tripperva

duct tape,

Do you have any selection of TV channels on the Cloud this trip? Two weeks ago on a ten day Cloud cruise, there were no news channels,

just a CNN "feature story" channel which kept repeating all day. Also there was espn showing soccer and there was a future cruise station and a jewelry channel. There was a "tour preview" channel, but no news stations.No BBC,CNN,Fox, or network channels.

I wonder if this changes from one cruise to another or has Silversea saved some money with this cutback.

CKate,

Sorry to hear about crowded conditions in The Restaurant, La Terrazza and the Theater. Silversea are boasting the most space per passenger on this ship. I'm surprised. Their other ships don't seem very crowded for dining. Too close seating and dining probably cannot be adjusted.

Excellent and thoughtful review. Thanks!

It is great to see all positive comments. We have sailed numerous times on the Whisper,Shadow and Cloud and are fans of Silversea. The Cruise Critic "reviews" section on the Spirit shows that just 78% loved the ship and there are numerous very bad reviews mixed in with the good ones. I think this means that, when you serve thousands of customers,there will always be some bad experiences.

Some of the CC reviews on file are excellent and some are awful.

We just came off a very good cruise on the Cloud and are thinking of booking the Spirit.

Just off the Cloud last week. We found the crew to be especially friendly and helpful.

The previous website was easy and informative.The new website is convoluted.

Is deck 9 on the Quest a useable walking track or is it too obstructed by deck chairs?

We too do all the homework and selecting before contacting the travel agent who processes the booking. We definitely benefit from the relationship especially when it comes to air arrangements. But most cruisers travel repeatedly and the TA benefits financially year after year. The TA would be wise to value the account and provide an incentive for continued close ties. We like working with a TA, but there are many out there. I want them to do well,prosper and be there for us next time.

Sorry to see that SS is in decline. For some time,it has been the Regent board with mostly complaints. These are our two favorite lines and we are booked on the Cloud later this year. Sadly, management of these two cruise lines have ignored customer needs and requests. They will regret it too late.

Some folks donate very large sums to charity every year, but THEY decide whom they wish to support.

They were from Bahamas and were scheduled to be sent

home from Miami after Mariner arrived. But no doubt about it,

the alert crew on bridge saved these two men.

Last night around 10pm,not far from Cuba, Mariner crew were aware of a Mayday near our shipping lane. They turned around the ship and started a search in the dark,eventually locating a fishing boat adrift. Two men were rescued having been six days without fuel,food or adequate water. They were brought aboard and given medical treatment,food etc and are now with

Us until Miami docking Saturday. A good rescue by Regent! And I don't think there will be any complaints from the survivors about the variety of issues currently on the Mariner.Maybe they will get a good table in Compass Rose tonight!

Can we use US dollars in Rio for tips and things like taxi?

One always hates to exchange $ for foreign currency if you are stuck with it later. What's the advice?

Regent is using the Rio Sheraton January 2 and 3 for the Mariner sailing.

In view of all the profound and current complaints about this hotel,Regent owes it to the passengers to have a representative on location,at the hotel. They won't. They will have some local agent there. Guests will be angry again. It's a bad way to start a cruise and Regent should show a little concern.

Thanks to all for your comments. We have been to Rio and all the places on this cruise except for the Amazon stops. Regent will spend one week in the Amazon during the 21 day cruise. Also, nine sea days on the trip.

The Brazil and Amazon stops and tours appear a little dull.

Can anyone comment on this voyage? Thanks.

tripperva

What are the chances the butler can assist with the iPad? They are mostly bright and young.