Just returned from the Shadow

[luvtojump]

My husband and I just returned from the Shadow. We left San Francisco on Sunday and got off in Acapulco 7 days later. We customized our cruise

which made this trip possible for our schedules. I love that about Silversea. Most stayed on the ship in route to Costa Rica. Many were also cruising on through the canal to Barbados. Our fellow passengers could not have been nicer. We had everyone from honeymooners to retired fortune 500 executives and there was always a good conversation to be had with all.

There were no attitudes..just friendly, good humored vacationers.

 

 

The staff was excellent. The pool staff, waiters and housekeeping were wonderful and attentive. Had spa treatments and salon services. Both were very nice.

 

We ate in all three restaurants and also had dinner in our suite one evening. Robes, candlelight, Dom Perignon. It was heavenly.

 

I would recommend Silversea highly. If I can answer any questions, please ask.

 

Lisa

[wsdiii]

Thanks Lisa. We fly to Costa Rica on Thursday, & are almost counting the hours now! Was it difficult to book appointments in the spa? We've booked a couple online, but am wondering if it will be easy to get other slots if we decide to do so. Any specific suggestions on certain theme nights or shows not to miss? Bill

[luvtojump]

Bill,

 

I am so jealous that you are getting on this wonderful ship. Many of the incredible friends we met will still be on your sailing.

 

May I suggest that if you have an interest in a major spa treatment (120 min.) book as soon as possible.

 

The only shows we went to were Broadway and a guest singer/musician. I cannot recall his name. Both were good on a smaller scale. They also had the dancers and singers perform during the poolside barbeque. This was fun. Igor and Natasha are their showcase ballroom dancers. Really wonderful.

 

Hope this helps.

[Gail C]

We are sailing on the Shadow in Dec. I seem to be getting mixed messages about the evening attire. I am so NOT the gown type. Did any of the ladies wear dressy pantsuits? Also, what did you mostly see on the informal evenings?

Thanks so much. Sounds as if you had a wonderful time!

[luxlady]

Gail, I think if you will take a long evening skirt, or evening pants, with a couple of sparkly tops, you will be fine - at least, thats what I'm doing on our cruise in December. I have also worn these tops and long skirt before, on the Whisper a couple of years ago, and no problem - fit right in. Also, very easy to pack. Hubby had dark suit, however, and if you can, if you are traveling with a man, please encourage him to wear a tux! About 95% of the men will.

 

As far as "informal" is concerned, remember - this is still dressy, NOT casual. So, skirts, dresses, dressy pantsuits - all are fine. Many men will be in suits, but a sport coat will suffice. For casual it is just that - casual. The first night is usually casual, as people are getting used to the ship, and unpacking, etc. The last night too, as I recall..They make it easy on you.....

 

glenda

[southt00]

Hello luvtojump! Thanks for posting. My husband is still trying to decide whether or not to rent a tuxedo or invest the money into a new suit. His biggest concern is fitting in. What would you say was the ratio of tuxedos to suits? Any other comments about what you experienced regarding men's attire would definitely be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[luvtojump]

Dear Southt00,

 

On our last formal night we ate in the Terrace Cafe. There are only about 25 tables and so we were more aware of other's formal attire. We saw two or three other gentlemen in dark suits, the others were in tuxedos. We only dress for ourselves and times it is difficult to answer questions about other passengers. Our own guidelines are to be ourselves, be comfortable and be respectful

 

Gail,

 

I did see pantsuits on formal night. Most had some beading or flair. However I also saw some short dresses. I myself wore long dresses on formal evening. My informal attire was still dress or skirt. We had a casual evening on deck during the barbeque. It was going to be a very hot evening (90 degrees). After asking several officers, I wore linen shorts and a dress top. That was the only night that was truly "casual".

 

I wish both of you the best in cruising.

 

Lisa

 

Lisa

[Seas the Day]

It's much more economical and convenient. It's not like tuxes go out of style. He'll have it "forever." And, they're not that expensive. Less expensive, we found, than a good suit (though I'm sure you can find very expensive tuxes somewhere.)

[simonv]

There's a high percentage of European on Silversea and they all wear tux, so as Austrarians. He'll probably feel out of place if he doesn't have tux. No tux rental on Silversea.

[bdmarine]

Try etuxedo.com; a nice setup for less than $200.

[luvtojump]

Our particular cruise was 75% american. Interestingly on the last formal night I spoke about earlier, the three gentlemen in the terrrace cafe with dark suits on were all European....

I do agree that a tuxedo is always a good investment.

[Observer]

I recall discussion in a previous thread that Silversea offered casual dress on formal nights in the Terrace restaurant. Guests thus dressed were asked/expected not to frequent any of the bars, public rooms, etc., in their casual attire on that formal night. Is this still the case?

[luxlady]

as lovtojump said, she dined in the Terrace, and others were in their tuxes. On formal nights, I don't think you can eat anywhere in public on the ship not dressed in the usual definition of "formal wear".

[luvtojump]

Luxlady, I believe you are correct. On our first formal night a gentleman came into the casino in casual clothes. He was asked to change. The following day a polite "reminder" was included in the newsletter stating that dress codes were to be adhered to the entire evening in all public areas.

 

Now, it is acceptable to take tuxedo jackets off while in public areas. My husband did this in the casino and had no problem.

 

If formal night is not your thing, it may be the night to dine "in suite".

[wripro]

on my last cruise on the whisper on one or two of the formal nights people had the option of eating in the verandah cafe and dressing casually. but the only public room the could use after dinner was the observation lounge on ten deck. the rest of the ship was off limits. but as i recall very few people took advantage of that option.

[bldsld]

Hi all,

 

We also sailed on the same cruise on the Shadow from SFO to Costa Rica (we remained aboard for the entire 12-day sailing), and it was outstanding. From the Dom Perignon awaiting us in our suite, to the spaciousness of the ship, it was indeed a superb cruise.

 

The crew was excellent, and the Captain quite charming. As previous diehard Seabourn sailors, we were happily impressed with our Silversea experience. The pool area is superior to Seabourn, although I did prefer the layout of the suites on Seabourn, with one exception: the separate shower and tub on the Shadow was wonderful. The lines really are quite comparable, and choosing between Seabourn or Silversea for a cruise is not exactly roughing it! ;-)

 

We had a fun passenger mix, which led to lively evenings dancing to 70's and 80's music in the bar. The entertainment was also surprisingly good for a small ship. The food was also quite palatable, although I must say that for a culinary-themed cruise, it was disappointing that the guest chef from Cuernavaca, Mexico stayed with French-themed food. And, Silversea has a tendency to use alot of butter and cream sauces, even on their low-carb, low cholesterol menu. For the most part, however, the cuisine was creative, and the quality fresh. And, what a treat to have fresh sushi for lunch in the Terrace restaurant!

 

BTW, in response to previous questions, formal wear was definitely expected on formal nights in the Terrace Restaurant. As one is expected to dress accordingly in all public rooms, it's pretty difficult to avoid dressing up. As to the question of suit versus tuxedo, most men wear a tux. While dark suits are permitted, one rarely sees them, and as such, they are more noticeable.

 

We will definitely return to Silversea again. It was a most enjoyable cruise experience.

 

Regards,

Denyse

[eroller]

Welcome back Denyse! I've been waiting to hear your impressions. I'm glad Silversea met your expectations. I know you were somewhat disappointed with Crystal, especially considering what they charge. I know how much you like Seabourn, and you know I love Silversea, so I'm happy Silversea did good by you! I knew they would, as they are an excellent cruise line.

 

One other advantage to Silversea IMO .... they are not owned by the massive Carnival Corp. It's nice to still have some lines that are privately owned and independently operated.

 

Take care,

Ernie

[bldsld]

Hi Ernie,

 

Yes, we were wonderfully impressed with Silversea (and that says alot, as you know how much we adore Seabourn!), so much so, that we are booking another cruise. It was every bit as good as you said it would be, and the passenger mix was superb!

 

The one area sorely needing improvement that I neglected to mention in my earlier post: the gym! Baby boomers need and expect a functioning gym, so hopefully, there is refurbishment of the gym equipment in Silversea's future. Apart from the gym, every other aspect of the cruise was excellent.

 

As you mentioned, Ernie, our sole cruise on Crystal earlier this past summer is now happily a distant, albeit unpleasant, memory. (For those of you who may have been considering Crystal, which we tried this past summer based on its alleged reputation as a luxury line, save your money and stay with what you know.)

 

Regards,

Denyse

[eroller]

Hi Ernie,

 

 

The one area sorely needing improvement that I neglected to mention in my earlier post: the gym! Baby boomers need and expect a functioning gym, so hopefully, there is refurbishment of the gym equipment in Silversea's future. Apart from the gym, every other aspect of the cruise was excellent.

 

 

 

Denyse,

That was my one complaint about SILVER CLOUD if you read my review. I hated the gym and the equipment was dismal. I wrote in the comment form that the gym should be moved to the underused observation lounge, new equipment purchased, and the spa expanded. You know what, it was! Silversea listens! That is one great thing about Silversea being a small, privately owned company .... decisions can be made quickly and with the customer in mind.

 

I'm a little surprised to hear the gym wasn't better on SHADOW, considering she is a much newer ship.

 

I think in the past Silversea thought of the gym as an afterthought. They probably felt most of their passengers didn't work out, and they were probably right. As their passenger demographics became younger, no doubt they realized their gym's were insufficient. I'm glad to hear an upgrade is planned for SHADOW as well.

 

If you don't mind me asking, how are the gyms on Seabourn? I would have thought they were an afterthought as well, or at the very least quite small.

 

I know you don't like the big ships, but one advantage to them are the magnificent gyms and spas. QM2 and VOYAGER OF THE SEAS have the best shipboard gyms I've ever worked out in. Working out on those ships is an absolute pleasure.

 

Thanks again for all your comments. Christopffre and I are ready for another Silversea cruise soon (who knows, maybe with you!)

 

All the best,

Ernie

[bldsld]

Ernie,

 

The gyms on Seabourn have all been updated in the past few years, and are excellent for their small size. The aerobics studio was abandoned in favor of more fitness equipment, which doubled the size of the gym. Aerobic classes, such as they are, occur on deck in good weather, and in alternative venues when the weather doesn't cooperate. In point of fact, the aerobics studio sat empty for the most part, and I don't get the sense that people really miss it.

 

In my comment card on the Shadow, I suggested that they abandon the underutilized aerobics studio, which is just across the hall from the gym, and use it to put in new equipment, and thereby double the size of the gym. The few old, weatherbeaten life fitness machines (weights, not cardio) they do have are in such poor condition, they're virtually unusable. I don't think I ever saw more than one person in the aerobics studio at any given time, usually just someone doing free weights because of the lack of space in the gym, or more likely, the room was empty. I might add that the officers and other crew who use the gym are equally underwhelmed by it, so perhaps our comments will be taken to heart. It was my only suggestion for improvement on the ship, but it is significant.

 

I know the larger ships have wonderful gyms, but as you mentioned, I am not a fan of large ships. In fact, I am not looking for a large-ship equivalent, just something that is useful in helping to ward off those evil calories and weakened muscles from all that caviar and champagne (heavy lifting, I might add)! ;-)

 

Let us know when you and Christopffre have booked your next cruise!

 

Regards,

Denyse

[neviboy]

I have read the posts with much interest since we have booked Silver Shadow on the April 2nd. cruise M.Carlo to Rome. After RSSC's Mariner (2) and Voyager(3), Silversea will be new to us. We chose based on new smaller ports that we have not visited and am especially looking forward to Corsica.

So never having made any complaints to RSSC, and enjoying every minute of the above cruises, I am looking forward to more of the same with "SS".

Correct ?

[garydm]

Denyse-How bad was the cardio equipment? My wife does the elliptical and I do a stationary bike each day, so should we plan on walking on deck as an alternative? The equipment on Harmony was great. Thanks.

 

Gary

[bldsld]

Hi Gary,

 

The cardio part of the gym is just fine. There are several treadmills, an upright and 2 recumbent bikes, and at least one elliptical, if memory serves me correctly. Additionally, walking the deck is quite lovely, and many passengers fast-walked the deck on our cruise. The problem is the weight machines, which are few, and in sad shape.

 

As Ernie Roller suggested, i would suspect at some point that the equipment will be improved upon, particularly as he mentioned that the Whisper is due for some refurbishment in the gym, and so many people are noting it in their comment cards. Apart from the gym, the ship is fabulous.

 

You'll be fine for your cardio workouts---which cruise are you sailing on?

 

Regards,

Denyse

 

P.S. To Neviboy: If our most recent experience is indicative of Silversea, as I expect it is, you will have a great cruise; memorable, in fact (and this coming from a person who thought that Seabourn was the one and only cruise line worth sailing!!!). :-) Enjoy!

[garydm]

Denyse-Thanks for the cardio update. Sounds like we are covered.

 

We squeezed in the December 14 Shadow cruise to Mexico, before we head for Hawaii on a 15 day cruise in February. Work has been getting in the way of our more important pursuits.

 

Really pleased you had a nice time on Shadow and appreciate your comments.

 

Gary

[Seas the Day]

As of last January, I don't remember an eliptical in the gym. There were free weights, and a central core weight station (all connected in the middle) and many treadmills, and a couple recumbent bikes. It is a small area. It isn't that great.