Embarkation advice please.

[Nigella]

First time cruisers here.

We've just received a finalised itinerary for the air portion of our cruise from Silversea and I'm somewhat anxious about it. We arrive at the airport at 2.35pm, the transfer takes approximately 30 minutes, and the ship sails at 6pm.

Now call me a pessimist but there isn't very much time between our landing and the ship departing. If the flight is delayed very much, I can see our bags not arriving, or us missing the ship's departure.

 

We are now trying to change our plans so that we can arrive the day before the cruise, but Silversea seems happy enough with our flight timings as they stand, and they are not too clear how much they would charge for us to travel the day before. My TA is on to it but if anyone here has any insight please let me know!

 

So, some questions:

 

 

If anyone has experience of missing a ship's departure, when travelling on a SS air package, can you please advise me how well (or poorly) SS handled arrangements to get to the next port?

 

The earliest time I see us arriving at the ship is 3.30pm. Will we be able to have some lunch or is that going to be too late?

 

And a general question about embarkation - what do you usually do first when you embark? Because of our late arrival I'm expecting our suite to be ready, so I'm not sure whether to go to unpack the carry ons, or go to La Terrazza and Le Champagne to make reservations etc,explore the ship etc.

[AllisonJames]

Hi, don't know if I can answer all your questions but will do my best based on my recent experience with SS. First of all, to change the air to another day the minimum air deviation fee is $100 pp and also there could be a charge is there's a difference in price. I can't answer the part about what they would do if you missed the departure but if SS booked it you are probably not the only ones on that flight and they would probably track it and if it's only a matter of a little while they would most likely wait. I once took a flight on the day of a cruise that arrived at 2 p.m., ship departed at 6 and we were fine but I was so nervous I never did it again. Yes, you will be able to eat at any time, even if the La Terrazza buffet is closed the pool grill will be open or room service or there's always afternoon tea at 4! Here's what I recommend you do when you board -- go right to your suite, drop your carryons and pick up the cruise newsletter that tells you what evenings are formal, informal etc, what night the deck barbecue is, etc. Go to Le Champagne and look at what menus are what nights and book that and then go to lunch and decide on other venues/times and after lunch go back and book or ask your butler to do so. We found it very difficult to choose everything in advance but you should at least try to book Le Champagne, Hot Rocks and La Terrazza one night each immediately. Note: on our cruise a lot of people went to dinner right when it opened at 7:30, we liked to go later around 8:30 or so and it was a bit easier to get reservations at that time and also we did not feel rushed coming back from days in port.

[Herman The Cat]

Where are you embarking and when--I.e., what date, weekday, weekend, etc.?

[Keith1010]

First time cruisers here.

We've just received a finalised itinerary for the air portion of our cruise from Silversea and I'm somewhat anxious about it. We arrive at the airport at 2.35pm, the transfer takes approximately 30 minutes, and the ship sails at 6pm.

Now call me a pessimist but there isn't very much time between our landing and the ship departing. If the flight is delayed very much, I can see our bags not arriving, or us missing the ship's departure.

 

We are now trying to change our plans so that we can arrive the day before the cruise, but Silversea seems happy enough with our flight timings as they stand, and they are not too clear how much they would charge for us to travel the day before. My TA is on to it but if anyone here has any insight please let me know!

 

So, some questions:

 

 

If anyone has experience of missing a ship's departure, when travelling on a SS air package, can you please advise me how well (or poorly) SS handled arrangements to get to the next port?

 

The earliest time I see us arriving at the ship is 3.30pm. Will we be able to have some lunch or is that going to be too late?

 

And a general question about embarkation - what do you usually do first when you embark? Because of our late arrival I'm expecting our suite to be ready, so I'm not sure whether to go to unpack the carry ons, or go to La Terrazza and Le Champagne to make reservations etc,explore the ship etc.

 

I can't stress enough. You need to fly in the day before. You are taking a major risk that you will miss the ship. Don't do this to yourself.

 

In terms of your other questions please help us with the following. What airport are you flying to? We port are you embarking from? Are you planning to check in luggage?

 

Again, I would change your flight.

 

Keith

[Northerncheapo]

And is it a direct flight that you are taking from home to where the ship departs from?

[Nigella]

To answer the questions -

 

we are flying from Paris (ORY) to Barcelona, on a Thursday. The flight is non-stop and takes around 90 minutes. We are sailing out of Barcelona. Yes, we will have checked luggage.

 

I was so surprised that Silversea offered that flight timing. There are earlier flights and we just assumed - yes, I know, first timers mistake - that they would book us onto an earlier flight.

Perhaps because it's a short flight within Europe?

 

I'm aware that we may well miss the first night of the cruise - and of course that will be extremely disappointing, but I think it's going to be a case of trying to remain calm on the day and just go with the flow!

[Nigella]

Hi, don't know if I can answer all your questions but will do my best based on my recent experience with SS. First of all, to change the air to another day the minimum air deviation fee is $100 pp and also there could be a charge is there's a difference in price. I can't answer the part about what they would do if you missed the departure but if SS booked it you are probably not the only ones on that flight and they would probably track it and if it's only a matter of a little while they would most likely wait. I once took a flight on the day of a cruise that arrived at 2 p.m., ship departed at 6 and we were fine but I was so nervous I never did it again. Yes, you will be able to eat at any time, even if the La Terrazza buffet is closed the pool grill will be open or room service or there's always afternoon tea at 4! Here's what I recommend you do when you board -- go right to your suite, drop your carryons and pick up the cruise newsletter that tells you what evenings are formal, informal etc, what night the deck barbecue is, etc. Go to Le Champagne and look at what menus are what nights and book that and then go to lunch and decide on other venues/times and after lunch go back and book or ask your butler to do so. We found it very difficult to choose everything in advance but you should at least try to book Le Champagne, Hot Rocks and La Terrazza one night each immediately. Note: on our cruise a lot of people went to dinner right when it opened at 7:30, we liked to go later around 8:30 or so and it was a bit easier to get reservations at that time and also we did not feel rushed coming back from days in port.

 

Thanks for the advice about the restaurants. I'd forgotten about Hot Rocks so I will add that to my list.

We tend to eat dinner around 8.30 or 9pm so fingers crossed we can get the restaurants we want. The cruise is completely full.

[Keith1010]

To answer the questions -

 

we are flying from Paris (ORY) to Barcelona, on a Thursday. The flight is non-stop and takes around 90 minutes. We are sailing out of Barcelona. Yes, we will have checked luggage.

 

I was so surprised that Silversea offered that flight timing. There are earlier flights and we just assumed - yes, I know, first timers mistake - that they would book us onto an earlier flight.

Perhaps because it's a short flight within Europe?

 

I'm aware that we may well miss the first night of the cruise - and of course that will be extremely disappointing, but I think it's going to be a case of trying to remain calm on the day and just go with the flow!

 

They may have chosen that flight because the fare was lower. Morning flights might have higher fares.

 

Glad to hear that the flight is a short haul flight.

 

If this was me and I could still pay the deviation fee I would look into an earlier flight that morning or preferably one the day before.

 

The airport is located about 30 minutes from the pier as you noted.

 

When you arrive, if you want to eat something substantial you might consider ordering room service so that you can get settled into your cabin.

 

Regardless of whether you change the flight wishing you safe travels and on time flights and of course a great cruise.

 

Keith

[Nigella]

Thanks Keith, we are going to try to fly in the day before. We have two important business meetings in Paris that day, and cancelling them may be difficult but we are going to try.

My TA (Amex Centurion :rolleyes:) didn't get back to me yesterday, and they don't work on Saturdays here, so I will speak to them again on Monday.

I don't mind paying the deviation fee - I believe it will be $100 each - for the added peace of mind, however my TA did say that as tickets had already been issued, a change may not be possible at this stage.

[DebbieH103]

I'm my own TA, but I've received flight info a number of times long before paying in full and last time was asked if I was OK with it and was able to get help in getting something more suitable. Also have been able to say what times did and did not work. Granted, these may have been exceptions since they can give what they wanted, but I would not want to be on a flight arriving that late in Barcelona. We had a lot of trouble/delay in that airport.

[Nigella]

I'm my own TA, but I've received flight info a number of times long before paying in full and last time was asked if I was OK with it and was able to get help in getting something more suitable. Also have been able to say what times did and did not work. Granted, these may have been exceptions since they can give what they wanted, but I would not want to be on a flight arriving that late in Barcelona. We had a lot of trouble/delay in that airport.

 

Hi Debbie - thanks for your reply, oh and thanks for your reviews also, I've enjoyed reading them and watching the videos.

 

There was no discussion about flights/timings etc. We literally just received an email from the TA saying these are your flight confirmation details. I questioned them initially, expressing my doubts about the time of arrival and her reply was that SS were happy with them, therefore so should we be! :eek:

 

I'll update tomorrow when I've spoken to the TA again.

[Herman The Cat]

Hi Debbie - thanks for your reply, oh and thanks for your reviews also, I've enjoyed reading them and watching the videos.

 

There was no discussion about flights/timings etc. We literally just received an email from the TA saying these are your flight confirmation details. I questioned them initially, expressing my doubts about the time of arrival and her reply was that SS were happy with them, therefore so should we be! :eek:

 

I'll update tomorrow when I've spoken to the TA again.

 

 

It does sound like it is cutting it a little close, but one would think that Silversea has experience with that airline, flight routing, arrival time, etc. and it has worked out fine. I doubt they want to risk disgruntled passengers and deal with the issues associated with missed ships, rebooking flights, etc. I haven't flown into Barcelona in years, so I don't have much experience with that airport. But at least you are arriving on a weekday, and what would appear to be non-primetime, which should help. Will an EU passport speed things up too? And are there flights every hour from Paris to Barcelona so if one is cancelled there are other options, or if you get there early perhaps you can go standby on an earlier flight? Re-booking may cost more than the $100 deviation fee if you are already ticketed. My understanding is that the Silversea air department is required to reply to inquiries (via email only from whomever booked the trip) within 72 hours. A lot of people complain about Silversea air on these boards, but we've only had good experiences. Of course, we have paid the $100 airline deviation fee and have requested certain airlines, different arrival days, etc. and they have given us what we want and replied promptly. We haven't wanted to "roll the dice" on airlines or flights. It sounds like a lot of the communication breakdown occurs at the TA level--they may not inquire with Silversea when they say they do, may not be specific, etc. We received our flight info within 72 hours of booking our cruise, and our cruise is in late August. You also need to think about how you like to travel and what you are comfortable doing. With any arrival time prior to a cruise, a person's comfort with flight schedules is dependent upon how they personally like to travel. I am comfortable arriving the day of departure (because I travel for business all the time) but my husband prefers to get there the day before, whereas some find it exciting and thrilling to board at the last minute! Let us know what happens.

 

The other thing I do is take some essentials--i.e., toiletries, bathing suit, one daytime and one casual evening outfit, a wrap, etc. in my carry-on. Just in case your luggage is delayed, at least you have the clothing to change into and be comfortable for 24 hours.

 

As for arriving, once you board I would 1) enjoy the glass of champagne they hand you when you board; 2) breathe 3) have a steward escort you to your cabin and point out the main areas; 4) meet your butler, have him show you the suite essentials, and tell him what you'd like in your mini-bar; 5) butler can unpack for you if you like; 6) have a drink or snack by the pool and then explore the ship and decide where you'd like to dine.

 

A lot of people like Hot Rocks. It's nice to dine outside, but there is a DIY (do it yourself) element to it. That is, you are finishing the cooking your own food once the rock is set down in front of you. And most of us had our clothes splattered by grease during the meal as the food cooked. It's a novelty, but it wasn't our favorite.

[scapel]

Hi Debbie - thanks for your reply, oh and thanks for your reviews also, I've enjoyed reading them and watching the videos.

 

There was no discussion about flights/timings etc. We literally just received an email from the TA saying these are your flight confirmation details. I questioned them initially, expressing my doubts about the time of arrival and her reply was that SS were happy with them, therefore so should we be! :eek:

 

I'll update tomorrow when I've spoken to the TA again.

Nigella,

In all likehood you will not miss the ship. If you do, Silversea is responsible to get you to the ship wherever it may be.

Le Champagne-- check the menu for the night. I thought it was like other speciality restaurants and you could order, but on whatever night you select there is a fixed menu--check the menu for the night you wish so you know you are likely to like what they are serving.

I did not like the raw duck we had nor the champagne. Maybe I was having a bad night. I loved the cruise (Silver Whisper-NY to Bermuda-Barbados) and the service and food is top notch.

[Nigella]

Just to update the thread.

 

Silversea wouldnt budge, so we have asked them to cancel the flights they booked on our behalf, and we have booked our own flights.

 

We are unhappy mostly about the way the TA handled this - we were sent an email saying pretty much : 'this is what has been booked' with no discussion about whether or not it was acceptable.

We're also feeling a little anxious about the way SS has dealt with this and are a little dubious about ths standard of service they've offered.

 

Anyway so much for 'free air' :rolleyes: We rebooked, at our own expense, but it's worth it for the peace of mind, and hopefully we will be embarking around 1pm. If we do enjoy the cruise, we now know better and will make our own arrangements should we decide to cruise again in the future.

 

thank you everyone for your contributions to the thread.

[Keith1010]

Just to update the thread.

 

Silversea wouldnt budge, so we have asked them to cancel the flights they booked on our behalf, and we have booked our own flights.

 

We are unhappy mostly about the way the TA handled this - we were sent an email saying pretty much : 'this is what has been booked' with no discussion about whether or not it was acceptable.

We're also feeling a little anxious about the way SS has dealt with this and are a little dubious about ths standard of service they've offered.

 

Anyway so much for 'free air' :rolleyes: We rebooked, at our own expense, but it's worth it for the peace of mind, and hopefully we will be embarking around 1pm. If we do enjoy the cruise, we now know better and will make our own arrangements should we decide to cruise again in the future.

 

thank you everyone for your contributions to the thread.

 

I'm glad that you figured this out.

 

This is the advantage of having a strong TA. Someone with good experience who when the cruise is first booked who can give advice about using custom air over waiting to see what is assigned in the way of air if one is going with the ships air. And also one who can be a strong advocate for their client with the cruise line. Often if the do a lot of bookings with the cruise line that can be a big help.

 

I am sure that your experience once on board the ship will be a lot better than this.

 

Enjoy the cruise and safe travels.

 

Keith

[duct tape]

"If we do enjoy the cruise..." Please go with positive expectations. Enjoy!

[Herman The Cat]

I'm glad that you figured this out.

 

This is the advantage of having a strong TA. Someone with good experience who when the cruise is first booked who can give advice about using custom air over waiting to see what is assigned in the way of air if one is going with the ships air. And also one who can be a strong advocate for their client with the cruise line. Often if the do a lot of bookings with the cruise line that can be a big help.

 

I am sure that your experience once on board the ship will be a lot better than this.

 

Enjoy the cruise and safe travels.

 

Keith

 

 

Nigella, the more I think about what has transpired with your air, etc., the more I think it was your TA and not Silversea who "missed the boat." Did your TA have experience booking cruises, or was it just your regular TA who said they could book it for you? The cruise TAs make so much more in commission booking a cruise than the average vacation, and there are reasons why: picking the right cruise line for the passenger and hence demographic, the right ship, the right itinerary, the right cabin, and then all the follow-up. So in many ways they're travel agents who are specialists and need to be specialists. The first time I booked air with Silversea, I said to my TA, "what if I don't like the routing, timing, airline, etc.?" Her response was that Silversea books air only after the booking and the deposit have been made, and then it's not changeable. The only difference is if you book VERY far in advance and prior to any cancellation penalities start, you can cancel and get your deposit back. Your TA should have told you upfront that you could roll the dice and see what they book, or pay the $100 and make your requests. So, I wouldn't necessarily hold this against Silversea. Just my thoughts...I feel bad this has been a rollercoaster ride leading up to the cruise. I hope you were able to read this review posted earlier today and this will get you excited!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=29188921#post29188921

Also, Atomica posted his blog from his recent voyage on Silversea with some wonderful photos.

I travel alot, and I can say that on Silversea the service and experience is very much like staying in a Four Seasons hotel, but at sea. And HermanTheCat is very particular!

Do post when you return to tell us how the cruise was. Bon voyage!

-Lisa

:)

[Nigella]

Nigella, the more I think about what has transpired with your air, etc., the more I think it was your TA and not Silversea who "missed the boat." Did your TA have experience booking cruises, or was it just your regular TA who said they could book it for you? The cruise TAs make so much more in commission booking a cruise than the average vacation, and there are reasons why: picking the right cruise line for the passenger and hence demographic, the right ship, the right itinerary, the right cabin, and then all the follow-up. So in many ways they're travel agents who are specialists and need to be specialists. The first time I booked air with Silversea, I said to my TA, "what if I don't like the routing, timing, airline, etc.?" Her response was that Silversea books air only after the booking and the deposit have been made, and then it's not changeable. The only difference is if you book VERY far in advance and prior to any cancellation penalities start, you can cancel and get your deposit back. Your TA should have told you upfront that you could roll the dice and see what they book, or pay the $100 and make your requests. So, I wouldn't necessarily hold this against Silversea. Just my thoughts...I feel bad this has been a rollercoaster ride leading up to the cruise. I hope you were able to read this review posted earlier today and this will get you excited!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=29188921#post29188921

Also, Atomica posted his blog from his recent voyage on Silversea with some wonderful photos.

I travel alot, and I can say that on Silversea the service and experience is very much like staying in a Four Seasons hotel, but at sea. And HermanTheCat is very particular!

Do post when you return to tell us how the cruise was. Bon voyage!

-Lisa

:)

 

Hi Lisa ! (and Herman) ;)

 

Thank you for your post which I've found very reassuring as to what to expect once we board the Silver Spirit

 

I do agree that the TA should be held mostly responsible for the difficulties we had. We used Amex Centurion and were told that we were dealing with their 'specialist cruise department'. We have previously only used Amex to book hotels, so this was our first experience of booking a package of cruise and air. On this occasion we feel that the communication from them was poor.

I wonder if perhaps we don't get quite a good service from Amex here in Europe?

 

I am now counting the hours to the cruise - ICELAND VOLCANIC ASH NOTWITHSTANDING :( and I'm sure that we'll enjoy it, although it's a full ship and we are in school holidays this week and next in most of Europe, so I anticipate lots of little Silversea cruisers. Let's hope their parents do a good job of keeping them in check!

[dellaroo]

We've used Centurion Travel since 2000 when we got our cards. I have never been happy with them. We are sailing on the Whisper in June, but friends booked it for us. We are going to Utah next week and Centurion booked that trip for us and my husband told me today that the flights were wrong and he had to rebook everything himself.