Jump to content

First Time Silversea cruiser (spirit)


737swapilot
 Share

Recommended Posts

We (me+wife) have been a bunch of the big cruise lines but this is our first Silversea and first luxury cruise. Looking for advice on what to expect and any other bits of knowledge anyone would like to pass along. We are going on the Spirit out of Rome on May 6 on a 7day to Barcelona.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not sure what advice you are looking for (it's too big a guess to post something without knowing what you're after.)

 

One thing ... tips ... none are expected. (Though we still do give to those who gave us good service ... which in my view, tips are for. It's for appreciation not a charge or bribe!)

 

But the biggest difference you will notice is the level of service you will receive. You are on the biggest SS ship which I travelled on in June and I know you will enjoy immensely. Certainly on the smaller ships, staff learned your names and it's nice being addressed informally. Makes things personal. You can eat and drink as much as you want and all of good quality food and beverage. You won't however see anyone doing that. its all very civilised and friendly.

 

The only downside to smaller ships is if you want to arrange your own shared tours in vans it becomes more difficult to achieve.

 

Ask away on specifics and I'm sure you will be answered.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the response. I have a few questions that come to mind.

 

What is the dress code during day and night, will shorts and at shirt work during the day?

 

How about land excursions.

Usually people try and avoid the ship excursions on the big cruise lines how about here, should I book with silversea or find my own?

 

Any specific onboard restaurants you would recommend over others?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the response. I have a few questions that come to mind.

 

What is the dress code during day and night, will shorts and at shirt work during the day?

 

How about land excursions.

Usually people try and avoid the ship excursions on the big cruise lines how about here, should I book with silversea or find my own?

 

Any specific onboard restaurants you would recommend over others?

 

Weather permitting shorts and a shirt will be find during the day. There will be a nightly dress code.

 

We do a mix of tours from self-directed to privately arranged to ship tours. In contrast to big mass market cruise lines we've generally found the ship tours to be pretty good. You're dealing with a much smaller ship population so you're rarely going to run into the huge tour bus full of people and some tours are actually have relatively limited capacity. Again most ship tours have been good, some actually excellent, with maybe only one clunker I can remember.

 

We like all the restuarants on the Spirit but probably prefer La Terrazza, the Hot Rocks Grill, and Stars Supper Club slightly over the others. Our least favorite is probably Seishin but that's not because we think it's bad it just doesn't match our tastes as well as the others.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How about land excursions. Usually people try and avoid the ship excursions on the big cruise lines how about here, should I book with silversea or find my own? Any specific onboard restaurants you would recommend over others?

 

YES, excellent background from Les and Randy as noted previously. Having been on the Silver Spirit in June for eleven days, there is much to enjoy and experience on these types of smaller, luxury ships.

 

More on the food, entertainment, etc., of this nice ship are detailed, as connected below, on my live/blog with lots of visuals. Below are a few of my visuals from the Silver Spirit in June to help build your excitement for your upcoming "adventure".

 

Having done five cruises with Silversea, plus one each with Crystal and Seabourn, we can contrast, also, versus having done two Celebrity Solstice and one Princess sailing. There are various pluses and minuses to consider on either types of ships. The objective is to maximize the pluses and enjoy ALL of the benefits of any cruise sailing and your ports.

 

We did have some great private guides/tours on our June Silversea trip. BUT, we also did a number of ship tours that worked reasonably well, too. Silversea does not load up their buses that full and has one of their staff members traveling along to help with any questions or needs. Both of those "details" are important and beneficial. Some tours, whether private or ship, do not always work ideally. BUT, depending where you are traveling, exploring these areas and being "adventuresome" has its important advantages. Go for IT!!

 

Keep rolling with the good questions. Don't be shy!!

 

On page 12, post #235 of my live/blog are my ten top tips for enjoying a cruise on the Silver Spirit. Check out these suggestions from our experiences, plus earlier ideas that others have suggested and shared.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Just finished June 2017 sailing from Portugal to France along the scenic Atlantic Coast, plus great pre- and post-cruise experiences. Many interesting pictures and details on history, food, culture, etc., from my live/blog at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

 

How does the Silver Spirit look these days? After coming back from being Bilbao, here is the look of this ship in mid June with nice lighting and a great angle.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger!)

June%202017A%201567_zpsa3xjjob0.jpg

 

Considering enjoying the Stars Super Club for one night on the Silver Spirit. Here is the first of five courses at “Stars”. This first course was Tuna with curried aioli, Buffalo Mozzarella with plum tomato and Prosciutoo di Parma with walnuts. Like?:

June%202017A%201561_zpsnc1uci1f.jpg

 

Second was Scallops with mango, Asparagus with caviar crea and Veal with artichoke.:

June%202017A%201562_zps55cen1je.jpg

 

On the Silver Spirit, here are two visual samples from the "Mind the Gap" music/dance program, involving the Voices of Silversea.:

June%202017A%201552_zpsay2vzk4p.jpg

 

June%202017A%201553_zpszzjsc1g6.jpg

 

For the lovers of "food porn", here is one more sample from our time on the Silver Spirit. These are some scallops in the Main Dining Room.:

July%202017A%201632_zpss1fnrgzz.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What is the dress code during day and night, will shorts and at shirt work during the day?
You bet! Shorts are just fine during the day.
How about land excursions.
This is a bit tougher. When possible, we prefer private tours. But, with that said, we find that unique SS excursions (not just introductory or overview port/city tours) are excellent. For our upcoming voyage we have booked SS excursions to glaciers and a national park.
Any specific onboard restaurants you would recommend over others?
While food tastes are very specific to any given individual, our favorite Spirit restaurants are Seishin for sashimi and tempura, Le Champagne for super fine dining, and La Terrazza for all things pasta.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

YES, excellent background from Les and Randy as noted previously. Having been on the Silver Spirit in June for eleven days, there is much to enjoy and experience on these types of smaller, luxury ships.

 

 

 

More on the food, entertainment, etc., of this nice ship are detailed, as connected below, on my live/blog with lots of visuals. Below are a few of my visuals from the Silver Spirit in June to help build your excitement for your upcoming "adventure".

 

 

 

Having done five cruises with Silversea, plus one each with Crystal and Seabourn, we can contrast, also, versus having done two Celebrity Solstice and one Princess sailing. There are various pluses and minuses to consider on either types of ships. The objective is to maximize the pluses and enjoy ALL of the benefits of any cruise sailing and your ports.

 

 

 

We did have some great private guides/tours on our June Silversea trip. BUT, we also did a number of ship tours that worked reasonably well, too. Silversea does not load up their buses that full and has one of their staff members traveling along to help with any questions or needs. Both of those "details" are important and beneficial. Some tours, whether private or ship, do not always work ideally. BUT, depending where you are traveling, exploring these areas and being "adventuresome" has its important advantages. Go for IT!!

 

 

 

Keep rolling with the good questions. Don't be shy!!

 

 

 

On page 12, post #235 of my live/blog are my ten top tips for enjoying a cruise on the Silver Spirit. Check out these suggestions from our experiences, plus earlier ideas that others have suggested and shared.

 

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Just finished June 2017 sailing from Portugal to France along the scenic Atlantic Coast, plus great pre- and post-cruise experiences. Many interesting pictures and details on history, food, culture, etc., from my live/blog at:

 

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

 

 

 

How does the Silver Spirit look these days? After coming back from being Bilbao, here is the look of this ship in mid June with nice lighting and a great angle.:

 

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger!)

 

June%202017A%201567_zpsa3xjjob0.jpg

 

 

 

Considering enjoying the Stars Super Club for one night on the Silver Spirit. Here is the first of five courses at “Stars”. This first course was Tuna with curried aioli, Buffalo Mozzarella with plum tomato and Prosciutoo di Parma with walnuts. Like?:

 

June%202017A%201561_zpsnc1uci1f.jpg

 

 

 

Second was Scallops with mango, Asparagus with caviar crea and Veal with artichoke.:

 

June%202017A%201562_zps55cen1je.jpg

 

 

 

On the Silver Spirit, here are two visual samples from the "Mind the Gap" music/dance program, involving the Voices of Silversea.:

 

June%202017A%201552_zpsay2vzk4p.jpg

 

 

 

June%202017A%201553_zpszzjsc1g6.jpg

 

 

 

For the lovers of "food porn", here is one more sample from our time on the Silver Spirit. These are some scallops in the Main Dining Room.:

 

July%202017A%201632_zpss1fnrgzz.jpg

 

 

 

How can I find page 12 of your live blog? (Silver Spirit tips)?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=53694160&postcount=235

This is the post Terry refers. (Just click on the above)

 

Appreciate this link and help by Les. For Clewis104 in nearby Cleveland, welcome to these Cruise Critic boards. Keep posting and asking questions. Don't be shy!! There are lots of helpful and smart people who are willing to share more, answer any questions, etc. Remember, the only "dumb" question is the one you don't ask.

 

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 33,758 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We (me+wife) have been a bunch of the big cruise lines but this is our first Silversea and first luxury cruise. Looking for advice on what to expect and any other bits of knowledge anyone would like to pass along. We are going on the Spirit out of Rome on May 6 on a 7day to Barcelona.

 

 

737....you'll have a wonderful time on the Spirit...she's a beautiful ship....not the biggest in the fleet now The Muse has entered service but as she's being 'stretched' next year she may come close!

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy the smaller ship ambience and meeting other likeminded folk....

You'll find your butler very useful and always ready to please...bear in mind that if you wish to dine in suite and order a particular menu a quick word to the butler will be enough to ensure your request is honoured and served course by course superbly well... the same goes for having breakfast served in suite.

 

The dining options on board are all excellent and you will be spoilt for choice at every meal.

 

You'll find most people relaxing each day on the pool deck where beverages of every description are served by the lovely crew who will also ensure that you are happy and comfortable at all times....lunch there is a great option but you always have a choice where to lunch depending on your mood!

 

Do feel free to ask any questions......apart from Tipping and Smoking to avoid a very severe backlash!! 😉

 

Sophia 😊

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you everyone that took k the time to reply. I can't wait to try out the silversea spirit.

 

Glad you had a chance to see the follow-ups and to reply. BUT, it is a long-time between now and next May when you board the Silver Spirit. Don't be shy as to asking any and all questions on these boards. Lots of smart and helpful people here who can and will share added background as you prepare for this ship and the areas of the world where you will visit.

 

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 33,895 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Terry! And yes, it is Cleveland, OH. We are taking our first Silversea cruise on the Spirit in October of 18 so right now I'm enjoying learning what I can about Silversea. I'm very excited to see what refurbishing will be done next spring although I feel badly for all those whose plans were sidetracked.

Appreciate this link and help by Les. For Clewis104 in nearby Cleveland, welcome to these Cruise Critic boards. Keep posting and asking questions. Don't be shy!! There are lots of helpful and smart people who are willing to share more, answer any questions, etc. Remember, the only "dumb" question is the one you don't ask.

 

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 33,758 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just returned home (last night) from my first Silvesea cruise...sailed SPIRIT and she is beautiful:D......hope you have wonderful cruise:)

 

Great to hear from Lois that she is back, safe and sound!! Fortunately with Lois' timing that her cruise started in Barcelona before the "incidents" there. Looking forward to learning more details and specifics from her first sailing with Silversea.

 

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 52,507 views for these postings.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...