Silversea v mass market cruise lines

Dear All

We have been used to Celebrity since I started cruising and I have to say that I love the experience and am hooked on cruising BIG TIME!

I would be interested in opinions from those of you lucky enough to have experienced Silversea, as we are thinking about trying them in the Spring of 2005.

What makes them special? I would be particularly interested (but not exclusively) in hearing from those of you who have done both and why a smaller ship and more exclusive line like Silversea compares so favourably with the mass market like Celebrity.

We are not great party animals, but like a bit of fun on a ship. We love eating, but not to excess. Sometimes we like our own space and that is what really seems to appeal. Above all we love great customer service (which we have always had with Celebrity). I am not too hung up on a formal atmosphere. I do not particularly go for the "yes Sir, no Sir" attitude from the staff. I like them to be friendly and wish to treat them as I would wish to be treated myself.

I would be very appreciative of your thoughts.

Thanks

Phil

This was our first trip

http://boards.cruisecritic.com./showthread.php?t=33595

We were very impressed with our cruise on Celebrity's Constelllation.

One of the benefits with Celebrity is the wealth,and variety,of entertainment,and activities.Service levels are very high,and the food is very good(especially in the specialist restaurant).

On the Silver Shadow one has many benefits eg dining at a time of one's choice,a more intimate atmosphere,more personalised service,large entry level suites,and fully inclusive cruising.

We would suggest that a consistent and reliable cruise experience is more important than the potentially false promise of an ultra cruise experience with trappings of 'world class' service, food, etc.. Our opinion is that SS is NOT what it once was, and you take a risk in expecting it will 'deliver' high and consistent quality for the very high prices.

In our dozens of varied cruise experiences, Celebrity has always been no more nor no less than what they promise-- a great cruise experience, with potential to exceed expectations, but never failing to at least meet your expectations at every turn. Whatever your choice... enjoy every moment as a memorable time together surrounded by the amazing beauty of the world's seas and oceans!!

hAVE cruised mostly the smaller lines, and HAL twice. Detested the Rotterdam- food was inedible and the nickeling and diming horrible. Prinsendam, with 770 passengers was more refined, but HAL still nickeled and dimed, so we will not sail again with this line. Silversea is fantastic- refined and elegant without being stuffy, gracious, marvelous service and without that "treat you well for the big tip" attitude. Food was wonderful, ship beautiful, itinerary perfect with the right amount of sea days to ports. You can do your own thing or get out there and be with people- no discos, entertainment was fine, hoochy koochy extravaganzas is not our thing, so we were thrilled to not have that. Treat yourself and go, you won't regret it and you'll love the personalized way they do things- pros all the way.;)

We would suggest that a consistent and reliable cruise experience is more important than the potentially false promise of an ultra cruise experience with trappings of 'world class' service, food, etc.. Our opinion is that SS is NOT what it once was, and you take a risk in expecting it will 'deliver' high and consistent quality for the very high prices.

 

In our dozens of varied cruise experiences, Celebrity has always been no more nor no less than what they promise-- a great cruise experience, with potential to exceed expectations, but never failing to at least meet your expectations at every turn. Whatever your choice... enjoy every moment as a memorable time together surrounded by the amazing beauty of the world's seas and oceans!!

Was this just ONE bad SS cruise experience or several. I'm confused.

Was this just ONE bad SS cruise experience or several. I'm confused.

Obviously.

Obviously.

Obviously ?! Which? One OR several?

As good as Celebrity is, Silversea is in a different league. Once you experience Silversea, you'll never go back to mass market lines such as Celebrity.