Thoughts About My First Silversea Cruise/SPIRIT August 8, 2017

I have sailed a good deal on both lines. Some thoughts:

** Service is comparable on both lines. As is food.

** Standard cabins are larger on Silversea. Crystal's are rather compact.

** Crystal's ocean liners are larger than Silversea's -- in a number of cases more than twice as large. Thus, more passengers on Crystal.

** All Silversea guests get butlers. Only Penthouse guests get them on Crystal

** Crystal offers a broader menu of activities/lectures/classes -- esp. on sea days.

** Crystal is transitioning to open seating in MDR.

** I think Silversea loyalty program is somewhat more generous than Crystal's --e.g., free laundry after 100 nights, 10% off all cruises after 250 nights, etc.

Sailing on neither line is a hardship

Excellent above summary by Observer. Having done the Crystal Symphony for the Baltics/Russia in 2008, plus other sailings with Silversea, Seabourn, Princess, Celebrity, etc., there are clearly many pro/con factors to consider. For us, it first and foremost about the ports/itinerary. Second is the pricing/value. We have done the most cruises with Silversea due to this cruise line having more ships and great itineraries. Plus, reasonable value/pricing in most cases. Glad you made that deposit and are looking at your future options. Great to have many potentials to consider and do.

YES, agree strongly with Randyk47 that "First of all kudos for standing up for your escort! I do like that Silversea sends an escort or chaperone or whatever they're officially called with every tour or at least every ship's tour we've been on." Well summarized by Randy.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from this live/blog at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 34,091 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

Hi Lois,

Keith knows Crystal well and is giving a more thorough/thoughtful comparison that I can do. There are several things, however that do really stick out to me in terms of differences beside things like the size comparison of the ship and butler service not offered on Crystal unless in Penthouse suite.

I travel with a friend so the larger, much, much larger veranda suite is a real positive for Silversea. Been on Whisper and Spirit and both rooms were great. So let me focus on some other things I experienced, not in any particular order:

Laundry facilities

Crystal had lots of well working machines on each floor and they were usually avaialble.

Silversea had one machine on Spirit, difficult to use, rarely available.

Activities

Crystal was like being at camp with a wide range of interesting activities, lectures, etc, especially for iPhone, iPad, Mac users. Lectures were interesting and fun. Who knew I would even come back with a needlepoint eyeglass case I made!

Silversea

I did not enjoy the destination lecturer but it seems others did. The opera person was very interesting. Not a lot of choices of activities so going forward, so if looking for those, I would l definitely favor Crystal.

Food

Crystal had their very good Japanese, Nobu place and I consistently enjoyed other meals. As others have mentioned, the bistro is a real asset before and after excursions when other places are not serving much or just for coffee. I would give Crystal the edge on food.

On Silversea, I thought Seishin was very poor but enjoyed other meals at Le Champagne and other venues. There was some uneveness and a very little petty thing was how the top of the cappucino looked---silly I know but after having lived in Italy, I missed the attractive swirls Especially on an Italian line! In some way it sort of summed it up----nothing special food wise. I (think?) remember enjoying the meals more on Whisper.

Entertainment

I don't care about in room entertainment and prefer reading than watching a movie in my room so can't comment on that.

Crystal shows were fun, good, entertaining and I loved the Billy Joel one having seen him perform that role in Contact. Very professionally done. Another with a West End entertainer was also very good. The Rio group they has on the ship the last night was terrific. The piano bar player was really good too.

Silversea entertainment was more in the just fine category to me, pleasant but not at the same level. Maybe it has to do with the size of the ship but......

Other guests

Seems like Silversea has more of an international feel in terms of passengers. This last trip I went solo and met a woman from Scotland as well as people from Australia, England, and some other places. On the Crystal cruise, it seemed mainly Americans. Could just be my limited expereince so not trying to generalize.

Not sure if this is helpful at all. My next cruise is on the Wind so I will be curious how I like that size. When I sailed on Srerenity, there were only about 600 so it felt about comparable to Spirit. I salied to Alaska on Coral Princess and that's too big for me.

Going forward, it will be about itinerary for me and I will include Regent since I have friends who have enjoyed their cruises. Although I have traveled extensively, only started cruising a couple of years ago so this is all still pretty new to me!

Thanks for all the replies......definitely gives me food for thought.

Thanks for a well done Spirit review Lois. You were fortunate to experience two of Silversea's really exceptional leaders (CD, Fernando; and Maitre'd Damien--we are fond of both of these Silversea professionals)

Add our thanks for frank fully & forcefully speaking to the guest who displayed inappropriate verbal behavior to one of the Silversea escorts.

We concur with Randyk47 and TLCOhio and also appreciate that Silversea sends an escort (e.g.Casino employee, international hostess, fitness instructor) on each bus/SS sponsored/excursion).

For us in Norway last month on the Silver Wind after an accident where I fell and broke my nose; both the Norwegian Tour guide and the Wind Fitness instructor took immediate action (contacting the nearest ER clinic giving a doctor real time information about my condition; contacting the Silver Wind to keep them informed. Both applied first aid (applying bandages, helping sanitize, clean wounds). The fitness instructor, Martin stayed with me (lent an arm) down Mt. Keiservarden to a waiting taxi, then escorted me to the clinic, constantly keeping the Silver Wind leadership informed. We are thankful and grateful to the Silversea policy of providing escorts with Silversea excursion tours.

Lois, have fun choosing your next travel adventure (i.e., river cruise, ocean cruise) and finally, thanks for taking the time both here on the Silversea board, and on the end of cruise critique to single out the Spirit above & beyond crew members.

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I am re-reading the comparisons......I guess I forgot though, doesn't Crystal only offer 2 ships? (Other than the Esprit and

now the River lines)?

As for food.......I thought it was fabulous:D

Laundry, I sent out a load for the ship to do...came back beautifully folded and the other items hanging as if they came

from the cleaners:)

Daytime activities.......this cruise was very port intensive.....the times I was on the ship I would usually find a seat at

the pool and just chill:)

I don't care about in room entertainment either.....actually, I watched the news (which at times was horrific). :mad:

Thanks for a well done Spirit review Lois. You were fortunate to experience two of Silversea's really exceptional leaders (CD, Fernando; and Maitre'd Damien--we are fond of both of these Silversea professionals)

 

Add our thanks for frank fully & forcefully speaking to the guest who displayed inappropriate verbal behavior to one of the Silversea escorts.

 

We concur with Randyk47 and TLCOhio and also appreciate that Silversea sends an escort (e.g.Casino employee, international hostess, fitness instructor) on each bus/SS sponsored/excursion).

 

For us in Norway last month on the Silver Wind after an accident where I fell and broke my nose; both the Norwegian Tour guide and the Wind Fitness instructor took immediate action (contacting the nearest ER clinic giving a doctor real time information about my condition; contacting the Silver Wind to keep them informed. Both applied first aid (applying bandages, helping sanitize, clean wounds). The fitness instructor, Martin stayed with me (lent an arm) down Mt. Keiservarden to a waiting taxi, then escorted me to the clinic, constantly keeping the Silver Wind leadership informed. We are thankful and grateful to the Silversea policy of providing escorts with Silversea excursion tours.

 

Lois, have fun choosing your next travel adventure (i.e., river cruise, ocean cruise) and finally, thanks for taking the time both here on the Silversea board, and on the end of cruise critique to single out the Spirit above & beyond crew members.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hi Wes, omg...so sorry about your accident:eek:...happy to read they stayed with you for the entire time:)

I am re-reading the comparisons......I guess I forgot though, doesn't Crystal only offer 2 ships? (/quote]

 

Yes, two ocean vessels; Serenity and Symphony.

 

Keith

Hi Keith:D.....thanks for the contrasts and comparisons:)..........fewer choices since there are only 2 ships. But I do

know there is a River Cruise that is appealing to me as well. I will have to continue my research.:)

Lois, you are welcome.

Crystal's second River Cruise vessel was inaugurated yesterday.

Part of the fun to me is all of the planning when it comes to travel.

Have fun with all of this and I am glad to hear that you had a great time.

Keith

Some guests will like both equally. Others will like one over the other. Some of that just comes down to what you like and what your perspective is. Even within a cruise line some might prefer one ship over the other. In the case of SIlversea I think that is even more so because they have several different sizes of ships in their fleet. Again you won't know until you sail each one. I would encourage that. For us we have let Itinerary drive us to trying other lines over the years and/or just wanting to try another line. We are fortunate to cruise and to have choices. Keith

Super excellent added background and insights from Keith, Wes and Kjtravels16. Crystal with just two main ocean ships cannot offer the variety of locations and itineraries compared to Silversea. BUT, Crystal having larger ship can offer more with speakers, entertainment, etc. Agree strongly with Keith as to the wonderful situation of having the ability to travel and enjoy so many very good choices. Keep researching and planning. AND traveling!!

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean adventure that started in Barbados, here is the link for that live/blog. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.):

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 52,522 views for these postings.

WOW! What wonderful comparisons! We've sailed Regent, Crystal, Cunard Grill (sort of a hybrid) and SilverSea Spirit. All of the above reviews were right on the money for me, anyway. My "heart" ship is the Symphony but will need to see what happens after the redo. John's in the QM2....go figure, but he's not writing this!

All of what everyone said above is completely correct, however I give a general nod to Crystal for food, but I had the best Osso Bucco in my life on SS Spirit. Also quite possible the best MEAL of my life in Le Champagne with a venison en crute...OMG! There were, quite honesty, a couple of slips in the SS Restaurant that were pretty ghastly, but, hey....so much food, so many choices...I could've easily complained and another dish brought....not necessary.

Crystal's cabins are pretty tiny. We usually choose something on the promenade deck.....almost the cheapest, but I LOVE that big promenade deck, something that none of the others have (besides the QM2). One of the reasons I hold Crystal dear. I also love their staff. We're almost always called by name right from the begining. BUT SS's staff was WONDERFUL! We've only had a butler on the QM2....not a very comfortable thing. SS's was terrific, in that he did things without even asking....he knew what we'd like with no mention....I could get used to that!

I could go on....At this second in time, we're on the Regent Mariner going up the Amazon in Nov. (bucket list). I'm not getting into a comparison of Regent and Crystal as you can find that incendiary thread on Regent's board.

I think Kieth said it well...always the voice of reason! Pick where you want to go, what style cruising you like and what you want to pay....There really aren't any BAD choices out there! Have fun, no matter where you go or what line you're on!

Lois - great thread! We were similarly smitten by Silversea after our first cruise and have not yet jumped ship for another line. That said, there are lots of great offerings out there. We are so fortunate to have these choices!

Yes, Mudhen that Osso Bucco was fantastic!!! The coffee gelato was also perfection!

Lois - great thread! We were similarly smitten by Silversea after our first cruise and have not yet jumped ship for another line. That said, there are lots of great offerings out there. We are so fortunate to have these choices!

Hi JP....smitten would be a good way to describe it:)

I forgot to say someone loves MARILYN MONROE..........there is ALOT of artwork about her on board the ship. Many,

many photos of her from when she was teenager up to the time of her death..........of which she was only 36 at the time.

We sailed solely on Silversea from 2000-2011, then decided to try Crystal. I agree with the previous comments and would like to add that, while Crystal's ships are bigger and carry more passengers, they're a far cry from mega ships. Crystal's public space is so well laid out that I felt just the same as being on Silversea. Certainly no crowding. Easy to find your way around. And, as on Silversea, you quickly begin to recognize your fellow travelers and it's easy to strike up a conversation.

I always found service on Silversea to be top-notch. But Crystal has something a little extra and, yes, the staff really does learn your name.

Crystal's pools are longer (about 50 ft.), better for doing laps. Having more venues to choose from is a very nice plus, whether for dining or nighttime dancing and entertainment. I'm not a foodie, but I began to find the meals in Silversea's Restaurant very uneven for a luxury line; I was, however, consistently delighted by the excellent meals in the Crystal Dining Room. And their willingness to prepare off-menu requests (with notice, of course). Similarly, Crystal's breakfast and lunch buffets offered more choices and, I do believe, higher quality.

On the standard staterooms: yes, Crystal's are smaller, maybe 2 feet shorter?? They don't have Silversea's wonderful walk-in closet (sigh..) but they're beautifully designed with tons of storage. The quiet, wraparound Promenade is a delight, especially if you're on the same deck and can just amble outside.

And, finally, a huge plug for Crystal's activities and enrichment programs on sea days. For me, those sea days are the icing on the cake - the real secret of experiencing a fabulous voyage!

We sailed solely on Silversea from 2000-2011, then decided to try Crystal. I agree with the previous comments and would like to add that, while Crystal's ships are bigger and carry more passengers, they're a far cry from mega ships. Crystal's public space is so well laid out that I felt just the same as being on Silversea. Certainly no crowding. Easy to find your way around. And, as on Silversea, you quickly begin to recognize your fellow travelers and it's easy to strike up a conversation.

 

I always found service on Silversea to be top-notch. But Crystal has something a little extra and, yes, the staff really does learn your name.

 

Crystal's pools are longer (about 50 ft.), better for doing laps. Having more venues to choose from is a very nice plus, whether for dining or nighttime dancing and entertainment. I'm not a foodie, but I began to find the meals in Silversea's Restaurant very uneven for a luxury line; I was, however, consistently delighted by the excellent meals in the Crystal Dining Room. And their willingness to prepare off-menu requests (with notice, of course). Similarly, Crystal's breakfast and lunch buffets offered more choices and, I do believe, higher quality.

 

On the standard staterooms: yes, Crystal's are smaller, maybe 2 feet shorter?? They don't have Silversea's wonderful walk-in closet (sigh..) but they're beautifully designed with tons of storage. The quiet, wraparound Promenade is a delight, especially if you're on the same deck and can just amble outside.

 

And, finally, a huge plug for Crystal's activities and enrichment programs on sea days. For me, those sea days are the icing on the cake - the real secret of experiencing a fabulous voyage!

Thanks for your reply:)...appreciate your insights......I have to say I LOVED the buffet on the SPIRIT.....and to love

a buffet is a stretch;).......but if I was to rate it, it would get 5***** from me......seriously, if Crystal's is better? It must

be out of this world....

I thought all the choices were plentiful, fresh, the display always clean........etc. and I was able to order things in the

main dining room not on the menu too.....one night I wanted some pasta and they brought me a delicious dish.......

So I guess both lines do things to please their guests:D Oh...they called me by name on SS.....

I'm so glad you had such a wonderful experience, Lois, and shared it with us! It's always heartening to hear that someone really enjoys their voyage.

To answer your question about the buffets...

I sailed on about 15 cruises on the Wind, Cloud and Whisper, never the Spirit, and as I mentioned, my last was in the autumn of 2011. So certainly, a lot can happen in the interim! But in my experience, Silversea's breakfast and lunch buffets were on the routine side, much of it the same from one day to the next. If things have changed, I happily bow to the culinary impressions of more recent passengers.

When I first sailed with Crystal in 2013, I was amazed at the truly bountiful buffets, lots of new choices every day, along with items that were always on offer. Everything was really fresh, appetizing, nothing looked tired or soggy. As we might expect of a slightly larger ship, there was considerably more choice, and the dinner menus were more expansive as well. I've been mightily impressed with the choice, quality and preparation of the food on Crystal. Very consistent, too. It's a real strong point!

Hi Lois,

thanks for the wonderful review. I'm sailing on the Shadow in October, ending in Hong Kong where I've a wedding to attend. First Silversea cruise for me, your insights are helpful. Hope all is well, it's been a long time.

Bequia

Hi Lois, thanks for the wonderful review. I'm sailing on the Shadow in October, ending in Hong Kong where I've a wedding to attend. First Silversea cruise for me, your insights are helpful. Hope all is well, it's been a long time. Bequia

For Bequia from Fort Lauderdale, we hope you do some postings here during or after your October cruise. I am especially interested in your plans, successes, etc., from when you are in Hong Kong. We will be in that famed city for the first time in late January before going to Vietnam, etc., in SE Asia.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 219,017 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Hi Lois,

thanks for the wonderful review. I'm sailing on the Shadow in October, ending in Hong Kong where I've a wedding to attend. First Silversea cruise for me, your insights are helpful. Hope all is well, it's been a long time.

 

Bequia

Hi stranger:).....wow, it has been a long time.....hope you are well. And I hope you enjoy Silversea as much as I did:)