Silver Shadow just failed its CDC health inspection

Just off Crystal. It isn't for me (dining format and lack of 'ship' experience, linked since I had to be in the dining room during sail-away on most of the days we left port.)

I didn't like the larger ship, and prefer the size of Whisper/Shadow. Also disliked the smaller cabin, although I will admit is much better designed than the SS cabin, which tend to waste space, since they have it to waste.

My agent recommended the Europa or Europa2 but I didn't realize the smoking policy. Same with Seabourn. It is an issue for us. I rent (don't own my apartment) and should new neighbours move in who smoke, I'll be looking for a new home in a non-smoking building. I deliberately went on a month-to-month lease after my first lease ended because I want the option to leave at any time, this is that big of a deal to me. There were times in the depth of winter when I had to keep my balcony door open and the heat turned up full (they pay for heat!) because I truly cannot stand cigarette smoke and it became a distraction to me and I'd sit and brood. To do that on vacation would be awful.

As for SS, despite the free laundry, I'm not likely to be back for a long time. There are still too many other lines to check out. This inspection failure is just confirmation of what I've been experiencing.

I have hundreds of nights on SS. Though I do not feel unsafe on SS ships (apart from possible sanitation matters), I too have looked elsewhere in the luxury category. The ships are a bit run down, in my opinion. Food and beverage quality has clearly declined in the past several years. This is not, I feel certain, a problem with staff: Instead, it's a problem with the ingredients, cuts of meat, etc., that are provisioned.

 

Much is made of the "addition" of butlers. It's really a matter of recostuming, I think. There used to be a housekeeper and an assistant. Now there's a housekeeper and a butler. I have had several very unsatisfactory experiences with butlers -- especially as they are responsible for delivering on time all of the room service meals in their area at nearly the same time on port days.

 

As you could see, I have been a SS booster/defender over the years. Now, however, you ask for an honest opinion: Mine is, look elsewhere.

My husband and I sailed on the Shadow in 2012 and found it run down/shabby since our last time sailing on the Shadow in 2009.

The first thing we noticed was the water carafes (chilled tap water) in the suites in place of bottles of water. Something you do not expect to see on a luxury cruise line.

Everything else was not up to par (food, service) with our previous cruises on SS.

We haven't been back since our last cruise. I still follow the SS boards and it looks like the Shadow has not been redone and it was showing it's age in 2012.

We cruised when everyone did not have a butler on SS and we found that the butlers on SS are just glorified room stewards.

Been on the other luxe lines and you do not see a butler making the bed or cleaning the bathroom.

Just got off our first Crystal cruise and the ship is 20 years old and is in pristine condition. We knew about the small window/veranda staterooms and so we took a Penthouse so we could compare apples with apples after sailing on Seabourn, SS and Regent.

Crystal exceeded our expectations (food, service, enrichment etc.) and we will be back.

It is too bad that SS is not keeping up their ships.

Thanks for all for your responses. DH and I are seriously thinking now of looking for another option and cancelling our B2B. Seabourn does have an Asian cruise of 14 days from Singapore to Singapore that would fill part of our planned time away and meet with our already booked flight reservation to Singapore. (mileage) We also have a return booked from Hong Kong (mileage) that I would need to deal with. Thinking maybe just would fly from Singapore to Hawaii for awhile on way back to mainland.

I have a suppressed immune system and really don't want to risk coming in contact with food that is not properly stored and handled. The 2nd failure really makes one think that there is a definite lack of control and concern for passengers and staff. Glad I am on CC or would probably never have know.

Again, appreciate the input. Joanna

Findacruise, you might also want to post your question as a separate thread to get the widest possible response.

Since Crystal has been mentioned, I'll add a few of our own impressions.

We sailed on Silversea for 12 years, only on Silversea. We became a little unhappy with the way some things were changing and decided to try Crystal in 2013. It was a tough, wrenching decision. But we loved Crystal.

I realize a bigger ship isn't for everyone, but would like to mention a couple of points. While many of their voyages sell out, it doesn't necessarily mean that the ship is filled to capacity with 900+ people. This is because Crystal has some of the industry's most attractive pricing for solo passengers. So a "full ship" might easily mean that all of the staterooms are filled, but with only 700, 800 passengers on board. More than the Spirit, but nowhere near mega ship crowds. And we thought that while Symphony and Serenity are bigger than Silversea, they still have that same feeling of intimacy.

Opening dining is critical for many people, and it's always a hot topic on the Crystal boards. But Crystal just announced that they'll launch a new ship in 2018, and it will feature true open dining (as on Silversea).

And as Juli2020 points out, their 20-year old ships are in pristine condition. Each ship goes into dry dock every 2 years to ensure that it never looks tired, worn, or outdated.

I realize that we all have our own needs and expectations, and that what works for one person simply isn't a good fit for someone else. But, in case it helps you, here is some more detail in this link to my Member Review of our first Crystal cruise, on the Symphony in Nov. 2013:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=245230

Pollyanna Pashmina replies:

The Silver Shadow is now docked in Astoria. We boarded in San Francisco, and have found the ship to be in tip top shape. Our Suite is immaculate and everything looks newly refurbished. Had an excellent dinner in La Terrassa and a perfect lunch at the pool grill....it was COLD, but with generous pours of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and a couple of blankets, we enjoyed every minute.

We are sailing with about 290 passengers which the Captain said made the ratio of crew to passengers one to one. There are a lot of newbies on board, many from the Bay area who had the luxury of driving to the pier. From what I've heard so far, the ship is a hit. Strangely enough all the art hanging everywhere really livens up the atmosphere..usually we stick our noses up at the commercialism, but it all looks very decorative...plus we get to laugh at the ginormous prices being asked.

I don't want to ignore the recent failed inspection. It's unacceptable to us, but, considering how my kitchen would fare if inspected, we have decided to be more tolerant than others might be...as is obvious from the ferocious posts. I'm not saying that heads shouldn't roll. There should be swift action taken and we are sure there was.

We have no intention of leaving Silversea. We'll be back on The Shadow for a B2B over the holidays and intend to book a segment of the World Cruise. Plain and simple; we love it!

See you on the WC next year!

I've been on Shadow a couple of times and found it to be a pleasurable experience. I also believe that once an inspection is failed, the inspectors are tougher and nit pick.

In a short period of time (4 years), we have amassed our 100 days. What the product was like before that, I have no clue. But, I can say that I really like this line and in my eyes, the product has not gone down hill in that time frame. I am confident in this product and have several more cruises booked.

There is another line often mentioned that we had over 400 days on. Stopped going on that line because we watched it evolve into a brand we were unfamiliar with. All the prestige went out of the product and it became just a huge vessel. My point is, if you didn't see the evolution, you would not recognize anything being wrong. So anyone who is rethinking their decision to try SS should try it once and base the opinion on their own thoughts.

I agree with all you say if it were simply the overt breaches. Many do seem minor.

The most serious issue that concerns most people here, I believe is not what they found, nit-picking or not, it is the deception on both inspections. Being caught once in what was very clearly a management led deception on an industrial scale was bad enough. It was that they then did it again when caught out. There is a viable question about what other safety issues are they breaching outside simply hygiene. So it isn't the overt breaches, but the potential covert breaches.

It is the management orchestrated deception not the breaches which I think is most concerning.

The fact that Silversea has this culture of deception now caught two times with their pants down not to mention employees caught pouring lower class vodka into Grey Goose bottles..... I am convinced that there are travel agents on here who post to actively seek upgrades.....I have met many onboard and it appears the main advertising channel that Silversea uses.....Just saying. Take everything including my post with a grain of salt. Anyone who says "I love it blah blah blah its perfect".....discount their comments 50%.

Strictly FYI. Crystal had the best food at sea we had however the small cabin sizes were poor. That said on the Serenade where the basic cabins were 25 square feet bigger it made a big difference than the Symphony. Seabourn also had great food, service and itineraries and now that they have dumped those small ships, they are formidable competition to Silversea....Very. Regent is nice for the true all inclusive however you don't get the small ship feel....That said restaurants are lovely and open seating means open seating. Also note that we were on a sort of open seating with Crystal and had no problem eating when we wanted. After the first night the ships settle down and adjustments are made etc.

Most important of these lines is that you get a sense of luxury and security and yet with Silversea there is a question mark? Their ships are often run by whoever they can hire in time to fill the positions and not the best people. In our 12 years of sailing there is not much staff other then a few lovely Filipino's who have stayed on.

I wonder if Genting group who recently bought Crystal will make a play for Silversea? It will be interesting to see. With one of the OLDEST and least renovated fleets at sea I cannot imagine they are going to get much for it.

I will say the same thing I say about every city I visit in the world. You can find enjoyment and beauty anywhere.....Whether you choose Silversea or not? You will enjoy any cruise with a positive attitude and a travelers spirit.

Wishing everyone safe sails! Cheers. NYC

Cruiseerf - FYI - If you were referring to me, I am not a travel agent. I am a paying passenger and buy a Silver Suite (not a guarantee, hoping to get something for nothing).

I will say the same thing I say about every city I visit in the world. You can find enjoyment and beauty anywhere.....Whether you choose Silversea or not? You will enjoy any cruise with a positive attitude and a travelers spirit. NYC

Appreciate the above, wise thoughts from this NYC-based traveler. Yes for a positive attitude having its potentials and certain advantages!!

We have had experiences with Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea and Celebrity during our limited cruising career. All of these lines have strong positives plus some little "slips" and/or areas for improvement/change. I am not blind to some of the shortcomings, but I do not like to dwell too much just on those issues. For us, itineraries and ports are top priorities/focus, plus getting decent values.

Is there a "culture of deception"?? Not totally sure. I would like to hear more in a candid, honest, detailed manner from the SS management. "Silence" is not always golden.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 107,265 views for this posting.

The fact that Silversea has this culture of deception now caught two times with their pants down not to mention employees caught pouring lower class vodka into Grey Goose bottles..... I am convinced that there are travel agents on here who post to actively seek upgrades.....I have met many onboard and it appears the main advertising channel that Silversea uses.....Just saying. Take everything including my post with a grain of salt. Anyone who says "I love it blah blah blah its perfect".....discount their comments 50%.

 

Strictly FYI. Crystal had the best food at sea we had however the small cabin sizes were poor. That said on the Serenade where the basic cabins were 25 square feet bigger it made a big difference than the Symphony. Seabourn also had great food, service and itineraries and now that they have dumped those small ships, they are formidable competition to Silversea....Very. Regent is nice for the true all inclusive however you don't get the small ship feel....That said restaurants are lovely and open seating means open seating. Also note that we were on a sort of open seating with Crystal and had no problem eating when we wanted. After the first night the ships settle down and adjustments are made etc.

 

Most important of these lines is that you get a sense of luxury and security and yet with Silversea there is a question mark? Their ships are often run by whoever they can hire in time to fill the positions and not the best people. In our 12 years of sailing there is not much staff other then a few lovely Filipino's who have stayed on.

 

I wonder if Genting group who recently bought Crystal will make a play for Silversea? It will be interesting to see. With one of the OLDEST and least renovated fleets at sea I cannot imagine they are going to get much for it.

 

I will say the same thing I say about every city I visit in the world. You can find enjoyment and beauty anywhere.....Whether you choose Silversea or not? You will enjoy any cruise with a positive attitude and a travelers spirit.

 

Wishing everyone safe sails! Cheers. NYC

The only disagreement I have with you is that you rated Ellen as being good for SS. Oddly ...considering your warnings about being aware of TAs, a view is that as an ex Amex TA channel execitive she was great for TAs but rubbish for customers. She further distanced customers from SS during her time and behaved as though TAs were her customer and not ... errr...... her customers.

Just saying .....;):D

In terms of the Seabourn recommendation, we would have tried them based on reviews. However, the fact that you can smoke on balconies seems to be drawing smokers to their ships (makes sense since all other luxury cruise lines have strict smoking policies that do not include smoking on your balcony). If you read the Seabourn board, there are many recent complaints about smoking.

 

Please share the source of your information that Seabourn is drawing smokers to their ships. I have yet to meet anyone new to Seabourn because of the balcony smoking allowance.

I know people who have switched from SS to SB for just that reason!

I know people who have switched from SS to SB for just that reason!

Smoking on SS is out of control and the staff should put a stop to it. The pool bar is like a snake pit, you walk away smelling like a stale and offensive pile of dry old garbage.

Smoking on SS is out of control and the staff should put a stop to it. The pool bar is like a snake pit, you walk away smelling like a stale and offensive pile of dry old garbage.

Because of or in spite of the smoking?

Smoking on SS is out of control and the staff should put a stop to it. The pool bar is like a snake pit, you walk away smelling like a stale and offensive pile of dry old garbage.

Perhaps a slightly unbalanced view as there is never anyone smoking at the pool bar.

Perhaps a slightly unbalanced view as there is never anyone smoking at the pool bar.

I wonder if the poster meant SB?

Smoking on SS is out of control and the staff should put a stop to it. The pool bar is like a snake pit, you walk away smelling like a stale and offensive pile of dry old garbage.

This is complete and utter nonsense.

Why is it always the Shadow?

Why is it always the Shadow?

Because for many it is no longer "Me and my Shadow"

:)

On a recent trip on the Spirit, there was a couple who had reserved a table at the bar complete with customized place mats with their names on them, ashtrays and a wine bucket with several bottles. This was set up every morning, and they were ensconced there for most of the day smoking and drinking away. The table was not the usual pool deck table nor were the chairs. I felt sorry for the crew that had to "enable" this behavior.

That would be M & L.

Those people drive me nuts! I heard they went to SB due the smoking issue. OK by me!

Just out of interest - were these people smoking where it was not allowed?

I would like to know how much smoking is allowed on Silversea; both indoors and outdoors, and presume it is not allowed on balconies. I guess there is less than on Seabourn, though a few years ago on our last Silversea cruise there was quite a lot, including Officers in part of the nice forward lounge.