Randy Z

I have recently posted about a forfeited deposit (and no insurance coverage) resulting from Silversea not timely purchasing insurance. However, in a different cruise reservation, recently, i had to cancel the cruise the day prior to departure as a result of my wife's brother sudden death. The entire cruise fare was forfeited. The insurance claim thru Allianz (purchased thru SS) was efficiently handled in about three weeks, and full reimbursement was made. The insurance worked just as intended.

Thank you. I will try reposting this in the cruise insurance forum.

You are correct.. Many of their fares are refundable deposits, so no need to insure. Our fare was not, and was immediately subject to cancellation penalties.

Unlike in the UK, travel insurance is not a requirement. It is optional, But i did request the SS arranged insurance and they did not purchase it, putting my deposit at risk and not covered.

Lesson learned. I wrongly assumed that purchasing insurance thru the cruise line would be more seamless. I also booked a discounted fare that included cancellation penalties immediately upon booking. However, Silversea was aware of that and should have not delayed the insurance purchase creating the coverage gap.

This was booked thru a travel agent, but when I have booked directly, I don't recall an option to purchase coverage at the initial booking. Perhaps CA is different than NY. But in the future, I will book my own insurance separate from Silversea and be better able to control the timing of the insurance purchase.

A bad look for Silversea indeed. And there's no one to speak to other than an overseas call center with nobody in a position of authority.

That's exactly the problem. Although the initial invoice included insurance, by not purchasing the insurance until the time of the final payment, Silversea created the gap in coverage. But yes, the deposit was not insured.

My group of six booked an October 2024 Mediterranean cruise approximately one year in advance in November 2023. Insurance was requested and an invoice was generated by Silversea that included both the cruise and insurance, and Silversea requesting a $4,200 deposit. The deposit was paid, however, Silversea did not purchase the insurance policy, instead deferring the insurance policy purchase to the final cruise payment date (June 2024), and retained the entire deposit. After the booking, but before the final payment was due, one of our guests experienced a stroke. Upon the June 2024 deadline for the final payment, and with the hope that the guest's medical condition would improve prior to the cruise, the guest was prepared to pay for the remainder of the cruise, including the cruise insurance, however, she was advised that the waiver of preexisting conditions exclusions would not apply, as one of the waiver conditions is that the guest is able to travel at the time the insurance is purchased. Given the recent stroke, this was not the case. Essentially, the cruise cancellation provision differs from the timing of the insurance purchase, catch-22 in the coverage and no coverage was available. They were forced to cancel the booking and forfeit the entire deposit. Given that they requested the inclusion of insurance at the time of booking, how is someone able to be protected during this gap period? This is a very bad look for Silversea who refuses to offer any compensation. Any assistance or advise is much appreciated.

We will be joining your ship in Seward on May 16. First booked two months ago, we had a vista suite "guaranteed" cabin reserved and received our cabin assignment yesterday--upgraded to deluxe veranda. That has been our experience with guaranteed cabins on Silversea. Enjoy Japan and Safe travels.

We on the Muse from Seward to Vancouver departing 5/16. We too had a guaranteed vista cabin, booked two months ago. We received our cabin assignment yesterday, upgraded to an excellent deluxe veranda suite. We've book twice into guaranteed vista cabins with Silversea and always received an upgraded cabin. Enjoy your cruise.