Posted August 11 2023 at 06:55 AM
This was our first Silversea cruise, having been on Seabourn, Azamara , R7S and Viking.
On the positive side , the staff were attentive and the level of service was exemplary. We also were pleased that the dress code was well followed : Even on casual nights everyone was very smart , and the formal nights were a real occasion. (Other cruise lines seem to be letting standards drop).
We are both vegetarians , and understand that creates extra difficulties, but although there were always some veg options on the menu , the implementation was disappointing , and we had a real struggle to liaise with the chef, despite interventions from the restaurant manager and even the hotel director. We got the impression from other guests that their food was "adequate" rather than "excellent". The lunchtime buffet seemed particularly bland and uninspiring.
The ship itself is of course immaculate , with excellent public areas. However , it is very strange that the design does not include a forward view / public area. The only outdoor dining (apart from the pool grill) is a somewhat crowded stern area linked to the Terazza restaurant. Tables for breakfast here can be hard to come by.
The guest demographic on this trip was 90% British , and predominantly 70+ age range. Although there was one pool party (starting at 10.30 at night), it was sparsely attended , as were the late night DJ sessions. It is not a "party ship". There are no sail-away events for example. Although the evening shows seemed popular , we found the "Beatles night" , "Abba night" etc somewhat cheesy and the singers very average.
On balance , despite the positives , I think we prefer the less staid and more cosmopolitan ambience of Seabourn.
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voteGood but with reservations
On the positive side , the staff were attentive and the level of service was exemplary. We also were pleased that the dress code was well followed : Even on casual nights everyone was very smart , and the formal nights were a real occasion. (Other cruise lines seem to be letting standards drop).
We are both vegetarians , and understand that creates extra difficulties, but although there were always some veg options on the menu , the implementation was disappointing , and we had a real struggle to liaise with the chef, despite interventions from the restaurant manager and even the hotel director. We got the impression from other guests that their food was "adequate" rather than "excellent". The lunchtime buffet seemed particularly bland and uninspiring.
The ship itself is of course immaculate , with excellent public areas. However , it is very strange that the design does not include a forward view / public area. The only outdoor dining (apart from the pool grill) is a somewhat crowded stern area linked to the Terazza restaurant. Tables for breakfast here can be hard to come by.
The guest demographic on this trip was 90% British , and predominantly 70+ age range. Although there was one pool party (starting at 10.30 at night), it was sparsely attended , as were the late night DJ sessions. It is not a "party ship". There are no sail-away events for example. Although the evening shows seemed popular , we found the "Beatles night" , "Abba night" etc somewhat cheesy and the singers very average.
On balance , despite the positives , I think we prefer the less staid and more cosmopolitan ambience of Seabourn.