for getting whatsinport to copy onto some other place. I've tried copy/paste and it won't.  Thanks I'm trying to get all my info onto several pages to take along on our cruise along France/Spain/Portugal.

 

This is the approach I take......  

1.  Close the ads that appear to the left and right of the text.

2.  Select Print to PDF.  Don't Print though. 

3.  Copy the text you are interested in from the displayed PDF.

4.  Paste to your document. 

5.  Cancel the Print to PDF.

I hope this works for you!

[silkismom]

Thank you, don't know if it's my ancient computer or my lack of knowledge, but I still couldn't copy. Oh well, thanks anyhow.

[mysty]

From recent reports about the 2023 World Cruise the absence of Jon Fleming as Destination Lecturer resulted in less than stellar port information.  Jon was the Destination Lecturer on each of our 2 previous big adventures.  Here is the link to Jon's bio.....

 

http://www.jonfleming.co.uk/biography.html

 

" Over the last seventeen years, Jon Fleming has lectured on around 500 cruise destinations across Europe (the Baltic, the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, and the British Isles), and worldwide (including the Caribbean, North & South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia and the Pacific). He has an informal and humorous lecture style that aims to make history interesting, accessible and relevant for his audience, without bombarding them with dates and facts, but giving them a good grounding on what they will see when ashore. His combination of personal experience and historical knowledge, plus an entertaining presentation style has made him very sought after in the Cruise industry. He has sailed on over 200 cruises worldwide including eleven round-the-world cruises."

 

If you are interested in his blogs for the 2016 and the 2019 World Cruises here are the links....

 

http://blog.jonfleming.co.uk/2016/01/january-5th-2016-world-cruise-starts.html

 

http://blog.jonfleming.co.uk/2019/01/silversea-world-cruise-2019.html

[mysty]

6 minutes ago, silkismom said:

Thank you, don't know if it's my ancient computer or my lack of knowledge, but I still couldn't copy. Oh well, thanks anyhow.

 

I'm sorry that didn't work for you!  You could bookmark the pages you are interested in.  Or you could print only the pages you are interested in to a PDF.  Get rid of the ads first though.

[mysty]

We would be in Nawiliwili, Kauai on January 23, 2024.   We have visited Kauai before and spent most of our time around Princeville.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

 

Cruise ships use this harbor as their port-of-call. It is located at the mouth of the Hule'ia Stream which creates a natural channel for the large ships. This harbor and nearby Niumalu Beach Park were pictured in the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark.

 

The 12,000-square-ft. Aloha Center is just a block away from Nawiliwili Harbor's disembarkation center. It features an art gallery, coffee shop, clothing store, helicopter tour and moped rental outlets,
arts and crafts vendors.

 

Nawiliwili is on Kauai island, north-western Hawaii, situated northwest of Oahu, from which it is separated by the Kauai Channel, and east of Niihau, from which it is separated by the Kaulakahi Channel.

The state's fourth-largest island, sometimes known as the Garden Island. The main population centers are Lihue and Kapaa and there is an excellent beach at Kalpaki.

 

Free shuttles run to car rental offices, Hilo Hatties, Kmart (beside Kuhio Grove), Walmart, and smaller malls from the pier.
Rental car is the best way to really see the island-- and the only way to get to some remote (and scenic) sites. Difficult to get lost here, as there is only one main road around the island.

 

The Kaua'i Bus operates a Public (Fixed Route) bus service and a Paratransit (Door-to-Door) bus service from Hanalei to Kekaha daily. The Kauai Bus now provides service to the Airport and
limited service to Koloa and Poipu.

 

We booked WAILUA RIVER CRUISE & FERN GROTTO.

Marvel at the breath-taking tropical flora and scenery of Wailua River State Park during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

NAWILIWILI, KAUAI, WAILUA RIVER STATE PARK, OPAEKA'A FALLS, HOLOHOLO-HU HEIAU, SMITH'S KAUAI

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the famous Opaeka'a Falls, an exquisite, approximately 151-foot (about 46-metre) waterfall located on the Opaeka'a Stream in Wailua River State Park. Leaving Opaeka'a Falls, re-board your coach and head for a photo stop at the remains of the nearby Holoholo-ku Heiau, an ancient temple built to worship traditional Hawaiian gods. Afterward, re-board your coach and transfer to the nearby Smith's Kauai.

WAILUA RIVER, BOAT-CRUISE, FERN GROTTO,

Upon arrival, embark a boat for a picturesque cruise up the Wailua River, the only navigable river in Hawaii, en route to the famously romantic Fern Grotto. Upon arrival, disembark your boat for the short walk to this lovely natural amphitheatre of lava rock and tropical vegetation, where you are met and serenaded, Hawaiian-style. Leaving the Fern Grotto, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

 

Fern Grotto.....

[DCCruiser57]

Mysty - the Boatyard in Barbados is very good.  Nice sandy beach, usually not a lot of waves.  We have been probably 20 times or so.  Last time it cost $25 per person - you got two beach chairs, an umbrella and one drink each - one was a rum punch, but I cannot remember the other.  One thing you may want to research is getting through immigration/customs can be a nightmare.  There is a VIP fee for service called Fast Track where they meet you, bypass the lines,  escort you to luggage point and then escort you to your transportation service.  Just google Barbados Fat Track.

 

See you on 12/27.

[mysty]

5 minutes ago, DCCruiser57 said:

Mysty - the Boatyard in Barbados is very good.  Nice sandy beach, usually not a lot of waves.  We have been probably 20 times or so.  Last time it cost $25 per person - you got two beach chairs, an umbrella and one drink each - one was a rum punch, but I cannot remember the other.  One thing you may want to research is getting through immigration/customs can be a nightmare.  There is a VIP fee for service called Fast Track where they meet you, bypass the lines,  escort you to luggage point and then escort you to your transportation service.  Just google Barbados Fat Track.

 

See you on 12/27.

 

Thank you DCC!  I have heard that arrival in Bridgetown might be chaotic.  I appreciate your take on the Boatyard and also the suggestion of Barbados Fast Track.  Looking forward to sailing with you both again!  We have wonderful memories of our last voyage together!

[mysty]

We would be in Kailua Kona, Hawaii on January 24, 2024.  We have visited the Big Island before and stayed near Kona.

According to http://whatsinport.com:

 

"As cruise ships are not able to dock here you will be tendered ashore to downtown Kailua Village.

At the pier you can catch a trolley to go around the town. It costs $1 per person. It is open air and you can make some wonderful photos. It will take you up to the shopping area (Target) and then all the way down to Magic Sands (beautiful white beach sand) and Kahaluu Bay for snorkeling. The drop off for is at the Outrigger hotel. Walk through the open air lobby and follow the walking path along the water. Beautiful grounds and views here.

 

The Big Island of Hawaii is divided in half by three volcanoes, Hualalai, Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa. To the east is the Hilo side which is the windward side of the island, and to the west is the Kona
side which is the leeward side of the island. 

 

Kona is famous for sportfishing, snorkeling, sunsets and coffee. It means "leeward" in Hawaiian. The northern portion of the Kona side of the Big Island is also known as the Kohala district. The weather
and ocean conditions can be vastly different on each side of the island depending on the time of year and the predominant trade winds. The Big Island is large and diverse, boasting 11 of the world's 13 climate zones. Because the mountains block the northeasterly trade winds, the Kona side of the island gets very little rain and enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

 

Nestled at the bottom of the Hualalai Volcano, is the main western city of Kailua-Kona. In ancient times, this area was considered the premier place to live due to the excellent weather and good water. Many kings made their homes here. Later, missionaries built churches and residences turning the tiny fishing village into a small seaport.

The main street, Ali'i Drive, runs along the oceanfront through the heart of the city from Kailua Pier to the Kuamo'o Battlefield. This charming town mixes numerous historical sites with modern tourist
attractions. Restaurants, shops, and hotels abound. Sunsets viewed from the seawall are almost always spectacular.

 

Kailua Village is easiest explored on foot.
The rest of the island has Free Island-Wide Bus Service on all Scheduled Routes!
Car rental: There is an Enterprise in Kona, as well as the Thrifty and Dollar at the King Kam Hotel across the street from the tender pier.

 

We booked HIGHLIGHTS OF KONA.

Discover some of the many highlights of Kona during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

KONA, ST. BENEDICT'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, DRAMATIC FRESCOES

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to St. Benedict's Catholic Church. Also known as 'The Painted Church', St. Benedict's was built over a century ago under the direction of Belgian Catholic missionary Father John Velghe. He then painted dramatic frescoes depicting various biblical scenes along the interior ceiling and walls, an effort that inspired fellow priests of the day to establish like 'painted churches'.

PLACE OF REFUGE, NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK, PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES, HAWAIIAN ARTEFACTS

Next, re-board your coach and head to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge). This well-maintained National Historic Park was a refuge where absolution would be granted for ancient Hawaiian law breakers and vanquished warriors if they were fortunate enough to keep ahead of their pursuers. Today, the park features attractive grounds, wonderful photo opportunities, and interesting displays of Hawaiian artefacts.

ROYAL KONA COFFEE, COFFEE TASTING

Leaving the park, re-board your coach and drive to your final stop, the Royal Kona Coffee store. Upon arrival, sample Kona's famous coffee, which is brewed from premium coffee beans cultivated on the volcanic slopes of Kona. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

 

We visited the Place of Refuge on our last visit here.  There is a special peaceful vibe to this place.  We're looking forward to enjoying it again.

[mysty]

Insurance Update......We have now purchased Emergency Medical Insurance from Insurance Company A and Trip Cancellation/Interruption from Insurance Provider B.  We will start the process of paying the cruise fares next week.  This is getting real! 😁

[John&LaLa]

43 minutes ago, mysty said:

Insurance Update......We have now purchased Emergency Medical Insurance from Insurance Company A and Trip Cancellation/Interruption from Insurance Provider B.  We will start the process of paying the cruise fares next week.  This is getting real! 😁

 

Curious how the Visa process goes with SilverSea. 

 

The parent company, Royal Caribbean, is hanging us out to dry, so to speak. Almost no communication other than it's our responsibility for the Serenade UWC

 

Also curious, has SS changed much since Royal bought them?

 

Thanks

[mysty]

5 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Curious how the Visa process goes with SilverSea. 

 

The parent company, Royal Caribbean, is hanging us out to dry, so to speak. Almost no communication other than it's our responsibility for the Serenade UWC

 

Also curious, has SS changed much since Royal bought them?

 

Thanks

How are you being hung out to dry?  Are you not being advised of the final payment date?

 

I'm not sure what you're asking exactly.  😁  We work through our amazing Travel Agent to process payments to Silversea.   Because there is a limit on the credit card (which keeps us from going crazy 😅), we ask our agent to process a portion of the amount owing to Silversea, then we retire the charge.  It usually takes about 2 or 3 days for the payment on the balance of the card to be processed.  Once the balance has been cleared we ask our agent to process another portion of the amount owing.  We pay the new charge and when the card balance is cleared we repeat the process.   Rinse and repeat until total fare has been paid.  Our final cruise payment is due by July 19th.  That due date was clear on the Silversea invoice and was duly noted by us and our TA.  That's why we are starting the process now.

 

Now, as to changes on Silversea,  it's difficult to tell whether these can be attributed to our world dealing with the nasty for 3 years or due to the new management.  For our Grand Northern Europe Voyage in May/June of 2022, the cruise line was still dealing with the active nasty.  Provisions were difficult to procure and get delivered to the ship, masks and quarantines were the order of the day, staff was pushed to the limit.

[JoGay]

1 hour ago, mysty said:

How are you being hung out to dry?  Are you not being advised of the final payment date?

 

I'm not sure what you're asking exactly.  😁  We work through our amazing Travel Agent to process payments to Silversea.   Because there is a limit on the credit card (which keeps us from going crazy 😅), we ask our agent to process a portion of the amount owing to Silversea, then we retire the charge.  It usually takes about 2 or 3 days for the payment on the balance of the card to be processed.  Once the balance has been cleared we ask our agent to process another portion of the amount owing.  We pay the new charge and when the card balance is cleared we repeat the process.   Rinse and repeat until total fare has been paid.  Our final cruise payment is due by July 19th.  That due date was clear on the Silversea invoice and was duly noted by us and our TA.  That's why we are starting the process now.

 

Now, as to changes on Silversea,  it's difficult to tell whether these can be attributed to our world dealing with the nasty for 3 years or due to the new management.  For our Grand Northern Europe Voyage in May/June of 2022, the cruise line was still dealing with the active nasty.  Provisions were difficult to procure and get delivered to the ship, masks and quarantines were the order of the day, staff was pushed to the limit.

 

[JoGay]

We are paying for the cruise the same way.  We charge a portion on the credit card, then pay it off.  It gives us lots of points on the card!  We just finished paying for the cruise.

[mysty]

16 minutes ago, JoGay said:

We are paying for the cruise the same way.  We charge a portion on the credit card, then pay it off.  It gives us lots of points on the card!  We just finished paying for the cruise.

 

Awesome JoGay!  We're a little slower off the mark.  😅  We invested some money to earn interest to beef up our cruise funds.  The funds should be in our account on Monday.  If so, the process will begin.  

[John&LaLa]

2 hours ago, mysty said:

How are you being hung out to dry?  Are you not being advised of the final payment date?

 

I'm not sure what you're asking exactly.  😁  We work through our amazing Travel Agent to process payments to Silversea.   Because there is a limit on the credit card (which keeps us from going crazy 😅), we ask our agent to process a portion of the amount owing to Silversea, then we retire the charge.  It usually takes about 2 or 3 days for the payment on the balance of the card to be processed.  Once the balance has been cleared we ask our agent to process another portion of the amount owing.  We pay the new charge and when the card balance is cleared we repeat the process.   Rinse and repeat until total fare has been paid.  Our final cruise payment is due by July 19th.  That due date was clear on the Silversea invoice and was duly noted by us and our TA.  That's why we are starting the process now.

 

Now, as to changes on Silversea,  it's difficult to tell whether these can be attributed to our world dealing with the nasty for 3 years or due to the new management.  For our Grand Northern Europe Voyage in May/June of 2022, the cruise line was still dealing with the active nasty.  Provisions were difficult to procure and get delivered to the ship, masks and quarantines were the order of the day, staff was pushed to the limit.

 

Sorry, asking about visas.

 

I paid in full back in January to get a 10% discount.

 

Back to the Visa issue. All they tell us is to check with their partner CIBT. Taking a blind eye approach. Not their problem

[mysty]

Sorry!  I misunderstood!  The Silversea World Cruise includes a Visa Package for passengers from USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia.  On our invoice it specifies that we are responsible for NZeTA, Australian ETA and perhaps China (to be determined).  Apparently we will receive instructions from Silversea about 3 months before we sail as to what exactly we will be responsible for.

[mysty]

1 hour ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Sorry, asking about visas.

 

I paid in full back in January to get a 10% discount.

 

Back to the Visa issue. All they tell us is to check with their partner CIBT. Taking a blind eye approach. Not their problem

 

 

1 hour ago, John&LaLa said:

 

 

Sorry!  I misunderstood!  The Silversea World Cruise includes a Visa Package for passengers from USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia.  On our invoice it specifies that we are responsible for NZeTA, Australian ETA and perhaps China (to be determined).  Apparently we will receive instructions from Silversea about 3 months before we sail as to what exactly we will be responsible for.

 

In your position, I would send an email to CIBT explaining that you are on the UWC with Royal Caribbean, outline your itinerary and ask them to identify which visas you would need.  Let them do the work for you!

[John&LaLa]

3 minutes ago, mysty said:

 

 

 

Sorry!  I misunderstood!  The Silversea World Cruise includes a Visa Package for passengers from USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia.  On our invoice it specifies that we are responsible for NZeTA, Australian ETA and perhaps China (to be determined).  Apparently we will receive instructions from Silversea about 3 months before we sail as to what exactly we will be responsible for.

 

In your position, I would send an email to CIBT explaining that you are on the UWC with Royal Caribbean, outline your itinerary and ask them to identify which visas you would need.  Let them do the work for you!

 

We have been, but thanks. 

 

Yea, China is a wild card. Lots of misinformation