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Reviewer Ratings

5/5

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Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

Silversea-Silver Shadow Review

Alaska - 8/2011

I have sailed on the Silver Shadow before and like the size and number of passengers (380). The food was superb and the wait staff were the best I've encountered. The only downside was the entertainment which wasn't great but the lounges had cabaret type entertainment.

This year Silversea has added butlers to every category stateroom.  They still have cabin stewards but the butlers are very helpful in that they pick up and deliver your laundry and dry cleaning and deliver your room service. They restock your private bar and  make your dinner reservations at the alternative restaurants. They often bring you cookies and tea in the afternoon.

On Silversea ships there is a lounge on Deck 5 which is the meeting place for everyone for cocktails and appetizers before dinner in the restaurant on Deck 4. There is also an observation lounge where coffee and tea are available in the mornings and tea and refreshments are served in the afternoons.. This is where most lecturers speak during the day.

It is easy to meet fellow passengers on the ship because of the size and number of passengers on the ship.

Pros: The quality food and complimentary wine and spirits is valued by luxury travelers

Cons: This type of food and service costs more than a premium or mass market cruise

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

The Small Ship Experience

Mediterranean - 5/2011

Silver Cloud - Lisbon to Rome

I had the privilege of sailing on Silver Cloud, Silversea's smallest ship holding 296 passengers.  This is the smallest ship on which I have sailed and it was a delight.  On a small ship, you really feel at one with the sea and fortunately, I don't get seasick.   It's so relaxing to sit on your balcony and be so close to the ocean.  

One would not know Silver Cloud is Silversea's oldest ship.  She is in immaculate shape in every way.  My veranda stateroom was spacious with plenty of storage space, plus the large walk in closet.  Rosie, my butler was extremely attentive - polishing shoes without being asked, bringing afternoon snacks after a long day in port without ordering them and restocking the refrigerator to my specifications - including a bottle of rose wine from La Terrazza that we had sampled at lunch.  Each night's dinner was a sumptuous feastl alternating between The Restaurant and La Terrazza, always able to get the desired time and table, even though the ship was almost  full.  I dined poolside in Cadiz after a long but wonderful day in Seville, enjoying the view of the port and a spectacular sail away at 11 pm.    The service was always gracious and friendly, the sommeliers eager to share their extensive knowledge about the different complimentary wines served each night.  This was a 9 day cruise with only one sea day, but there were plenty of activities on the sea day for those that wanted to participate. 

In Palma de Mallorca, I took a bicycling shore excursion offered by Silversea which was excellent.  The guide, Jean, met our small group of 14 at the ship and we walked a short distance to our bicycles equipped with helmets.  We rode along the harbor, marvelling at the enormous yachts, and then headed into the old town.  Jean occasionally stopped to give us insights about the cathedral and the town's history, and there was even time to shop for Mallorca pearls.  I returned to the ship in time to have a quick bite in La Terrazza and then headed back to town on Silver Cloud's complimentary shuttle.

Each port was better than the last and I was dismayed to realize it was Portofino and the last day of the cruise.  The seas were rough but the Cloud's crew did an excellent job of getting the guests safely on and off the tender to ensure they could experience this exquisite port.    It was with great sadness that I bid goodbye to my wonderful, luxurious home away from home in Rome and we look forward to returning to Silver Cloud soon.      

Pros: Service, staff, food, intimate atmosphere

Cons: Miniature golf on deck 5 lobby

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

Our Best Cruise Ever

Europe - 5/2010

Pros: Everything

Cons: None

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

4/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

PA II West coast of South America

Ecuador, Peru Chile - 10/2009

An intimate ship with all the standard luxuries of the larger ships.

The ship is more casual. There were no tuxes or suits on board. The rooms even on Deck 3 were very gracious in size and decor. One problem-temperature control on Deck 3 is an issue. Rooms cannot be cooled down sufficiently.

The staff was great and the expedition staff enthusiastic and  there were familiar faces from other Silversea vessels. We missed having an opportunity to dine in a different venue on a 14 night trip. Flexibility is advised as much of the zodiac activity is subject to weather conditions.

Pros: Size, itineraries, staff

Cons: No pool, no secondary dining room, not much exterior space.

Reviewer Recommended? y