wyocruiser

A deadly strain of bird flu has been found on mainland Antarctica for the first time, according to scientists, raising concerns over the risk of mass mortality of the continent’s huge colonies of penguins and other animals found nowhere else on Earth.

Researchers on Feb. 24 confirmed the presence of the H5 subtype of avian influenza in two dead seabirds, called skuas, near an Argentine base and scientific research station located on the Antarctic Peninsula, according to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).

“This discovery demonstrates for the first time that the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has reached Antarctica, despite the distance and natural barriers that separate it from other continents,” officials said Sunday.

There is a launderette on the Endeavour. It’s on the same floor as the mudroom (maybe deck 3). I can’t remember how many machines (4-6 of each). The machines are free. There are also a couple ironing boards and a soap dispenser.

The Endeavour didn’t have that machine last fall (which looks great). However, they have devised a system that cleans your boots as you return, and the expedition team examines the bottoms of your boots and removes any unwelcome contaminants. (No fingernails required.)

Last fall, on The Endeavour, we were given a “dry bag” which was excellent for camera equipment. 

When SS canceled the January 26 cruise, they did reimburse me for my Saudi visa.

A lot of this depends on the cruiseline and the part of the world in which you're traveling. The vast majority of time, I book my own air. I like to choose my own schedule and my own airline. The cruise companies have contracts with certain airlines, and their schedules can be less than desirable. I usually fly in at least a day before the cruise, and I prefer to book my own hotel. The people on Cruisecritic can be super helpful with hotel recommendations. Often, I just take a taxi to the ship. 
 

Depending on which country I’m in, I may stay at a hotel at or near the airport and then take the cruiseline’s airport transfer on the day of the cruise.

Please feel free to ask me any questions!     I’m happy to help😊
 

You may have noticed that I was in Japan last year. If you only have a day or two in Tokyo, you do not want to stay in Yokohama. All of your time will be taken up by transportation. You may still be able to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, and that experience will easily consume an entire day.

Actually, the Antarctica cruise is the first time I let a cruiseline book a hotel for me, and I only did it this time because it was included as part of an expedition cruise.

When I took an SS cruise to Antarctica, the pre-cruise hotel was supposed to be the Mandarin Oriental. Less than a month before the cruise, SS switched the hotel to the W in Santiago, Chile. There was no comparison between the two hotels. How do I know this? Because the post-cruise hotel was the Mandarin Oriental, and it was so much nicer than the W. 

When I took this flight last fall, they did not weigh or measure any of the hand luggage. Everyone I’ve spoken with had the same experience.

This is an update for passengers who were on the canceled January 26 cruise. Today, I received my refund. It included the amount I had paid for insurance through SS.

Looking at the website, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is what happens.

38 minutes ago, Charli001 said:

I would like to think so. What about visa for Saudi they cost $450.00 AUD for two. Would like to think that SS would take care of this plus accommodation in Dubai. Was anyone scheduled for Dubai to Mumbai cruise that was cancelled. Would like to hear what SS had to say to them.

 

Charli001

I was on the January 26 cruise from Dubai to Mumbai. I emailed Guest Relations, and they said they would reimburse me for the Saudi Arabia visa ($130 for United States).

Shouldn’t SS take care of any accommodation required after the cruise was supposed to start???

Also, I wanted to mention that SS did reimburse me for the cost of my Saudi Arabia visa.

Do telegrams still exist????

I think SS owes it to the customers to share what they are planning for the Silver Moon. Even if their plans change, it would be helpful for future cruisers to know their current thinking.

Sorry - I don’t know why that looks so weird, but I hope the information is helpful.

I sent this message to SS:

Hello, 

In your email about the cancellation of the January 26 cruise of the Silver Moon, you mentioned that the insurance purchased through SS will be refunded.

Will that refund come from SS?

Also, can the 20% offer be combined with other offers such as lower single supplements?

This was the response:

Thank you for your email.  Yes, the Allianz refund will come from Silversea and yes, the 20% savings is combinable with all promotions, including reduced single supplement.  I have copied in your cruise consultant, Christian, to assist you with selecting your next Silversea voyage

Hope this helps with some of your questions.

.
 

Thank you for your email.  Yes, will come from Silversea and yes, the 20% savings is combinable with all promotions, including reduced single supplement.  I have copied in your cruise consultant, Christian, to assist you with selecting your next Silversea voyage. 

We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.

Best, 

Thank you for your email.  Yes, the Allianz refund will come from Silversea and yes, the 20% savings is combinable with all promotions, including reduced single supplement.  I have copied in your cruise consultant, Christian, to assist you with selecting your next Silversea voyage. 

We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.

Best, 

I hope your cruise isn’t affected!! You’ll have to keep us updated!

Thanks for the info TLCOhio! I live in the US. I was surprised by the response from SS because I had a Celebrity cruise canceled midway through the cruise. We were given a full refund including independent-booked air plus 50% toward a future cruise along with OBC. Celebrity gained a lot of loyal customers due to how they handled the situation. 

LcruiCruise1963 - you have definitely been through an emotional wringer! I can’t believe SS doesn’t have more empathy for its guests. To cancel so close to the sail date and have no alternative plan when we have seen this situation unfolding for two months is shocking. We have all put so much time and energy into making arrangements for this trip, and their response lacks any recognition of the extent of our disappointment.

3 hours ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

Silversea has sent out cancellation notices of all Silver Wind sailings from May 13th through through and including October 1st 2025.  Silversea has stated this is "due to unforeseen logistical and operational challenges".  Does anyone have any idea as to why she is actually being redeployed away from Iceland / Norway?  I have not seen any other redeployments away from this region.  Is this simply low sales in an oversaturated market, or is there some new regulation related to expedition cruising in Iceland/Norway they cannot comply with?

Did anyone see this coming?

Just curious - do you feel 20% is inappropriate?

15 hours ago, texanaust said:

 

That is pretty lousy for cancelling 12 days out.  I hope you contact someone higher up at SS and let them know your feelings.  

I also feel 20% is inappropriate. Any idea what dept I should try to contact at SS?

On 1/13/2024 at 8:01 AM, LcruiCruise1963 said:

I agree well said.  We were on the Jan 16th cruise and now on the 26th sailing of the Moon.  We understand the political situation and uncertain issues in the region.  Without the invaluable information posted we would not have been aware of the upcoming changes/cancellations until much later.  We only ask SS communicates sooner than later as this is a very special occasion and would like to make  arrangements for a different trip if they cancel.

 

 

When SS canceled your January 16 cruise, did they only offer you 20% on a future cruise.

I’ve been on other cruise lines when they’ve had to cancel, and the offer has always been 50% on a future cruise.