Will I Like Silversea?

[Prince]

After several cruises on what was billed as a "premium" cruise line (not Silversea)--I realized that I was not having a good time on my sailings. I enjoyed the spacious suites and alternative dining rooms of these cruises-- but was put off by the disregard for the dress code, noisy pool games and t-shirts/gold by the inch always on display in the shops. I am in my early 40's--and take two or three trips a year--often overseas--on land, I prefer hotels that are historic and traditional. Silversea sounds appealing to me--in a quiet, refined way. I am willing to give up some square footage in my stateroom for a more elegant experience. Is Silversea the right choice? (My friends tell me I should be looking at Crystal--that I would find the smaller ships too restricting) I would love some feedback from some Silversea fans. Thank you for any information you can provide me.

 

Prince

[ltsally]

Well, Prince, the things that 'put you off' the other cruise(s) are not likely to pertain to your SS experience. The formal dress not only is observed by about 90 percent of the passengers, but seems to be something they enjoy (as we certainly did). Even 'casual' was neat, attractive and pretty much t-shirt free. We are veterans of only one cruise and that one, being a transatlantic, may have been skewed upwards a bit in terms of age (which probably ranged from early 50s on up into 80s). But it was a refined, though fun, and very interesting group of people. Gift shop is small and tasteful. Same goes for the casino. Loud and uncouth was not to be seen/heard, but people enjoying one another's company and interesting conversation(s) certainly were. The SS cabin is said to be the most spacious in the industry and we never felt cramped or crowded throughout our 12 day voyage. I'd say - give SS a try. I think you'll be pleased.

[SonomaWine]

We are frequent guests of Silversea and in our early 40's as well. Like anything in the world, you have to be careful of your itineary to avoid the gold and glitz crowd. Silversea has been wonderful to us, and we have enjoyed many great experiences. We do, however, avoid the shorter segment cruises, especially those that have like itineraries with other cruiselines.

 

In regards to dress, the dress code is strictly enforced. There have been lapses but that was due to the maitre'd being overwhelmed.

 

If you like a small intimate experience, with a standard for friendly and reliable service give it a try. If you are looking for entertainment and many dining choices, Silversea is probably not a good fit.

[Prince]

Thank you Itsally and Sonomawine for those encouraging replies. I think that I will give Silversea a try! I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

 

Prince

[blackbird71]

I just got the word from my TA on my short 4 dayer tester cruise on the Whisper. One formal, one informal and two casual nights. BUT I am loving this, SS has the same "new" rules as does Radisson for informal nights, ties optional :) My likes in clothing is Country Club Casual with a couple formal nights. I hate bringing a suit and tie for informal nights. A Tux and some sports jackets is my dream dinning dress clothes.

 

After taking a break from cruising, I did Radisson last Feb on a 12 day Amazon cruise. I really like this level of cruising.

 

No crowds, no sales pitches, nothing over the speaker in my suite OTHER than safety messages.

 

The only real big difference from the posting I have read, is because Silverseas includes all drinks (except some high price wines) the bars are more alive on SS than Radisson. LOL, the bars on the RSSC Mariner reminded me of the Maytag repair man's ads.

[lord of the seas]

Blackbird 71,

 

I always wear a Jacket and Tie on Informal evenings and I notice that a lot of the gentlemen do.After all it is only fair to complement the ladies as they always make an effort and look wonderful.

No, my wife is not looking over my shoulder.

 

John

[blackbird71]

lord of the seas

 

I posted my opinion on dress over on another forum, and a lot of ladies liked it. They would like to pack two level of clothes, CCC and Formal.

[Silver Pearl]

Prince noted that "My friends tell me I should be looking at Crystal--that I would find the smaller ships too restricting."

 

Although Crystal gets very good ratings, I am put off by its scheduled seatings for dinner. That really detracts from the luxury experience, I think. More, though the Silversea ships are small by large cruise line standards, they are hardly restricting. The Shadow and the Whisper have plenty of space to explore, more activities than you will want to partake in, and are very spacious. Though smaller, the Cloud and Wind are also very spacious. I don't think you'll find Silversea ships restricting, especially given what you say annoys you about the ships you've been on.

 

--Rich

[Prince]

I am convinced!

 

I have called my agent and made a reservation for the Silver Whisper for next year. (I am committed to two trips already this year or I would go sooner!)

 

Thank you everyone for the great feedback--- I am looking forward to experiencing this fine cruise line.

 

Prince

[azgkrudi]

Congratulations, Prince! I agree with the above observations from other members - and I do think you will enjoy SS very much. Which itinerary did you select?

[Prince]

I chose the Monte-Carlo to Rome cruise. I have friends in France that I want to visit prior to sailing--so the departure point works out perfectly. There are a few ports on the Italian Riviera that I have not yet been to--and it sounds like it will be a lovely introduction to Silverseas. (And who can resist Europe in September--perfection!) After that--maybe a longer cruise in South America---

 

Prince

[SantaAna,CA]

I'm really excited about trying this line as well. I am sailing on the Seabourn Legend April 9-23 to the Eastern Caribbean this year (first time on Seabourn also), but Silversea's amazing Mahe to Mahe (Seychelles) itinerary w-a-y in the future (November, 2007), sold me, so I booked it. The Seychelles are a place I've dreamed of visiting for a decade, after I first saw a picture of them in Conde Nast's "Traveler" magazine. Silversea and Seabourn sound very much alike in their style. The last ship I sailed on was Holland America's Amsterdam, to Alaska. I love to "dress to the nines" and was very disappointed on the Amsterdam's formal nights; most people didn't dress up at all. I look forward to both Seabourn's...and Silverseas...elegance.

 

Jane :)

[avalon1025]

I sailed the Crystal Symphony and the Silver Cloud in 2005, though I enjoyed Crystal, for my enjoyment there is no comparison. Silversea is like sialing in a country club, no set dinning times, wonderful well traveled passengers, amazing suites. I found Crystal to be a very nice Premium cruise experience with all the trappings of a Celebrity or HAL (ie: Gee, I hope I get my requested dinner seating, I hope I get reservations at the alternative rest, hurry up we have to get to dinner, etc) which have been for me non existant on Silversea.

 

Also, unless you get a penhouse on Crystal, you will be very dissapointed in your cabin vs silversea.

enjoy!

[SonomaWine]

Prince, we are glad that you have decided to try Silversea. We came up the length of Italy on the Wind from Dubai, and it was wonderful. The ship did two different ports in Sicily which allowed us time to explore.

[Prince]

I am really looking forward to this--both the wonderful ship and the enjoyable ports.

 

My friends want me to meet them in Nice or Cap Ferrat for a few days before the cruise. The holiday is quickly becoming one big Merchant Ivory movie and I can see myself over-packing! (that perfect linen suit to go with the two-tone "Duke of Windsor" shoes...)

 

Lots of time now to plan and dream...

 

Prince

[Pterostyrax]

Prince,

 

I have previously made four posts on our Monte Carlo to Athens trip in October. Go to around the middle of the second page of posts to find out our experience on this cruise.

[Prince]

Prince,

 

I have previously made four posts on our Monte Carlo to Athens trip in October. Go to around the middle of the second page of posts to find out our experience on this cruise.

 

 

I will take a look--thank you!

 

Prince