Catlover54

Welcome to CC, Pbranson! Recently on a luxury line, a passenger reported on CC that there was a woman who repeatedly sat in the main lounge/coffee area and worked on a jigsaw puzzle, while wearing her ship robe and slippers. My initial impulse was to think that this is inappropriate, but when I think about it, since robes are kind of like coats, some people (myself included) look better in full coverage high quality ship robes that hide everything, than they do wearing official 'cover-ups' or shorts. We humans are funny with our customs and practices, however, so I personally still toss on some clothes when I walk around even if it is short distances. But I have no problem with other people wearing robes to and from the spa or pool, I don't think most pax care one way or the other, and there aren't any prohibitory rules. Plus, based on your picture, you'll probably look fabulous anyway. 🙂

Thank you for clarifying various issues since my questions in post #2. I frankly don't think the issue would have been any better if the excrement *had* been yours. You paid for a luxury cabin, and your experience was not only not luxury, it was substandard and degrading and substantially and materially interfered with your ability to enjoy your cruise. As someone who enjoys soaking in the bath tub a couple times a day on a cruise, and who otherwise has to frequently visit the bathroom at night, I would have been livid about this. Though I'm used to 'making do' with minor failings when I travel without expecting ( much less demanding) FCC, or refunds, HAL's FCC offers of $600 or $1000 are inadequate. If this was going on the whole cruise, multiple times a day, a reasonable cruiser could conclude that you should have been refunded your entire cruise fare along with a letter of apology. It is disappointing to hear that HAL blew you off. Your experience reinforces concerns I have about sailing on old ships. Though sewage problem events can happen even on new ships, reports about them seem to be more common from pax sailing on older ships. But perhaps frequent maintenance and preventive care would help avoid such messes. My favorite cruise ship (on a German line) was built in 1999, but it is consistently in tip top functional shape. I understand if you don't want to ever return to HAL, though you were very unlucky that your first experience was unusually toxic. From what you described, HAL customer service managers did not handle this well, though as stated above, I don't think they read this forum (some lines read their CC forums). Hopefully you will find other cruise lines you will be happy with, perhaps on newer ships.

Thank you for your report! I have yet to make it to Greenland. I have read mixed reviews from pax on other lines, either full of praise about the striking scenery, or bad luck with terrible fog or storms their whole trip where they saw very little at a not so little price. Other than going to the crowded and sometimes foggy Acadia Park (best visited on a land tour, I think), one relaxing activity some cruisers might enjoy on a reasonably decent weather day is DIY walking the 1.5 mile Bar Harbor shore path in and out and/or spending some time on the benches along the way, and gazing at the historic homes. I loved it on a solo HAL cruise four years ago, but I'm not looking for super active excursions anymore . First I feasted on lobster rolls at a sit down 50's style restaurant in town, then worked off some of my calories with a stroll on that scenic path (link below). I bought my dessert in town and ate it on one of the benches on the way while soaking up the sun and maritime scenery and snapping photos, then walked back. It makes for a nice half-day excursion. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/maine/walk-ride-shore-path-me/ However, this port may become moot for HAL pax because last fall Bar Harbor citizens voted to ban allowing cruise ships to disgorge more than 1000 passengers. Local businesses sued and the case went to trial in federal court in July but I'm not sure what happened after that (if anyone does know the outcome, please advise).

I hope the same -- I'll just have to get on board to find out for sure, and am looking forward to doing the intense and difficult research. 🙂 It's not just the idea of pumped in music that is the problem, it is that the pumped in music on too many lines (even lines where the bulk of guests are seniors), is either pounding or wailing on deck, in spas, or in dining areas, sadly to the point of interfering with what would otherwise be the inspiring sound of the sea. And on top of that the pumped stuff tends to be too loud, at least for my taste. I know some guests (and the young staff you set it up) like it, so it feels like the ship is a cool and 'happening' place as opposed to a "mausoleum", as some SS cruises in the past have been described.

From your posted 'signature menu' it looks like there are also prices listed for each special wine *per course.* I assume that means there is an option to get only one or two of the selections (e.g., depending on the size of the pairing pours, some of us lower BMI/slow liver metabolizer/older people may want to avoid intoxication). If the pours are 3 ounzes each that would mean well over a bottle of wine per person -- a bit much if you only sit there 2 hours, more doable if you could sit until midnight, but then the staff might not be too happy 🙂

I can read them clearly on my iPAD if I do an extra click on each menu. Or maybe they were meanwhile fixed?

I'm confused. Are you still on the ship? If so, and they won't move you, are they expecting you to go use public toilets several times a day and at night the rest of the cruise because you cannot use/flush the one in your suite? If that is the case, $600 is not fair compensation at all and is unreasonable and unacceptable. I would think the hotel manager or whoever is at the top of the management chain could get creative and find a place to move you to, even if it is into his personal suite, so you can flush! And then secure Neptune-related compensation, and I would expect more than $600. If they cannot do that, an alternative may be to get off the cruise at the next port but with assurance you will get a refund for days when you could not flush. The balcony is ugly and not fitting to a luxury suite, and should have been checked and fixed before allowing boarding, but it is at least still functional (you can sit outside) , unlike the toilet. One could move the chairs or lounger to hide it and avert one's eyes 😞 BTW, I know you are new here and are frustrated. But maybe just 1-2 pictures of the toilet would have been enough to make your point (and no caps, even if you're justifiably very angry -- you are yelling at us with the caps, and we have not harmed you in any way). Just my opinion. I hope you are able to secure appropriate compensation, and am sorry your vacation was soiled.

1. There is a live thread from Tucson Guy on Silver Nova, so you can get an idea if the ship is going to live up to the billing. 2. I definitely hear you on frustrations relating to British Airways and flight and seat planning, as well as problems with accessing agents pre-cruise. Sadly, too many "luxury" lines behave this way for various reasons. They only get away with it 'because everyone else is doing it' and apparently there are enough willing travelers who don't care what airline or seat they are in, how tight connections are, and don't get anxious. For years now we see the same mess with many airlines, hotel chains, etc. Too often we get bad customer service overall, which does not match the steep prices. Once the post-Covid pent up demand for travel many have passes, it will be interesting to see if people continue to put up with it. 3. I assume this is the cruise and itinerary on SS you are talking about: https://www.silversea.com/destinations/mediterranean-cruise/lisbon-to-lisbon-sn230929017.html Though I see many potentially decent options on the excursions, even out of Sete (not even counting DIY, though of course that would be for extra money) I would not be at all happy if I specifically wanted to go to the Azores and Cape Verde and were given this itinerary instead, even if the line has the legal right to change ports. Have you been able to reach SS and ask for cancellation and FCC on a different cruise, to replace this, given the substantial and material itinerary change? 4. On longer cruises and/or if itinerary is critical, I tend to prepare with "cancel for any reason" insurance, just in case a line won't be flexible and allow cancellation with FCC (among other reasons). It is more expensive insurance , of course, but allows just what it says, even after final payment (of course there would be a lot of paperwork headache). I am not sure if it would have paid for missing a cruise due to absence of flights as a result of volcanic activity . I sincerely hope you can salvage some joy from this cruise, if you take it, and will report back to us about your decision and experience.

#2 has already happened to some degree on SB. Though YMMV, depending on who you are and what cruise you are on, how booked the cruise is etc., on a popular and full routing roughly 3 months out the "free" specialty Thomas Keller Grill has no booking availability on any day or any time I am happy enough with most though not all SB food, but often not with the service in the MDR and buffet, whereas in TK it was consistently excellent as was the food. So I'll just have to start jockeying for position with everyone else who is pushing and pulling through various means not just with those who seek a booking once on board, but with those who also seek a second and third booking, the latter being more common when the ship is full and there are staffing problems (still often blamed on Covid, post-Covid, son of Covid, etc.). My guess is that if there were an upcharge, starting with the first booking, there would be more availability, both pre-cruise and intracruise, and I doubt people would refuse to sail just because of one extra charge for upscale dining (add more things up -- e.g., wine degradation, and other cumulative cutbacks, then yes). I've already resigned myself to bringing much of my own wine on board at select ports, but I can't do the same with waiters.

I very much like your extensive verbiage, accompanied by photos -- the best combination. I look forward to seeing more trip reports from you.

When DH and I cruised New Zealand (and little Australia) with SS a few years ago, when we were fitter than now, we were pleased with the excursions offered for moderately strenuous hiking, though the average age and health on the ship seemed to be 80 with various kinds assistance needed. You can look at the offerings right now for your ports, to get a sense of whether or not you will be challenged enough. Look for excursions labeled "strenuous." If not satisfied, since you speak English, research and book on your own online but confirm with your guide a few times as you get closer to sailing, well in advance at the less populated ports. Make sure you can cancel short notice and not have to pay penalty up to 100% (on that and other cruises in the area, we experienced several short notice port cancellations due to weather, or undersubscription). Depending on your budget and desire for company, you may also want to post on a roll call, in advance, to look for some company.

I think he is chengkp75, and is on Viking forum a lot. I believe he had been (or maybe still is ) an engineering Chief on various ships for many years, and supervised mechanical issues.

I am so sorry you are having bad luck with the foggy weather and rough seas, and are frustrated. Cruise lines specifically protect themselves against having to give refunds when weather is bad, but if there are factors they *can* control, (e.g., in logistics, or response to bad weather) they may give some future cruise credit. DH and I were on the Endeavour back when it was the Endeavor and owned by Crystal, in 2021. We had also thought the ship was beautiful (though unfinished at the time and with some teething problems ), and had terrific food and service. I would be interested in hearing your opinions about the food and service on this cruise now under SS (and in the context of whether or not the ship is at capacity, which can influence both). Has the on-board experience been good, bad, or so-so, especially when compared with other expedition cruise ships? Do you know if any of the dining room staff that had been on Crystal had stayed on when the ship was bought by SS? Thanks in advance.

I am enjoying your blog. A few comments: As usual, I am envious of European cruisers who have such short (not to mention low cost) flights to so many great ports. One could even fly coach, if bz is sold out or non-existent, and endure the contortions, as it is just a couple of hours. We loved Iceland! We had flown bz class to Iceland from the U.S. a couple years ago, and even though the seats did not go flat, we enjoyed the friendly service, the food, and the gin. It is the airport in Iceland that we greatly disliked (especially coming back -- long lines, bz lounge pre-security, etc., but that is another story). Another concern is the shortage of WC access for tourists (the supply has not kept up with the demand over the years), as you experienced. I would not have been pleased to have been assigned that motel in Keflavik on a "luxury" cruise instead of a proper hotel in Reykjavik (even though the latter would also likely not have had AC and required window propping to get air). I really like the SALT restaurant on the Moon, and your pictures bring back fond memories. ". . . . We then did our safety film, unpacked, met our room steward and butler and settled in. The only downside of our cabin being a bit of a urine pong from the bathroom which has yet to be rectified. . ." What is a "urine pong"? Is it an ongoing urine smell, a smell with flushing, or something else? Thanks in advance for your blog, I know it is a lot of work.

There are a few suites that have a separate tub and shower. On this deck plan of the Nova shown below, (though blurred -- right side, 4th from the bottom under "specifications"), the suites with a little water droplet icon are supposed to have both. I know most people want a bigger shower and have no interest in a tub, because that usually means their shower is smaller, and/or for safety. But I am in the admittedly diminishing minority of cruisers who still really like to take long, luxurious bubble baths after a busy day of walking 🙂

Lovely. Some of the Nova features remind me of Hapag Lloyd ships (also related to Royal Caribbean ownership) , my favorite. Some Nova loungers face *out* to the sea, which I prefer to looking *in* to the pool. The thermal pool pictures look beautiful, but what is the temperature, if you know (in C is fine)? I was disappointed on Celebrity when I tried the advertised thermal pool that it was not warm, it was just a regular indoor pool. The jacuzzis on HL are disappointing in that they are only at 28 C, *not* a "hot" tub. Hopefully the hot tubs on Nova are truly hot, i.e., above body temperature?

Mermen, I am just curious: did you get your name from the band Mermen (DH and I have all their albums) , or was it otherwise inspired? 🙂

Indeed. This could turn me into a new big breakfast eater on cruises (though of course the portions I would consume and the resultant weight gain would defeat any "healthy" features) 🙂

You can of course still wear the suit if you want to look even sharper than with just an "old sports coat" 🙂 , and keep Mr. Luxury et al company. But unless you might use the suit for other activities (Cunard sailing, a rare land restaurant with a suit requirement, bar mitzvah, wedding, funeral, etc.), if you're in a high tax bracket, you could donate your new suit to an appropriate charity and take the IRS-approved deduction. Or sell it on ebay!

Thank you for your review, which is not long-winded at all -- it is thorough. I am glad you had a wonderful time. One option to keep in mind for your next cruise, is trousers with an elastic waist, and a stylish tunic to cover them up. There are some really nice ones out there (e.g., linen) and they will spare you the infamous end-of-cruise zipper agony. 🙂 (Mrs.)

Hi. I share your concern about the "free" shore excursions sometimes not being worth more than a $30 drive-around in a crowded bus, but these can be nice enough ones for people who just want a taste of a port without much effort or obvious extra cost, or don't care about them because they just sail to sit and relax at the pool or bar, or those who always privately book anyway (as long as the price is acceptable overall). I am also concerned about moderately late bookers being able to benefit from excursions, when they are already full (e.g., within 3 months of sailing) , especially in popular locations, where the ship is full and awkward waitlists go nowhere. Some luxury or upper premium lines get around the access problems by just saying that if you're in a top suite, you get first crack at the excursions, kind of like early boarding on airlines if you're in business or F. But are there enough data points to be able to say that there is really a trend in what are usually referred to as "luxury ships" having "for a fee" restaurants? Certainly in slightly above mainstream lines (like Celebrity and Holland America) there is more and more upcharging everywhere, not just in special venues but even in the MDR (even to the point of having charged pax extra for cocktail shrimp or lobster dishes or seconds-- with appropriate pax protest). And overall there is also just more serious charging, period, for base fees on airlines, hotels, and ships (not sure why, since we only have 3.2% declared inflation, at least in the U.S., but that would be another thread, e.g., maybe Terry's 😇). Right now, SS charges in just two, for La Dame and Kaiseki at dinner (and one will debate whether or not their new pricing will be worth it to entice more customers). So they are a bit of an outlier there, but many other nice venues remain. They will also charge for the tiny premium wine/chef's dinner (where I think they will seat only 12 or so people, but such premium wine unique chef dinners also have upcharges elsewhere, e.g., on old and new Crystal and a couple other luxury lines, and people still often compete to get in). Other lines may allow one entry for "free" but then charge for #2 and beyond, or alternatively access is so limited on a full ship that beyond one entry, whether or not you can get in depends on how much pull or push you have, and/or there is a charge. I'd rather have a charge than have my access to a great "free" venue depend on pull or push. In any event, though I would like across the board good if not excellent meals in all venues (like they used to be almost always in any venue on any line that called itself "luxury", or even on upper premium lines, and heck, even on mainstream lines in the 1980's stone age of cruising), I'd rather have a "luxury" line that charges more and actually delivers more quality and service in certain upcharged restaurants, than a line that has a baseline high charge for everything and then downgrades quality of service and product overall and attempts to fool their customers (a la emperor sans clothing). That is just my opinion and preference, others may have different views, or fear being priced out of their favorite line (we all have our limits, and even if some can afford more it doesn't mean they will want to feel cheated). Having eaten in La Dame for half the price they will charge now, where I was underwhelmed and preferred repeating "free" La Terrazza, or SALT, or even a pleasant French or Asian specialty restaurant on upper mainstream Holland America, they better have a most awesome and amazing product if I'm going to pay $160, without premium wine, pp. If not, it will be one and done for me, and likely others. I wish you wonderful travel, whether on SS or elsewhere (I tend to mix it up, and look forward to trying Nova -- in all venues except one).

Apologies if this has been covered before (my search did not yield an answer, but the CC search function is not like google). If I am thinking of doing a cruise booking within a short time of sailing, is there a way to find out what excursions are already sold out? I often do private excursions, but in same places (even non-expedition) it is still awkward to DIY, and whether or not I can get to certain places with a SS excursion may sway my decision about booking at all. I do understand that sometimes wait lists clear (but I don't know where I will be on a waitlist -- am I 2nd in line, or 22nd?). This is especially important since pax can now book excursions as soon as they pay deposit on a cruise. Thanks in advance.

The CO dining room on Rotterdam (for suite guests and CO members) was very nice, quiet and intimate with good service. There was usually one special on the menu each day and thought not gourtmet, it was pleasant, as were the servers, food came hot and we enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately no lunch and no view to the outside. As suite guests, we always got a two-top (or a table for four with just us two sitting) when we came in at popular times. Beverage service was appropriate in the venue for wine, but we did not try to bring hard liquor drinks in so don't know if service for them directly would be ok. We had some hamburgers delivered to our suite and did not get charged an upcharge. It might be best to upgrade your wine package once on board, or just buy wine as you desire it.

I know they did the best they could under the weather circumstances, but being switched from a planned business class seat from NYC transatlanttic to a low budget economy (not even premium economy) seat for several hours transatlantic, and then an unairconditioned hotel in summer, would likely have frozen my arthritic and inflamed body into a position that would require several days of recovery. 😞 . Your story highlights the importance of being very healthy and physically easily adaptable if one plans to travel to out of the way places. Likely doing one's own airline arrangements, even many days in advance in case something goes wrong (to avoid surprise long haul coach flights) , is also hard or impossible to do given the limited supply of flights to the area. Were you given OBC or some compensation for the changes?

I was recently on my first Ponant cruise, but it was non-expedition. If you only travel with carry-on, you would get the most versatility by packing a couple pair of quality black slacks and a couple festive blouses or other tops (perhaps a little sparkling) which you could rotate for dinners. Add some jewelry for festive evenings, remove it for non-festive evenings. Black sandals that have some support on the sole but don't look like clunky Birkenstocks would give you the versatility of wearing them with your black pants at dinner, or during the day with more casual pants, without having to bring a pair of fancy shoes. For breakfast and lunch and around the ship, wear whatever you'd wear at a nice hotel -- short or long pants, (lighter color just fine) resort dress, even jeans (preferably without holes). Comfort is the focus. Avoid shirts with writing on them and backwards baseball caps. If you're going into the zodiak, or to shore in a hot location, have sturdy soled lace up shoes so you don't slip and which you can adjust the tightness of if your feet swell, and a shirt or two you can sweat in that is quick-dry. You don't need to pay Nordstrom prices, you can get all of the above cheaper at many, many places. You'll not look interesting or fascinating with the simple black pants and pretty top approach for dinner and casual stuff for the day, but your suitcase will be light and you'll fit in fine, and also be ready for other cruise lines 🙂