Silver Moon Transatlantic Mar. 16 - 28, 2023 Travelogue

[silkismom]

I know "made me look"

[ggo85]

Day 3 at sea. Gorgeous weather. Attended a lecture in the morning. I was familiar with subject matter so nothing new for me. Ate in La Terrazza for dinner. Not crowded. Service was good as was the food.  Small portions, which we appreciated after several days of too much food.  Obviously, you can order as many courses as you want.  If you’re hungry, order several. 
 

As someone once posted, you settle into a routine based around meals.  We enjoy not having anything particular to do. 
 

Internet isn’t good, even for premium.  Definitely download AND OPEN any Kindle books you want to read because you can’t do it onboard.  Certain websites also aren’t accessible.  They need to do better as a premium cruise line in 2023. 
 

Finally made it to the Observation lounge. There are crosswords and a nice view during daylight. I suspect it’s underutilized. 

 

 

 

[Roland4]

14 hours ago, ggo85 said:

Day 3 at sea. Gorgeous weather. Attended a lecture in the morning. I was familiar with subject matter so nothing new for me. Ate in La Terrazza for dinner. Not crowded. Service was good as was the food.  Small portions, which we appreciated after several days of too much food.  Obviously, you can order as many courses as you want.  If you’re hungry, order several. 
 

As someone once posted, you settle into a routine based around meals.  We enjoy not having anything particular to do. 
 

Internet isn’t good, even for premium.  Definitely download AND OPEN any Kindle books you want to read because you can’t do it onboard.  Certain websites also aren’t accessible.  They need to do better as a premium cruise line in 2023. 
 

Finally made it to the Observation lounge. There are crosswords and a nice view during daylight. I suspect it’s underutilized. 
 

Go out the door near the puzzle table and up the stairs to find an open deck few (including us at first) know is there. We went up there a couple of times for sail-ins/sail-outs. The other "problem" with the Observation lounge is they close the drapes at night as it is right over the bridge.

[ggo85]

The weather has fantastic, which means I’ve been in the sun, which means not much to report on daily activities.  I will comment on 2 things today — dinner at La Dame and the Broadway- themed show time. 
 

We’d debated doing La Dame - was it worth the extra cost?  So we tried it.  First, the view is lovely -  if there’s a view.  The sun sets aft on this cruise, so the screens were down.  Also, we were at the edge of the time zone, so by 7:30, it was mostly dark out.  Thus, the view didn’t work for us but would be nice during height of summer. 
 

As an aside, thought the chairs were somewhat uncomfortable.  I personally don’t like backward leaning chairs when I’m eating.  I was also surprised that the Degustation menu had all sorts of extra charges (for the wines, I think) for $10-$20 a course for 6-7 courses.  Seriously?  And they were pushing the premium wines to everyone.  Again, seemed odd for a place where you’re already paying extra.  Those that want premium wines certainly know how to ask for them, and the Degustation menu should have an option for included wines. Just my opinion. 
 

The service was excellent.  One waiter for 4-6 people.  Food and drink came and went flawlessly.  The only nit was that I requested a side of white asparagus (offered for other dishes) and didn’t get it.  And my husband’s deboned fish was left with some bones. 
 

Food was also first-rate with lovely presentation.  We had lobster salad, mushroom soup and Dover sole.  All very tasty and portions were enough to leave us filled but not stuffed.  We had a chocolate something for dessert. Too much chocolate for me, but I’m not a big dessert person. 
 

Overall impression:  If you want a special, romantic, impeccably served dinner, this is it.  However, while I’m glad we did it, I don’t think we’d do it again.  In my personal, subjective view, the food and service aren’t THAT much better than Atlantide or LaTerrazza to justify the additional $60pp.  We’re it $30pp, I’d go for it. 
 

Onto the show.  I’m a tough critic of Broadway-themed musicals and I thought this was one of the best.  The main reason is that I recognized 80% of the songs and, for the others, I’d at least heard of the musicals from which they came (aka, I need to get out more to see them). (Some cruise lines either pick musicals no one’s ever heard of or pick songs no one remembers from popular musicals — none of that here). The singers got to shine and, for the most part, they have strong voices with decent range.  Overall, extremely enjoyable and I’m glad I stayed up on a night we lost an hour.  
 

Two other random thoughts.  First, I wish they’d start the shows earlier, especially on a cruise where we’re losing time every other night.  I’ve heard several passengers lament that the show just starts too late for them.  Last night it ended around 1040 pm, which was nearly midnight in “real time” given that clocks were moving forward. 
 

Second, I wish they offered music between 7 pm and 9:30 pm. The only option is Silver Note and you can’t get a table.  Moreover, it hold about 10 tables and 5-6 uncomfortable bar stools.  So 25 people get to enjoy music in the evening and the rest of us . . . don’t. 
 

The above are minor nits - first world problems.  Overall, we’re really enjoying the cruise. Beautiful ship, nice weather, terrific crew.  Helped by great weather.  
 

The CD had a good one-liner last night:  “If you don’t travel first class, your children will.”

[drron29]

I have had no problems getting my own wine pairing in La Dame using wines from the complementary list.

I think for the first time they did try to push the premium wines on our August cruise on the Dawn. Said straight away I will be having the complementary wines. I knew which wines I wanted later in the meal so told them so they would have a bottle in the restaurant when needed and they did.

[ggo85]

Thought today I’d discuss time changes on an eastern transit. Luckily for us, we’re on DST and Europe isn’t for another couple of weeks.  And Lisbon is same time zone as London. So we “only” lose 4 hours total. 
 

To date, we’ve lost 3 hours in the last 4 nights and 2 hours over last 2 nights. Still 2 days until the Azores.  I’m not entirely sure why they didn’t spread the last 2 changes over another night but have to think they want to keep ship’s time in line with sunrise and sunset.  
 

For us, the key is waking up at or close to our “usual” time (ignoring / absorbing) the change.   It’s hard some mornings, especially with late evening entertainment. (As an aside, that might explain the relatively low attendance at last night’s show).  We also try to stay busy during the day, rather than sleep.  It’s a bit disorienting but nothing like losing 6 hours at a time.  Overall, it hasn’t been that bad.  And we have another 6 days with only one more hour of change.  
 

I think it could be tougher if there were 6 hours of change and I’d probably want a few more days of cruise to absorb the changes.  Still, it’s not as if we have to get up and go to work every day. 😀
 

Weather today has finally turned a bit.  Cloudier and windier.  However, seas relatively calm and temps in low 70s, so still very nice.  And more opportunity to attend events on board!
 

 

 

[jollyjones]

Unfortunately Lisbon should be changing to Summer time this weekend so we may have to lose an hour on each of the sea days after the Azores to make the usual five hour change. 

[ggo85]

Azores are one hour behind Lisbon — for now.  I assume they also go to DST in a couple of weeks.  

[ggo85]

Thought I’d share some perspectives on packing. As background we have 2 port days and the rest at sea.  This relates to our TA cruise only, not days before or after or for those doing BTB.  
 

A lot depends on whether you’re a minimalist (take only what’s absolutely necessary) or someone who wants to have lots of options and different outfits for every event, every day.  I’m somewhere between the two, leaning toward minimalist.  What you take also depends on whether you have free laundry or your willingness to do it yourself. 
 

We have 2 formal nights. I took 2 cocktail dresses and one pair of low-heeled dressy shoes.  You could wear the same thing both nights - no one would notice or care but you. You can also eat in a more casual venue or in your cabin if you want to forego formal.  

 

For during the day, I took 2 bathing suits, one coverup and one pair of flip flops.  2 pairs of shorts and 4 T-shirts.  2 pairs of LL Bean perfect pants - sort of like sweats but dressier.  Perfect for ship on sea days if too cool for shorts and great for in port/ on the plane. Two cotton zip-up  jackets.  One pair casual shoes. Two pair “sneakers,” as I walk and like to change shoes every day.  
 

For dinner, one pair casual slacks and two casual tops (wore onto ship).  One pair black dress slacks (lightweight wool) and 4 dressy tops for informal. 2 other dresses - what I’d wear to work or out to lunch. They’re lightweight, pack easily and don’t wrinkle — I dress them up with jewelry. One pair black shoes and another pair of shoes that works with both dresses.  I thought we had more informal nights than we do.   
 

I thought it would be cooler than it’s been so brought a long-sleeved cotton shirt and a windbreaker.  Might need them in port. 
 

It all easily fit into a 27” suitcase.  I’m pretty pleased with my choices. In retrospect, would have brought 1-2  fewer informal outfits (ditched a dress and/or top) since our two port nights are casual.  Might have left one cotton jacket at home. And maybe added a swimsuit. 
 

BUT, it’s been much warmer than expected. Beach weather until today (day 6 at sea). Had we had the low 60s and clouds that were forecast, choices would have been perfect.  Everyone says layers, but it’s really important at sea where weather can be unexpectedly good or bad and can change quickly. 
 

Must admit that I’m very casual during the day.  Some dress up for every function. Likewise, I’m on the more casual side of informal but still much dressier than casual, whereas some wear true cocktail every night.  I’ve found either is fine - people do what suits them.  I’m also ok wearing the same thing on 2 evenings (but not 3x). 
 

Bottom line: even with SS’s “dress code,” you don’t need to overpack. That said, if this is your moment to wear all the stuff that normally just sits in your closet, go for it!
 

[jollyjones]

 

Not sure why you're so keen on 'a couple of weeks'?

 

The Azores are indeed one hour behind Lisbon but both the Azores and Lisbon move one hour forward to summer time on Sunday March 26th, ie in four day's time.

We are currently on Acorean winter time and (I presume) we will remain on that for our visits to the Azores on Fri 24th and Sat 25th March.

Six hours after we leave Ponta Delgada, Lisbon will go forward an hour from winter to summer time so instead of us having to go forward one hour to go from Acorean winter time to Lisbon winter time, we will have to go forward two hours from Acorean winter time to Lisbon summer time.

 

So our full crossing goes from US eastern summer time to Lisbon summer time - a time change of five hours. We have had three time changes, we have two more to go.

 

[ggo85]

First, I’m well aware of the effect of the time change on the crew.  It sucks, but I can’t change that.  I’d read posts from passengers on past TAs who’d mentioned the time change was “disorienting.”  I travel hundreds of thousands of miles each year internationally — by air.  This was my first time doing it incrementally by sea.  I was explaining for others, like us, who’ve never done an eastern TA. I was not complaining. Sorry if some people took it differently. 
 

Apologies for the time issues re DST in Europe.  I’d (erroneously) assumed Europe moved to DST in early April. I was wrong. 
 

I mentioned the two issues in LA Dame because they occurred.  They did not ruin our experience, but I was giving a full perspective.  Others likely have different experiences depending on when they dine, their servers and what they order.

 

We had Dover sole in Atlantide tonight. I could not tell any difference in quality between that and La Dame. The vegetable presentation in La Dame was much more beautiful, but the fish itself was the same portion and cooked identically.  This is why we personally would not pay extra again for La Dame. But that’s OUR choice. Others may find certain menu items irresistible, love the presentation, enjoy the more personalized service, want a more intimate atmosphere, etc.  

 

You folks are a tough crowd!   

[Daveywavey70]

1 hour ago, ggo85 said:

You folks are a tough crowd!   

One can indeed be a tough crowd. The rest of us appreciated your balanced comments. 

[jollyjones]

 

And I was concerned that you hadn't realised how many more time changes we have to come - if you're not expecting them, then it's really disorientating.

 

Like you, I travel many thousands of miles a year by air and am fully used to sudden time changes of four, six, more hours.

 

I have done many cruises across the Atlantic, some across the Pacific, and every time I am reminded all over again of how much difference non-24 hour days make - even when it's only an hour change every few days. Our inner diurnal rhythm clocks are very powerful.

 

Edited March 23, 2023 by jollyjones

[ggo85]

Today will talk about enrichment lectures. There are 3 speakers.  One is doing politics (e.g., U.S. - Russian relations), one is doing history (today, Christopher Columbus) and the third topic is ships. 
 

There are typically 2 lectures per day which last about an hour.  They’re typically in the morning.  For various reasons, I’ve only attended the ship lectures.  I’m very familiar with the topic but still found them interesting. They’ve been well-attended given some people are still at breakfast and there are competing activities - probably 50+ people at each lecture I’ve attended. 
 

I’m not sure if the lectures are recorded as they were on Crystal; will check on that today unless someone who knows beats me to it.   
 

i also did an origami class yesterday. Sparsely attended but fun. One of the fellow attendees raved about the art classes. I might attend today. 
 

I was in a lounge (working) when a dance class started up.  There were at least 20 participants and I later heard a fellow passenger say it was terrific.  
 

The afternoon activities-especially early afternoon- are uniformly sparse.  Really nothing from noon until bingo around 4.  Maybe folks are napping?   Or eating?  
 

Weather is still good.  Too cool for sunning but it’s not raining, so all good. 
 

They’ve apparently run out of Diet Coke but do have Coke Zero.  This happened on our last SS cruise, also about halfway through. 

Edited March 23, 2023 by ggo85

[jtm1]

Have you experienced noise issues from the pool deck above your cabin? I am enjoying your postings tremendously!

Thanks, Jim

[A Tucson Guy]

4 hours ago, ggo85 said:

They’ve apparently run out of Diet Coke but do have Coke Zero.  This happened on our last SS cruise, also about halfway through. 

I thought that diet coke and coke zero were the same thing?

[gnome12]

6 minutes ago, A Tucson Guy said:

I thought that diet coke and coke zero were the same thing?

No. They actually taste quite different. Coke zero used to taste more like diet Pepsi, but was recently reformulated and now tastes awful (at least to me).

[ggo85]

Can’t say we hear much noise, if any.  No deck chairs or trolley carts rolling.  Nothing that keeps us awake. There’s definitely some squeaking and groaning from the ships motion, but you get that anywhere.  I’d be fine booking our cabin again. 
 

Coke zero is definitely different than Diet Coke.  Supposedly, they weren’t able to onload any in FLL.  Last time I checked, there was lots of Diet Coke in Florida, but whatever.  Won’t spoil my cruise.  I just find it weird that SS has such a tough time getting sufficient quantities of Diet Coke when passengers obviously are asking for it. 
 

I glad at least some folks are enjoying my posts.  Sorry so few pics.  I don’t like taking pix of my food and, with 7 straight days at sea, not too much else to photograph that isn’t already in a brochure.  I am attaching photo of orchids in our cabin. Wish mine at home looked like this!
 

If there’s any topic someone want to hear about, let me know and I’ll do my best.  

[ggo85]

Another topic for today . . . the spa.  First, I recognize that the only thing more subjective than food is spa. People have very different goals and expectations.  I know that someone doing the same treatments with the same person on the same cruise could have entirely different perspectives.  But I can only comment on my experience, so here it goes.  

 

While SS doesn't permit a hard sell on products, there are attempts to separate you from more of your money.  When you sign in, they offer you various additional services (all $19 each) either with a piece of paper or verbally.  I just said no thanks. There is a soft sell on products, but nothing a polite, "no thanks" or "I'll give it some thought," won't end.

 

I booked a deep tissue massage on line.  I like / need deep tissue that leaves me sore the next day.  Short term pain for long-term gain.  It's the only type of massage that works for me.  What I got was . . . awful. It was at best a Swedish massage with a tiny bit of pressure on occasion.  Very light strokes, nothing "deep" about it.  Waste of time and money.  

 

I did bring it to the attention of the spa manager.  (I've never, ever complained about a massage before this, so it wasn't just mediocre, it was bad).  To her credit, she rescheduled me for another deep tissue the next day. 

 

It was the best or second best of all deep-tissue massages I've ever had.  Absolutely fantastic.  It was 20 minutes longer than the first one and there was no charge.  I felt SO much better after and even the next day.  This masseuse is not for the faint of heart, but for a true deep tissue, there is no end to superlatives.  

 

I also had a facial.  It was good.  Nothing special but no complaints and my skin certainly looked better and was more hydrated.  I do think their facials are pricey as compared to high-end land spas.

 

They were offering a 10-20-30 promotion.  It's kind of annoying b/c you don't get it if you book on-line. That said, on-line booking gives you a better chance of getting your preferred day/time and that's important to me. (Perhaps I could have cancelled and rebooked, but not worth the effort).   Just keep it in mind if you're flexible on timing.  

 

All in all, a positive experience.  A TA gives you plenty of opportunity to "spa" and I took full advantage!

[bobolz]

Thank you so much ggo85 for sharing your day to day TA cruise experience with all of us. Glad you are enjoying it. Since you asked , If you are willing to  share  pictures of the menus especially in the SALT ,  Atlantide  restaurants and possibly  Silver note.  I’m curious of the offerings especially since  I’ve only been on the Muse and the older Shadow and Whisper ships and they did not have SALT nor  Silver Note. We will be traveling on the Dawn in a couple of months and assumed menus would be similar to the Moon. Please don’t feel obligated, just thought I’d ask.
 

again thanks for posting,  wish you safe transit and relaxing time on board. . 
Enjoy! 

 

Edited March 24, 2023 by bobolz

[drron29]

At present we are on the Atlantic coast of Portugal and the weather is miserable. Cold, cloudy and trying to rain. Just as well you have a few days before Lisbon.

[Lois R]

12 hours ago, bobolz said:

Thank you so much ggo85 for sharing your day to day TA cruise experience with all of us. Glad you are enjoying it. Since you asked , If you are willing to  share  pictures of the menus especially in the SALT ,  Atlantide  restaurants and possibly  Silver note.  I’m curious of the offerings especially since  I’ve only been on the Muse and the older Shadow and Whisper ships and they did not have SALT nor  Silver Note. We will be traveling on the Dawn in a couple of months and assumed menus would be similar to the Moon. Please don’t feel obligated, just thought I’d ask.
 

again thanks for posting,  wish you safe transit and relaxing time on board. . 
Enjoy! 

 

Good morning,  the menus in SALT are based on itinerary so the menu they are having on the Moon may not be anything like the menu for your cruise on the Dawn (just to let you know).

[ggo85]

The Atlantide menu changes every 2-3 days.  It’s 4 pages long, not including the daily specials.  I usually don’t take my phone / camera to dinner.  Main courses are generally similar and include:  strip steak, filet, several types of fish (e.g., sea bass, salmon, trout, turbot, cod), prawns or lobster, maybe lam or veal chop.  There are also at least 2 vegetarian options both for starters and main course.  Sides don’t change and include parsley potatoes, Vichy carrots, asparagus, mushrooms, steak fries, mashed potatoes, wilted greens and maybe a couple others.  
 

Within reason / limits, you can order things not on the menu. For example, Caesar salad or baked potato.  
 

The daily specials vary greatly. Last night was sea bass and an Indian chicken. One night it was Wienerschnitzel.  
 

We haven’t tried SALT, so defer to others on that. 

 

 

[ggo85]

Today we did the Caldeira and volcano tour in Horta on the island of Faial.  It’s mostly a bus tour that covers most of the island, with several short stops.  We started with a picture stop.  (First pic).  Then went to the Caldeira, which is aptly named as it looks like a cauldron.  (Second pic). Then a bathroom break at a non-descript coffee shop.  (No pic). Finally onto land created by an underground eruption in 1957 (third pic). 

 

Overall, a decent tour with an informative guide.  Total time off bus was about 75 minutes.  I realize they want to offer a restroom break, but it felt like an unneeded 30+ minute stop with nothing to see or do, especially for those of us who didn’t need the break.  
 

Not much walking but several times on and off the bus.  It’s ok for mobility challenged but IMO isn’t the best tour for someone in a wheelchair.  Doable, but might not be fully enjoyable. 
 

The “town” was easy walking distance but not a lot to see and do as this is a small island. (Population 15,000). And the weather was quite cool and overcast, so we opted to return to the ship. 
 

The guide said that sperm whales can be seen year-round and blue whales this time of year. We didn’t do that tour here. It is in zodiacs and I believe sold out quickly.

[ggo85]

Additional topic for today:  the internet!

 

We have premium service included. We’re allowed 2 devices connected at a time per person. Additional devices cost extra. 
 

Service has been decent. Obviously, it’s nothing like home or even a decent hotel.  That said, I’m generally able to access most sites without huge delay.  Certain sites apparently require too much .. . whatever . . . and won’t load at all.  There are glitches with others.  But never a time when I couldn’t get on and have even been able to send pictures.  So . . . Overall, it’s been Ok. 
 

I brought a MiFi. I knew it wouldn’t work at sea (at least mine doesn’t), but it did work today in port and was faster than ship service and able to access all sites. So an option.  
 

An unrelated note for sports fans out there . . . we lost ESPN around Day 4. So no March Madness for us.  Only UK sports channels with lots of soccer and tennis.  And all the UK news channels carried the Gwenneth Paltrow trial live! (No, I didn’t watch it).