TravelJane

Don't understand all of the complaints. I had a large group on the Silver Shadow last month on an Alaska cruise. We had first time cruisers with Silversea and many repeat Silversea cruisers. To the person, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the lovely cruise. We all thought that the meals were delicious regardless of our diving venue. We mainly did meals in the MDR because it was such an enjoyable experience with delicious selections.

I feel that some people who complain so much on these boards about Silversea or a particular ship must simply enjoy complaining. I feel that is best to enjoy life and the wonderful opportunity that Silversea gives you to enjoy a week or more onboard one of their delightful ships!

We boarded yesterday after a wonderful Silversea sponsored pre-cruise, 4 day package to Denali. That was a fabulour trip to do before the Alaska cruise. We were lucky in that we were the rare ones who actually get to see Denali aka Mt. McKinley. We were that for a full day when there was perfect with no clouds, so she was in full view all day. After that excursion, we were happy to make the Seward Express train ride to travel to our port where we embarked the Silver Shadow. It was a treat to be back on the Silver Shadow. She is not the newest ship, but she is well maintained. Our suite was lovely as always, and our butler could not be more attentive! Our in suite bar is now stocked with Vodka and Champagne just in case we need some in an emergency when the bars are not open. Since the bars are always open, we will probably not even use the bar. Had a lovely, tasty first dinner in the MDR last night where the prime rib was prepared rare as I had requested. They served a lovely Pinot Grigio that went perfectly with what I had. Also had a bit of the red wine with my entree. I guess it was fine, but then I never drink red wine ;) On the way to Hubbard Glacier the seas have been a bit rough for some, but other than swaying a bit in the halls I don't notice. All in all, a wonderful start to the cruise.

You do get wine now. Once upon a time there was a $200 charge pp for Le Champagne and they poured special wines. Then they changed the policy to where you had to buy wine off the premium list. Now they've changed again to including the same wine as the main restaurant.

That is a welcome change. We went once when there was the $200 charge, and it was very excessive for what the charge provided. $40 sounds more reasonable, so I think out group will probably want to do that one night! :)

Has anyone dined in this specialty restaurant? It says $40 reservation charge. Is there a charge for anything additional, like wine. Since you get wine with meals in the other restaurants, you would think you also get wine with this restaurant. Just want a confirmation that is the case before making a reservation. Any information will be appreciated.

Has anyone dined in this restaurant on the Shadow? We have dined in this restaurant on other ships, but this is our first time on the Shadow. The web site that there is a $40 reservation fee, but it did not mention wine. Seems like when we dined on the Whisper that there was a large additional cost for wine. People in our group are wondering about this since it might influence if anyone wants to make a reservation there if they have to pay additional for wine.