dawntrdr

4 hours ago, Pies4u said:

The “….concept of…”,rather. Tried to edit, but too late!

Actually, the word "conceit" was entirely appropriate in your sentence, since it can also mean a fanciful notion or fable/myth.  Pretty classy wordsmithing, I thought!

1 hour ago, BWBkt said:

Have had nothing but trouble booking directly with Silversea. Horrible.  Literally badger you until you book.  Promise you one cabin and switch it on you.  Then stops responding to you. Don't do it.  Take another cruise line.

This is a new type of complaint . . . usually the only complaint about booking direct is lack of responsiveness - not the opposite.  I have used direct booking for most of my cruises and have been pleased with the experience. 

While we are speaking about Whisper, I noticed the following information in the RCCL quarterly financial report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:

What do you suppose they mean by a "bargain purchase option for the Silver Whisper" (footnote 4)?

On the Nova TA last November, the entertainment was very good.  There was a saxophonist in the SALT Bar, Eduardo in the Dolce Vita (piano, synthesizer and knows every tune you could possibly request, as well as a very good singer in all styles - he had been on the Wind in May 2023), and also a live combo who also played live for the four singers/ dancers in the production shows and also played in the bar before dinner.  Oh, and also a female violinist who played in the Shelter champagne bar in the evenings. All very enjoyable, and this does not even mention the featured performers who gave evening shows in the Venetian Lounge.   We had drinks with several of the speakers on that voyage who were from Broadway and television and they seemed quite satisfied with the level of talent. I share how the OP feels about off-key music, but I would urge them not to make a decision on one experience.

2 hours ago, Texas Tillie said:

 

I think you should have typed Celebrity, rather than Crystal!!🤪☺️🙃

Too true!  My bad!

On the issue of the importance of retaining Silversea's reputation, the RCI Annual Report (SEC 10K) was sent out this week containing this information:  the total "goodwill" of RCI (including Silversea, Crystal, TUI, Hapag Lloyd, and the enormous RCCL cruise ship fleet) is valued by them at $809 Million.  The portion of that which is attributable just to Silversea (whose entire passenger capacity could fit in one RCCL megaship) is $509 million.  This overbalance makes it a "critical audit matter" requiring special notice by the auditors.

Goodwill on a balance sheet is not a measurement of customer satisfaction or lack of complaints of course - at least not directly.  It represents the difference between what you paid for the tangible assets and the value of those assets.  So far the auditors are saying that Silversea's expected performance, cash flow, bookings, etc.,  justifies this hefty difference.  I'm not an accountant but I have to believe that Silversea's reputation and appeal has to be a matter of some attention by the management.

I've never stayed at a Silversea hotel where they didn't include breakfast, and a very good one too.  I'm unsure what you can expect in Dakar, however.

@jollyjones, do remember to tell us about the Panorama on the Nova.  Do they still positively cram it for trivia?

Welcome to the Silversea boards!  Be sure to make your excursion reservations on MySilversea ASAP if you haven't already. Also, try to get a reservation in Silver Note, which has no extra fee but has a limited number of tables and is sometimes hard to book.  If you haven't been successful so far, your butler can help you get a reservation.

The two for-fee restaurants, La Dame and Kaiseki, have their fans and non-fans.  My personal advice is to spend time exploring the full menu's at the other restaurants before spending the additional $$, especially if this is only a 7 day Alaska itinerary.

When you get to your suite, your butler will introduce themselves, show you the TV and computer tablet controls (yes, there's a computer tablet where you can do everything that you can do on the interactive TV), and ask about what you want in the fridge.  They will take away what you don't want and stock it with the beverages and food items you want (specific type of wine, champagne, gin and tonic and a bowl of fresh cut limes, fresh fruit, yogurt, etc.).  You can also ask them for help with reservations.

On the Nova, there are complimentary cooking classes and bartending classes.  The cooking ones are sign-up at reception, and you should do that the first day.  I'm not sure about the bar classes, but they are held at the Salt Bar on Deck 11.

I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.

9 hours ago, Lois R said:

This entire thread is giving me pause. I started with SS in 2017 and my most recent cruise was back in November on the NOVA TA crossing.  I am booked on Ray for December but I am actually thinking of cancelling it.  Going back in my memory bank, my 2 favorite ships are Dawn and Moon.  I did have a good time on that crossing but thinking about it now........she was not even close for me (in terms of favorite ships, deck plans, set up, etc). I have not made final payment yet so I have time to decide..........I miss the regular Arts Cafe......it is one of my most favorite spots. They really made an error oh how they did it on Nova (in my opinion).....Ray is supposed to have the same poor layout. Lots of wasted space.

Just not sure I want to spend $$$$ for something I am not truly happy with.......

I hear you, Lois.  We are booked to go on the Ray in October but it is a port-intensive voyage to Greek and Turkish ports that was the only one to fit our schedule.  If I had a choice, I would go with Muse class too.

4 hours ago, Lirio said:

After the Alaska cruise in September, I am going to Portland for a conference. I will have plenty of time to touring around. Any recommendation will be welcomed.

Rent a car (or get a local guide online) and drive up to Mount St. Helens.  There are several museums and interpretive centers along the way that describe the 1980 eruption and its aftermath, and the scenery is stunning.

5 hours ago, JPS2 said:

Just to share to everyone, the reservations for dinner opened up for me prior to 120 days.  I was able to book at 8pm EST 121 days before my departure.  

That is because they use London (Greenwich Mean Time) time to start counting the 120 days.  8pm EST is 1:00 am London time, or 1 hour after the 120 day period started!

Do be careful.  It is inconceivable to me that a bankruptcy trustee would not have an open bank account.

Our condolences, Lois and to QSS.  May you have many happy memories to cherish.

Welcome to Silversea!  Evening shows are usually 9:30 or 10:00 pm., although there will probably be an early (6:30 pm) show a few times.  The Captain's welcome and "taste of things to come" show will be pre-dinner.  

My DH and I enjoy the quiet luxury, attentive service, excellent cocktails (especially at the Salt Bar on Nova) and especially the other passengers.  We've made some very good friends on board that we still travel with.

3 hours ago, cruise_loverinlaval said:

Will a new ship take care of these cruises?

Is there going to be a third Nova class vessel?

The new code (and in fact the old code) does/did not apply to Wind, Cloud, Endeavor and Origin - those are the expedition ships.  So, if you are on an expedition cruise (which is what I assumed you are referring to as "excursion cruise"), there should be no problem to wearing more casual clothes (although I note that men still may bring a jacket for the Venetian Society reception). 

My Alaska booking has that code too.  

Happy to learn that gratuities are still there in the fare and on-board benefit itemizations, though not specifically mentioned in the short fare descriptions.

It appears that the on-board experience will continue to be the same for all passengers, so count me as one vote in favor of the Essentials fare - other than the fact that pre-paid gratuities seem have been removed.  

I've reviewed the three new fare categories published today on the website and none of them, not even D2D, state that they include gratuities.  So maybe that letter on the Dawn was just a precursor to the removal of gratuities from "all inclusive"?

3 hours ago, turtlemichael said:

Are you on Muse Sydney-Singapore there next February for an overnight? What are your interests -Great Barrier Reef, rainforests, aboriginal culture, restaurants? I spent 22 years working in the tourism industry in Cairns and might be able to give you some pointers. I've been out of it for 9 years now but still spend a month or so there each year on vacation.

 

Rather than commandeer Mysty's world cruise thread, maybe a new thread would be an idea? 

That is indeed the voyage and I have opened a roll call.  Thanks!

It is the only included Cairns excursion currently offered for our 2025 voyage.  What are the better options?

Interesting - In 96 days onboard, the crew welfare fund has never been mentioned.  I only know about it from this SS forum.

We were midship in 8046 on the November TA and it was extremely creaky.  My DH said it was probably due to the fact that a new ship has not been shaken around enough so that wear-points have not been rubbed down smooth yet.  He determined that we would always carry a pack of wood shims (wedges) when we sail a new ship!