TLCOhio

From this side of the Atlantic, still no communications received as of 8 am Saturday from Silversea by email as had happened originally on Tuesday afternoon. That's when Silversea promised: “Our Destination Management team will communicate in the next few days, update your booking with hotel details." As per The Dog Fosterer and UK__cruiser, three of our tours booked for Thailand and Malaysia have been restored on our My Silversea website. The probably "mistaken" Cochin-Singapore cruise showing in only a few parts of the world is still there, but nothing can be booked. We here remain "hopeful" and look forward early next week to receiving some tangible details as we fly Feb. 4 to Delhi to start our privately-arranged "Golden Triangle" touring. Still flying Air India from Jaipur to Mumbai on the afternoon of Feb. 11 with our transportation arranged to take us to the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. More on that hotel later. As per www.cruisemapper.com this morning, below is the position of the Silver Moon (circled in red). Good news? The ship's speed is now up 19 knots as it works towards its scheduled 6 am Feb. 2 arrival in Cape Town. 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 this side of the Atlantic, still no communications received as of 8 am Saturday from Silversea by email as had happened originally on Tuesday afternoon. BUT, slightly good, is that three of our tours booked for Thailand and Malaysia have been restored on our My Silversea website. The probably "mistake" Cochin-Singapore cruise is still there, but nothing can be booked. We here remain "hopeful" and look forward early next week to receiving some tangible details as we fly Feb. 4 to Delhi to start our privately-arranged "Golden Triangle" touring. Still flying Air India from Jaipur to Mumbai on the afternoon of Feb. 11 with our transportation arranged to take us to the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. As per www.cruisemapper.com this morning, below is the position of the Silver Moon. Good news? The ship's speed is up 19 knots as it works towards its 6 am Feb. 2 arrival in Cape Town. 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/

Understand the super frustrations, especially for those in Australia. BUT, there is solid wisdom as expressed above as to the challenges facing the Silversea staff to shift and make all of these new arrangements. The three days of promised "luxury" in Mumbai has been a good starting point. As stated above: "I am being hopeful". My guessing and predictions are that Silversea and staff will be strongly motivated to provide some nice "above and beyond" extras in Mumbai and on the ship's sailing. Again, FINGERS CROSSED! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon, below are the charts for the three major cruise companies. Is downward a reasonable summary, especially with Friday's major slide for these cruise stocks? Norwegian had a really rocky week, up and down, DOWN!! Also below is the chart for this past week showing the contrast to the overall, broader S&P 500 performance. Mostly up and UP? Why the differences in market trends for the cruise stocks? 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 Here are the Wall Street Journal charts to reflect the past five days of trading for the three major cruise lines during the past trading week. Not exactly good and positive news? Why?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) By contrast, here is what the more broadly-based S&P 500 did in the past week. Mostly up and UP?:

From an active UK poster on that other site, it has been shared for Silver Moon, Mumbai arrangements: "I have been advised by my ssea rep all passengers should have received details about the arrangements today." Just eight hours left till midnight here in the U.S. It's 9 pm in the UK. Nothing yet here in the Colonies!! Yes, we can see the three nights and hotel to port transfer on our My Silversea. But, the Cochin-Singapore offering starting Feb. 15 on the Silversea web creates confusion and doubts. The clock is ticking and I am being hopeful. Here in the US, a SS source just told me that "soon" is the expected timing. Fingers crossed!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Sorry to hear of those challenges getting info and communications for those in Australia. The good news is that I just heard from a booked cruiser in southern California that he had previously paid for an extra two-day pre-cruise stay in the Oberoi. BUT, he was being moved to the Trident, a much lower-cost hotel. His TA asked for a refund because of the downgrade in hotels and will receive $520 refund from Silversea. Positive news and responsiveness from SS!! As to the Tuesday Silversea email, they clearly said "Our Destination Management team will communicate in the next few days, update your booking with hotel details", etc. That Tuesday email did not say "next week". It implied communications and more details THIS WEEK. A couple days means two days. A few day might mean three days, roughly. What is reasonable or unreasonable for our "few days" assumption/expectations/hope to hear more specifics?? 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, it gets confusing as to Goa versus Cochin. Goa could be a back-up options, maybe, if and if. Still view that the 14th in Mumbai is very possible if the "bean-counters" do not foolishly tell the Captain to slow down and improve fuel "economy". Appreciate your checking and monitoring the port schedules. Good news that this potential Cochin-Singapore cruise is NOT showing on the UK Silversea website. That causes me to assume some careless Silversea web operative has been sloppy for playing around with potential, if and if, options as to whether there is some sailing problem in getting from the western coast of Africa to Cape Town and Mumbai. Reactions? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Excellent question and point from Marc. When checking, it is 611 nm between Mumbai and Cochin. Even if sailing at 17 knots, it would take a day and a half to make that journey down the India coast. If departing at 2 pm on the 14th from Mumbai, they could not make it to Cochin by the newly-advertised time of 7 am on the 15th. I continue with my reactions and questions as to . . . strange and puzzling? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Here are a couple of added reactions for what is happening (or not) with the Silversea management in posting such a Cochin to Singapore sailing options. Is it??: Red herring by inept or free-lancing SS web people? Or, a back-up plan, if and if? But, flying and moving 500+ booked/paid people from Mumbai to Cochin would involve serious logistical challenges. Plus, dealing with the anger and huge disappointment from those of us who did not sign up for this type of mismanagement. Silversea can easily make Mumbai by early on the 14th. Just crank up the sailing speed to 18 or 19 knots. Cheaper to spend more on the added fuel required than dealing with such a major scheduling change/flip-flop? Plus, continuing to look bad by not providing better communications and honesty with Silversea loyal customers? Other theories or speculation? Fair or unfair? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Here are a couple of added reactions for what is happening (or not) with the Silversea management in posting such a Cochin to Singapore sailing options. Is it??: Red herring by inept or free-lancing SS web people? Or, a back-up plan, if and if? But, flying and moving 500+ booked/paid people from Mumbai to Cochin would involve serious logistical challenges. Plus, dealing with the anger and huge disappointment from those of us who did not sign up for this type of mismanagement. Silversea can easily make Mumbai by early on the 14th. Just crank up the sailing speed to 18 or 19 knots. Cheaper to spend more on the added fuel required than dealing with such a major scheduling change/flip-flop? Plus, continuing to look bad by not providing better communications and honesty with Silversea loyal customers? Other theories or speculation? Fair or unfair? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Need "Good News"? The Silver Moon is now traveling at a speed of 17.2 knots and seems on track to arrive in Cape Town on Feb. 2. The other blue ship symbol is the Silver Spirit now sailing around in South Africa. Update from www.cruisemapper.com THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Need "Good News"? The Silver Moon is now traveling at a speed of 17.2 knots and seems on track to arrive in Cape Town on Feb. 2. The other blue ship symbol is the Silver Spirit now sailing around in South Africa. Update from www.cruisemapper.com THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

BUT, when you try to move ahead and start a booking, this message pops up on the screen, this shows: Maybe a goof by the web department at Silversea? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

BUT, when you try to move ahead and start a booking, this message pops up on the screen, this shows: Maybe a goof by the web department at Silversea? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES or NO!! Very strange and puzzling. That's "our" Mumbai to Singapore cruise and supposedly all cabin levels are now open and available for bookings. But starting on the 15th and in Cochin???? How will that work out for those of us already booked and paid? Lots of serious questions from Silversea and their Simon & Garfunkel game with the "Sounds of Silence" getting rather old and extremely frustrating. THANKS! Enjoy???? Terry in Ohio

YES or NO!! Very strange and puzzling. That's "our" Mumbai to Singapore cruise and supposedly all cabin levels are now open and available for bookings. But starting on the 15th and in Cochin???? How will that work out for those of us already booked and paid? Lots of serious questions from Silversea and their Simon & Garfunkel game with the "Sounds of Silence" getting rather old and extremely frustrating. THANKS! Enjoy???? Terry in Ohio

YES, appreciate the follow-ups from BOTH Port Power and southend. We are very positive and flexible to adjust accordingly. Also, glad that Silversea did not scrub this entire cruise. As mentioned, the ship's food, room service, entertainment, bar, etc., staff will be very fully rested and relaxed after doing this twenty plus day circumnavigation of Africa. They will be excited to see and greet new people ready for a GRAND ADVENTURE. The ship and rooms will be polished up and very clean. Since we booked very early at a lower price (and with only a Vista guarantee), our cost per day is not as high as hitting many others. We are ready to "go with the flow", enjoy the sunshine/warmth compared being in the colder Midwest and love all of the exotic excitement. There was some concern raised as to the sad history at the Taj Mahal Palace as to the 2008 terror attack. But that also happened, too, at the Trident. PLUS, the 1947 India independence "process" was unfortunately very, very bloody as detailed in the book "Freedom at Midnight". See cover below. Last night on TCM (Turner Classic Movies), they played the epic Ghandi movie that documented much of what happened during that challenged "transition" from British rule to the nasty split between India and Pakistan. Lots of history, not all good, for what is now the world's most populated country. 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

As background for the Taj Mahal Palace five-star, luxury hotel situated next to the Gateway of India in Mumbai. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, per Wikipedia, it opened in 1903 as the Taj Mahal Hotel and has historically often been known simply as "The Taj". Considered one of the finest hotels in the East going back to the time of the British Raj, the hotel was one of the main targets in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The hotel has 560 rooms and 44 suites and employs 1,600 staff. The hotel is made up of two different structures: the Taj Mahal Palace and the Tower, which are historically and architecturally distinct with the six-story Taj Mahal Palace built in 1903 and the 20-story Tower opened in 1972. More from this source include: The original clientele were mainly the Europeans, the Maharajas and the social elites. When it opened in 1903, the Taj Mahal Hotel was the first in India to have electricity, American fans, German elevators, Turkish baths and English butlers. By 1966, the Taj Mahal Hotel had become neglected and run-down, perhaps as a result of losing the British customers after Indian independence. The November 2008 terrorist attack at the Taj resulted in 31 deaths. On August 15, 2010, India's Independence Day, the Taj Mahal Palace was reopened after restoration. In November 2010, U.S. president Barack Obama became the first foreign head of state to stay at the Taj Mahal Palace after the attacks. Now, in February 2024, it will be us staying here, too!! More celebrities at this historic, right? From Wikipedia, here is a good visual showing the 1903 historic Taj Mahal structure with the newer Tower and the famed Gateway of India next door to the north. The hotel was the setting for the 2018 film Hotel Mumbai about the attacks, starring Dev Patel and Armie Hammer. Per TripAdvisor, this hotel is ranked #40 of 703 hotels in Mumbai and gains a 4.5 (out of 5 score) with an overall "Excellent" rating. Recent TA reviews in the past month are very, very positive! 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/

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