Silver Whisper vs Silver Cloud?

We recently returned from a cruise on Silver Spirit. Loved it. We are now trying to make plans for our next cruise - Caribbean on either Silver Whisper in December or a very similar itinerary on Silver Cloud in March. Any thoughts on the differences between the two ships? We would be staying in a Veranda Suite. There is a big difference in price between the two - the cruise on Silver Whisper in December is considerably less expensive than the similar itinerary on Silver Cloud in March. I believe the Veranda Suite on the Whisper is larger than the Veranda Suite on the Cloud. Is the difference significant? Any other info would be greatly appreciated!

We have been on both ships and loved them both. Wouldn't hesitate to take either one or other, depending on the itinerary.

The prices in the Caribbean tend to be very sharp and SS is no exception. The big difference in cost ($100/day/pp) is due primarily to the difference in seasons. The audience who wishes to cruise less than 2-weeks prior to Christmas is much smaller than those who wish to escape the cold of the northern hemisphere in March when the weather is truly idyllic in the Caribbean Sea. With that said, a $321/day per diem sure is enticing in December.

Good luck with your decision!

DogLover,

We are going on our first voyage on the Spirit this summer. Would enjoy hearing what you loved about the ship!

So would we, having been on the Cloud, the Wind and the Shadow.

Hi,

If you have been on the Spirit, I'd say the small danger is that you'd find the Cloud feeling quite small ... perhaps even too small. Whisper to us seemed a perfect compromise size-wise and we preferred Whisper and Shadow to the two smaller ships. The lower cost and possibility of a less crowded cruise would swing it to Whisper if I were faced with your choice and following your Spirit cruise.

Enjoy your cruise.

Jeff

We've been on the Spirit several times. Never been on the smaller ships, so my input is anecdotal.

All of the seasoned SS cruisers that we've met druing our cruises on Spirit have said that their favourite ship in the SS fleet is either Whisper or Shadow. Based on these conversations that we've had, if we were to try SS again, Spirit would be first choice, but with the right itinerary we would certainly consider Whisper or Shadow.

As I said, purely anecdotal and probably not much help to you! :D

Doglover,

The bathroom and closet on Whisper are much nicer than on Cloud, basically larger. That being said, the Cloud and Wind are my favorite ships; the Bar and restaurants are smaller and seem more personal in nature. To this day many waiters, butlers, and bar and pool waiters that I met on the Cloud and Wind years ago, I still see. I find that pleasing.

Stumblefoot is correct, the difference in price is due to the time of year. Early December tends to be less expensive because many in the US vacation during Thanksgiving week and over the holidays, not between the two. Rates typically increase at resorts on December 15, but between December 1 and 15 they are very discounted.

We have sailed on the Spirit, Shadow, Whisper and Cloud. We find ourselves more on the Spirit the past 6 months because the timing and itineraries appealed to us.

The Whisper and Cloud are different in feel. The Cloud, of course, is smaller, but is a lovely ship with a charm all its own. If you think you will be spending a fair amount of time on the pool deck, we prefer the pool deck on the Whisper. The veranda suite bathrooms on the Cloud were recently renovated and we liked the step in marble shower. [They basically took the bathtub and made a marble step-shower with a bench in the bathtub footprint.] There are some lovely indoor spaces on the Cloud (the theater with the Venetian murals, for example, and the bar areas.] But the Whisper has some lovely spots as well (Grappa bar next to the Casino, and the Panarama Lounge.). All in all, they are very similar, yet in some ways very different because of the size. The crews are fantastic on both ships. Demographic wise, we found the Cloud gets a bit of an older demographic (60s - 70s) because the cruises are typically longer and many are retired and can take the time for a longer cruise. We are in our mid-50s and I think we may have been some of the youngest on our Med cruise on the Cloud last September.

Happy to answer any specific questions you have.

I guess I would say go at the time of year when you feel you will enjoy it most, and just make sure the March timeframe is not during a school vacation! :)

I am one of the devotees of the Cloud. All of the above comments are pertinent. The bathrooms really matter to some people, your call. The Cloud is usually the best maintained by the deck crew. It is the oldest ship but you could still eat off of the pool deck. The veranda floors are in better shape than the other ships. Small, no impact, maybe, on your trip but God is in the details. As Herman referenced, the best decorations are in the lounge. Notice the monkey on the left side of the stage, the birds overhead in the MDR. The Shadow and Whisper are probably the most popular due to size and amenities. Bottom line, pick whichever ship tickles your fancy, you will get to choose the other ship next time! Enjoy.

We consider the Whisper (and Shadow) the perfect size for a ship. While we have not sailed on the Cloud or Wind, we did tour the Cloud when we were docked next to her. She felt a bit too small and old for our liking.

Whatever works for you! Lots of choices.

Thanks to all for your replies and opinions. Still haven't determined what we'll do, but it sounds like no bad choice. We have to sit down and analyze everything - these comments, size of ship, pricing, size of room, time of year, air arrangements, etc. How are the verandas on the Cloud? They are smaller than Whisper - are they too small?

Stumblefoot and Patnlcc, you asked what we liked about Spirit. We're coming from a different perspective than most of you. The only prior cruises we have been on are the mainstream large ships. Spirit was so much nicer than that; we realize that we love the small ship experience. I doubt that Cloud would be too small, but I guess it's better to go down in size gradually! This is what we loved on Spirit - but I'm sure it would be true for any of the Silversea ships: No crowds anywhere - always able to find a place to sit - wonderful, interesting, and friendly people aboard the ship - no loudspeakers announcing an activity - all inclusive on drinks - good restaurant choices (but we enjoyed the main dining room so much that we couldn't warrant spending an additional $80 for dinner in the upcharge restaurants, - great itinerary going to places that the mainstream ships can't get to ... etc. etc.

We have been on the Spirit, Whisper, Shadow and Cloud and like something about each one of them. I would choose based on the time of year you want to travel. The early December cruises can be simply wonderful and frequently are not at all full.

As another poster said, choose the itinerary and time of year. You can always go on a different ship next time!

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

This is what we loved on Spirit - but I'm sure it would be true for any of the Silversea ships: No crowds anywhere - always able to find a place to sit - wonderful, interesting, and friendly people aboard the ship - no loudspeakers announcing an activity - all inclusive on drinks - good restaurant choices (but we enjoyed the main dining room so much that we couldn't warrant spending an additional $80 for dinner in the upcharge restaurants

Stumblefoot, Just a quick note about Spirit. Try the Observation Lounge on Deck 11, it is quiet and unhurried, for lunch the Asia restaurant is fun to try especially the tempura lime basket --I think that is what they call it--and Cali rolls. In the evening I believe they charge 25 to 30 dollars and no charge for lunch. Also Stars supper club can be fun. I like it very much but others find it too busy.

Stumblefoot, Just a quick note about Spirit...

Stumblefoot, Just a quick note about Spirit. Try the Observation Lounge on Deck 11, it is quiet and unhurried, for lunch the Asia restaurant is fun to try especially the tempura lime basket --I think that is what they call it--and Cali rolls. In the evening I believe they charge 25 to 30 dollars and no charge for lunch. Also Stars supper club can be fun. I like it very much but others find it too busy.

Good advice. Also, on disembark day, if you're not first off the ship and in no hurry, the Obs Lounge is a great place to grab a coffee and just sit and relax. Other public areas, like on other ships, can be a zoo during disembarkation. We've always been the only guests in there as we wait for the call to disembark.

Oh but just remember there are no toilets near to it - a design error that should never have happened. Or perhaps it was intended that way.

We like Stars too. On two of our Spirit cruises they had a fabulous chanteuse there. Her name escapes me, unfortunately.

Have been on all 5 non-expedition ships more than once each and whilst we love the demographic on the Cloud/Wind, especially on crossings or voyages with many sea days, the feel of the Whisper/Shadow works better for us. The bigger bathrooms are a real plus, the Grappa bar by the casino is a favorite late night haunt and the Observation lounge works proberly on both ships. The gym is a reasonable size and generally the extra space works well to cope with a possible additional 100 guests.

The Spirit is not my favourite, but the area at the back of the Panorama is a real gem, and the choice of restaurants almost makes up for the crappy pool deck.

Interesting thread and lots of good advice. I'm tipping the other way for the next cruise and have booked the Whisper for a Caribbean in October, having only experienced two med voyages on the Wind which l loved.

I'm a tad apprehensive with joining a bigger ship but am sure I shall enjoy the same Silversea experience.

Sophia:)

You will have a terrific time. Enjoy.

We like Stars too. On two of our Spirit cruises they had a fabulous chanteuse there. Her name escapes me, unfortunately.

We've enjoyed each one we've scene, but they each have their own style--Mikki Brown, Angela Clark or a South African lady name Esther. Esther was on this past March.

On two of our Spirit cruises they had a fabulous chanteuse there. Her name escapes me, unfortunately.

Thanks for the additional tips too Ravenscroft!

That's a new word to me. Had to look it up. Sounds like fun!

 

Thanks for the additional tips too Ravenscroft!

What a great word.

We've enjoyed each one we've scene, but they each have their own style--Mikki Brown, Angela Clark or a South African lady name Esther. Esther was on this past March.

Whoa, major typo. I meant to say we have enjoyed each one we've seen...not scene! Just want you all to know I'm not illiterate! Blaming it on my new ipad.

I was just blaming you...;-).