A cold drink in my hand and a fresh towel waiting before I'd even found my bearings. That's how Silver Ray said hello in Monaco.
I boarded on my birthday. I've sailed Silversea before, and boarding has always been the easiest part of the trip. This sailing was no different. The luggage was another story, and it's one every traveler should hear.
Who this story is for: anyone curious about what embarkation day on Silversea actually feels like, and anyone who has ever stood at a baggage carousel watching the belt go empty.
What is boarding a Silversea ship actually like?
No lines. No waiting. You walk up to the desk, fill out a bit of paperwork, and step aboard.
The welcome comes right away: a drink and a towel to freshen up. If your suite isn't ready yet, the ship is open to you. Lounges, restaurants, the open decks. Nobody rushes you anywhere.
Embarkation day in Monaco
We started with lunch on board, unhurried, looking out at the harbor. By the time we finished, our suite was ready. Waiting inside was a birthday cake. Small gesture. I still think about it.
Then came the one thing every guest has to do before the ship can sail.
Do you have to attend the muster drill on a cruise?
Yes. Every guest, every ship, every sailing. The muster drill is a mandatory safety briefing where you learn your assigned assembly station and what to do in an emergency. International maritime safety rules require it before departure. It's short, and then you're free to enjoy the ship.
And that was boarding. Easy. Except for one detail.
What happens if the airline loses your luggage before a cruise?
The airline lost both of our suitcases. We arrived with what we were wearing and our carry-ons.
The first thing we did was go to the guest services desk. From that moment on, Silversea took over communication with the airline. Two people on board contacted the airline every single day, sharing our next port, when we'd arrive, and how long we'd be docked. They kept pushing to get our bags to the next stop.
Every day, someone updated us on what had changed. We hoped to see at least one bag by day four. We didn't.
How long did it take to get our bags back?
After the cruise, I stayed in Portugal for ten more days. On my way home I connected through Amsterdam, so I went to the airline desk and asked in person.
That was day 17. Our claims had been closed for some time. The airline representative actually opened new internal files at that point. The answer: no one knew where our suitcases were.
Mine arrived at my home one day after I got back. The other arrived three days later. I truly believe that conversation in Amsterdam is the reason they were found at all.
What I loved
The crew. This is what I love most about Silversea. They learn your name. They treat you like family. The personal touches, like a birthday cake on embarkation day or a daily update on bags that weren't even their responsibility, make you feel cared for rather than processed.
I'll add something I've noticed over the years: warmth tends to travel both ways. I smile at everyone, and on Silversea that kindness always seems to come right back.
How they handled a problem that wasn't theirs. The airline lost our bags. The ship adopted the problem anyway.
What I didn't love
The airline's process. Closed files, miscommunication, false information. Since getting home, I've spent over a month sending emails and receipts to the airport and the airline. Most replies are automated. No payment yet.
My next step is my credit card company, which includes coverage for lost luggage.
Why I ask every client to sign a travel insurance waiver
This is exactly why my clients either get travel insurance through me or sign a waiver saying they've chosen not to. I've lived the other side of it now.
Having insurance is only half of it. Knowing what it covers matters just as much.
Before you go: a lost-luggage checklist
- Report it on board right away. Guest services can work with the airline while you sail.
- Keep every receipt for anything you buy while you wait.
- Ask about delayed versus lost bags. Policies often treat them differently.
- Check your credit card benefits before you travel, not after.
- Follow up in person when you can. For us, one face-to-face conversation changed everything.
Quick answers
Is there a line to board Silversea?
In my experience, no. A short check-in, then you walk on.
Can I go to my suite right away?
Not always, but public spaces are open while you wait. Ours was ready after lunch.
What should I do first if my luggage doesn't arrive?
Tell the ship's guest services immediately and start saving receipts.
Does travel insurance cover lost luggage?
It depends on the policy. Read it before you leave.
Bottom line
Would I sail Silver Ray again, lost luggage and all? Without a second thought. The airline let us down. The crew turned a stressful week into one where we felt looked after.
If you're considering a Mediterranean sailing, or you want help understanding what your insurance really covers, I'd love to talk it through with you.
