Sunny429

As chance would have it, all of our sailings with Silversea have been on the Spirit - pre and post splitting and lengthening of her. Upon disembarking in May, this was the first time we were not sad to be leaving. Are the newer ships “better”? (I know this is totally subjective.) Also, I’m referring to the non-expedition ships. I read glowing reviews of the Moon on this site, so I cannot help but wonder if we should seek out another cruise aboard a newer ship.

jpalbny answered your question well. The only thing I can add is regarding the included wine. It’s usually perfectly fine. However, if you don’t like what they serve, ask for something else, describing your preference. They are very accommodating.

👍🏻

Google “Silversea VIP amenities”. Yes, your TA can get the backpack/tote bag plus baseball caps, Evian atomizer spritz bottles, afternoon hors d’ouvres and free laundry for you no matter what class of room you are in if it important to you.

Your TA told you “nothing on regular cruises”?

He’s working for you and getting a commission. If it’s important to you, ask him. Please let us know what he says.

SS used to just give backpacks. Now they sometimes provide a white tote bag and/or a black backpack. Ask your TA.

And the pizza is still wonderful!

I haven’t posted a review on CC, but totally agree that SS is not what it was pre COVID. Most every dinner lasted 3 hours, the much touted “chocolate extravaganza” one evening looked neat, but wasn’t tasty, one of our excursions left 20 minutes late, then 10 minutes in to the bus ride, the bus turned around to return to pick up two guests who were late to arrive and upon return to the ship, our lunch options were limited as La Terrazza closes early to prepare for dinner (and lunch at the pool Grill is not good). Also, we used to enjoy having a cocktail in La Doce Vita before dinner, but the three times we tried this past time, we’re not pleasant. The music -piano and singer - was lovely but way too loud thereby difficult to have a conversation. I did ask if the volume could be lowered and it was. A highlight was the staff in the Panorama Lounge.

We were on the Spirit recently and we found that Silversea is not the Silversea we knew before COVID. I agree that the food is not as good as it used to be. For example, we were traveling with friends and two of them ordered (at different times) a Reuben sandwich at the pool grill for lunch. They weren’t expecting a mile high Reuben that would be served in a New York deli, but they did expect more than one thin slice of beef. Every dinner we had lasted at least three hours. One evening, it took one hour to be served appetizers in Atlantide. I would have liked to see chicken on the menu as well. The Pizzas at Spaccanapoli (sp?)are still yummy.

We have just returned from a cruise that included Dubrovnik and Split as ports if call. I highly recommend getting a guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace in Split.

I had the best massage ever on the Viking Venus last year. Also, they didn’t try to sell me products afterwards.

How does one “find one that deals volume with SS”?

It is my understanding, though I could be wrong, that once one has paid in full, price drops are not applicable.

I am enjoying reading the responses. We are very self sufficient as well, but it’s nice to learn all of the things that a butler can do for guests. Replacing the button was awesome! Also, it never I occurred to me that I could order a mixed drink while I’m getting ready for dinner. I think I’m still a little miffed about our previous butler who was a bit intrusive. One morning, I was lying on the sofa reading in our suite and I hear a faint buzz of the doorbell and almost immediately afterwards he came in. I was “decent”, but there sure wouldn’t have been time to become so if I wasn’t. We exchanged pleasantries and then he continued to talk about his idol for at least the next 30 minutes.