Cicciabella

We are considering doing one of the Silversea Explorer cruises and have read some VERY mixed reviews

about the condition of the ship, lack of management and major disappointments. Granted this is billed as more of a nature/expedition experience, but Silversea charges a LOT for this. Has anyone here done any of these cruises?

In response to Mark T, you are fair in pointing out local habits and conditions regarding "service animals." Still, it is ignorance, desperation and greed that promote this miserable type of attraction in very poor countries.

Prior to booking this trip, I witnessed elephants being beaten and chained at a "sanctuary" in Sri Lanka. The local guide there apologized for bringing us, and expressed his dismay that tourism continues to support the place.

Thus sensitized, I inquired to the Far Horizons tour agency about the "elephant safari" at Kazaringa. I specifically wanted to know how the elephants are treated. The agency obviously turns a blind eye to please their guests. This is BIG business.

I should have known better. These domesticated animals are beaten for tourists' naive pleasure and entertainment, forced to carry 600-700 lbs at a time with a metal contraption that digs into their backs, to hold the riders. The "mahout" who led our elephant repeatedly hit her with a hooked iron prod. Babies followed their mothers on each excursion into the brush at dawn, trying to keep up. When we returned to the loading area, there was another large group waiting to board. I don't know how many times they do this each day, but it is a huge attraction there.

The whole excursion made me sick to my stomach with shame. Our naturalist later confessed to me privately that the animals are horribly mistreated, and he suggested I speak to the owners of the company. (Damn little good that would do.) If you would like to know more, try googling "mistreatment of elephants in Asia."

This is getting "interesting":confused::rolleyes: Safari111 assumes to know my identity, which is rather unsettling. (Or perhaps they work for the cruise company?) I frankly don't think my opinion would have changed with the viewing of the first "wonderful" temple as mentioned. Clearly everyone sees their own side of the "elephant."

At the price point Safari111 quoted of $200 US pp, that was INDEED a "bargain" and I would not be as harsh if I had paid that. If you look at the MV Mahabaahu website you will see that the prices listed for December are NOW recently discounted by 40%. (Too bad we hadn't seen that offer when we booked, months in advance.) There are also considerably lower rates for residents of India. However the regular prices start at $375pp.

We (foolishly, I admit) paid up for a "suite" which wasn't much bigger than the tiny cabins, with or without balcony. Not worth the additional cost, considering the shoddy workmanship, very basic furnishings and "worn" fixtures and linens. Based on the price WE paid for this category, I do not feel the experience was worth it.

My contention, and debate, is that this is not a "luxury cruise." I think it is mis-labeled and would be perfectly acceptable as an "adventure cruise" for $200pp. As a comparison, the Oberoi Kerala backwater cruise is currently quoted at $350pp per night, though only for 3 nights max. THAT is a true 5-star luxury experience and impeccable in every way. Both are small ships, both Indian made and owned. Granted this is comparing apples and oranges, but with the Oberoi ship definitely we received high value and deluxe amenities for the price.

ALSO there is the new Haimark "Ganges Explorer." (Wish we had done that instead! Top price for that is approx $525pp/per day.) Having traveled in India and Asia extensively, I have experienced exquisite luxury, far beyond what is available in most destinations in the world. All I am saying is that this cruise was NOT "luxury."

Looks like I may have started a fire storm! Wow. This trip is billed as a "luxury cruise' so my expectations were high, considering the price of the experience. I think it is mis-labeled as such, and would not have been as disappointed if it were called a "nature experience" or "eco-tour" though I doubt I would have wanted to go if I thought that. My husband was (-surprisingly!-) not as critical about the trip as I was, since he is highly cost conscious. I would not be AS disappointed if we had paid half as much, though I cannot recommend the trip as anything resembling "luxury." Yes, they provided a "pool", as usual too small to swim in and too noisy/smelly with the engine to sit by, an exercise bike and a couple sets of hand weights were the "gym", a "spa" (NOT!), a lounge, cocktail hours. A superb naturalist who gave informative talks. And a very pleasant rooftop viewing area, where tea was served some afternoons. Perhaps if you were much younger and far less experienced, you might be more accepting. The guests on our cruise were all over 60, from different countries, all well traveled. None were "ecstatic" about the experience, though some liked it "more" than others. My standards must be too high, or I have just seen too much.

To be fair, Assam is REMOTE and has rather basic infrastructure. Tourism is just beginning there; few Western style hotels though a few comfortable "resorts" near the Kazaringa Park, bad roads made worse by rain so traveling by car is a challenge. Other than the Park, there were a few excursions to very poor villages as mentioned. Pretty weavings by the locals were a highlight, as well as several dance performances. Were the temples "particularly" interesting? Not compared with many others in Asia. There wasn't much that was that great. There are SO many places that are MUCH better!

Having traveled extensively in India as well as other developing Asian countries I expect to see dirt, garbage, few Western style toilets, impoverished children, malnourished animals. Assam is no exception. There isn't much happening here, very quiet life on the river. Occasional fishing boat goes by. Days of the same landscape get a bit monotonous.

I keep coming back to the question "was it worth it?" We met some nice people. Had a relaxing time. Not terribly interesting culture, if you have seen much of Asia and India. It is a LONG way to go, from Calcutta or from Delhi. Many places that are better, many ships so MUCH nicer.

Completely DISAGREE with Safari111! Just returned from a week on this trip. Ship was awful, way overpriced for the experience. Think floating "Marigold Hotel." (Without the joys and humor of Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.) So disappointing on so many levels. There is a reason why there is not much feedback anywhere on the internet about this cruise. IF you are looking for tiny poorly built and poorly maintained cabins, thin walls so you are serenaded by your neighbor's snoring and toilet flushing, mediocre and overly spicy food, viewing marginal temples, sad villages, and experiencing elephants being abused, then you might want to go. Tigers???? HA!!!! Practically a myth there....

Exorbitant rates and large tips expected, since they don't pay the hard working staff much. The co-owner "manager" has no experience running an operation like this, and oddly doubles as the masseuse and manicurist on board, charging western prices. Strongly suggest you WAIT for a truly professionally managed excursion like you mentioned run by Uniworld.