Port Power

I had 2pm listed as my boarding time. I expected to sit in the terminal for an hour or two with my book, so was very pleasantly surprised. Access to rooms was not until 2:00pm.

Departing the port of Barcelona. Always pretty at night.

Boarding was a breeze! I stayed at a lovely 3-star hotel near the port. Only one night, checkout st 12pm. The hotel rang for a taxi and I was at the ship check in within 15 minutes. I’m not sure driving at 80kph along the port drive is actually legal, but the driver did it! I was the only passenger in sight. The porter took my bags and I went into terminal to check-in. Successfully completed, I walked through the building, past the shopping areas up to escalator, and was quite surprised to find that I was actually boarding the ship just after 12 noon. Access to suites wouldn’t be until 2pm, so off I went for lunch at Atlantide. (Delicious seared tuna, cooked to perfection.) The afternoon consisted of drinking Champagne and chatting to fellow new passengers, drinking champagne and unpacking, drinking champagne and booking SALT classes, followed by heading to the muster drill, and then going to dinner at S.A.L.T. kitchen. Silver Dawn departed around 10:0pm for our next port, Palma de Mallorca. The best news update is that the theatre format has changed again due the public feedback. There are now four singers, at least two of whom are also accomplished dancers, and two accomplished dancers. So much better, as this evening’s show confirmed.

I boarded Silver Dawn today en route from Barcelona to Lisbon and thence transatlantic to Fort Lauderdale. I’m not sure how a cruise blog will go on this itinerary, but I’ll give it a try. Part 1 encompasses Palma de Mallorca, Valencia Cartagena (Spain), Malaga, Gibraltar, Casablanca, Tangier, Cadiz snd Lisbon. Unfortunately I had to cancel the day trip to the additional Alhambra because of my foot injury, but I will give some feedback on ship excursions to from the other ports. If anyone has questions relating to the ship itself, please ask.

This thread has become “nonsensical”. And very, VERY repetitive.

When I was on Dawn earlier this year, I was part of a group and didn't get to experience the whole ship. Which is why I was looking forward to Muse so much. One of our group, Grace, went to most of the SALT lab classes and loved them. I will certainly provide some feedback for you. 27 days aboard should provide a certain insight!

That is a real pity about missing Phillip Island. Seeing the Fairy penguins would have been a highlight off the trip. Station Pier in Melbourne really is very small. The ferry to Tasmania relocated to Geelong to leave more space for cruise ships. Space-wise, possibly all ships would fit, two each side, but the facilities probably wouldn’t cope. (As it happens, my son and I will be on Norwegian Spirit. I’ll wave to you!)

I am very sad and apprehensive to hear this. I am booked on Regent Mariner for the 2025 World Cruise. I was concerned about the age of the ship at the time, but was reassured by agents. (Who, or course, are totally honest and independent!). Since booking that I have sailed several Silversea cruises and really like the brand. I can only hope Regent improves over the next twelve months.

There are numerous threads on this topic. One called “Why I love Silversea Air” (on Page 4), and the previous one something along the lines of “Why I hate Silver Air”! I’m not good at links, but I’ll try to find their exact titles.

I’m sure I have read the same. Biodegradable and suitable for the water recycling system. Please @RELS and others, don’t use your own detergent pellets without checking with the environmental officer.

Aah, Pablo! Fast tracking to be a maître d ‘hotel.

I'm sure @cruiselvr04 will appreciate that information. I have my own Opal card already and keep it topped up.

Sydney. All public transport: ferries, trains, buses. Yes, a separate card per person. A card such as a VISA debit card or a credit card.

I am about to embark a transatlantic cruise on Silver Dawn, but recently did a crossing from Vancouver to Japan. There was plenty to do! There is the usual gym and jogging track. There is a bridge instructor and bridge games in the card room, other cards and games in the Observation Lounge, trivia at 4:45pm, usually three interesting lecturers, various silly games just for fun, an art instructor, SALT kitchen, and all the usual spa events trying to sell you something. It takes an effort just to sit, relax and read a book!

I haven’t seen you in the roll call. I hope we do meet up. Another marine traffic site states the ship is currently approaching Lisbon.

I’m booked on the Dawn next week! In Barcelona! I’m checking marine news sites right now…..

Definitely not 24-hours due to possible noise for nearby suites. On most ships laundries are open from 8:00am to possibly 8:00pm. The rooms are usually well insulated with the door closed, though.

On my NCL cruise in February (same itinerary), we are taking the ferry to Taronga Zoo for the day. The next day we will take the train to the Blue Mountains. I have an Opal card, my son will tap his debit card on the day. In late December I did the Twofold Bay cruise in Eden and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d do it again. Other passengers really enjoyed the new whale museum. Healesville Sanctuary is a long way out from Station Pier, but definitely worth visiting. You will see platypus and koalas there. Do at least Healesville PLUS Taronga Zoo. The zoo is so easy to get to by ferry.

I have claimed on my CC travel insurance many times over the years. Allianz through ANZ cards. From the death of fathers to, this year, a missed connection. All paid out with no hassle. Just remember to keep your credit card statements. And make sure you read the requirements, as they vary from bank to bank.

That is so sad. I had osso bucco twice on the Muse on the two legs before yours. The meat was tender and delicious. I wonder if the meat came from a different source? Or, more likely, the chefs went on leave and the new lot were not as careful.

I applied for my Chilean visa a couple of weeks ago. However, a friend was told by the Melbourne consulate that visas are only processed the month before they are needed. I am flying to Santiago mid-December. I am now awaiting the invoice for payment, which will mean my application was in order. 🤞

That is quite normal when booking a Vista guarantee. This current promotion, however, enables you to book the verandah suite of your choice immediately.

I suggest you ask Silversea. Usually promotions are for new bookings, so if you have an existing booking, I think not.

I received the same email and will be booking Must for an Australian-New Zealand cruise. I read the T&Cs. Door-to-Door only. Pay for a vista suite and get a verandah. All as advertised. And “up to” $1,000 per person OBC. My cruise is $1600 for the cabin with two guests. However, I will wait until I am on board in mid November in order to take advantage of the booking discount as well. Usually I miss out. The offers come just after I have booked! 😢

Dania Pointe is an area I have seen on the map, but did not realise its convenience. Thank you. Through bookings.com, I found a one-bedroom suite in an apartment-hotel riverside in the Las Olas area. That seems a very good location, and near the popular Riverside Hotel. A safe way to book, too.