alexandria

22 minutes ago, DCCruiser57 said:

SS has not updated the "Resumption of Itineraries" link today to reflect that cruises will not resume until mid June.  In addition, this new policy states "Booked guests on cancelled voyages will receive a 125% cruise fare refund in the form of a Future Cruise Credit (FCC), which can be applied toward any future cruise and it’s valid two years from issuance. "  Interesting in that it makes no mention of a cash refund.

 

https://www.silversea.com/information-on-itinerary-changes.html

I'm showing the Resumption of Itineraries page to be current as of April 23, 2020.  While the mention of the cash refund option is not on that page, when you click on the "More Information Here" link it takes you to the cancellation policy page (https://www.silversea.com/temporary-amendment-to-cancellation-policy.html) which does mention the cash refund availability when Silversea cancels.

Thanks!  We actually switched our booking over to the reverse Nov 29 sailing as the travel dates and flights actually worked out better for us for that sailing.  Ahhh...M&M's, one of my weak spots! 

5 hours ago, DCCruiser57 said:

I was almost 100% sure that they would do so.  What suite did they assign?

They actually moved us up two decks to a starboard Veranda 2 on Deck 7.  I told our TA that we would be very content to remain on Deck 5 in a Veranda 1 as booked, but that we would greatly appreciate it if they could just "swap" us to the other side of the ship.  Apparently Silversea insisted on both moving us to the starboard side and providing a modest upgrade in the process.  It is always nice when expectations are not just met but exceeded.

(BTW...my username refers to the city in NOVA, where I lived and worked many years ago...)

Silversea was kind enough to accommodate our request for a starboard side suite and we were reassigned yesterday.  While any veranda suite would have been perfectly acceptable, it is appreciated when a request can be honored.

Thanks.  Since I'm an early riser, the sound of the anchor won't bother me, plus it adds to the "ambience" of being aboard a relatively small ship!

My DW and I are very blessed that when we cruise, we usually end up losing weight.  I suspect that we spend more time walking (particularly on port days) that we might otherwise...

I have a few more questions that have popped up if anyone can help or chime in...

1.  I have read on other posts (and here:  https://www.silversea.com/other-resources/press-releases/2019/april/guests-enjoy-unprecedented-luxury.html) that caviar is available and complementary but saw on the room service menu that there is a charge per tin.  Can anyone clarify?

2.  Thanks again for the menus!  I haven't seen any breakfast menus though (room service or MDR).  Does anyone have one they can post or point me to where I might see one?

3.  We are booked in a Veranda 1 guarantee and our TA requested a cabin on the starboard side when we booked.   It appears on My Silversea that we are now assigned 502, which is a port side cabin (it previously said GTY).  In looking at an online TA where you can select your cabin, I see good availability of Veranda 1 cabins on the starboard side.   My TA has contacted Silversea to request we be moved to a starboard cabin.  Is it pretty typical that Silversea would ignore(?) our request for a starboard cabin and are they flexible about reassigning us to our desired side of the ship?  I understand that a guarantee means I may end up with a port side cabin, but as a first impression this wouldn't seem like the type of service one might hope for from a luxury line.  (I did see a recent interview with Mark Conroy where he mentioned striving to have the service provided by the shore-side of Silversea reach the level of the service provided on board, so perhaps that is a weak spot).

Thanks again, stay safe all...

36 minutes ago, Sweetpea711423 said:

Holy moly.  After rereading the various responses here, and still being confused about the matter, I wrote to my travel agent to ask for clarification of the Silversea cancellation policy for 2020.  People on this board are absolutely right – as of April 8, 2020, if you want a cash refund (minus the $200 administrative fee), you must cancel your cruise at least 120 days in advance (which is therefore no change to the original Silversea cancellation policy)....

 

I have a booked cruise for October 19, 2020.  I had planned to wait until shortly before September 19 to see how things were going with respect to the coronavirus situation before making a final decision about whether to cancel the cruise.  I am now back to having to make that decision before July 19, three months in advance of the cruise date.

If that is the case, you may not want to wait until July 19.  That's only about 90 days before sailing...😮

29 minutes ago, bitob said:

Yes.  It is applicable to all bookings

I have friends with the same issue

If in fact Silversea has now "retracted" their offer for cash refunds for existing bookings if cancelled at least thirty days out, that is quite disappointing to hear as a prospective first-time Silversea passenger.  My cruise terms and conditions as a new booking clearly state the thirty day cancellation policy for full refund less $200, so I am in a different position than others may be, but I can certainly see how some with existing bookings relied on that policy and did not cancel for a refund, preferring instead to wait and see how the current crisis resolves..

While I am now retired from the active practice of law, from a legal standpoint (at least here in the US) that would appear to be a problematic position for Silversea to take.  From a consumer relations perspective, it is a very problematic position, particularly for a high end luxury brand where expectations of excellence in service and product would include fair dealing, integrity, and honoring one's promises.

Perhaps a courteous written communication to the executive leadership at Silversea expressing concern about this situation might bring a resolution.  It is also entirely possible that the front-line personnel do not have accurate information on the proper application of the March 5 cancellation policy to existing bookings.   There is a clear conflict in the various cancellation policies and communications and if left to the interpretation of the representatives who work directly with travel agents and passengers, confusion and inconsistency will result.

6 minutes ago, spinnaker2 said:

CDC just issued an extension of the no sail order 

I tried to copy link but couldn't.

Maybe someone else can

 

Here's the link:

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0409-modifications-extension-no-sail-ships.html

12 hours ago, bitob said:

Silversea did a "bait and switch" and changed the cancellation policy on April 8

Shame on them

As soon as I read the revision I called my TA -- who was appalled.

Before April 8 you could get a full refund if you cancelled 30 days out.

With NO notice, they took that option off the table.

Many of us relied on that provision and did not cancel within the 120 day period because we thought we could wait until 30 days out to get a refund..

Now you either pay a penalty or get a FCC (which most of us do not want with all the uncertainty in the world)

I imagine when other Silversea  cruisers figure this out they are going to be very angry.  They should be.  It is borderline fraudulent to have customers rely on a cancellation policy, allow the time period lapse and then change the policy.

 

Did your TA actually confirm with Silversea that they are now applying the April 8 revision to existing bookings, rather than the revised thirty (30) day policy that was communicated back on March 6 (and referenced by iMarco46 in another thread linked below)?

Many thanks!

21 hours ago, DCCruiser57 said:

See my answers to your questions above in red.  Here are the first two weeks of WC 2020 MDR dinner menus.  Please not that they also have a page of always available that they rotate after four days.  I post several of those separately.  I also have scanned copies of the Chronicles and the lunch menus if yo would like a sampling of those.

Thanks for the helpful information and the lunch and dinner menus!  I'd love to see a sampling of the Chronicles from the Whisper as well whenever you have time to post a few.

Looking forward to experiencing Silverseas in November!

Thanks all for the replies and the menus! 

DW and I enjoy sampling new wines along with perhaps new dishes we haven't tried before.  During meal service, do they have suggested or recommended wine pairings among the included wine selections or is it more of a "house" white or "house" red unless you request something different or special.  

I have heard that the lunch buffet at La Terrazza is excellent but haven't heard much about dinner there.  How are the dinners at La Terrazza?  Are reservations required or suggested?  Also, does the Whisper have The Grill dinner (where food is cooked on hot lava rocks)?  Is that recommended?  Thoughts on La Dame?

Is there a place on board to get coffee and cappaccino early in the morning before strolling around on deck (I'm a very early riser, 5am or so).  Is the fitness center open 24 hours for an early morning work out?

Thanks again!

Hello all,

Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.  DW and I retired last year (mid-fifties) and plan to begin cruising again after a too long hiatus.  We have optimistically booked a Nov 10 cruise on Silversea Silver Whisper as we are hopeful that the current crisis will be well-past by that point and wanting to do our part to "stimulate" the economy.  Our last few cruises were on HAL and for several reasons, including the recommendation of a good friend who is in the travel industry and knows our travel likes and dislikes, we want to give Silversea a try. 

I am a planner by nature and enjoy learning as much as possible before departure but have not found much in the way of recent (past two years) information on the Whisper.  But I may be looking in the wrong places!

Can anyone point me to where we can find recent (post-2018 refurbishment) photos and menus? 

Here are some questions for the Silversea veterans out there:

• We are currently booked in a Veranda suite (guarantee).  How long before departure are cabin assignments usually sent?  Does Silversea typically or often provide upgrade or upsell opportunities between booking and departure like HAL does (I recognize with such a small ship, that may not happen).  I'm open to such opportunities but booked a category that we will be well-satisfied in as well.
• How long before departure are airline arrangements made for the included air transportation (I'm sure current circumstances may change what has been done in the past).  Does Silversea communicate with you or your TA about proposed flights before they book them for any feedback or concerns or do they just sent you the travel arrangements? 
• I know gratuities are included but that some do tip extra to those who may go above and beyond during the trip and that there is also a "crew welfare fund" that one can give to if so led.  How is additional tipping or giving to the crew welfare fund handled if desired?  Is traditional "cash" okay?  How are gratuities handled for luggage at embarkation?  Is embarkation luggage handled by porters or Silversea crew? 
• I see that some make advance requests for minibar provisions, but DW and I are pretty easy to please and will be happy with a selection of soft drinks (including sugar free) and perhaps some nice beer and wine.  With that in mind, what might we expect from our butler as far as stocking the minibar?  (We prefer coke products, not pepsi).  Other than the fruit, is the minibar stocked with any snacks (nuts, pretzels, chips, crackers, etc.)
• Given that the Whisper is a small ship and we have two sea days from FLL to San Juan, should we prepare for and perhaps expect a little more motion that we have experienced on larger ships (2000 passengers)?
• I have read some comments that suggest that Silversea MDR menus do not change aside from a "recommended" selection each night.  But most of those comments seem to be related to the even smaller expedition ships.  Do the menu offerings in the MDR vary each night?
• While I do have a tux, packing might be easier without it.  But I also don't want to be in a very small minority who comes to a formal night in a dark suit rather than tux.  Do most gentlemen wear a tux on the formal nights or would a suit be more than adequate and within expectations.
• Any tips, hints, suggestions, advice? 

I'm sure I'll have more questions as we countdown to departure.  Thanks in advance for the help!

Joanie,

The zip file of stateroom photos from our May 30 Oosterdam cruise was too large to email, so I posted the file online and sent you the link to download it. Please let me know if you don't receive it.

alexandria

There is a Kmart and BJs a few blocks away from the Hyatt Place FLL South. Since it is brand new and has shuttles it is a great first choice based on price. Hyatt Place north is also a great choice. Westin is much too far if you are paying cab fare, and there are no grocery/drug stores to walk to.

Great, thanks for the help! That was exactly what I was looking for...

I'm looking at three hotels on Hotwire and believe I've got them identified. I don't think I'll be able to use a complimentary airport shuttle as our flight is in after midnight and only a few hotels in Ft. Lauderdale seem to run their airport shuttle after midnight. We are looking at a cab from the hotel to the cruise terminal for the three of us so we don't need a cruise shuttle.

The choices seem to be:

• The Westin Ft. Lauderdale on Corporate Drive at $67.37 with taxes, recommended by 80% of travelers, 3.5 circles on TripAdvisor. It looks to be the furthest of the three from both the airport and Port Everglades so taxi will cost more. I also don't see any grocery stores within walking distance to pickup sodas and wine the morning of the cruise.
  
• Hyatt Place Ft. Lauderdale South on Southwest 18th Avenue in Dania Beach at $72.78 with taxes, recommended by 95% of travelers, 4.0 circles on TripAdvisor. It looks very close to the airport and cruise terminal but I don't see any grocery stores within walking distance, there does seem to be a Walgreens about a mile away. Don't know what cab fare would run from FLL to this hotel and from this hotel to Port Everglades. This is the highest rated of the three on the review sites.
  
• Hyatt Place Ft. Lauderdale North on Southeast 10th Avenue at $94.99 with taxes, recommended by 90% of travelers, 3.5 circles on TripAdvisor. It looks the closest to the airport and cruise terminal and has a Publix very close by. Since it seems to be one of the more popular pre-cruise hotels, it is likely to be more crowded than the other two and is about $22.00 more than the Hyatt Place South.
  

Anyone care to comment? I'm leaning towards the Hyatt Place South but wonder if having the meter running on the cab if I run into Publix on the way to the ship and the extra distance would eat up any cost savings.

Joanie

 

Here is the answer my TA got from Seattle -- Applies only for Alaska cruises per this info.

 

Ray

 

At this time, we have the free/reduced hotel nights for Alaska cruises on categories PS-BB and PS-SY.

Below is the link to the flyers.

 

Alaska from Seattle:

http://media.hollandamerica.com/pdf/091708-AK-Explorer-US.pdf

 

Alaska 14-day from Seattle:

http://media.hollandamerica.com/pdf/071509-XX-AK-Adventurer-US.pdf

 

Alaska r/t Vancouver:

http://media.hollandamerica.com/pdf/092208-InsidePassage-US.pdf

 

Let me know if you have more questions!

Thanks,

John

Business Development Representative

Holland America Line | 300 Elliott Ave. W | Seattle, WA 98119

“Through Excellence, we create once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every time".

FYI, my travel agent checked with HAL after we purchased an upgrade from SS to SA and was advised by HAL that the pre-cruise/post-cruise hotel offer is not available when the suite is purchased as an upgrade.

Insomnia

Why has nobody mentioned "Christmas with Kranks?"

A little too close to home????? ;)