Celebrity Silhouette 13 Night Transatlantic ( April 20-May 3, 2023 ) Solo Concierge Class LIVE Review

[bnurick]

Nothing like a last-minute and first transatlantic cruise!

 

Mailer: I received a Blue Chip Club mailer offering a free Europe cruise in an inside cabin.  I called the number, and they emailed me a list of eligible cruises, which included transatlantic options.

Solo: My Wife has an upcoming B2B solo cruise and as such was not going to be able to make any of the options available that worked date wise.

Cruise: I have always wanted to go on a transatlantic cruise as well as experience the Silhouette, so the April 20^th sailing was the easy and only choice.

Cost: The cost was ‘taxes, fees and port expenses’ which totaled $305.19. Technically, there is a cruise fare of $2 which is reversed as a casino credit.

MoveUp: I bid on a veranda, concierge class and aqua class. I was upgraded this morning for $200. The new total is $505.19. Really happy to have a balcony!

WIFI: Will be adding the premium one device option for $389.87. The new total will soon be $895.06.

Drink Package: After some research and math, I have decided I do not need a package. I will just pay the cost on the ship for drinks and wine as well as bringing onboard my two bottles of vino. 13 nights having to drink 5+ beverages daily for a total of 65 seems more of a challenge on a TV show.

Specialty Restaurants: Booking a lot of Murano and Tuscan Grille. Will also add Sushi on Five too. One core reason this sailing appealed to me is Murano, cannot get enough of their tableside dishes.

Flights: I was able to book a flight to Miami and one from Heathrow with points. I have decided I will risk the flight the day of embarkation to avoid a hotel night. So, I will be on the 6AM flight this Thursday. Wish me a little luck with the flight Gods.

 

After a lot of research on transatlantic eastbound cruises I feel I am as prepared as I can be. I have mapped out the time changes, so I am mentally ready to slowly migrate to 23-hour days and find dining times that work for me. Having 6 consecutive at sea days does feel like a lot, but I am working on a daily plan(s).

 

Appreciate any tips for transatlantic cruises, dining experiences, etc. for the Silhouette!

 

More to come and thank you for following along…

  

Edited April 17, 2023 by bnurick

[upwarduk]

A typical balcony cabin, on the refurbished Silhouette. The cupboards above the bed hold quite a lot, providing you are tall enough to reach into them.

[hcat]

looks like OP planned  his trip very well.. 

have fun!9

[bnurick]

14 minutes ago, upwarduk said:

A typical balcony cabin, on the refurbished Silhouette. The cupboards above the bed hold quite a lot, providing you are tall enough to reach into them.

 

Thank you.  I am packing A LOT of clothes, so will probably use a lot of space!

 

11 minutes ago, hcat said:

looks like OP planned  his trip very well.. 

have fun!9

 

Thank you!

 

[tomcruiser1234]

Wow. Nice deal. 

 

That would fun traveling at the moment. Great price

[jzad]

Following along

[hcat]

O.P.

How much would you have to gamble to get these offers?

[bnurick]

51 minutes ago, hcat said:

O.P.

How much would you have to gamble to get these offers?

 

I do not know how they do it all. I did not gamble any more or less than I have in the past and this is the first offer in a decade. I play $10-25 craps with full odds typically.

[bnurick]

Day 0 Recap

 

Woke up and checked the 6AM flight and it was 5 hours delayed. Gave me some indigestion about flying out embarkation day not on a direct flight.

 

So I went online and American Airlines ✈️ had a few options for only 9,000 miles ($108 cash value) to fly out Wednesday. Decided to make that change as I was 95% packed 🧳 at that point.

 

Plane #1 was delayed, so I was moved and ultimately made it to Miami 🌴 at 10PM. Booked a room at the hotel 🏨 within the airport and am waking up this morning ready to slowly shuffle some items around and Board 🛳️ around Noon.

 

Side Note: Big Disney family and I finished the current season of The Mandalorian flying down. Current episode The Return is the best in the series so far. Go Grogu!

 

The X App has been updated for 13 days of dining 🍽️ options. Getting some studying in to finalize a supper plan.

 

Not to be picky, but I understand why this hotel (MIAHotel) gets 3 stars. It’s fairly below standard and over $250. However, I’ll be here for a total of 12 hours and with all my luggage, avoided a longer day.

 

Cheers to Day #1 from Miami!

   

Edited April 20, 2023 by bnurick

[mahdnc]

7 minutes ago, bnurick said:

Day 0 Recap

 

Woke up and checked the 6AM flight and it was 5 hours delayed. Gave me some indigestion about flying out embarkation day not on a direct flight.

 

So I went online and American Airlines ✈️ had a few options for only 9,000 miles ($108 cash value) to fly out Wednesday. Decided to make that change as I was 95% packed 🧳 at that point.

ART ADE (Another Reason To Arrive a Day Early).
 

I’m glad it worked out for you. I look forward to reading your posts. Have fun. 

[bnurick]

1 hour ago, mahdnc said:

ART ADE (Another Reason To Arrive a Day Early).
 

I’m glad it worked out for you. I look forward to reading your posts. Have fun. 

Thank you. Needing to kill time I figured I’d turn on CNBC.  No dice. 26 channels at this hotel.

   

[mahdnc]

6 minutes ago, bnurick said:

Thank you. Needing to kill time I figured I’d turn on CNBC.  No dice. 26 channels at this hotel.

   

 

Pretty dismal array of choices.

[mahdnc]

I hope your embarkation goes well today.  I enjoy seeing photos of Silhouette in her bright blue livery. The last time I got a good close look at her, it was in the dark and she was sporting her old paint job.  This past November during our Constellation Transatlantic cruise to Tampa, when we sailed past Key West I saw her with binoculars docked there from a distance.

 

Silhouette at Port Everglades very early in the morning on Jan 18 2019

Edited April 20, 2023 by mahdnc

[Sadebud]

Looking forward to your report!  Safe travels and bon boyage!

[bnurick]

Day 1 Recap

 

Check In: Grabbed an Uber from the airport hotel to the port at 11AM. Those having pre-Noon boarding times received a text, boarding was an hour delayed. Upon arrival I dropped my bags off and went right through my Noon-time line and inside.  After the security check, I showed my passport and vaccination card and was all done.  The boarding was halted for a gangway problem, so a traffic jam of people started to form.  The staff worked well to form lines and keep everything orderly.  Once things started moving after 20 minutes or so we worked our way onto the ship.

 

Passengers: Being 13 nights and a transatlantic I was told the sailing was not full.  I also told tonight we have 1,500 passengers and the cabins are about 2/3 full.  Kinda low key and quiet.

 

Cabin: As previously posted, I won a MoveUp offer and went from an inside room to a concierge room with balcony.  It is well designed and it is really quiet.  The A/C works very well too.  I think I have only one neighbor, the other side not being occupied.

 

Future Cruise Desk: We decided we want to do the Bermuda sailing in 2024 again.  As such, I waited to book until onboard for the extra OBC.  It’s the first time I booked a cruise on day one and I was given a bottle of wine.  I was told all ships offer this, a first I’ve heard of.  2021 Castlerock Pinot Noir.

 

Martini Bar: Before sail away I was able to hit the wonderful martini bar.  I’ve missed the Lychee Martini and it was really good, as always.

 

Dining: Upon boarding I completed the muster station and headed to the Oceanview Cafe for lunch.  The spread was really good, in my opinion.  Pizza and ribs were my target.  For dinner, I decided to head back to the OVC and it was about 1/3 open, but the options were fine with me.  Pizza, spicy sausage, salami, three types of cheese and olives and I had enough.  The gelato station next to Cafe al Bacio had pistachio, my favorite, so I had a scoop for dessert.  Tomorrow I have Murano, so a light day one was probably best.

 

Casino: The casino was rather slow, but it was night one of thirteen.  So after waiting awhile, I decided to just play some craps solo.  I hit a few pass lines and took my $185 profit and called it a night.

 

Turndown Service: Upon coming back the cabin was spruced up.  The customary chocolates, but also a bottle of sparkling wine.  I read about getting this somewhere, but I thought it was upon request.  Regardless, it was a nice gesture/touch.

 

Staff: They work so hard and are super friendly.  I always cash tip extra and try and make connections so my preferences are better remembered.  I hope others do the same.

 

Pictures: Usually I post a lot of pictures, but this cruise I am going to try and hit the key points.  If there are any pictures or information wanted, just ask.

 

Cheers from the Silhouette!

   

Edited April 21, 2023 by bnurick

[Tee & Chilli]

I’m looking forward to reading more of your review. Thank you for taking us along. 

[mcclarke1]

Here are some photos Brian ( @bnurick ) sent me from the sail away yesterday.  Wish I could be there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[DisneyJen]

Wishing you fair winds and following seas @bnurick!

 

@DJ's DHand I have done a west bound transatlantic on SeaDream and it was our favorite vacation. I'm trying to talk him into another crossing 🥂

[bnurick]

10 minutes ago, DisneyJen said:

Wishing you fair winds and following seas @bnurick!

 

@DJ's DHand I have done a west bound transatlantic on SeaDream and it was our favorite vacation. I'm trying to talk him into another crossing 🥂

Thank you so much. It’s very different. Less crowded. Lower key vs Carribean vibe.  Cooler temperatures.  Slower pace with so many at sea days vs port adventure ones.  Dining is one seating because of the five 23 hour days crossing the pond.  Have a magical day!

Edited April 21, 2023 by bnurick

[Barwick Cruiser]

Was there not a special lunch for Concierge class in the MDR? Or did you prefer the buffet because you’re solo? Love that the ship isn’t full, and so many sea days…should be quite relaxing 😌 

[Ex-Airbalancer]

We start our TA on the Reflection on Sunday 

I believe the ship will also be 55% filled 

hopefully I will be able to follow you on your trip , but with have basic Wi-Fi who knows 

could you post internet speeds here 

 

Edited April 21, 2023 by Ex-Airbalancer

[bnurick]

1 hour ago, Barwick Cruiser said:

Was there not a special lunch for Concierge class in the MDR? Or did you prefer the buffet because you’re solo? Love that the ship isn’t full, and so many sea days…should be quite relaxing 😌 

There was and I was invited upon checkin. Online the reviews were mixed and I wanted to avoid the combination of a many people and a 90+ minute meal. Plus, I really wanted some pizza 🍕! 😊 

[bnurick]

46 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

We start our TA on the Reflection on Sunday 

I believe the ship will also be 55% filled 

hopefully I will be able to follow you on your trip , but with have basic Wi-Fi who knows 

could you post internet speeds here 

 

Good afternoon. @Jim_Iain has an starlink internet speed thread going. I have posted the speeds on the Silhouette thus far. Will do one for today later this evening. Cheers!

[bnurick]

Day 2 1/2 Recap

 

Good afternoon from the Silhouette at sea.

 

Breakfast: I woke up at 7AM EST (now 8AM ship time) and decided to hit the MDR for breakfast (picture below). For those that have followed me before, this is my first time outside The Retreat. The eggs were cooked better than most experiences I’ve had in Luminae.  The bacon and applewood sausage were identical.  The corn-beef hash and banger sausage I did not care for.  The coffee was the same to me too.  I enjoyed the meal and staff service.  Super nice to me.  After I hit Cafe al Bacio for an americano coffee and it was better as usual ($6).

 

Gym:  I need to keep my treadmill routine and decided to head up and get 3.5 miles in. The Silhouette gym is HUGE compared to the Edge IMO. Perhaps it is the layout, but that was the feel. Once done, I noticed a scale. Who wants to use that on a cruise?  Needless to say, it looked rather dusty. 😆 Picture below.

 

Lunch:  After the gym, got in some email catching up and a shower before it was time for a snack. I have Murano tonight, so light is a necessity.  I decided on OVC again. The Mexican station for nachos and after the cheese station for a cheese plate. Picture below.

 

Concierge Class Afternoon Canapés:  Reading online I found many do not like all the offerings.  So on embarkation day I asked my stateroom attendant to request cheese only plates.  To my delight, the first one looks amazing. Since I just had some cheese, I am thinking of putting this in the refrigerator and eating it tomorrow.  Picture below.

 

Balcony:  I am currently sitting on my balcony enjoying the waves and sea view.  As we move north the air is beginning to develop a crispness to it. I have never cruised this direction in April before, so this is a first for me. It is rather enjoyable.

 

Bourbon:  I noticed a major improvement in the bourbon selection on this ship. The bartender explained within the last few weeks they have a new company supplying liquor.  A picture is below, but they have Blanton’s and more now.  In addition both Woodford Reserve and the Double Oaked.

 

Cheers from the Silhouette Transatlantic!

   

Edited April 21, 2023 by bnurick

[long time lurker]

Hi, and thanks for taking the time to post a live review.  We leave on the beyond on Sunday and have been following to see how smooth the crossing is so far.  That is great news about the improved bourbon selection.  Could you tell me if the Angel’s Envy and Blanton’s is covered by the Premium package.  Enjoy your cruise!