Early Embarkation

[cechase]

I booked my Nov. 21 cruise on Silver Shadow directly through Silversea. After I made my request for early embarkation, I received an email confirmation from Silversea about a week after. I do agree that you should make the request as early as possible, because there are only a limited number of requests that can be granted.

 

This is actually the first time that I have booked a cruise directly with a cruise line, and am quite happy. I am a solo traveler because my wife died earlier this year, and worried about the dreaded 200% supplement. Silversea was kind enough to charge me only 150% for a veranda suite. This suite is not quite the same as my dear wife and I had on Shadow in December of 2006 - 724, which is a Silver Suite which was fabulous, but should be plenty for just one person - and I do have to have the fresh air and balcony.

[loulani]

Cechase, Please accept my sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear wife. It sounds like you two made a lot of great memories together and that's really what it's all about.

 

I will keep everyone updated on the progress my TA is making. At the present time, I have not heard back from him. When this happened before, I called and he said he was very busy. How hard is it to change TA's now that I have made a couple deposits? Or, I probably should have a talk with him about what I expect? I also have been keeping an eye on SS website to see if there have been any changes.

[Keith1010]

loulani, I would call Silversea and just ask the reservation agent what the process is for you to move an existing booking from one TA to another.

 

Be aware that some TA's will charge a fee for cancelling or moving a booking. I am not sayinig that yours does but some do. If they do it should be shown on any documentation (eg., invoice) they sent to you.

 

If you want to give the TA another chance first, if it was me I would call the TA and ask about the status of the request.

 

Keith

[Goldens4]

Loulani, here is what I did. I requested Early Embark via the SS form on their website. SS emailed my confirmation to my TA and she emailed to me. This was done within 5 days. I think it was a very business practice for your TA to say he was "very busy".

[Keith1010]

I thought I would pass along this information. While Silversea is accepting requests for early embarkation for 2010 they are not yet confirming any of them. I only mention this because if one tries to request it on line (which you can) you will likely not hear anything and I didn't want you to think the request went into the black hole.

 

With that said, early embarkation is approved on a first come first basis so the earlier you get the request in the better.

 

Loulani, if you are curious as to whether or not your TA requested early embarkation for you if you know your booking number just call Silversea. They can look this up for you. Might be a good idea to see if your TA did this and if the TA didn't then when you call the TA up you can play dumb and ask if it's been requested and the response you get might tell you a little something about your TA. Good luck.

 

Keith

[ging466]

Hi all

 

After reading this thread yesterday, I logged onto "My Voyage" on the SS website and requested the early embarkation - even though my cruise is in October 2010.

 

Will wait to see what happens. If I miss out, it isn't the end of the world as the 3pm embarkation is pretty special to be involved in.

 

Cheers

ging466

[SantaAna,CA]

While we're on the subject of early embarkation, maybe I could get some input from seasoned SS sailors. My first cruise with SS is coming up in November, and embarkation is in Barbados. The ship leaves late, about 11pm. I was contemplating trying to get a late check out at the Hilton (I'll be staying there a few days pre-cruise) and boarding at the regular time. Are there any benefits to getting on early, $100 worth that is? I ask because it seems there is no guaranty you can get into your suite any earlier. It would be nice to begin my exhaustive job of unpacking a little early, *lol*, but not much chance of that if the cabin isn't ready. Thanks for any ideas.

 

Jane

[ging466]

While we're on the subject of early embarkation, maybe I could get some input from seasoned SS sailors. My first cruise with SS is coming up in November, and embarkation is in Barbados. The ship leaves late, about 11pm. I was contemplating trying to get a late check out at the Hilton (I'll be staying there a few days pre-cruise) and boarding at the regular time. Are there any benefits to getting on early, $100 worth that is? I ask because it seems there is no guaranty you can get into your suite any earlier. It would be nice to begin my exhaustive job of unpacking a little early, *lol*, but not much chance of that if the cabin isn't ready. Thanks for any ideas. Jane

 

Hi Jane

I'm certainly not a seasoned SS sailor, I've only done 1 SS cruise so far. However I thoroughly enjoyed getting on the ship at 3pm and being involved in the official welcome. All the staff queue up to welcome you and you are offered drinks, get your room card and then lots of yummy Hors D'oeuvres (king prawns and the like), you can meet/chat to other passengers before being whisked away to your suite. For the first timer, I really enjoyed it.

 

I've applied for early embarkation on my next cruise only because I will have to check out early from my hotel in Lisbon. Personally I would rather be on the ship early and pay US$100 than a late checkout in the hotel where I have to pay in Euros. I guess it depends on your port of embarkation and what you are doing there.

 

Cheers

ging466

[Keith1010]

While we're on the subject of early embarkation, maybe I could get some input from seasoned SS sailors. My first cruise with SS is coming up in November, and embarkation is in Barbados. The ship leaves late, about 11pm. I was contemplating trying to get a late check out at the Hilton (I'll be staying there a few days pre-cruise) and boarding at the regular time. Are there any benefits to getting on early, $100 worth that is? I ask because it seems there is no guaranty you can get into your suite any earlier. It would be nice to begin my exhaustive job of unpacking a little early, *lol*, but not much chance of that if the cabin isn't ready. Thanks for any ideas.

 

Jane

 

Jane although a very seasoned cruiser our first Silversea cruise was just a few weeks ago and we took the early boarding. As a new SS cruiser our experience might be more applicable for you.

 

We were very pleased with the early embarkation. We find the day of embarkation before we actually go on any cruise to be unproductive as largely we are sitting around the hotel anticipating our arrival and boarding the ship. With early embarkation you indicate the time you will arrive and we asked for the earliest time of 10:30 AM. We arrived around 10:15 AM and precisely at 10:30 AM we were part of the first group taken to the embarkation desk and after a couple of minutes we were escorted over to the ship. After we boarded we were brought to a lounge to have our shipboard picture taken and we were asked to remain there until our room was ready. By around 10:45 AM our room was ready and we unpacked what was in our carry on luggage and then we started to explore the ship. For us, the benefit was to learn our way around the ship right away. Then in no time we enjoyed a nice lunch on the ship and we signed up for the speciatly restaurant (another benefit of getting on the ship early) for the evening we wanted. Not long after lunch our luggage was delivered and we were all unpacked before the 3:00 PM boarding.

 

For us the early embarkation gave us a jump start to enjoying the cruise, and it allowed us to really enjoy the first day. For example, when we went to the sailaway party rather than having to then go back to our room to face unpacking or having to rush ahead before and after the party, we enjoyed the party and knew that we didn't have to rush around to do anything.

 

So, I would recommend it, at least for your first SS cruise.

 

Keith

[dtm]

Is the early embarkation fee $ 100 per person or per couple/suite? $ 200 for an extra five hours on-board seems rather steep for lunch and a drink!

 

Dan

[Emtbsam]

Jane although a very seasoned cruiser our first Silversea cruise was just a few weeks ago and we took the early boarding. As a new SS cruiser our experience might be more applicable for you.

 

We were very pleased with the early embarkation. We find the day of embarkation before we actually go on any cruise to be unproductive as largely we are sitting around the hotel anticipating our arrival and boarding the ship. With early embarkation you indicate the time you will arrive and we asked for the earliest time of 10:30 AM. We arrived around 10:15 AM and precisely at 10:30 AM we were part of the first group taken to the embarkation desk and after a couple of minutes we were escorted over to the ship. After we boarded we were brought to a lounge to have our shipboard picture taken and we were asked to remain there until our room was ready. By around 10:45 AM our room was ready and we unpacked what was in our carry on luggage and then we started to explore the ship. For us, the benefit was to learn our way around the ship right away. Then in no time we enjoyed a nice lunch on the ship and we signed up for the speciatly restaurant (another benefit of getting on the ship early) for the evening we wanted. Not long after lunch our luggage was delivered and we were all unpacked before the 3:00 PM boarding.

 

For us the early embarkation gave us a jump start to enjoying the cruise, and it allowed us to really enjoy the first day. For example, when we went to the sailaway party rather than having to then go back to our room to face unpacking or having to rush ahead before and after the party, we enjoyed the party and knew that we didn't have to rush around to do anything.

 

So, I would recommend it, at least for your first SS cruise.

 

Keith

I totally agree with Keith. Getting on the ship early adds almost an entire day to the cruise. Yes, it is a lot of money for lunch and a drink (or two), but it gives you time to unwind, unpack and relax before the ship departs. We did it in Villefranche three years ago and again last December in Ft. Lauderdale. We are planning on doing it in Vancouver next month. Our hotel, the Pan Pacific, is right at the pier, so it should be easy to take the elevator right downstairs and get on board with no hassle.

[Keith1010]

Is the early embarkation fee $ 100 per person or per couple/suite? $ 200 for an extra five hours on-board seems rather steep for lunch and a drink!

 

Dan

 

The fee is per person.

 

As anything it's a personal decision if this is money well spent.

 

For us it was perfect.

 

Keith

[SantaAna,CA]

Keith, thanks. What a good idea. Being a Seabourn cruiser, I'd know where everything was if I were on one of their three smaller ships, but I am unfamiliar with the Shadow. I will put in my request for early embarkation today. Thanks so much for your input, I agree with all you said.

 

Jane

[freddie]

We will heartily agree with Keith that, for us, the $$ for early boarding was very well spent. We boarded Whisper in Dubai. After a couple of days in Dubai, we were not interested in spending that last morning further exploring the city in the intense heat and dust. The alternative would have been to stay at the hotel, pay for an expensive lunch there, and then go to the ship.

 

Instead, we contacted the port agent, who told us that there was still availability for early boarding. After cabbing it to the port, we checked on board about 11:30, went through the formalities, and then had a lovely lunch in the restaurant. As we were among the very few passengers in the restaurant, many of the waitstaff came over and introduced themselves and asked our names. Just before we finished lunch, a front desk lady came to tell us that our cabin was ready and that our luggage was delivered.

 

In the cabin, we sipped champagne as we leisurely unpacked, before exploring the ship. About 2:30, I left the ship to go buy some souvenirs at the port shop and walked past the long line of passengers waiting in the very hot sun to board. Priceless!!

 

Cheers, Fred

[LaPaloma]

Keith, thanks. What a good idea. Being a Seabourn cruiser, I'd know where everything was if I were on one of their three smaller ships, but I am unfamiliar with the Shadow. I will put in my request for early embarkation today. Thanks so much for your input, I agree with all you said.

 

Jane

Jane we have boarded early twice--it's a great deal! Both times our suite was ready--plenty of time to unpack. As Keith said you can also make any special dinner reservations on the night you want them. We would never sail on SS without the early boarding. I think you will find the Shadow great--a little bigger than SB, but the service is still great, and the ship is beautiful! Don

[wripro]

I would assume that with all the OBC SS is giving there will be a lot of requests for early embarkation in 2009. I believe the reason they limit the number of people is that they try to have the suites ready by 11 AM or so for those who embark early and there are just so many suites they can prepare by that hour. For those cruises in 2010 when SS is not offering such generous OBCs (at least not yet) it may be easier to get it. As previously stated, the earlier the better.

[Keith1010]

wripro, that is correct. They limit the number of people since they have to focus on getting those suites all ready first. I do think it's a good idea to request it right away since it is capacity controlled. As it turned out we didn't switch to the Alaska cruise unitl about six weeks before the cruise (a big change for us since we normally book cruises 1 year to almost 2 years in advance) and we were fortunate that we did get the early embarkation. But, we may have just been lucky.

 

Keith

[loulani]

Ok all my new found friends. I emailed my TA yesterday morning and it's now 3:00 PM central time and NO response. I'm thinking maybe he's waiting to hear back from SS. So......I just called SS and was told it is NOT too early and SS has been forwarding the embarkation request to the travel agents. I gave the agent my booking number and she didn't say if I was guaranteed or not and said "they are working on it". I asked her who "they" were and she said the travel agent. How hard is it to WORK on something so easy. I am not a happy camper with my agent now. If he doesn't answer his email, what else won't he answer correctly. What should I do????

[cechase]

Ok all my new found friends. I emailed my TA yesterday morning and it's now 3:00 PM central time and NO response. I'm thinking maybe he's waiting to hear back from SS. So......I just called SS and was told it is NOT too early and SS has been forwarding the embarkation request to the travel agents. I gave the agent my booking number and she didn't say if I was guaranteed or not and said "they are working on it". I asked her who "they" were and she said the travel agent. How hard is it to WORK on something so easy. I am not a happy camper with my agent now. If he doesn't answer his email, what else won't he answer correctly. What should I do????

 

loulani, I would suggest that you learn from this experience and not use the TA again. Unfortunately, you are in a situation where Silversea will only respond to your TA and not you. [this is a common business situation where you have placed an agent between yourself and a business.] There is no excuse for not promply responding to your email. I have not had that problem in the past even though I booked all of my cruises but one through Icruise.com. This cruise I booked directly with Marcia Burdick who is a Personal Vacation Consultant at Silversea. Not only did she respond to my several emails promptly, but she obtained a good deal for me as a solo traveler.

[Keith1010]

Ok all my new found friends. I emailed my TA yesterday morning and it's now 3:00 PM central time and NO response. I'm thinking maybe he's waiting to hear back from SS. So......I just called SS and was told it is NOT too early and SS has been forwarding the embarkation request to the travel agents. I gave the agent my booking number and she didn't say if I was guaranteed or not and said "they are working on it". I asked her who "they" were and she said the travel agent. How hard is it to WORK on something so easy. I am not a happy camper with my agent now. If he doesn't answer his email, what else won't he answer correctly. What should I do????

 

As I mentioned yesterday, SS has not assigned the early embarkations for 2010. They are working on 2009.

 

What you need to ask SS is do they have your request. If not, then you need to ask the TA to do this or you can do this yourself by going to the SS web site and going into your voyage. You need your booking number to do this. If SS has your request, then there is nothing more that needs to be done on either your part or your TA's for now except your TA should check with them every couple of weeks.

 

If you have more questions, let me know.

 

Keith

[CatServants]

Keith, thanks. What a good idea. Being a Seabourn cruiser, I'd know where everything was if I were on one of their three smaller ships, but I am unfamiliar with the Shadow. I will put in my request for early embarkation today. Thanks so much for your input, I agree with all you said.

 

Jane

 

Jane,

 

Although we had not planned to board early on our first SS cruise last month, we ended up getting it comped due to a delayed airport to port transfer. We only ended up getting on board about 2 hours early, but even that 2 hours was great in terms of ship exploration/unpacking/specialty restaurant reservations etc. My wife and I decided that we will definitely sign up for it next cruise.

 

Randy

[wripro]

Amazing how certain optional things, once experienced, become necessities.

[dwelsh]

We were so happy to sail on Sitmar, Royal Viking, Royal etc with ocean view accomodation. NOW! Only verandas will do!! It's like everything we do in life; experience driving a luxury foreign car and then go back to a Chevy? I did drive one a couple of weeks ago trying to be a "good" citizen helping the economy, but, although they have improved, it is still easy to see how they lost market share and will have a hell of a battle to win it back.:eek:

[ging466]

We were so happy to sail on Sitmar, Royal Viking, Royal etc with ocean view accomodation. NOW! Only verandas will do!! .:eek:

 

How true it is! I started off with an inside cabin:eek:, then went to an ocean view:), now I've got my first balcony booked for next year...where will it end?:D

 

I agree with you all about the early embarkation and why it's 'essential' however having travelled mainly on mass market lines and the fact that they really couldn't care less if you are on board or not, the official SS welcome is really special.

 

Cheers

ging466

[CatServants]

Amazing how certain optional things, once experienced, become necessities.

 

Yes, like cruising on a luxury line..... :)