MrMojoRisin

Observation Lounge bar is certainly open in the afternoon and onwards. Not sure what time serving starts.

Has Silversea lost it's lustre? No!

I am really sorry to be reading all these concerns about how Azamara are failing guests by their extremely poor (ie lack of) communication regarding the current Corona crisis.

For many years, Azamara was the only cruise line we sailed with. We were very loyal customers. We loved the size of the ships, the ambience and, most of all, the truly wonderful staff and officers, many of whom we got to know quite well. But over the last two years we jumped ship (as it were) and went to other lines like Silversea. That was not because of the on board experience but because of the predatory pricing policy that Azamara introduced, including the ridiculous different "classes" of verandah cabins. Last April, for example, Azamara and Silversea both offered round Japan cruises. We looked at the Azamara cruise but found it worked our much more expensive than the Silversea alternative. We thoroughly enjoyed the Silversea cruise. Basically, Azamara was charging at luxury line levels.

Despite that, we vowed that we would still consider Azamara, although we would always compare other offerings to see where the better value (not just monetary) lay.

Having read how all you good people are being treated now, we very much doubt that we consider Azamara again.

On 2/22/2020 at 11:41 AM, Bloodaxe said:

 

That's very similarly to my current attitude towards Azamara, trouble is it's getting very hard to find a cruise that I would wish to book for a decent price.

I have to agree. We have enjoyed all of the many cruises we have taken on Azamara but the price increases and silly gimmicks have made other cruise lines, such as Silversea and even a few Regent cruises, better options.

2 hours ago, Stumblefoot said:

Interesting.  Now mind you, we've only played trivia on the Muse, but both times the bar was open with waitstaff serving cocktails.  I just assumed that is how trivia was run across the line.

Jimmy's trivia on the Muse was great fun. Drinks served throughout, apart from blended drinks as too noisy.

21 hours ago, hamasgirl said:

First, background on me.  My DH and I are in our late 60’s, retired and no children.  Our preferred way of traveling is cruising and we have been cruising regularly since 1995.  We left the large cruise lines and moved to luxury cruising in 2005.  Up to now we have limited our cruising to Regent and Seabourn.  We only book cruises on the latest-launched ships and prefer cruises longer than 14 days.

 

When I saw the itinerary for Hong Kong, China and Japan that Silversea was offering on their Silver Muse cruise ship, we decided to try Silversea.  We have just returned from this cruise and the itinerary was everything that we hoped it would be.  Silver Muse is a beautiful ship.  Here is our likes and dislikes from our experience.

 

Likes:  

·         Silversea does an excellent job on tours.  We always take ship-sponsored tours so this was great. Silversea’s mid-cruise land tour to Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors was exceptional.

 

Their pizza is the best that we have experienced at sea as are the fresh-baked breads. 

·         Laundry service is also excellent.  It is delivered back to the suite within 30 hours of sending it out.  Hanging clothes are delivered in garment bags and folded clothes wrapped nicely.

 

·         Indochine is a restaurant that offered many dishes that were dairy free (see my note in the dislikes below) so we ate there the most. 

 

Hmmm…:

 

·         Dress code.  I know this is a subjective item but requiring men to wear jackets (no ties) on ‘informal’ nights is just nuts.  We saw men asked to leave the restaurant because they did not have jackets while their spouses stood awkwardly wondering what to do.  In fact, I saw one man’s solution to this dilemma…he came back wearing his outdoor leather jacket which seemed to meet the requirement.  And on formal nights, we watched men being given ties to put on at the door since they had jackets but no ties.  We are all adults at this point and this just struck me as silly.

 

·         A Butler in every suite.  We don’t really see the benefit to this.  Regent and Seabourn manage to provide the same services that we got from our Butler by assigning two stewards to every suite and wait staff to handle room service.

 

·         We could hear the sound of our neighbors talking, or coughing and sneezing from both adjacent cabins.  We could also hear their TVs when we turned ours off.  Since we were on back-to-back cruises, our neighbors changed but the sounds from both cabins did not so it is about sound-proofing, not noisy neighbors.

 

Dislikes:

 

·        There are 8 restaurants on board which sound wonderful until you look at the breakdown of these restaurants.  Two require a $60 per person charge to eat at them.  Not something that we planned on doing more than once or twice.  So now we are down to 6 restaurants to choose from.  Two of these restaurants are outside and on many of the windy/cold days we had on our cruise, they were either closed or too cold to use.  Of the 4 remaining restaurants, one served small plates that never looked appetizing to us.  So we relied on 3 restaurants for our 26 days on board.

 

·         All restaurants have standard menus that either did not change or only changed a dish or two over our 26 nights on board.   That got old really fast.

 

·         Food in general appeared to us to be prepared well in advance of the dinner hour and then warmed/garnished at the time of service.  Most times the food was delivered on a sizzling hot plate but the food itself was just warm when you ate it.  And most of the time, flavors were pretty ‘blah’.  It reminded us of the what food on the big main-stream cruise lines like Princess used to taste like.

 

·         I am very sensitive to dairy and on both Regent and Seabourn the chef has always been able to accommodate me by not adding cream or milk to the dish right before service.  That could not be done on Silversea even when I asked.  This told me that all food was already prepared prior to taking orders in the restaurant.  In fact, when I met with the Head Chef on my first day on the ship, he looked at me and told me that all ingredients are listed on the menus (which they are) so that should frame my choices.  Further, he told me that all of his soups use cream so I should stay away from them!

 

·         No effort (with one exception) is made to take advantage of the fresh food available in the areas that we were traveling.  The amount and type of seafood and other local food products in Japan in particular are amazing but we were still offered Cod and salmon and similar fish from other parts of the world.  The one exception - two nights on our way to Tokyo - Silversea brought on two chefs from Tokyo and Wagyu beef which was offered in Indochine for dinner.  Needless to say that restaurant was packed for those nights which told me that other passengers felt the same way that we felt.

 

·         Crew in general had difficulty with English and also seemed to be unable to modify what they were trained to do when the situation warranted it.  There were some exceptions to that among the crew and we appreciated them and told them so but in general anything that differed from the norm seemed to throw them for a loop.

 

Last and most importantly, my DH has an iron stomach and likes to eat all kinds of fish and pickled stuff and odd meats that I can’t even look at.  Well, one day early in our cruise we had a light lunch in the buffet.  DH made a green salad with some tuna fish salad and salad dressing.  Within an hour of returning to our suite, he got very ill.  Within 2 hours he was so ill that I called the doctor who came up to our suite within 20 minutes.  By then my DH was on the bed and totally wiped out.  The doctor did a thorough exam and determined that it was ‘indigestion’ as she termed it and asked us to stay in our room until the next morning.  So, the doctor and her nurse did a ‘suite call’, left us medication to treat the symptoms should they continue, and we were never charged a dime for any of it.  Perhaps unfairly it told me that the doctor knew there was a problem with the food that he had eaten.  In fact, she recommended that it we were planning on eating sushi going forward she recommended that we get it ashore in Japan.  Note…Silversea makes sushi and sashimi available daily in the buffet and in their restaurant Kaiseki…so I thought that her recommendation was also a broad hint.

 

Conclusion:  We believe that Seabourn and Regent offer a product that is much better than Silversea.  The food is a big deciding factor for us and Silversea is very poor in that category.  Also crew competence in general is higher on both Seabourn and Regent which also influences your experience on the ship.  Other small things…lack of sound proofing in suites, TVs in suites that are difficult to see in daylight or when the suite’s lights are on, bartenders that served Rose’s Lime Juice that was tea-colored in our Vodka Gimlets even after we told them that it was spoiled, on-demand movie selections that never changed over the 26 days we cruised, and an experience where the entire ship was told to report to Deck 9 for Japanese immigration all at the same time…which resulted in DH and I standing in the halls on Deck 9 for 1.75 hours and the Captain telling us that it wasn’t his fault when many complained all contribute to our decision that Silversea is not the cruise line for us.

 

We were on the round Japan cruise from 16th April which may well have coincided with the last leg of your trip. I repect your observations but I have a different opinion on many of the points you raise.

Firstly, dress code. The SS code is well publicised and aired frequently in these pages. It is a Marmite thing (love it or hate it) but nobody should travel with SS and be surprised by it. It is adhered to and it should be enforced.

I agree laundry service is good but to clarify; laundry left out before 9am with be delivered and hung up by 6pm the same day - an excellent turnaround.

Menus do not change much although there are slight variations. For a 14 day cruise we found enough variety to keep us well satisfied, although I can see on a longer cruise it would get repetitious. I assume the restaurant with "small plates" was Silver Note. The important thing here is that you can order whatever you want - two plates, three plates, mix and match etc was never any problem. We found any request was cheerfully catered for. As an aside, Silver Note is a great concept and we enjoyed dining there or visiting later in the evening just to have a drink and listen to the excellent duo.

I really cannot agree about the point that food was prepared in advance. I found no evidence of that. Everything seemed freshly prepared and cooked to our liking and any variations or special requests evidenced this. How could a steak be delivered absolutely medium rare (as they always were as requested) if they had been prepared in advance? We had a long chat with the chef in Indo Chine who told how everything was made to order. We thought the food was excellent throughout. The flavours were good and there was no problem with sushi and sashimi. And I have never had freshly carved roast goose at the lunch buffet on any other cruise! I would, however, have like to see the hand sanitisers made more prominent and there use enforced.

The staff were excellent and service superb and responsive. No one had any difficulty in understanding English, properly spoken. They certainly had no difficulty in understanding us or responding perfectly to any request made.

Having said that, we did encounter one problem. One evening we went into Atlantide and asked for a table for five. We were asked to wait in the bar and then forgotten. The upside was that I got to meet the incredible Marilyn, tending the Atlantide bar. While we were waiting, she gave me a personal wine tasting and recommendations and when it became clear we had been forgotten she made sure that we were seated immediately.

That was the only blip in an excellent cruise.

I should also add that Silver Muse is a beautiful ship - not glitzy but elegantly understated.

Just to add to previous posts, on the Muse you do not have to book Atlantide or IndoChine. Silver Note and Hot Rocks have very limited capacity and it is sensible to book. You can turn up at La Terrazza without a booking and always get seated 

It is so sad to see such misinformation being posted.

On 4/19/2019 at 11:09 PM, Travelcat2 said:

Keep in mind that, while Silversea is a lovely cruise line, it is VERY formal. We sailed on Silversea three times and found the food and service to be good but the crew and passengers were no where near Regent’s level of warmth and congenitally.  

I could not disagree more. Silversea may be more formal but we always find passengers and staff to be very engaging. We are currently onboard Silver Muse and you could not hope to find a friendlier, warmer and more engaging staff anywhere. They are absolutely delightful and great fun. They are also highly professional and service is outstanding. Food is outstanding too.

The whole thing strikes me as a cynical way of raising profits.  It is of no interest to me.  Under the "old" system I never got the upgrade despite applying every time. This system reduces the odds still further.

Given the price increases as well, the Azamara product (even though we have thoroughly enjoyed every one of our many Azamara cruises) is getting less attractive and we are looking elsewhere - something we would have never dreamed of doing a couple of years ago.

Our next cruise in April to Japan is on Silverseas' Silver Muse.  Even though cabins are much larger on the Muse and the included drinks are much better quality (without having to pay for a package) we have paid less than the similar Azamara cruise around Japan.  Our next cruises after that will be with Regent (although more expensive up front, the included trips and drinks make it very competetive - at least for the cruise we have chosen) and then with Crystal - again a better deal than Azamara.

Much as we love the ambience on Azamara and all the staff we have got to know over the years, there has come a point where we find that, in many cases, the luxury lines are more competetive on price.

Next April we will be taking our first cruise on Silver Muse, around Japan. (By the way, it has been pleasing to read that some other Silver Wind enthusiasts have enjoyed the Muse.  That bodes well as the Wind is our favourite)

I have read that there are to be enhancements to Silversea as part of the Royal Caribbean deal, Project Invictus.  The first of these, I believe, is an upgraded champagne and caviar offering, due to roll out on the Muse from August 19th.  Has anyone had experience of this or know anything more about the detail of this and any other enhancements there might be?

1 hour ago, Hermione60 said:

Thanks. Is there something one can do against sand flies (spray, precautions, ...)?

PLenty of deet spray, but it doesn't always help.  They are at their worst late afternoon/early evening.

Mosquitoes may be a problem depending on where you are.  The real thing to watch out for (although you won't see them) are the sand flies.  Far worse than mosquitoes in my opinion.

I would certainly recommend going to the Miraflores District, particularly the part on the coast.  There are plenty of good restaurants around, as well as shopping for those who like that, especially in the Larcomar. Watching the hang gliders - or having a go - is good fun.  There are also parks especially on El Malecon.

Also in the Miraflores area is Huaca Pucllana - an adobe and clay site dating to 200AD - 700AD.  Because of the very dry climate it has survived very well.  It is fascinating, but get a guide to appreciate it fully.

Otherwise in Lima, the Larco Museum and Church of San Francisco.

14 minutes ago, SomersetCruiser999 said:

Hi Folks,

just wondered if anyone had any first hand recommendations on whether to go to Florence from Livorno by train or bus transfer (victor/tuscanybus) and pros and cons for both. Thanks in anticipation.

If you can get six people, the best is to get a taxi from the port.  That works out reasonably priced and we have found the taxi drivers to be very helpful.

"On the positive side, they held our favourite table".

I am very disappointed that Azamara should do this.

I have a friend who is an insomniac, dyslexic and agnostic.

He lays awake at night wondering if there really is a dog.

I have to wonder if this all isn’t going to translate into higher cruise fares. When looking at Azamara and Silversea for comparable itineraries Azamara is at the same or even slightly higher fares for the same relative cabin category.

I fear you may be correct in this assumption. Azamara prices have increased dramatically over the past few years and they have now hit upon the idea of charging even higher prices for a new class of balcony cabins - just the same cabins but with "enhancements" such as some free laundry etc.

Don't get me wrong - Azamara is a good product but is now priced at a level above where it actually is. Just an example. Earlier this year we noticed that Azamara were offering a round Japan cruise in April 2019 and then saw that the Silver Muse was also doing a similar cruise. The cruises are the same length but with a slightly different itinerary.

We looked at the Azamara price for a balcony cabin (16.3sq m plus 3.8sq m balcony) and flights and thought it ridiculously high. We then looked at the Silver Muse price for a Vista Suite (31sq m) which came in at a little less. This includes flights, pre- and post-cruise hotel, excursions as well as a much better drinks selection, more choice of restaurants etc.

We are happy sailing on either cruise line, and have done so on both, but for Azamara to be priced above Silversea is a bit strange. Silversea is a better and different product.

Of course, Azamara have been part of Royal Caribbean for some time and I think it must remain a concern as to how this takeover will affect Silversea.

Get the train out to Howth - fantastic seafood restaurants there.

Rod,

 

You made it clear a couple of years back how you voted, and then posted that Boris has caused your meals overseas to be increased by £10 a go something that ascribes too him a bit more influence than I think he had over the £1.

 

I'd like to welcome you to the Cooler. The way it normally goes is that we respect others and their opinions and as a result we listen and learn. When people do, others engage. When they don't they tend to get ignored.

 

:)

Fair enough. You said how Leave voters felt and I responded with how Remain voters felt. So why does that need a lecture?

Melanie as she often does has put her finger on it.

 

Betrayed Leave voters will give up on politics

 

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/betrayed-brexit-voters-will-give-up-on-politics-jzs9z2bxk?shareToken=d3cb0f1bb1f2f4e84e0d861097f35f75

Remain voters were betrayed by the calling of a referendum to appease divisions in the Conservative Party, betrayed by the fact that the Leave campaign was illegal, betrayed by the self-seeking Johnson, betrayed by the Rees-Moggite Faction who want to destroy our country.

For those of you not au fait with British politics you should be aware that Boris Johnson is an unprincipled charlatan. He is only interested in promoting himself and he has been an absolute disgrace as Foreign Secretary. As for the Brexiteer Faragist wing of the Conservative Party, they are intent on bankrupting our country.

Very disappointed there was so little of Silver Muse shown as we were excited to see as much of her in anticipation of our Japan cruise next year.

We were very glad, however, that we watched it as a recording so that we could skip over as much of that awful woman as possible.

As a very loyal Azamara's customer, the more I see what is happening (together with the price increases etc) the less likely I am to book again. Why destroy what was a very good product with all these unnecessary changes.

It does happen. On two of our last three Azamara cruises we have been told (not requested) to leave the Living Room for private events. The bolshie in me took exception to this - we did leave but only after taking a very long time to finish our cocktails.

I agree that Richard is very responsive and helpful. I recall a time when I emailed him with a problem at 7pm on a Bank Holiday. He emailed back within 20 minutes, saying he would look into it. I trust him.