From Royal Caribbean to Silversea

[Snackdaddy]

Greetings,

I would like to surprise my wife for our 30th wedding anniversary (2012) with a Silversea cruise to either the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. However the majority of our cruises have been on Royal Caribbean International. Besides the smaller size of Silverseas ships and the lower number of passengers, what can we expect to be our biggest cruise culture shock?

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Caroldoll]

we are going in October...I DEFINITELY would say culture shock! Silversea from everyone I have heard has WAY, WAY BETTER SERVICE, PR9OBABLY WAY BETTER FOOD, smaller ships and more ambience. I would try Silversea. What have you to lose.

[FlyerTalker]

Are you an "active" cruiser? By that, do you want to have lots of shipboard activities going on at all times? Do you make your own good times?

 

You don't mention what ship you are considering, but note that there are limited venues for things to do. In the evening, you will have a trio/quartet in one bar and a piano playing in another. No real disco...very small casino....limited shops. So if you are a night-time party animal, be aware. You will have a far more international mix of guests than on RC.

 

OTOH, you won't have any lines, the staff will get to know you quite quickly, you will have a delightful suite, plenty of luxury touches, open bar, excellent food and the ability to get to know many of your fellow cruisers. Open seating for meals, serious dress code, and few, if any, children.

 

Ask yourself a couple of questions, and be brutally honest. Why have you cruised on RC? Why have you continued to cruise on RC? What do you want in a cruise that RC isn't giving you, and why do you think that SS can deliver that? If, overall, you like the mega-ship product of RC, are you prepared for the very different culture on a small luxury line such as SS? There's no glittery atrium, no wow-factor designs. Be sure that you know what you are getting into so that you aren't disappointed. If a luxury small-ship experience is what you are looking for, you will have a great time. If you aren't committed to that type of vacation, then you may be bored out of your mind. Be honest with yourself and be honest with your spouse.

[bobndee]

Hi Snackdaddy. My wife and I are making the change from Royal Caribbean to Silversea in May. In our case we didn't like the megaships and having to fight crowds to do anything on-board. We're looking forward to a better level of service, no fixed seatings at dinner and a more relaxed pace. Will we see all of that? We'll find out in May.

[lord of the seas]

Greetings,

 

what can we expect to be our biggest cruise culture shock?

 

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

Quality.

[billcrooz]

Quality.

 

Greetings,

 

I would like to surprise my wife for our 30th wedding anniversary (2012) with a Silversea cruise to either the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. However the majority of our cruises have been on Royal Caribbean International. Besides the smaller size of Silverseas ships and the lower number of passengers, what can we expect to be our biggest cruise culture shock?

 

Thanks in advance for your input.

no tab to sign@the bar or pool;the uncanny ability for all the crew to know your name;and no lines anyhere or anytime ! your'e gonna love it !30 more days till the Cloud !!! :)

[Caroldoll]

being together. Hate lines to stand in. We live where shopping is mega good and can't imagine anything better. However, I do agree, on a long cruise a person might like more stores and stuff. This is a port-intensive shorter cruise. I am willing to take the chance.

[gdlamberth]

Snackdaddy,

First, our first SS cruise won't be until July. But we did make the switch from Carnival and RCCL to smaller upscale ships (Regent and now SS) and haven't looked back:D. FlyerTalker really hit the nail on the head regarding asking yourself(singular because it's a surprise;)) some serious questions about what you want. You'll get less towel animals, crowds, lines, and dancing waiters; but also less dining, swimming, dancing and gaming venues as well. The other culture shock will be to your pocket book; but I'm assuming you already noticed and have accepted that. Having said all that; the worse cruise I was ever on was wonderfu:pl. We will continue to sail RCCL and similar lines for reunions and large family events; BUT when it's just us, we'll be on a SS/Regent/Seabourn type ship. I only left out Crystal because the open seating is a big deal for us.

 

Billcrooz, don't want ot hijack thread but when was the last time you were on Cloud? That's where we'll be in July and am interested in "post last year's refit" observations.

 

Greg

[unfathomable]

This really is one extreme to another. Treat it as your first experience of a new kind of trip, a bit like your first cruise. But if you must compare -- no crowds anywhere, very few lines, no ship's photographer, no nickel-and-diming, and be prepared for the activities, decor, ambience and entertainment to be much, much lower-key.

[Tillylovesseabourn]

All of the above, and an adherance to the required dress codes! Mainly! (Theres always one or two!!)

 

In a word ELEGANCE, enjoy!

[dusababy]

Snackdaddy,

 

 

Billcrooz, don't want ot hijack thread but when was the last time you were on Cloud? That's where we'll be in July and am interested in "post last year's refit" observations.

 

Greg

```````````````````````````````

Greg I was on Cloud last October after "refit" -- carpets, upholstery, soft goods, everything fine. Silversea does take care of the investment.

 

Of course bathrooms still have the tub/shower. Nothing to be done about that but it too is fine.

 

You have nothing to worry about.

[gdlamberth]

Thanks dusababy. Hadn't seen recent reviews on Cloud so was wondering. We're really excited about our first Silversea cruise.

Greg

[billcrooz]

Snackdaddy,

First, our first SS cruise won't be until July. But we did make the switch from Carnival and RCCL to smaller upscale ships (Regent and now SS) and haven't looked back:D. FlyerTalker really hit the nail on the head regarding asking yourself(singular because it's a surprise;)) some serious questions about what you want. You'll get less towel animals, crowds, lines, and dancing waiters; but also less dining, swimming, dancing and gaming venues as well. The other culture shock will be to your pocket book; but I'm assuming you already noticed and have accepted that. Having said all that; the worse cruise I was ever on was wonderfu:pl. We will continue to sail RCCL and similar lines for reunions and large family events; BUT when it's just us, we'll be on a SS/Regent/Seabourn type ship. I only left out Crystal because the open seating is a big deal for us.

 

Billcrooz, don't want ot hijack thread but when was the last time you were on Cloud? That's where we'll be in July and am interested in "post last year's refit" observations.

 

Greg

1st time on Cloud; but 7th time on Silversea;leaving March 17th will post experience when I return:D

[gdlamberth]

Can't wait to hear all about it.

Thanks,

Greg

[sw18]

RCI are very good at what they do, it's very much a "Disney" style formula, but it works, and the product is consistently delivered unlike some other mass market lines. I would do another short cruise with RCI having taken a short break on Independence.....for a longer break I would switch back to Silversea, but some of the supposed "gimmicks" e.g. the ice shows, Johnny Rockets are very well delivered and of high quality, and do add to the experience.

 

What I love about Silversea is the complete lack of nickel and diming, stress free boarding & disembarkation even when tendering, the personal touch in everything, and of course the open dining (which admittedly RCI are now offering).

 

Silversea is definitely my #1 but RCI deliver quality too, just in a very different way :)

[Snackdaddy]

Dear All,

Thank you for your prompt and honest feedback. Your enthusiasm for Silversea is very encouraging indeed. Over the years Royal Caribbean has served us well as a family; from the excellent children’s program to all of the exciting things to do. Now we are ready to be pampered in a slower-paced, romantically elegant environment where we can reconnect as husband and wife. Based upon your comments, I am sure the culture shock will not be a shock at all, just a pleasant change from what we have been accustomed.

Thanks again.

[chicagogal]

Now we are ready to be pampered in a slower-paced, romantically elegant environment where we can reconnect as husband and wife.

 

Enjoy it!