Don,
Thanks to Ngaire and Julie, we just booked the Whisper on 5-29-06!

We booked into a triple cabin- it was cheaper then doing it that way then to do a single supplement. Don't know if my sister is going or not. If we can find another person for her to room with- we can go with the two cabins.

Julie was working with us this afternoon- we booked into the 6th floor port side first balcony room on that floor. The other pick was deck 8- we think the bridge is above that.
Which one would you have picked.
We went for the 6th floor.

We are going to fly over a couple of days early to Nice and explore that area and then stay one night in Rome. We were on the Diamond 2 years ago- and just loved it over there- you will love Portifino! If you want me to send you some photos from shutterfly.com, let me know.

Don, I am still working and have to plan around those 3 day holiday weekends thus, the end of May for us. We did Spain back in 2001 similar to the one that you have on the books- and love Portual. I think your trip sounds great- we missed out on the Med this summer (went to Alaska because of health reasons in the family) and it was my parents 50th anniversary. Thus, really want to spend the time in the Med area- Nice to Rome.

Thanks for all your help.

Don, what would say the differences are between Silverseas and Radisson, I know about the cocktails. Anything else that pops into your head.
Jan

Jan, I would do deck six as close to mid ship as well. I think this is a good choice. You are two decks down to the restaurant and embarkation/debarkation point on a port intensive cruise. One deck up and you are at the Terrace cafe, one deck down and you are at the shops, pursers desk, excursion desk, etc. If you were in a warm climate to enjoy the pool I would say deck eight because it is the pool deck. Also, it doesn't matter whether you are portside or starboard on this cruise, because it alternates directions.

Actually we were in Portofino as well in April last year and you are right it is breathtaking. We are looking forward to going back.

You know, I haven't yet been on RSSC, but have heard that other than the drinks, things are quite similar. RSSC sailors that have been on the Whisper said that if you closed your eyes you would swear that you were on the Navigator, that they were almost identical ships, built in the same shipyard. Some things that I have seen that have been different from the Whisper to the RSSC ships are the baths. The Whisper has double vanities and a seperate shower and bathtub. Oh, caviar is free on SS also, but I really don't care for it that much. Other than that, I really couldn't tell you. Ngaire and Linda would know because they have done both, as well as Olivia here on the boards.

Marcie, I know it is hard to find one that fits, but maybe their will be an SS cruise in your future. We are looking forward to being on MUSH together with you and our other LCT friends. It is going to be a blast. I'm not sure that the other passengers are going to be ready for us. I think I counted 90 in our group so far. Can that be right?

I'll just chime in here and say congratulations, Jan - I think you have made a great choice! The Whisper is a lovely ship. We do have yet to sail RSSC, but we are not that far off from doing so. From all I have heard, the two lines are quite similar. We are "cabin people", and SS has nice suites, but upon the studying up I have done on RSSC, I think we'd be VERY HAPPY in an RSSC suite.

Somehow, I lost this thread for awhile. Kristen, what great pix you take! You remind me of Todd; you may not know him from the board as he has been very busy lately with a new career, but he would always come home with all those detailed photos of the cabins which are SO helpful to those who have not sailed on either line! Don remembers I said if my eyes were closed I could not see the difference between the lines at the end of my one and only SS cruise. I had too critical an eye in the beginning. Loved your Silver Suite. Can't let myself do that, and Anthony, just get ready for more of the same in the future, once you experience it! Paige is worth it!

Jan, can't wait to hear about your cruise on SS! I am "full-up" and more for 2006 with PARTY, ROAR, MUSH, and two land trips, one with my Jes in Harbor Island for our birthdays (big 60 for me, she's still in the early 20's) and a family destination wedding in St. John's in June with all the kids. Life is good, and I feel blessed with family and good cruise buddies from this board! But stressed lately to have to pay for them!

One nice thing here on this board, nobody is "picking sides" for one cruise line over the other, as naturally occurs on cc. I think it is wonderful that Ngaire has not only branched out beyond RSSC and SS and Residensea(now we don't hear much about that line here), to Oceana and wonderful land trips/cruises and no one is trying to push one above the other. We just all love traveling, and trust that "if he/she liked this, then I think I would like that". No need to get ourselves polarized, just too much good stuff out there in a competitive market.

Thanks all,
I found a link on LCT that someone had posted photos of the Whisper and watched them last night- it sure looks like Radisson furniture. I have been on the Navigator a few times.
Love the smaller ships in the MED.
Thanks Don, when I found the photo- the bridge goes out and it might get in our way of seeing things- maybe not, who knows. I copied and pasted your response and sent it to sister- she loves cavier.
Yep, I know Todd and his real estate career.
Thanks all- we are booked, now it depends if sister comes along or not.
Jan

Just booked October 29, 2006 Barbados to San Juan on the Silver Shadow!

Silversea%20Shadow%20itinerary]Silversea Shadow itinerary


Wow! 50% off! Oh my can't wait!

(Karen edited Todd's post to shorten his link and the link still looks weird!) :)

Todd,

We are missing you by one week. We might cross paths somewhere between the pier and the airport.

You have to love the savings with these deals!!!

Anthony

That is a nice itiny Todd... and great price!

We just booked the Sept 13. '06 ten day cruise from Stockholm to London for about $4800 pp. for a balcony suite. We were looking for a N. European cruise for about that time, and found Radisson (and even Oceania) about $2000 pp more (when suites were all made about equal). If you get a chance, you should look at the itinerary on this one. To me, it is a major winner! I've always wanted to cruise Silversea, because somewhere I've gotten it into my mind that it just may be the best cruise line. Guess now I'll get to find out.

Thanks,
Richard

Richard, I'm excited that you and Carol have booked a Silversea cruise! For one thing, this will "take away" your all-inclusive problem with RSSC, and you will truly see what it is like never to be bothered with "chits". I think you are one one of the smaller ships? Cloud or Wind? Seems posters on this line have only been on Shadow and Whisper. I love the itinerary. One thing about looking at Silversea v. Raddisson, there are always different ports, and when we repeat the same area of the world a little difference in ports can make the deal to change. Congrats on branching out! I am certain you will not be sorry in this case!

jhp:

Hi! Yes, it is the Cloud. Actually, we took an all-inclusive RADISSON cruise on the Diamond in 03. And after all the discussion and re-discussion, I actually found that all-inclusive, in and of itself, didn't really make THAT much difference to me after all. In fact, I think I drank LESS than on cruises with Radisson's usual inclusions.

But here is what does matter. Back in '01 when we decided we were going to have to up-grade from the mass market to get cruises we would enjoy, it was Radisson that was offering the "bargains" compared to the other lux lines. And at one time after that, Radisson was up to six ships in her fleet--- thereby offering a lot of itinerary choices. So off we went. But now, this Silversea cruise was $2000 pp less than a comparable Radisson itinerary with comparable suite. So it seems that for now, Silversea has stepped up to the plate in affordable lux cruising, and Radisson has backed off. Also Radisson is now a bit lacking in itinerary choices with her fleet down by 1/3, and we actually preferred the Silversea itinerary ---- especially the docking at London's Tower Bridge overnight!

Thanks,
Richard

Hi, Richard - We just booked our first SilverSea sailing on the Whisper. Having sailed the Mariner twice, Navigator once, and we'll be traveling on Voyager's upcoming "chocolate" cruise, we are interested to see how SilverSea's "all-inclusive" compares to RSSC's "almost-all-inclusive." I'm really looking forward to our sailing on the Whisper; after reading jhp's wonderful review, I'm certain we'll enjoy SilverSea as much as we love RSSC and, as you point out -- it allows twice as many options! Mia

Richard: When did you "see the light" on all inclusive??? - I thought you were an all inclusive warrior - I think Radisson should definitely consider AI - Joanna

I agree with you Joanna. I think most of us who have now cruised "all inclusive" are sold on the idea. I can only speak for Tom and me but I think there might not be as much interest in trying SS if RSSC would go AI.

Oh, I didn't mean to say that "all inclusive" was unimportant to me now. I still very much favor it, as it allows me to feel free to have a drink when I want, and NOT to have one when I don't --- instead of having "set drinking times" with dinner --- if you know what I mean. What I was saying was that it was primarily the itinerary advantage --- and the great price advantage offered by Silversea that caused us to choose it. These things were more important to us in this selection than the "open bar."

But, yes, I still feel that Radisson should be all-inclusive. Especially in light of their new higher prices. But this appears to be another example of how the free market works well. Radisson remains only partially inclusive and raises their prices and reduces their specials, and along comes a competitor and offers lower prices AND open bar. So, I don't want to argue on the boards in favor of Radisson going open bar any further. I'll just go to where the open bar is (along with the lower price and great itinerary).

Thanks,
Richard