We wanted to go to Dubai and are experienced cruisers world wide. This is our 12 th cruise and it started in Mumbai. Mumbai should never be visited unless you like crazy traffic with shanties everywhere. Way way worse than the poorest town in Mexico. The next 3 ports were literally gravel pits with commercial cranes and little access to leave the ship. At one port my wife and I barely made it back through port security. The 3 rd & 4 th port of Furjariah and Abu Dhabi were better with the last actually having easy on and off the ship access. Finally one UAE country figured how to cater to guests . Then we find out at 2 pm they cancelled our Qatar stop and have to spend another full day here. Not that much to do that one day doesn’t suffice, so we will sit by the very small pool and eat the fly invested food I guess! The staff were friendly but the food is a disaster , they don’t have .orange juice now two days in a row for breakfast! I am serious about the flies! We have a suite and have been awoken each night except last night with the cleaning crew on deck 8 around midnight. The ship is outdated and we heard is scheduled for a referb soon, can’t be soon enough. The captain has made 4 announcements and I didn’t understand a single word he said. He should not be allowed to use the PA. Besides the 4 out of 5 ports that literally are a shit hole, we paid $22,000 US and I cannot see any value. I would recommend Oceana or another line. I will not sail with these guys again. Read Less

We had previously traveled with Costa and it was just wonderful. Hoping for a similar experience, we booked this trip with great difficulty. Costa would not return e-mails or phone calls with our travel agent. They shoved a comfort package up our nose, saying we could not have the room without the package. Our room steward was wonderful. The swimming pool was very small and the hot tub was extremely dirty. The food was boring to say the least. Two buffet tables each with the same: always two curry dishes and two pasta dishes that were the same. That means a grand total of four spaces for each. From the buffet,hot water and free coffee were limited to breakfast and tea time.The coffee was just horrid. The cruise had been initially listed as 2 nights longer and we booked a bus tour accordingly. So we almost had to pull teeth to get Costa to cover our two extra nights in Rome that would have normally been on board. For the most part, much of the staff were rude and very stuck in their job descriptions. But there were a couple of gems: Lewis in the buffet room, two very special little ladies in the buffet room who got me hot water when I need it badly, the gentleman at reception who made the arrangements for me to play the bar piano in the afternoon(grr - first time had to find someone with a key, AND a piano bench). And since I was sick from Mumbai to Rome, everything was extremely frustrating. It was just our bad luck that we were not Italian, or our fortune that we were not screaming out heads off in that language. I could go on and on, but I think I have expressed my extreme disappointment with the whole trip. Read Less

After reading earlier reviews we specifically asked Silverseas Uk for reassurance that this ship was indeed up to scratch, they said yes we would receive the normal 5 star luxury cruise experience..... basically they didn't tell the truth as it was anything but. Our $1000 a night suite had worn out soft furnishings and a heavily stained carpet that we avoided walking on with bare feet, the public room soft furnings were also worn and drab, a bit like a care home lounge. The menu choice was restricted to items that had not run out as they reduced stock pre refit which is where the ship will spend the rest of Feb 2018 in a dry dock....they even started to dismantle the ship days before we disembarked....art was removed leaving near bare bulkheads throughout the ship. Food quality was especially poor more like a cross channel ferry than a 5 star lux ship. Entertainment was dire. Staff acted like it was the end of term...which it was for many of them. Needless to say its back to Oceania and we will never trust Silverseas again. Read Less

We've always thoroughly enjoyed our silversea cruises unfortunately not this time . From the moment we stepped onto the ship in Mahe the atmosphere felt different . Reception staff not friendly customer service sadly lacking particularly from 2 people one male and one female who showed no interest at all in any query we made . In my mind first impressions are the most important and they certainly let the company down . Staff attitude in some areas was apathetic gave the impression they did not want to serve us , Service poor in lots of areas particularly Stars where after the food had been served the bar staff were nowhere to be seen . Face recognition sadly lacking this is something that Silverseas has excelled in there was a handful of staff that rembered us mainly because we'd sailed with them before . I have to say most of the staff were friendly and helpful unfortunately you need a few bad staff to lower the ships reputation . The food was very good with a nice choice on the menus . Very disappointing to have only one cooking demonstration . No tasting or drink offered . The Chef had nobody in attendance they all cleared off and he was left with difficulty using the cooker and no Salt and Pepper !!!! Most unimpressive . Entertainment was good We really enjoyed the singer in Stars Claudette had a good voice too . We were made aware countless times the ship was going into dry dock in March . That is no interest to us we spent a lot of money on this cruise and we expected full silversea service which was lacking in lots of ares . We had our photo taken at the Venetian society as we'd achieved 100 days which entitled us to free laundry !!! This photo was taken with the captain . We did not receive a copy of this photo until disembarkation day Adam sorted it out . Once again the reception were most unhelpful and the female hostess should have followed up who had their photo taken that night and dealt with it accordingly . I'm sorry to say that was the nature of most of the cruise . On the plus side we really enjoyed the Indian dancers and the Italian tenor not to mention Claudette and the singer in Stars .Suite was a bit tired mini bar well stocked . Free laundry was great . Butler and Room attendant helpful and pleasant . Pool area was very busy not enough sun beds put out and occupancy rules not adhered to . The Boutique was closed a lot of the time . Delightful girl working there . The merchandise needs addressing it's dowdy and old fashioned and more costume jewlellery should be available Read Less

We (just the two of us) love the size of this ship and that all the cabins are a comfortable size, though we did have a larger cabin on this particular cruise. The service was impeccable as usual and food was very good (and that is saying a lot since I am a very picky eater). We always arrive a few days before our cruise since we know things can go astray (cancelled flights, delayed flights, etc) plus we enjoy resting up and exploring our departure city. We both love the all-inclusiveness of SilverSeas. There was plenty of good entertainment thru out our Cruise. Our room had so much storage space and the closet was very large for a ship. (Drawers and cabinets galore) The balcony was a nice size with a small table for eating, an adjustable lounge chair and a standard cushioned chair. The only negative was the limited movies as I do enjoy watching movies late at night. I'm glad to see this ship going into dry dock for refurbishments--It will be a great Enhancement. Read Less

I read some terrible reviews and ignored them. That was a big mistake. This company is bordering on a criminal organisation A complete rip off. They lie about everYthing and try to extract every penny from you. THEY EVEN CHARGE FOR THE USE OF A TABLE TENNIS BALL! They cut corners everywhere and have missed out several tires of management resulting in on deck chaos. No customer care and no concern. Very average food and entertainment and they try to charge for everything including water. We bought a bottle of water and were charged 9 Euros. There is no shop on board so you can't buy basic medicines sunh as headache tablets or indigestion tablets. You have to go to the on board doctor and are charged 64 Euros for the visit! The officers are massively arrogant and will not address any customer complaints. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY EVER. Read Less

We had an insurance conference. Sailed out of Mumbai till Cochin for 3 nights. From the welcome till departure everything was seamless. Thomas Cook employees were also coordinating with the Italian staff. We also had a lot of Indian staff to manage 300 of us. The main meal was a buffet in Al Fresco and we had a choice with Tivoli where we had a sit down dinner to be booked a day in advance. With the Piu Gusto card we were allowed to consume limited drinks and starters. Our Porthole room on the 6th floor was spacious and a comfortable bed and bathroom. My only regret was the dinner options were over at 9;30. So after the crazy parties we had each night we had no food to gorge on at the wee hours. I feel if they are serving alcohol, they should have an all night restaurant. The staff were always attentive, eager to serve us, even though the ship is old, it was the service that stood out. Read Less

We wanted to see India but were concerned about the pollution so thought this cruise would be the best way. We were in Mumbai for 3 days before embarkation to explore the city. Boarding the ship went well. We spent one night on board ship then took the ship sponsored trip to Agra to see the Tai Mahal. That trip was very rushed. and we almost got left in the Delhi train station on the way to Agra but the guides found us. We saw the Taj Mahal and then the Fort at Agra, then some shopping. It would have been a better trip just to have seen the Taj Mahal, all else was really an anti-climax. The drive back to Delhi from Agra was very tiring and long (5 hours) due to the traffic. The flights, both to and from Delhi were with GoIndi and they were good. We stayed at The Raddison in Delhi and it was nice. The cabin on board the ship was dated but comfortable. We had a really nice cabin boy named Stanley who took excellent care of our cabin, and spoke good English also. The food in the main dining room was very poor. Did not have anything that we really liked. The food in the breakfast area, the La Trattoria, was good. It also had a buffet for lunch and dinner that was fairly good so we tended to eat there for most of our meals. The Al Fresco Cafe was a nice place to eat also. You could get your food from the buffet and sit in the Al Fresco Cafe enjoying the outside. Did not participate in activities on board. We were told that everything was in English but it was not and when English was spoken sometimes it was very hard to understand. We did buy the drinks package and that was well worth the money. In addition to alcoholic drinks it allowed you to have wonderful non-alcoholic drinks at any time. These drinks were really good. Took other trips from the boat. Some were better than others , again because of the language. The trip to Cochin was a tour of the area and churches. We found out later that V. DeGamma was buried in one of the oldest churches there but our guide was on his phone for most of the time we were in the church so didn't point the burial place out. That would have been interesting to see. The guide in the Goa area was very knowledgable and spoke well. Kept us on schedule. The service was good. Most of the Indians and Filipinos who worked on board were very conversant in English. Really liked out bar server, Raquel who remembered our orders. The disembarkation went well. We booked out own taxi back to the hotel but the Costa representative stayed with us to be sure it worked out. Read Less

I was in same group as MchrisD and would echo everything that was said. In addition, I pre booked bought a drinks-package Pranzo & Cena for €237.86 which entitles you to wine and beer only at lunch and dinner times. On getting on cruise, Costa offered a package of 6 bottles of wine and 7 bottles of water over €113 cheaper. I asked to change but they would not let me. The wine on the Pranzo package is truly awful. So my advice to everyone, do not pre book, there is no advantage I wrote a complaint while on the ship which was totally ignored. I followed this up via e mail, only to be informed curtly that the bar manager was right in refusing to swap, there was no explanation. It’s very poor customer care. This is only my third cruise, but would not recommend Costa. The organised trips are ridiculously expensive, undertake some research prior to you trip so you know what you want to see (the Costa itinerary can help) and negotiate with the taxi drivers waiting outside the docks. On the positive side, the cabins are reasonably spacious, and clean, showers hot with good enough power. I visited the gym which was on deck 11 bow end with lovely views, the equipment was in good working order. (but there was a sometimes a lack of stationary bikes due to some passengers hogging and slowly cycling for an hour, despite notices limiting use to 20 minutes.) There were no fitness classes provided. The staff are very polite and hard working. Read Less

The cruise from Mumbai, to the Maldives and to Sri Lanka and back seemed ideal. I love cruising and India and this cruise was January a good way to get away form the cold in UK. I booked through a cruise company not directly. The initial concern was a visa. Ringing Costa to ask for advice I was told they didn't know if I required a full visa or not (In fact a full visa is essential). Checking in in Mumbai was an on shore trail from one counter to another a shuttle bus to the liner. No warm welcome just a pointer to my cabin on deck 4. The cabin was one of the better things of the cruise. Décor was tired, but the safe worked well, the water in the shower always warm and linen changed regularly. However not even a complimentary bottle of water waiting for me. Food was a cross between Italian and Indian. The choice in the formal dining was not good but in the self service buffet it was fine. However the counters are far apart and if you require toast with your egg you have to walk at least 50 yards! Coffee only freely available at breakfast and at afternoon tea, at all other times it had to be bought. Water had to be purchased in the dining room if you required it with your meal. No coffee served at the table after dining. It is the first cruise I have been on where some food was not available free at all times of day. Therefore returning to the ship after being ashore may mean you have to wait until the next time food was available. The passengers aboard are from many countries therefore entertainment had to allow for this. The dancers and visual shows were well done. Other activities had to be conducted in several languages therefore doing quizzes etc was prolonged. The ports visited (apart from Goa) were cities. I was disappointed not to see anything of 'real' India. The cost of the excursions was prohibitive. Being prepared to book independently we saved three quarters of the excursion costs. The time ashore was very short. This was my thirteenth cruise and the first one was not alolowed to go on the promanarde deck! When I question at reception I was met with a blank. Overall this was a bad experience and I shall never go on a Costa cruise again. Read Less

I had recently been on the costa neo classica . Not a good experience as it is not indian friendly and the food is terrible , mostly frozen stale and half cooked or half baked. They cater to italian delicacies and totally ignore the needs of other country specialties. They ran straight into the ockhi storm and had a rocking ride from day one. They expect guests to pay for water every time which is not indian culture. They also have a racist attitude towards indians where in we contribute a lot better to the world in general. When they are not indian friendly why do they want to do india ?? The entertainment was also pathetic except for the yuri and edita show. The shows are also in the evening and nothing to do in the morning hours when they sail. The games conducted are also pathetic. Total waste of your hard earned money unless u want to waste it. Read Less

I do not have adequate words to describe my first cruise on Oceania. Our carry on luggage was lost during embarkation and the Oceania staff told us they had searched the ship and could not find it. After hours of aggravation, my partner found the luggage. I would never set foot on another Oceania ship. My partner was injured on an Oceania sponsored excursion. We were taken to a third world hospital for treatment. As you can imagine we were less than impressed with the facility and service. The rooms were ill equipped or not equipped at all, there was a total lack of cleanliness, physicial confrontations at the entrance (they gate the front doors), people lying on the dirty floor, old cracked dirty stretchers. I think you get the picture. For the most part, the Oceania staff were not supportive, nor did they think they had to be accountable for not following their own policies. The accident was a direct result of not following a 'no- wheechair policy' for a night visit to Karnak. The food in the Toscana was excellent, as was the service. The Polo Grill was terrible. The food was overcooked and the meat was tough as nails. The main dining room and Terrace Grill were mediocre. That is not what I expected on a 'luxury cruise'. The bridge lessons were enjoyable. The cruise itinerary was good but the excursions did not live up to my expectations. We were taken to very expensive or inappropriate places for shopping. The guides were pleasant enough but spent too much time justifying their moral/cultural position. I wanted to see all of the spectacular sights and not have the experience tainted by their bias. We only attended one wine tasting and it was underwhelming. No food paring and the unfortunate young woman leading the tasting was forced to present a corporate slide show (which was boring to say the least). We are enthusiastic oenophiles and usually attend all wine/food events. Save your sanity and money. Go elsewhere for your cruise vacation. Read Less

Chose this cruise for itinerary (good) and reputation (overrated). Oceania's website is very poor which reflected their organisation. We booked Oceania air because of a direct flight, then found the flight was re-directed and when we asked for it to be reverted back to what we had booked were charged $340 each for the "change". We have contacted Oceania by mail and email, also through the Concierge on board and have received no replies or acknowledgement. Agree that food looks pretty but omelettes, lobster and steaks that you can't cut are not acceptable. To begin with staff in dining room were quite miserable, but warmed up after a first review. Our overnight bag was also lost by Oceania transferring from Delhi to Mumbai - we gave up on it and went to bed at midnight having been told it was on the ship "somewhere", and we were not even offered a toothbrush until I asked. Agree that the hospital do get you to sign and keep coming back, but the bills were available to see every day, thank goodness our insurance covered the $4,500 U.S. for a bronchitis cough (which most of the passengers seemed to have anyway!). Agree that they seemed in a hurry to get you off the ship (and understand a lot has to be done on turnaround), but the only bathrobe we had been using was removed the night before and our cases were already packed! The itinerary was good but most tours were spoiled because we couldn't hear (or sometimes see) the guides; ear-buds ("whisperers") are necessary in most places. To summarize, Oceania is overpriced, overrated, and "customer relations" don't seem to exist. We will not sail with Oceania again, as this was our worst experience in 23 years of cruising, and because of their obvious lack of interest in our comments we have subsequently booked two cruises on other cruise lines. Read Less

There is no point in just being critical and having recently sailed on the Silver Cloud I have to say the following. We have cruised with Silversea many times before and even though we were not fortunate enough to be around during their heyday, we could still feel the enormous difference from our first trip which happened to be on the Silver Cloud in the year 2000. We knew when we boarded the ship from Mumbai to Cape Town, that things on board would not be quite the same but we had no idea how different it might be. Yes there were some air-conditioning problems, yes the entertainment was not on the same level as it had been before and yes the food portions were drastically reduced, but despite this, we actually had a really great cruise. Our butler was fantastic, the food was excellent and the staff tried to make our voyage as pleasant as possible. There are always things on board any ship to complain about but to be absolutely honest, we had a fabulous holiday despite the shortfalls. I think the way the staff tried to make good, made all the difference. Read Less