Silver Shadow vs. Regent Voyager

[chrislcruise]

We have cruised Regent Voyager and loved it, but are considering visiting Alaska on the Silver Shadow......thoughts? comparisons, please?

[duct tape]

Please search the threads, I am sure you will find lots of comparisons.

[canadagal]

Why do you have to compare the two? Both lines are wonderful and each ship in each line is different. It's all so subjective and dependant on the crew and dozens of other things at that particular moment in time. Only by your own experience can you gauge what is right for you. What I like, you may not and vice a versa. Just go and enjoy!
Pat

[DebbieH103]

We went on Shadow in May and have been on the twin, Whisper twice, and I went on Voyager in October.

I agree with the poster that they are both nice and will provide a great experience, but that doesn't give you a lot of info.

Shadow is usually kept in great shape since it goes out for the world cruises, and we found it in great shape in May. The shiip's standard cabins are similar size to those on Voyager, but Shadow has bigger closets (both have walk-in), but Voyager has the full-sized couch vs. the loveseat on Shadow. Both have flat screen TVs, but Voyager has gone to video on demand now (I haven't yet experienced it), while Shadow hasn't.

There are more dining choices as far as evening restaurants on Voyager, but they are changing the themes. Food is wonderful on both. Both pour nice wines at lunch and dinner, and they will serve something else if you don't like it. Both have great room service menus.

Both have nice entertainment and production shows (you may read they are gone on Shadow, but they are back now). Both have lectures and great activities.

Both sail to wonderful places.

Voyager has more passengers, so the casino is larger, there are more cabins (all balcony), etc. but service is not as intimate as on Shadow. Not all cabins on Shadow are balcony, but there are plenty of them.

Service is a bit more formal on Silversea, though the staff is warm and friendly. I like this style of service. The service is a bit more casual on Regent, and the whole thing feels a bit more laid back, though people dressed up more on Voyager even on casual nights.

I like how Silversea escorts all of their tours. Regent escorts some. I think some of Regent's tours are more imaginative or maybe it was because I was in Europe and was into wine and food. We have had more adventurous ones on Silversea, though.

I like the Captain's party and other type events better on Silversea, but that is not a big deal, since these things can become routine.

[meow!]

... production shows (you may read they are gone on Shadow, but they are back now) ...Is that already a fact or still a future plan? We heard that on board the Shadow last December.

[Dreps]

Since you loved the Voyager, I am surprised for Alaska, you don't stick with Regent's Mariner. While the cabins are not quite as large as on the Voyager, they are still wonderful, and many loyal Regent cruisers actually prefer the Mariner--no vibration problems. Regent has also had some super specials advertised for next year to Alaska--especially at the beginning and end of the the Alaska season. We did the Mariner in Alaska a few years ago and thought it was great. Subsequently, we've been on the Mariner for 40+ days, and we were on the Whisper this May. We prefer Regent, though we wouldn't hesitate to go on another Silversea cruise. I agree it is a bit more laid back. We also like the stricter smoking policy.

[chrislcruise]

Many Thanks for the great insights!!!!

[nancygp]

Debbie, thanks for mentioning that the production shows are back on the Shadow. I'm considering an Alaskan cruise on the Shadow for next year and was trying to get an answer about that. While I'm interested in Regent's Alaskan cruises, I prefer longer cruises and 7 days just doesn't cut it for me.

Also, do you think that there will be more than one lecturer on the Shadow?

Thanks, Nancy

[DebbieH103]

My Shadow review should be searchable or contact me and I will send it.

We went in May on the last segment of the world cruise (Caribbean), and the production shows were back (Shadow only), but they were coming back soon to the other ships. Shadow also had great Sharper Image massage chairs that aren't on Whisper yet (Observation Lounge) or weren't in December.

[Dreps]

By the way, I agree that 7 days is generally too short for a cruise. However, I thought the Mariner itinerary worked well because it's great to spend time on land pre- and post-cruise. We went up to Denali and Talkeetna before our cruise and spent several days in Vancouver/Victoria after our cruise. I know that many also extol the virtues of seeing the Kenai Peninsula also.

[nancygp]

Thanks Debbie. I've read your reviews on the "other" board.

Nancy

[wripro]

One reason to avoid the Mariner like the plague in Alaska, and this is just my personal opinion, is the kids sail free program. I don't care how good the supposed kids program is I don't want to sail with 100 children. If I did i could do it for a lot less money. Again, this is just my opinion!!!!

[DebbieH103]

Nancy, I have some of my reviews in a different verson in a generic AOL journal because I was able to integrate pics there.

Regarding more than one lecturer, I think our 9 day Dubai cruise had more than one, but some of the Silversea cruises have one lecturer. If there is a special program, they will probably have two. There will be a lot of things going on.