Catlover54

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 🙂

I am confused. I greatly enjoyed LCS on the few HAL cruises I have done, and the venue was always packed, standing room only. Then I heard a few months ago HAL was eliminating LCS and was disappointed, but was reassured somewhere on this forum that classical music would come back, but on the main stage. Was the info that it was moving to the stage an error, and classical music is actually being permanently eliminated? Or are they simply in transition, such that now it isn't anywhere, but will be in the future? It is not critical for me to have a classical music to enjoy a cruise, but it is a very nice option (I also seek out cruises on other lines with have a classical music theme, if available on an acceptable itinerary). Thanks in advance.

When I first saw it I thought it would more appropriately be named Bosche Beachball.

Yes, good point, I should have said something about the smoking, given North American fears about even a whiff of smoke, even on outside decks (it is comparable to German concerns about drafts). I may just have been lucky this cruise, but I hardly noticed any ectopic smoke. Either there were less smokers than typical (i.e., the tango group was not on board), or smokers were mostly hanging out in the comfortable and pretty smoking lounge (with a closed door -- unlike on Europa 2 where the door was not uncommonly and inappropriately left open). Or my activities were such that I happened to avoid them (it was usually too hot for me this cruise to sit outside, atypical for Baltics, so I had no exposure to the smoking area of the Lido or pool). I know the science on smoking risks, (first, second, and "third" hand) very well , and on personal risk assessment, and am quite confident that odds are great my life will end due to medical problems other than occasional exposure to second hand outdoor smoke. I still try to avoid indoor exposure in confined spaces, as it can trigger my usually stable asthma and I'd rather not carry mountains of inhalers. Some people are truly exquisitely sensitive, and others are just disgusted by it as their main concern. I had to spend a lot of time as a young person in smoke-ridden environments that were often impossible to avoid (or desirable for other reasons). One old guy on one excursion was a smoker, but he only lit up occasionally, while standing outside many meters away from the walking group, so I didn't even notice until I wondered why he was repeatedly always off on his own and I looked closer. From the looks of him he would have been better off becoming a non-smoker, like most Americans and Canadians and now refreshingly even most Germans (especially luxury cruisers). HL's expedition ship Spirit is, I believe, supposed to be entirely no smoking, and has fascinating itineraries, but I have no bookings yet (Covid delays interfered with assorted plans, but I hope to get there). SB Venture was not supposed to allow outside smoking in Antarctica, but it happened anyway. Have you or anyone reading been on Spirit, and know if the no smoking policy is enforced there?

From that man's perspective, a "swimming pool" is for swimming (something he is still empowered to do for cardiovascular fitness, even with his wooden leg), and a pool is not for floating. He struggles with his disability every day and may not be in the best of moods, but he certainly could have tried to be more polite after bumping you, maybe even apologized. I was seriously injured in a swimming pool by an aggressive "swimmer" who kicked me on a vulnerable part of my body. This was while I was trying to water walk (in my designated lane), to recover from fractures sustained elsewhere. So I know the risks, and now mostly stay out of pools with dedicated swimmers, children, pool party equipment, big groups, and heavy drinkers (so sadly that means I'm almost never in a ship's pool, and stick to tubs -- I liked the thermal pool on the Rotterdam but even there at prime times, I was still worried about injury, e.g., from big guys next to me, especially when they were talking with others, moving a lot, or were otherwise distracted). Be careful, and I am sorry he resorted to such unnecessary rudeness. I have limited experience on HAL, but fortunately found that unlike this man, most people try to be courteous and kind even when there are crowds.

". . . . Formal Optional: For those who prefer more formal attire, ladies can choose an evening gown or cocktail dress, while gentlemen can opt for a tuxedo, dinner jacket, or dark suit with a tie. Alternatively, adhering to Elegant Casual dress code is welcomed but a jacket is still required for gentlemen in all indoor spaces. . . ." Putting aside enforcement issues, I am not happy with the phrasing in this paragraph. If a jacket will still be "required" in "all indoor spaces" on formal optional night, I assume that would include the indoor seating at La Terazza, based on this wording. How is adhering to Elegant Casual "welcomed" if there has to be a jacket? That is not "elegant casual", it is elegant casual plus. And yet even now (supposedly with stricter codes ) we see men in short sleeves and no jacket in the evenings regardless of what the evenings are called. The wording "can choose" or "can" or "can opt for" in the first paragraph is also wishy washy and silly. Men have always been able to "opt for" suits, jackets, etc., regardless of requirements, they did not need permission. But now it implies gentlemen also can opt NOT to do this. New guests just want to know what is required, and what is usual and customary so they don't underdress or overdress (unless they deliberately want to call attention to themselves). This is unnecessarily sloppy writing. It seems the guidance is deliberately vague so there is wiggle room for staff and guests. Constructively, my guess is nothing much will change in the short run, and in the long run people will look more like they're on a modern mainstream line. Regardless of what people wear, DH and I will enjoy our cruises and will make an effort to look as nice as possible (sadly, we can't do much about our wrinkles and DH's hair, or lack of it). But I will enjoy it just a little bit less at high end dinners if more and more people make no effort at all to make evening dining special with or without jacket and tie. I have recently been on German luxury ships and also on a French semi-luxury ship (Ponant, non-expedition) and almost everyone looked sharp despite a looser dress code than SS, but I have reason to be less optimistic that English language lines will have the same results unless the lines get more specific in their dress code instructions, and there is real enforcement.