kloreece

Yes, I know where you mean. I was in 802 so walked in from that direction a few times taking the most forward stairs / elevators. And I agree you wouldn't even know you were about to enter the restaurant here. Had I been challenged outside the restaurant, I'm not sure of my reaction. If I was doing as you described, I think I possibly would have asked him to accompany me to see the HD after his shift if he insisted I couldn't film outside the restaurant, though I'd not of had a problem if asked not to film inside when people were eating there. It's a real shame he's left a bitter taste on what sounded like an enjoyable cruise for you outside this incident.

 

My own video posted will be useful for others to visualise this location also (and also for yourself I hope as it does show off the ship and the restaurants for those memories ... though I agree not the same as your own capture.)

 

I've never once been remotely challenged - usually the opposite. Staff stop and wave enthusiastically to the camera! (Which is just a discrete GoPro)

 

Fast forward to 20 mins 8 secs and this is where you mean I'm sure. Interestingly though if you go forward a minute to the entrance of Atlantide and I was sort of challenged (as the restaurant was closed) and I asked if videoing was a problem and you can hear the reply "not at all". I think she just wanted to know why I was walking in to an empty restaurant. (Which was odd as it was pretty obvious what I was doing.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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It was the first night. I was tired. And very angry. I had quite the discussion with him and actually canceled by second reserved dinner. I ended up going and was glad I did because we didn't enjoy the food or anything the first night.

The other incident that really bothered me was I booked an excursion. I booked 4. Right after midnight when available. When I arrived, they said oh you booked two excursions that day. No. No. I didn't. They were trying to take one of my excursions. I suggest you photograph your bookings - excursions and dinner reservations. And print it out. Silversea plays games and does some things that has resulted in the loss of my business. And if they keep it up, they will lose others as well. But overall, it is a nice cruise line. But, I know there is a better fit for me. I don't pay a lot of money to be aggravated.

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What are you saying is the foyer? Outside the restaurants in the shared area, in the bar? Inside the door were the maitre D is dealing with reservations? I'm just trying to work out where you mean that takes would be 50 feet away. I can't think that you can actually see any tables at all from those places until you actually step inside the seating area.

 

On the subject of videoing though, I've not looked through the T&Cs and booking conditions and you may well be right there is no specific policy regarding videoing. (Ive not looked as I said), but I'm fairly sure there will be a mention in there about being considerate to other guests. I'd personally not be too bothered if you were panning your camera around the restaurant or intending to do so, but I can understand completely why people might object to being video'd eating. I expect discretion and consideration being the key part. It would be most off to have someone march over to you telling you not to film of the nearest table was 50 feet away so it really is strange that it happened. Ive certainly never heard of anything like it before.

 

I did take my phone with me and took photos in the restaurants - but the vast majority were off the delicious offerings served in front of me. and nothing else. I certainly don't worry if people on the next table are taking still photos of each other. The waiters are also all happy to take photos for you so there certainly cant be a problem with photos.

If you come in the back of the restaurant (from the front of the ship) there is a small area before you get into the actual restaurant. The first occupied table was far from this area. At least as I recall it. At any rate, I was in contact with corporate which said there is no such prohibition. Look. I wouldn't film in the spa or its locker room. I am not a dummy. But again, 30 seconds of the décor of a restaurant, our image, our food - yes. I feel if I am paying 5 figures for a cruise, I am entitled to remember it how I choose. And yes, I would agree if I stood over someone else's table filming them while they est to post on social media but I am no more interested in them then they are interested in me when taking video or still photos. I personally think it's odd to be in public and worry about people filming and taking photos. Selfie sticks (selfie being the operative word) are everywhere. You are going to be in someone else's photos or video.

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Would you mind sharing the name of the offending Maitre D' ?

 

 

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I don't get his name. He was in charge of Indochine. Though he also often worked breakfast at La Terrazza.

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Re the video or any camera.

I ask before I take pictures of others. Often they don't want to be in any image, moving or not, if they can be identified. They may not want their image published on the internet anywhere.

I didn't know there was a policy on Silversea regarding videotaping or photography, and if so, I hope it is enforced universally rather than not.

There is no such policy or that's what corporate texted me while on board. Frankly, I was in the back foyer shooting the ceiling and just the décor. I had been there for literally 2 seconds when someone flew over. The restaurant was far from crowded and the table nearest me must have been 50 feet from me. I am not inconsiderate. And I a also not interested in strangers. We wanted to be able to look back at the restaurant. Not the people. But if I can be background in your photos; you can be background in my photos and video. My opinion. (not you personally)

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Being a request system instead of a guaranteed reservation system makes the whole situation even more egregious imo. SS is telling me there is no open seating, you have to reserve months in advance but that reservation may or may not be honored. Obviously, they have realized this was all a huge mistake and are trying to find a means to rectify things. But the design of the restaurants on the ship was a major flaw to begin with and it may not be so easy.

Totally agree.

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For the benefit of those of us who have not (yet?) been on Muse, could someone opine on how easy this transformation would be. Are the two rooms so located that a couple of walls could be knocked down overnight? Or would this transformation have to await the ship's going into dry dock?

Yes. I think so. I don't know why they need to do that though. Just expand the menus. Which get boring over multiple meals. I found Indochine the emptiest of restaurants.

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I made a reservation prior to boarding that was not honored. Or suddenly changed. For the special restaurants like Le Dame, I reserved only once recognizing everyone would want to eat there. So I didn't book those every night.

I was called two days repestedly asking if we would share our table at the Silver Note. Ckearly, they were trying to maximize seating. By the way, I agreed.

I went to a restaurant and saw and spoke to people at the bar trying to get a table. Or hoping to be seated anyway. I invited them to join me.

I had people tell me they couldn't get reservations.

The table at Le Dame could have been offered to other cruisers. If you can't call and cancel, then I am fine with one losing a reservation. I had someone tell me they couldn't get in. They would have happily taken that table.

Silver Note, Le Dame and the Japanese restaurant are tiny. Too tiny for a cruise ship. They should use the reception area space/lounge more wisely. No one really utilizes that space but everyone eats dinner.

The video camera is a big deal for me because I video my mother's vacation which she enjoys re watching for years. I was not bothering anyone anymore than the people gathering behind me snapping multiple photos of which I am sure my image appears in some. I am also confident I am back ground noise to their pictures. I also was not bothered by their enjoying their vacation that they paid for and do not begrudge their making memories. By the way, I hadn't gotten out of the back foyer when accosted. Rest assured, you will never be bothered by me on Silversea as I doubt I will ever cruise it again.

Anyway, my experience. My opinion. Yours may differ.

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And per Silversea THAT IS NOT the policy.

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I am sorry for your unfortunate experience. Really should not happen without some warning/notice ahead of time.

 

On another note: can you tell me who the Captain and Cruise Director are?

We board the Muse on Thursday.

 

Thanks, Jim

I don't have any paperwork in my possession. My travel companion has it all.

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Best wishes in your retirement! And, thanks for sharing your impressions of SS and the Muse. Look forward to reading your perspective of other lines as you try them.

 

 

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LOL - I am 11 to 13 years from retirement but I know I love to travel and have discovered I like cruising so I am busy socking away the money (I prefer high end) to cruise as much as I can/want. Ritz Carlton will have a hybrid yacht/ cruise ship hitting the market in 2018 or 2019. I have heard really good things about Seaborne, Viking, Crystal and Regent. So, lots of options. My two adult cruises have been Silversea because I tend to brand loyalty but it's not a good fit for me. My work is stressful. My vacation shouldn't be.

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It's probably the right move.

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I just thought the food was tasty. I have been to that type of restaurant before but the emphasis was not in the show. One cook had level 1 skills and the other was hyper absorbed in plating and getting his food delivered to the table hot.

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Everyone looked fine. I don't recall seeing one person and thinking, " what were they thinking?" But, at the show the dress ran the gamut and that was kind of off putting. It's a nice ship and you want to look around at night at people similarly dressed.

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Entertainment:

Excellent. Similar to my Alaskan Cruise on the Shadow, the six performers were very talented. I loved every performance. I also liked that the mingled with the guests in the Panorama lounge, on tours and I even saw them dining with cruisers. Some of it was work but they still were super friendly and enduring. I wish them the best in their musical careers.

Excursions:

I only signed up for 4. The one downside was the Lepa Vida Thalasso Spa at the Saltpans. The promotional materials should advise that nudity is involved and the treatments would be provided almost publicly. We actually observed other watching as we showered naked. In fact, we had no privacy from each other. I know that I am not alone in being especially perturbed by this experience.

Disembarkation:

Another well organized event.

Overall Impression:

Silversea has much to offer and does a good job. But, it is too much like a social club with certain cruisers receiving special treatment. As repeat Silversea cruiser, I am now part of the Venetian Society but I will not be accruing more of the clearly treasured cruise days. Why? Because the vacation was marred by dining reservation anxiety, one impolite staffer and other assorted mishaps. For the cost, much of what disappointed me should not have occurred. So, as someone who plans to retire to significant time on a cruise ship - I will be giving other brands a change to wow me.

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Dinner Reservations:

There has been much discussion regarding dining on this ship. I kept an open mind and now can comment because I have sailed on the ship. I made reservations through the app at 12:01 a.m., on the day of the ability to do so. Here, the ship plays games with reservations. I don’t know if someone is paying someone off or what - but there does appear to be favoritism. I heard multiple people who could not get reservation and I ate at La Dame with an empty table next to me the entire night which was a shame. Whatever the reason, the cruise costs too much for this level of aggravation. I have no interest in going on vacation and having to fight to eat.

Also, my first night, I was rudely approached by the maitre D due to my video camera. Supposedly, video camera background images somehow invades other’s privacy and images on camera does not. Then he lied and said it was the light on the camera as if cameras and phones do not have flashes. I follow the rules but not being able to use my video camera, camera or iPhone makes no sense. So ban every means of images of others to protect privacy or do not accost people taking pictures or video of their experience. I suggest if Silversea is trying to build a following with a younger generation, it update its outlook. Or, simply advise what is permitted on the cruise so people can opt not to choose its line.

The Food:

The overall food review: average but presented well. I would not describe it as “exquisite” but I recognize I live in NYC and frequent excellent restaurants at all price points.

My favorites: Kaiseki and Le Dame.

The Dress Code:

Overall, most people were appropriately dressed for their dinner. Even if not dressed up, no one stood out as poorly dressed. However, the inconsistencies with dressing at night can be off-putting and other expressed that sentiment as well.

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The Silver Suite:

On my last cruise I had a Veranda Suite which is very nice. But, the extra space and extra deck area were much appreciated. It was great to have a real dining table and the entire layout of the suite is excellent. The closet is roomy and there are plenty of hangers. The only flaw is the locker for valuables is extremely small. The bathroom is gorgeous and the shower is magnificent. There is no other word for it. I thought there was going to be a mirror tv in the bedroom and found a regular tv so I must have misread or seen something inaccurate. The included laundry and dry cleaning was a much appreciated surprise and somehow I did not see that in my research.

My butler and suite attendant were very good. My butler had to negotiate some issues and handled the pressure very well. For instance, one piece of my dry cleaning was not returned but was eventually located. However, it was located the morning we disembarked but only after I called and inquired. He knew the day before and was to check and I believe if I had not rang him, he would not have done so.

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This is my review of the June 21 through July 3, 2017 Silversea Silver Muse Rome to Venice, Italy cruise. This was my second Silversea cruise.

Embarkation:

Once again, embarkation was a smooth and quick progress. We were greeted warmly in were on the ship within minutes.

The Ship/Silver Muse:

The ship is new and is expected quite beautiful. The garish coloring often seen in cruises is nowhere on this cruise. It is sleek and modern. It is also clean and extremely well kept. The ship is never allowed to become messy or disorganized. Never. The public bathrooms are always perfectly clean. Frankly, I don't know how they do it. But, pristine it is. Always.

The pool is large and there are always plenty of seating available — whether it is sofa seating, pool lounge chairs, or tables. There is some “chair saving” (on this cruise that happened in the shady areas) because some people will never follow the rules. In comparison to my Alaskan cruise, I found the service slow and slightly disinterested. But, the area was well maintained and there were plenty of fresh towels available. One of the showers did not work but otherwise this was a good area in which to relax.

The food at the pool was average. The pizza options from Spaccanapoli were very good and are the perfect size. Spaccanapoli is a great addition to the restaurant options.

Other areas of the ship - observation lounge, panoramic lounge, casino, cigar lounge , etc., were all a multitude of space to relax and unwind. No area o the ship is ever crowded. For me, that is the best asset of his cruise line.

The shops are great and do not consume much space but the Silversea souvenir needs more options. The clothing options are limited and are not very interesting.

Dolce Vita: is a waste of space. Great for the muster, trivia game playing and waiting to disembark but otherwise largely an empty unused space with the bartender and waiter sitting idle and almost no one listening to the piano player or guitarist.

My favorite area of the ship: Pool Deck

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I received a very nice call from Silversea today assuring me all is well and the app shows my reservation as made and previously confirmed. I can return to enjoying my vacation planning.

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Me too. I purposely didn't book twice. And I picked a day with. O shore excursions for my 78 year old mother to not be tired. My joy is planning my vacation. This is not joyful. But I expect my reservation to be honored.

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I made my dinner reservations on the Silver Muse 6/21/17 on the 120th day. Almost every day, I am on the app. No issues. Today, is the 89th day. Now, I have some weird message and my reservation appears to be different. If people, did not reserve early that's their problem not mine. I had this issue on my last Silversea cruise and it worked out, but I don't need this aggravation. Particularly, when traveling with a 78 year old who is easily upset. By everything. What's next? Are they going to possibly give my Silver Suite away because those are all sold out? Emailed my TA tonight and will be on the telephone tomorrow.

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Totally agree about the lack of caviar. I was cruising with Seabourn next to enjoy the decadence of caviar. For the price, it should be freely available.

I watch a chair for hour and then I just move the book. It's selfish and unfair. I once Solent a vacation waking up at 5 am to watch people slink out and put books on chairs before the sun comes up. Then they eat, leave the property and show up at 3 pm. Ridiculous. I paid for my vacation as well and refuse to get up before dawn to comets fir a chair you are saving until late afternoon. No. And I dare you to say anything to me.

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If the diners wish not to comply with that nights dress attire, are there other dining options available? This is what I never understand. Keep the integrity of the formal night for those that enjoy it and those that do not can enjoy a meal elsewhere. If invited to a black tie formal wedding, jeans would be Ina propriety and you would not even ask. But I am a rule follower.

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I don't quite understand this debate. Well I do but. There are a lot of product on the market. If you want to smoke find a ship that allows it or allows it in more areas. Yes, you might have to leave your balcony but that's the rule. If you want to be in flip flops and shirts all day, book that ship and if you want all passengers to be equal despite size and costs, book that ship. But why does a cruise line or passengers willing to follow those rules have to change standards for those that clearly aren't a good match? Book what's comfortable for you.

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Looks like this may be a "rules are made to be followed" versus "rules are made to be broken" or " rules are a mere suggestion" issue. I generally follow the rules with the idea that I have to take others peoples comfort into consideration. Both sides have paid but maybe there are cruise ships where smoking is allowed. Book those and there is no problem.

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Yes.

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