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Happy to report that I’m on the Muse right now and my husband just enjoyed a fat, perfectly prepped fresh burger on the pool deck. All is well on 4/26 in Kanazawa.

To be fair, you're selling McDonald's short. They would never let anything sit out for an hour and half.

Ah, very helpful, thank you!

It's been a long time since we've been on SS - way before shore excursions were included in the cruise fare - and I'm wondering if there is any free time baked into the excursion schedules. Any time at all for some independent shopping/exploring or is it all follow the leader?

Maybe jgmc is asking because they are looking for advance warning as to what might be canceled on their own upcoming Japan cruise - perhaps to have a little extra time to make alternate arrangements?

Slightly off-topic for those of you in the UK as I'm in the U.S., but I just tried to book our Blacklane transfers and got a pop-up stating "We don't offer service in your area." Apparently Cleveland, Ohio is too far off the beaten track? Anyway, Silversea promptly refunded $200 (give or take £158), which "might" cover an Uber both ways, but certainly not a Town Car. Since we need a 4:30 am pickup we'll do as others have and park at the airport - I don't trust ANYONE to be here at 4:30 on a Sunday morning.

I'm not sure how much this helps, but we live in a non-hub, secondary market U.S. city which makes air travel challenging at best. Top that off with me being fairly particular about flights and wanting to get things locked down well in advance and I absolutely wanted to handle flight arrangements myself. Port to port was the only option for us - cost was not the deciding factor.

Thanks!

I'm not sure how much this helps, but we live in a non-hub, secondary market U.S. city which makes air travel challenging at best. Top that off with me being fairly particular about flights and wanting to get things locked down well in advance and I absolutely wanted to handle flight arrangements myself. Port to port was the only option for us - cost was not the deciding factor.

Hi - we're sailing on Silversea next month for the first time post-covid...just to confirm, this applies to all suite levels? I recall reading somewhere - although I can't for the life of me remember where - that it was complimentary only for the upper tiers. I honestly don't mind paying an extra fee, but I'd like to be clear going in. Thanks!

I'm aware that they'll do this when you're requesting tours. To your knowledge, will they do it for transportation only?

Hello all, We're going to be docked at Kobe, Japan in the spring and want to visit a site that's about a 3.5 hour drive from port. It's off the beaten path, so a driver (rather than public transportation) is going to be our best option given time constraints. Can anyone suggest the best way to book a driver? Guide not needed.

Yes, it seems that relations between the U.S. and China are deteriorating rapidly. It could get worse by the cruise date (early April) resulting in last minute disruptions. My husband and regret missing out on things we've wanted to see for years, but feel rather relieved by our decision

Hi again everyone, OP here. This topic has raised quite a bit of interest, so I thought I would give anyone who wants to dive a little deeper all of the info available. I'm providing the link that was provided by Pinnacle Travel Document Systems, the company that supports Silversea travelers. Once I got deep into the weeds I did a lot of research on the topic of Chinese visas, which is difficult to share here, but the short results are that I found absolutely nothing encouraging. It appears that all of the detail required here is very recent and inexplicable. Anyway, have fun poking around and feel free to share thoughts. If you missed my post from earlier this morning, we've canceled this cruise and are opting for something that doesn't involve a visit to China. https://pinnacle.gettraveldocs.com/expedited-visa-services/China-Tourist-Visa-Washington DC-visa-instructions46-566-1-3-FL-US#docRequirements

One more point, sorry, the system I've encountered requires the application to be submitted online, and then submitted in hard copy with a passport, either in person or by a designated representative. You can't skip the online submission.