Silver Muse to Alaska - Thoughts

[Deckhawk]

My g/f and I just returned from a week on the Muse and I wanted to share a few thoughts.  This isn't a full review, but my observations in hopes it can help others.  For context, I'm in my early 40's and have cruised 30+ times on RCL, CCL, Celebrity, Azamara, NCL, but this is the first time trying a luxury line like Silver Sea.  The overall experience was exceptional (and I'll be back again to try an expedition, likely to Antarctica), but a few specific points:

 

What was great?

• The service was exceptional.  Every time you needed a drink or food, someone was right there.  It felt like I never heard the term "no" all 7 days… this exceeded my expectations.
• The included wines were solid.  I had previously posted asking about the included wines, wondering if I should bring my own.  I did bring three nice bottles, but I really didn’t need them.  Coming from close to Napa, I prefer a slightly higher level than they severed each night, but the wines were not bad at all and nex time I likely wouldn't bring my own bottles.  Happy to share the wines I remember if you’d like.  
• The butlers make it happen!  We special ordered dinner one night and it turned out well.  We used him for shoe shines and 1-2 other smaller asks -- we didn’t use him a ton, but he was excellent when we did contact him. 
• Food in La Dome was excellent.  I loved the menu - big fan.  My other favorite was the pastas in the buffet turned restaurant - also great.  It's super subjective, but you won't go hungry if you are onboard.

 

Suggestions:

• The menu at the grill needs some help.  Before sailing, I read the negative reviews about the burger and yes, it wasn’t great, but I felt like they could be way more creative with the overall menu offerings for the pool.  They had a "fish of the day" that I tried two days which was so-so, but why not a fish, steak or chicken sando on the menu?  It’s likely to never happen, but fish and chips or chicken fingers could also be an easy addition.  
• The hours of the pizza restaurant and grill didn’t seem to be thought through.  For three straight days we returned to the ship after lunch but before dinner and only pizza was open (I think it was like 2-5pm).  I don’t expect everything to be open all the time, but I do think you need to have a bit more selection.  The arts cafe food was great, but it’s not meant for a late lunch…. Room service is fine, but they you need to be in your room…just needed a bit more selection than just pizza.
• The included shore excursions were fine, but I would have loved to see more independent shore excursions on the included list.  For example, why not make one of the excisions a bike rental for the day…or even if they just had some hiking trail maps they could hand out.  Likely my own preference here, but I tend to want to do stuff on my own instead of with 30 other people, but that is tough to do with what is included.
• The shows weren’t my style.  There were some talented singers and dancers, but the shows for blah to me - very personal preference.  
• The casino was lifeless.  I know it’s a small operation, the environment was quiet.  They needed music and a bit more personality.  I’m normally a bit more of a player - on this cruise I played for 30 mins and then was done…
• Last random thought -- and this likely shows how amazing the weather was during the entire Alaska trip:  I think they should put out suntan lotion for people to use.  That just adds to the "luxury experience."

 

Happy to answer any questions you have the best I can...

[TLCOhio]

2 hours ago, Deckhawk said:

My g/f and I just returned from a week on the Muse and I wanted to share a few thoughts.  What was great?

• The service was exceptional.  Every time you needed a drink or food, someone was right there.  It felt like I never heard the term "no" all 7 days… this exceeded my expectations.
• Last random thought -- and this likely shows how amazing the weather was during the entire Alaska trip:  I think they should put out suntan lotion for people to use.  That just adds to the "luxury experience."

Happy to answer any questions you have the best I can...

 

Appreciate your detailed comments and follow-up for the Silver Muse and Alaska.  Glad that overall things, including the weather, worked out so very well.  As detailed below in my live/blog with many visuals, we enjoyed the Silver Muse and Alaska in the summer before the Covid shut-down.  Look forward to any additional comments and insights, including what you enjoyed in the various ports.  

 

Keep it coming!!!  Great sharing. On a ship the size of the Muse, the entertainment, casino, etc., will not match what is offered on larger ships.  BUT, the Muse has a good range of dining locations/options.  Plus, it seems that the staff did a great job in serving your interests.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 19,195 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[les37b]

Were you on the Osaka to Seward cruise?

 

I have to admit its my worst ever SS sailing and despite some great highlights, wouldn't have gone if I'd known how it would pan out. I loved Japan (especially the warmth from the people in Miyako), but found the voyage from Japan to Seward challenging. The weather no one can control obviously - and the seas a little rough at times - but I actually liked that. Just boredom set in. Cold weather cruises and 8 or more sea days in a row if you dont count the aborted Kodiak and obviously missed Dutch Harbor, really was more endurance than enjoyment.

 

You're comment re suntan lotion kinda suggests you must be referring to a different crossing. It was certainly warm on the sea day Osaka to Tokyo, but after that I thought the weather was poor.

Edited May 19, 2023 by les37b

[nolatravelgirl]

I appreciate the comments regarding the lack of food between 2-5pm and will take that into account before returning to the ship. Which excursions did you do in each port? We signed up for this cruise late and it seems like a lot of the excursions are already full. Were you able to switch excursions once on the ship. Were you able to pre-book LaDame? LaDame and Kaiseki are completely booked everyday of our cruise.  

[Stumblefoot]

1 hour ago, les37b said:

Were you on the Osaka to Seward cruise?

I took it to mean the cruise immediately after, i.e. Seward to Vancouver that disembarked on May 18.

[Stumblefoot]

6 hours ago, Deckhawk said:

 

• The included wines were solid.  I had previously posted asking about the included wines, wondering if I should bring my own.  I did bring three nice bottles, but I really didn’t need them.  Coming from close to Napa, I prefer a slightly higher level than they severed each night, but the wines were not bad at all and nex time I likely wouldn't bring my own bottles.

Thank you for sharing all of your perspective. They will be appreciated by many.  
 

In regards to the wine, we tried to convince you to leave your bottles at home. But, I understand. Sometimes we just have to learn ourselves. 😁

[les37b]

2 hours ago, Stumblefoot said:

I took it to mean the cruise immediately after, i.e. Seward to Vancouver that disembarked on May 18.

The title said TO Alaska not FROM.…. Hence the question.

[Neilio]

Thanks for this posting. We are on Muse, Seward to Van July 6. Would be interested to know what “included” wines you enjoyed? Also,

did you meet with sommelier to ask what wines were available?

 

Thanks Again

[Stickman1990]

12 hours ago, Deckhawk said:

 

• The hours of the pizza restaurant and grill didn’t seem to be thought through.  For three straight days we returned to the ship after lunch but before dinner and only pizza was open (I think it was like 2-5pm).  I don’t expect everything to be open all the time, but I do think you need to have a bit more selection.  The arts cafe food was great, but it’s not meant for a late lunch…. Room service is fine, but they you need to be in your room…just needed a bit more selection than just pizza.

You can order room service items to be delivered and served anywhere that you want on the ship (obviously that is appropriate to eating - I wouldn’t get it delivered to the gym! - you’re certainly not limited to having it in your room. My recollection is that the room service menu is very extensive so that solves that problem 

 

Just ask your butler for the options

[Deckhawk]

9 hours ago, les37b said:

Were you on the Osaka to Seward cruise?

 

Sorry if I wasn't clear - I boarded on May 11 in Seward and left May 18 in Vancouver.  I heard the seas were rough on the way to Seward from several people who stayed on.  The first 1.5 days of our trip was rough, but after that, it calmed nicely.

 

The weather was AMAZING for an Alaska cruise.  It rained for the Hubbard Glacer and then again in Juneau, but it was sunny and HOT the rest of the trip (~mid 70s F).  I got burned on the top deck, which is always welcome!

[Deckhawk]

9 hours ago, nolatravelgirl said:

 Which excursions did you do in each port?  Were you able to switch excursions once on the ship.

Don't quote me on these, but I believe this is what we did in each port with a few of my thoughts.

 

Juneau = Kayaking.  This trip was great, but I felt like it wasn't advertised correctly.  When we looked at the booking, it showed people kayaking right in front of the glacier.  When we got there, we could see the Glacier, but we weren't in the same body of water - we actually spent the day with seals, eagles, dolphins  Overall, it was fine, but we aware that this may happen.

 

Skagway = Rainforest Biking.  Very beautiful tour, but there actually wasn't much biking.  I'd guess we biked a total of ~5 miles and stopped frequently to talk about plants on the forest floor.  This excursion was fine - it wasn't great, but okay.

 

Sitka = We started the day by independently renting bikes and doing a ~25 ride to make up for Skagway.  After that, we took the "Wildlife adventure boat tour."  During the ride, we saw two humpbacks, a grey whale, otters and eagles....  there were a lot of people on the boat, but we saw a lot - I was a fan.

 

Ketchikan = We had booked something, but after walking around town, we blew it off to sit at the pool and relax.  Can't help too much with this port...

 

9 hours ago, nolatravelgirl said:

Were you able to pre-book LaDame? LaDame and Kaiseki are completely booked everyday of our cruise.  

We booked LaDame for the first day and Kaiseki the second.  We ended up going back to LaDame the last night of the cruise for basically the same meal.  They wouldn't rebook us in advance, but we talked to the host the nigh before and he suggested we come to see him a ~8:30PM and he would get us in.  Lesson learned:  if you are willing to eat late, you can get in...

[Deckhawk]

8 hours ago, Stumblefoot said:

In regards to the wine, we tried to convince you to leave your bottles at home. But, I understand. Sometimes we just have to learn ourselves. 😁

 

Lesson learned!  Will trust Stumble going forward!

[Deckhawk]

4 hours ago, Neilio said:

Thanks for this posting. We are on Muse, Seward to Van July 6. Would be interested to know what “included” wines you enjoyed? Also,

did you meet with sommelier to ask what wines were available?

 

I brought three bottles from home:  Alpha Omega ERA, Black Stallion Transcendent and a bottle of Continuum.

 

Before I went to dinner the first night, I told the som that I drink California cabs and they brought J Lohr and Wiente.   In my opinion, these aren't to the level of the ones I brought, but they are solid.  Living in SF, I've visited Wiente a good bit, so I'm a bit biased.  My favorite onboard wine was the Grüner Veltliner.  Don't ask me which label it was, but it was EXCELLENT at both Asian spots - great pairings.  I didn't push too far outside of those because I did still drink the three bottles I brought...

 

I did briefly talk to 1-2 of the soms about their bottles for purchase.  I thought the prices were fair...  I don't have a picture of the menu, but their Joseph Phelps Insignia and Opus One were both right around the detail price I've bought them for in the past...

 

Hoping that helps!

[Stumblefoot]

36 minutes ago, Deckhawk said:

My favorite onboard wine was the Grüner Veltliner.  Don't ask me which label it was, but it was EXCELLENT at both Asian spots - great pairings.

This is good to hear.  I absolutely love Austrian Grüner Veltliner with Asian food.

Edited May 20, 2023 by Stumblefoot
Changed to plain text.

[Neilio]

One more question. What time did your bus leave from Anchorage and what time did you board the ship?

 

Thanks

[Deckhawk]

2 hours ago, Neilio said:

One more question. What time did your bus leave from Anchorage and what time did you board the ship?

 

Thanks

 

Our bus left from the Anchorage Marriott at 10:45.  There were options earlier and later (until 12:30PM I think).  Bus ride was roughly 2.5 hours total - I believe we made one other stop on the way down and ran into traffic...

[les37b]

7 minutes ago, Deckhawk said:

 

Our bus left from the Anchorage Marriott at 10:45.  There were options earlier and later (until 12:30PM I think).  Bus ride was roughly 2.5 hours total - I believe we made one other stop on the way down and ran into traffic...

 

You were lucky. You missed the blasting that took place between 9 and 10 just 10 minutes from Seward. We weren't so lucky and arrived there with 4 vehicles in front of us when the stop sign came up. Yes, we had to sit and wait for over an hour for the all clear. Real good planning! Had we left 5 minutes earlier, we would have got through. This blasting is pre-scheduled so very avoidable with a little effort. Our bus had zero drinks or food for the 4h15m ride. Very Six star!

 

PS the breakfast they served in the Marriot was gross too! Did you have anything? I just settled on an orange juice. 

Edited May 20, 2023 by les37b

[imcpa]

 I think they should put out suntan lotion for people to use.

 

They do this on Seabourn.  I think it is a great touch and agree SS should do it as well.

[djandbj]

Have done this cruise, and many others on SS, Seabourn and Regent. We like them all, but find Seabourn the friendliest, Regent the most "corporate", and SS in between. We also find the food the best on Regent, and least on Seabourn (except for Thomas Keller Grill which is outstanding), with SS in between, Don't miss a dinner and/or drink and dance in Silver Note on SS. Many pax never find it.

[les37b]

Friends of ours (my wifes partner in crime when she was quarantined last year on the Moon), boarded yesterday. They managed to get the train ride from anchorage to Seward that we missed and said it was excellent.

 

They also did the Seward Whale waiting boat ride that we did in the harbour and was lucky enough at one point to be surrounded by a pod or Orca. We saw Porpoise on ours, which they didn't. I expect there is a connection!

 

Hoping they get the good weather we didnt get when we sailed in a couple of weeks ago from Japan.

[drron29]

On 5/20/2023 at 5:58 AM, Neilio said:

Thanks for this posting. We are on Muse, Seward to Van July 6. Would be interested to know what “included” wines you enjoyed? Also,

did you meet with sommelier to ask what wines were available?

 

Thanks Again

Unfortunately the included wines keep changing. Obviously as all are purchased via head office. It will depend on availability (ie quantity) and cost.

I talked about this a lot with the sommelier on the Moon on our recently completed 54 day cruise. In particular I asked why a list of the included wines isn't available. Short answer because the wines are continually changing and the Sommelier is busy enough as it is.

 

However at your first meal or dinner if you don't find the offered wine to your liking first talk to the wine waiter (often now called a sommelier but there is only one who is in charge.). Ask what else they have but it will help if you know what you like. For example if you are a red drinker and don't like the Carminere ask what they have in the way of shiraz,merlot or whatever you prefer.

 

However if you say things like this wine is undrinkable or I find the wines on SS abysmal don't tink you you will get a truly honest response.

As an example there was a couple on one of the segments of our cruise. Crystal refugees who obviously didn't want to like SS. I had noticed them in Atlantide talking very little with the ordinary staff but talking every night with the Sommelier or restaurant manager. Then one night they sat next to us. The Offered white wine was from Portugal and was quite reasonable but of course they wouldn't drink Portugese wines. The wine waiter then brought back a Tasmanian Sauvignon blanc that he described as being very similiar to the wines of the Loire. The fellow responded with the white wines from the Loire are made with Chardonnay grapes and we don't drink Chardonnay so asked for the Sommelier to come. She listened patiently to his story and then said I have a very nice white burgundy would you like to try that. Of course and they loved it. The Sommelier left the bottle on the table. As she said later she hoped they read the label and found it was made from chardonnay grapes.

[Host Jazzbeau]

5 hours ago, drron29 said:

As she said later she hoped they read the label and found it was made from chardonnay grapes.

Very diplomatic.  But probably too subtle... 😉

[itchtocruz]

 

20 hours ago, djandbj said:

Don't miss a dinner and/or drink and dance in Silver Note on SS. Many pax never find it.

Couldn't agree more - Silver Note is a hidden gem. While the overall entertainment is lacking in variety, the jazz duo never disappoints. Looking forward to seeing who's on Nova when we sail in November.

 

[drron29]

The problem with Silver Note on the Moon and  Dawn is getting a reservation. You can go later and sit at the bar and drink. If you ask the manager for Silver Note you can get booking to eat after 9.30 pm but that’s too late for us.

 

But easier to get last minute bookings at La Dame and Kaiseki as they are larger than on the Muse. Many nights they weren’t full.