TLCOhio

Great above tip from our UK friend southend with going to the "bookings" and then "details" section of MySilversea. It worked and shows for us having "3n Pre Taj Mahal Hotel" plus the transfer on Feb. 14 from the hotel to the ship's docking location. Success!! We now know a little more. That's a sign of progress. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great above and other questions as to "value comparison" and "comparable swap" as to what Silversea is now offering to make up for starting this cruise late on Feb. 14. Agree by objective standards that both the Taj Mahal Tower and Trident are not quite at the higher level of the Oberoi. Depending as to when booked and cabin level, I am assuming for rough calculations if you booked in mid June 2023 a Superior Veranda Suite at $14,200 that equals a cost of $789 a day per person. Or, for rough math and averaging, $1,500 per day per couple. Some have paid more. A few, much, much MORE!! Some like us with previous SS sailing status and booking a lower-level cabin paid less per day. What will get in value in Mumbai that is comparable? I am patience and understanding for these serious challenges to do such a major "re-engineering" for accomplishing a significant portion of this cruise, dealing with the logistics, re-booking tour suppliers, etc. As expressed earlier, the "details" make the difference. I am looking forward to being surprised and impressed by the Silversea accommodations, food, tours, beverages, services, etc., in Mumbai. Am I realistic or too optimistic? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 248,212 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Appreciate these added details that focus on the Taj Mahal (I assume in their more tourist-focused "Tower") and at the Trident hotel. As of this morning here in the U.S., our MySilversea is still showing "17 days" till our cruise starts in Mumbai and not allowing us to book and update excursions. Nothing showing for hotels and/or any other details as to the offerings for these three days of promised Silversea "luxury" in Mumbai. No added emails or updates this morning after Tuesday's initial notification. Are we back into the Simon & Garfunkel "Sounds of Silence" zone? Assume that Silversea is still playing "catch up" to finalize many details, options. But, how long should we wait and be patient to learn the details and have the SS system up and back working properly for excursions? We leave Feb. 5 for our private, pre-cruise tour of the "Golden Triangle". Others depart sooner for India. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES, as of this morning here in the U.S., our MySilversea is still showing "17 days" till our cruise starts in Mumbai and not allowing us to book and update excursions. Nothing showing for hotels and/or any other details as to the offerings for these three days of promised Silversea "luxury" in Mumbai. Assume that Silversea is still playing "catch up" to finalize many details, options. But, how long should we wait and be patient to learn the details and have the SS system up and back working properly? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great background details from super savvy Fletcher as to Bombay/Mumbai. Will do a little "copy and paste" to share with others. Nice background previewing!! Just checked www.cruisemapper.com and the Silver Moon has re-fueled and is now making good progress . . . at 18 knots . . . going down the western Africa coast. Still scheduled to be in Cape Town Feb. 2 at 6 am. Things looking decent for Mumbai on Feb. 14. Looks like the Silver Moon is now approaching Fletcher's loved Bijagos Islands in Guinea-Bissau. Right? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Is there that much interesting, scenic and historic in Dakar to enjoy and experience? Don't I remember you doing a few years back a cruise down that western coast of Africa? In looking at the MySilversea website this morning certain of our scheduled tours have been wiped out. The starting date for our sail-away has not been updated. Much is fluid and in-flux. In researching a little more, the general reading is that the Trident Hotel does not get quite as high of ratings as the next-door Oberoi. BUT, much will depend for us as to how Silversea manages the “extras” and details with these two and any other hotels used/provided in Mumbai. From Wikipedia, here is more about the Trident Nariman Point that is owned and operated by the Trident Hotels division of the Oberoi Group. The Trident has 35 floors and when completed in 1973, it was the tallest building in South Asia, holding that titlt until 1980. The hotel opened in 1973 as the Oberoi-Sheraton Hotel. In 2004, it became the Hilton Towers Mumbai. That Hilton marketing/management connection ended in 2008. On the night of November 26, 2008, a series of terrorist attacks in Mumbai was launched, including an attack on this hotel. Two terrorists entered the hotel and fired on guests. They took over 143 people hostage and killed at least 32 people during the ensuing 3-day siege. The National Security Guard two days later shot the terrorists and ended the crisis at the hotel. From visuals, the views of Marine Drive and the Mumbai skyline from this hotel can be very interesting. For what it’s worth, TripAdvisor ranks this Trident as #34 of 701 hotels in Mumbai. They give it a 4.5 rating as “excellent”. TA ranks the Oberoi as #5 of 701 hotels in Mumbai and gives it a 5.0 “excellent” rating. In recent comments by those staying there, both hotels gain very high reviews and many positives. Both are very close to a number of key attractions including various dining options and the Gateway of India (0.9 miles away). THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 73,926 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

YES, on that revised schedule, there were some "goofs" as to certain days of the week not matching up to the dates shown. Clearly, this whole "thing" has been pulled together rather quickly and there are many moving parts to be fine-tuned and fixed. In looking at the MySilversea website this morning certain of our scheduled tours have been wiped out. The starting date for our sail-away has not been updated. Much is fluid and in-flux. In researching a little more, the general reading is that the Trident Hotel does not get quite as high of ratings as the next-door Oberoi. BUT, much will depend for us as to how Silversea manages the “extras” and details with these two and any other hotels used/provided in Mumbai. From Wikipedia, here is more about the Trident Nariman Point that is owned and operated by the Trident Hotels division of the Oberoi Group. The Trident has 35 floors and when completed in 1973, it was the tallest building in South Asia, holding that titlt until 1980. The hotel opened in 1973 as the Oberoi-Sheraton Hotel. In 2004, it became the Hilton Towers Mumbai. That Hilton marketing/management connection ended in 2008. On the night of November 26, 2008, a series of terrorist attacks in Mumbai was launched, including an attack on this hotel. Two terrorists entered the hotel and fired on guests. They took over 143 people hostage and killed at least 32 people during the ensuing 3-day siege. The National Security Guard two days later shot the terrorists and ended the crisis at the hotel. From visuals, the views of Marine Drive and the Mumbai skyline from this hotel can be very interesting. For what it’s worth, TripAdvisor ranks this Trident as #34 of 701 hotels in Mumbai. They give it a 4.5 rating as “excellent”. TA ranks the Oberoi as #5 of 701 hotels in Mumbai and gives it a 5.0 “excellent” rating. In recent comments by those staying there, both hotels gain very high reviews and many positives. Both are very close to a number of key attractions including various dining options and the Gateway of India (0.9 miles away). THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,586 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

YES, Dr. Ron, there are many very good questions as to if and how Silversea will fulfill its promises for "luxury" to their high standards for our three days in Mumbai. Will it be super luxury like on the ship with a balcony and butler? Probably not. But, maybe, hopefully, they will pile on some extra "surprises" to compensate for these changes? As shown below from Google Maps, the Trident and Oberoi hotels are right next to each other and are across the street from "Sunset Point". If these two hotels are used by Silversea, it does make the logistics easier and allows the cruise's local staff to be closer together, better coordinated, etc. Look forward to learning more details and specifics, especially for what "meals" means and how well are the quality and sizes of groups on a bus for the offered tours. In their email yesterday, they promised: "enriching and immersive excursions in Mumbai." Those generalities sound good and promising, but I am of the "Trust, but Verify" mentality. Want specifics and hope they do not do the "bait and switch" game of extra charges to get the really good tours that make a difference for gaining the "immersive" experience we desire. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 110,467 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Welcome to The Dog Fosterer. Don't be shy with any and all questions, comments, etc. The only "dumb" question is the one you do not ask. Keep it coming!! As shown below from Google Maps, the Trident and Oberoi hotels are right next to each other and are across the street from "Sunset Point". If these two hotels are used by Silversea, it does make the logistics easier and allows the cruise's local staff to be closer together, better coordinated, etc. Look forward to learning more details and specifics, especially for what "meals" means and how well are the quality and sizes of groups on a bus for the offered tours. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture. Now at 62,019 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Lots of "catching up" needed by the Silversea folks. Many people with various arrangements and timings. Nothing for us this am for the hotel, etc., on the MySilversea website. On another site, some have found out that they will be at the Trident Hotel that is next door to the Oberoi in Mumbai. Still no details as to what "meals" to be provided actually means? Will that be a "buffet" in the hotel ballroom? Or, choices and options at a variety of first-class local dining stars? What type of tour options? Having 40-45 people on one bus? Or, smaller number on a roomy bus with great guides who connect with us? Did check on the ship's current position. Looks as if the Silver Moon has stopped . . . to get a "drink", In the port of Dakar, Senegal, along the western coast of Africa. See map/graphic below. Will look more at Trident Hotel. As I posted earlier, for such a large group at such a late booking date for three nights during their busy wedding, etc., season in Mumbai, there will have to be several hotels used by Silversea. As always, there will be some very happy with these Mumbai arrangements by Silversea, while others will express opinions and question as to whether these Mumbai offerings will be up to the level of "luxury" promised and expected. What's the saying about "time will tell"?? From www.cruisemapper.com: THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 73,926 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Yes, great fun by Fletcher and me as to what an amazing "visual feast" will be India. Nothing this am for the hotel, etc., on our MySilversea website. But did check on the ship's current position. Looks as if the Silver Moon has stopped . . . to get a "drink". In the port of Dakar, Senegal, along the western coast of Africa. See map/graphic below. Will look more at Trident Hotel. As I posted earlier, for such a large group at such a late booking date for three nights during their busy wedding, etc., season in Mumbai, there will have to be several hotels used by Silversea. From www.cruisemapper.com: THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Interesting suggestion from our friend in Colorado. Should I take my camera along for this adventure? Would there be anything of value and interest to capture in photographs while exploring India, etc.? Great, smart idea!!! Will try to take a few pix and share on these boards. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Here is the latest for the Silver Moon location off of the western coast of Africa and moving along at 17.5 knots. Progressing well!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Sorry that Silversea is so slow in getting the info to those in Australia. Using Pony Express or US Mails? Hopefully this summary letter and the follow-up, fuller details will arrive soon!! YES. the quick summary is that Silversea will have and provide "luxury" hotel rooms, food, tours, etc., starting on Feb. 11. Then on the morning of Feb. 14, we will be boarding the Silver Moon with a sail-away at 2 pm that afternoon. As a minor item/update, this cruise, as shown previously on the My Silversea connection, had only one formal night scheduled. That was going to be on the evening of Feb. 12. Now, late this afternoon, there is still only showing one formal night as listed, that being for Saturday, Feb. 24. Clearly much must be updated and adjusted for the various tours, dining reservations, etc., bookings previously made through the My Silversea booking site. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,385 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

In case you have not heard, Silversea communicated earlier this afternoon about a revised schedule to arrive and depart Mumbai on Feb. 14. They give us three night of "luxury" in Mumbai and are adjusting as shown below: Not a terrible loss to be skipping Trincomalee, plus so far it seems very good as to how Silversea is planning and what is being offered for the three days in Mumbai. In the Silversea letter, they commit: "We have arranged 3-night luxury hotel accommodations, reflective of Silversea standards, and enriching and immersive excursions in Mumbai for you to enjoy." Sounds great, so far. Plus, also meals are to be provided by Silversea. Am I assuming that the alcoholic beverages are to be included, too? The specifics and "details" make a difference!! Clearly for 500-600 passengers, scheduled at this late date when Mumbai is already super busy being at the peak of their "wedding season", we all will not be in just one hotel such as the Oberoi or Taj. As anyone gains added details, please share here. AND, having tracked the distances and cruise speeds, the Silver Moon being there in Mumbai on the early morning of Feb. 14 seems very probable and possible. It's great to have the "Sounds of Silence" come back from the dead-zone with highly positive and very hopeful updating. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 248,212 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Agreed on both above points. Not a terrible loss to be skipping Trincomalee, plus so far it seems very good as to how Silversea is planning and what is being offered for the three days in Mumbai. In the Silversea letter, they commit: "We have arranged 3-night luxury hotel accommodations, reflective of Silversea standards, and enriching and immersive excursions in Mumbai for you to enjoy." Sounds great, so far. Plus, also meals are to be provided by Silversea. Am I assuming that the alcoholic beverages are to be included, too? The specifics and "details" make a difference!! Clearly for 500-600 passengers, scheduled at this late date when Mumbai is already super busy being at the peak of their "wedding season", we all will not be in just one hotel such as the Oberoi or Taj. As anyone gains added details, please share here. AND, having tracked the distances and cruise speeds, the Silver Moon being there in Mumbai on the early morning of Feb. 14 seems very probable and possible. It's great to have the "Sounds of Silence" come back from the dead-zone with highly positive and very hopeful updating. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this above comment and follow-up for why the Silversea website is "blocked" currently for this Feb. 11-29 Mumbai to Singapore cruse. To my eye, YES, the Silver Moon still has much distance to cover enroute to Cape Town and India. But, the ship is making decent progress. The current speed is 18 knots per www.cruisemapper.com. At that speed, Feb. 11-14 is possible for reaching Mumbai. Reaching Cape Town at 6 am on Feb. 2 is still the ETA for there. Encouraging? Hopeful? Still Simon & Garfunkel's "Sounds of Silence" from Silversea? For us and others, one of the big challenges for Silversea is as to how they figure out what types of "compensation" or "adjustments" they offered to those of us booked up and fully paid. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 248,212 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the Washington Post this morning, they had this headline: “More travelers are ‘dry-tripping.’ " with this sub-headline: "Zero-proof cocktails are popping up on menus as more people choose sober travel.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Mindful drinking or sober curiosity isn’t new. However, what’s different now is a social acceptance — some might even call it a societal embrace — of no- or low-alcohol products available for travelers on menus. Although there have always been travelers who eschew alcohol for a variety of reasons — perhaps due to an allergy, religious observance or health — the growing 'booze-free' movement has extended into tourism, often as part of a larger trend toward wellness. Travel booking site Expedia said in its annual travel trend report that more than 40 percent of travelers are likely to book a detox trip in the next year, coining the term 'dry-tripping' to describe the fashion.” I have two reactions: What's the point for not taking advantage of the alcohol fun/spirits? Yes, there are some legitimate health, etc. reasons. AND, if this trends grows significantly, will all-inclusive lines such as Silverseas moderate their prices? Won't hold my breath for that question!! Good points raised as to if the cruise line bar folks will be creative with names, tastes, styles, etc., for offering and serving non-alcoholic beverages at Happy House and during dinners? Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/01/22/sober-travel-airlines-hotels/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture. Now at 62,019 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

From the Cruise Industry News publication this morning, they had this headline: “Silversea Brings Moon Back to Europe, Ship to Sail Around Africa” with these highlights: “Silversea Cruises is making more changes to Silver Moon’s schedule. With no passengers onboard, the Silver Moon is now proceeding to Asia via South Africa and the Cape of Good Hope. With its upcoming Jan. 26 sailing also cancelled, the Silver Moon is projected to resume its regular cruise schedule on Feb. 11 as the vessel is expected in Mumbai to depart on an 18-night itinerary to Singapore that also includes visits to Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia.” This is not exactly an "official" announcement from Silversea, but it is getting close and confirming that there is a "plan" that is moving forward in a favorable, understand manner. Also, the current Silver Moon is now sailing at a speed of 18 knots, right around what I had projected earlier as needed in order keep things on schedule for our boarding in Mumbai on or around Feb. 11-14. Full story at: https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2024/01/silversea-brings-moon-back-to-europe-ship-to-sail-around-africa/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From www.cruisemapper.com, here is their latest graphic showing the progress in six days for the Silver Moon (circled in red) in going from Athens to Malta and now sailing down the western coast of Africa.:

As to hotel booking options in Mumbai for Feb. 13, there are many options. Did checking last night. Part of the challenge is about location. What's central and/or best in Mumbai? Have two bookings near the airport through Marriott on hold now, if and if. Double good news on another SS CC thread from both Downunder55 about the Cape Town arrival time being moved up and the southend posted item about Lisa on another site indicating that an official Silversea update will come on Wednesday/Thursday. The exact Mumbai arrival time might be either in question and slightly adjusted, but it seems much more likely that the India to Singapore cruise will be happening. If SS trims out a day or two or three with the initial schedule, they need to make some timing adjustment, plus figure out what types of "compensation" they offered to those booked up and fully paid. Hopefully later this week, we will learn more. My guess is that many on this cruise are not aware of the "drama" being played out now as Silversea figures out its "logistics", timings, adjustments, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES!! Double good news from both Downunder55 about the Cape Town arrival time being moved up and the southend item about Lisa on another site indicating that an official Silversea update will come on Wednesday/Thursday. The exact Mumbai arrival time might be either in question and slightly adjusted, but it seems much more likely that the India to Singapore cruise will be happening. If SS trims out a day or two or three with the schedule, they need to make some timing adjustment, plus figure out what types of "compensation" they offered to those booked up and fully paid. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

As noted by super savvy Fletcher, the Taj Mahal Palace has a great historic location/tradition, but there will much connected with Silversea travelers tied in with and at the Oberoi Mumbai. Also to consider are ITC Grand Central, JW Marriott, Leela, etc. Many options, but February is a busy, busy month with many wedding done this month that impacts/limits availabilities. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great suggestion and details about Udaipur. Have researched more and it looks amazing. BUT, have to wait for any "word" from Silversea as to their exact timing and plans. Yes, serious questions as to the west-bound cruise ships now scheduled for later this winter and spring to be doing that planned Red Sea to Suez Canal passages. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Love much as to the above posting and these rough calculations forthe financial trade-offs for why it is "WORTH IT" for Silversea to make sure the Silver Moon can make it to Mumbai in a reasonable timing. Appreciate southend sharing: "Ship making good progress nearing the Canary Islands." Also love Kauaijim saying: "I truly hope some of the crew is enjoying our silver suite 1005 . I am glad they cancelled us but maybe the crew can enjoy sleeping in nice quarters as they keep trucking around Africa." That says to me that most of all of the ship’s staff are now on the Silver Moon as it sails south. That’s great to hear!! Why? The staff will be relaxed and ready to see us as the passengers boarding, the ship will be all polished up, etc., etc. If that 14th date becomes "it" for Mumbai arrival, we can adjust and extend our pre-cruise private tour. After doing Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, we are looking at and debating between Jodhpur and/or Udaipur as an addition. It is 5+ hours by our tour vehicle from Jaipur to Jodhpur. For Jodhpur (with 2.3 million in the metro area), it is considered calm and has a traditional feel . . . versus . . . Jaipur being busy and lively. Could be interesting? Anyone with experiences and tips for these different areas of India? Then, we would fly from Jodhpur to Mumbai on the 13th or 14th, if the Feb. 11th date gets changed by Silversea. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 110,467 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

My realistic views are continuing to be optimistic and hopeful for a Silver Moon docking in Mumbai around Feb. 11-12. Below is the chart for the current Silver Moon position off of the coast of Morocco. Progress is being made and the ship is heading in the right direction. Yes, I worry about the negative-twisted "Bean Counters" within Silversea, but there's lots of money to be made from this Mumbai-scheduled sailing that is sold-out for all of the top-end suites, etc., plus much added cash to be banked from the pre-cruise and mid-voyage special excursions, etc. That positive cash yield from the Feb. 11-29 schedule helps cover much of the added fuel costs for cranking the sailing speed up above the 17 knot rate in order to make the planned timing schedule work. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From www.cruisemapper.com, here is the current Silver Moon position off of the coast of northern Africa.: