Regent die hards but considering Silver Whisper....comparisons?

[petlover]

We have never been on Silversea before but considering a New England trip on the Silver Whisper in a Veranda cabin (#516). We're highest tier on Regent (Titanium) so quite spoiled with free internet, laundry, dry cleaning, airport pick up etc. I already know we will not get any of these things on Silversea.

 

Are Veranda cabins similar to standard cabins on the Voyager? What are eating options? How is the casino and shows? Does S.S. have any formal nights on a 10 night cruise? Any thoughts on location of cabin #516?

 

My husband is a little concerned that with only 382 passengers there won't be many options as on ships such as Voyager or Mariner. I'd love to hear the good,the bad and any opinoons. Thanks guys. :)

[WesW]

Marcie, Ida and I have been on both the Shadow and Whisper, as well as

the PG, Nav, & Voyager. We have had terrace suites on the Shadow and a veranda

suite on the Whisper...close your eyes and the Whisper/Shadow--the veranda suites are very close to identical

on veranda suites on the Navigator, Voyager. The Whisper, like the Navigator was built at

Mariotti shipyards. Can't give you any specifics on 516, however, am sure

a SS veteran will chime in.

 

Marcie on the Whisper dining options; The Restaurant (think Compass Rose),

La Terraza (we love the italian theme dinners served here for dinner) lunch it

is similar to La Veranda, Le Champagne (Degustation menu with exquisitly paired

wines (cost is either $50 pp cover and you have to purchase a premium bottle of

wine off the list, no complimentary wines are poured) or for $200 pp you will have

wines paired with each course (tell Tom, they may serve Opus One, or Joseph

Phelps Insignia Cab. Also, there are Pool Grill and dining course by course in your suite. We love dining on Regent but enjoy it as much on Silversea (can't wait for the Spirit's new Stars Supper Club (think this will be great for dancing) and Seishin (new

Asian (kobe beef, sushi) restaurant).

 

Have only had a drink in the casino, but there was lots of "players" using the

table and slots. Here is what the website says:

 

The Casino offers three different live games: Blackjack, Oasis Poker and Roulette, plus a number of slot machine games including Video Poker. Join our friendly Casino staff as they host tournaments, jackpots, seminars and receptions. If you are a novice, come to our Champagne Reception, enjoy a glass of bubbly and learn all the games offered aboard. Even if you are an “old-hand” at the game — we have a number of tips and information that may surprise you.

 

Shows: Full production, solo aritists, to cultural entertainment. SS has dance hosts..on

the Shadow, Nelson the dance host volunteered (at least 10 private hours) to help Ida and I with a swing routine we used in a Dancing with the Stars competition in my last military assignment. We also enjoyed chocolate covered stawberries served with Champagne at night on the pool deck (in loungers

with blankets) as we watched Pavarotti on the large screen.

 

Marcie a sailing of ten days should have three formal nights, eight days or less means

two formal nights.

 

In sum, Ida and love equally Regent and Silversea..for us it is the itinerary and price

that is the deal maker. Both lines offer wonderful cabins, exceptional & varied dining,

outstanding service, and a crew that consistently goes above and beyond.

 

PS..Silversea allows smoking in the cabins

[meow!]

We're highest tier on Regent (Titanium) ...

 

Are Veranda cabins similar to standard cabins on the Voyager? Any thoughts on location of cabin #516?

ColonelWes has given you the most complete comparison possible. However, if you are interested in a detailed description on a standard cabin on the Shadow/Whisper, here is it http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=112477&highlight=meow

 

By the way, as for titanium, our eyeglass frames are made of titanium. Cards categories used to include gold, then platinum, have they run out of metal names? Some cards start to use colours such as black!

[dwelsh]

Meow

 

I just read your 2004 post and was AMAZED at the detail!!

 

If I ever see a cat with a tape measure prowling the deck on any cruise ship I am on i will know it has to BU!!!!!!!!!!:):):)

[wripro]

You can also do a search. There must be hundreds of posts comparing the two lines.

[meow!]

If I ever see a cat with a tape measure prowling the deck on any cruise ship I am on i will know it has to BU!!!!!!!!!!:):):)

meow!

[petlover]

Thanks Col, Meow and all for such good detailed replies. This is the type of info I was looking for. Regent and S.S. sound very similar....I was hoping they might not have any formal nights, oh well. As for smoking on balcony...no big deal one way or another, it wouldn''t bother us if we had a neighbor who smoked. Thanks for all the helpful info.

[simonv]

Casino on Whisper/Shadow is smaller than Voyager, but still plenty of action most nights. The rooms on Whisper and Voyager are almost identical both in size and the layout - two sinks on Silversea and a slightly better placing of the makeup table on Voyager, nothing to write home about, in other words.

Excursions are run better on Silversea. They usually have less people on each bus, and the crew who accompany each bus actually work, unlike some of the 'escorts' I've encountered on Regeant excursions.

The ship is very stable and well laid out, and the fifth deck is a convenient location. Silversea ships don't have the Regeant's vibration problems, by the way.

[DebbieH103]

Hi, Marcie, maybe you have read my long sea mails and posts on both Silversea and Regent.

 

The experience on Shadow/Whisper is most like Navigator. In fact, the first day or two I was on Navigator, I felt like I was on Whisper except the Navigator layout is a little more odd and the ship had a lot more vibration.

 

Suites on Whisper are very similar to Voyager suites except I find the closet slightly larger on Whisper but then the couch is bigger on Voyager by a few inches.

 

I find service much more intimate on Silversea ships in dining areas and on the pool deck.

 

The main dining experience is a lot like Compass Rose with a number of selections for each course, some simple selections available daily and some healthy items. For lunch, you can do sit down course by course or go to the buffet that is has most of the items from the a la carte restaurant. Like Regent, you can get a lot of items on room service. Pizza on Silversea is 10 times over what it is on Regent, but it would be a shame if they weren't experts being an Italian line.

 

Though it is not free, internet will be similar to Regent. You will get the lunch and dinner menus with your nightly turndown, inside the next day's activity sheets. You don't have to peruse the TV or go to the restaurant.

 

The pool grill has a lot of selections, and they will bring it to your pool chair, or you can sit at a table. We always get drinks offered in the hot tub or wherever we are, and they bring around sorbet, cool towels, etc.

 

The casino will be most like Navigator, smaller than on the bigger ships, but they have some table games and slots, and they do tournaments like Regent, though there are not always as many attendees. There is a bar off the casino that has grappas in certain hours.

 

Public areas are similar, and they have nice appetizers before dinner everywhere. There is dancing music available in the evenings. Production shows are very similar to Regent. I find more enrichment available on SS on sea days than Regent, but it is very close.

 

You won't have Prime Seven or Signatures, of course, but the service in La Terazza is some of the best on the ship.

 

In 2010, all cabins will have butler service, and they will do packing and unpacking.

 

I always find people dress a little more casually in the daytime on Regent than on Silversea but a bit more formally on Regent at night than on Silversea. All in all, your Regent wardrobe would work great on Silversea.

 

Guests will be similar types of folks, interesting people from all over the world.

 

I have a few guests that don't want 516 or 616 due to being close to service areas, but I have only heard a couple of people being bothered. The staff is very efficient, and you don't hear banging, etc. Across the hall like that should be fine.

 

You also have the option of Le Champagne, the fine dining place, and sometimes there is nobody for the night and sometimes there are a few. This option is not included in your fare, and there is the wine pairing option or the option to just have their menu and choose one bottle of ine from their list at an upcharge. When you pick that option, you pay $30 pp for the dinner plus the cost of the wine, or if doing the pairing, it is $200 pp.

[petlover]

and what about espresso machines? Is there any kind of coffee corner where you can get yourself a cup of rich coffee with the beans freshly ground?

 

What are approximate cost to use the internet, wondering if it's cheaper if we bring a laptop ?

[simonv]

Every Bar has an expresso machine and they'll make any kind of fancy coffees and hot chocolate. The Observation Lounge has a self-service expresso machine for the early morning joggers, besides coffee, juice, pastries, etc. Of course there's room service any time of the day. Also the dining rooms. Their regular coffee is nice and strong, more of European type, just the way I like it.

[DebbieH103]

Internet is about the same as Regent if you were paying.

 

I get 1000 minutes for $250, aka 25 cents a minute. I believe the packages start out around 55 cents a minute, and the more you buy, the cheaper the minute. You can use your minutes in your cabin or the center, but I like to have my laptop and use my cabin since I do most of my stuff before Todd wakes up, and I can sit in my pjs.

[petlover]

Thanks again for helpful info.

Debbie your detailed seamail was very helpful and loaded with good info. Simonv, glad there's a self service coffee machine in the Observation lounge, I would put that to good use.

[simonv]

The pool grill has the best hamburger and pizza at sea.

[LOGHL]

We have never been on Silversea before but considering a New England trip on the Silver Whisper in a Veranda cabin (#516). We're highest tier on Regent (Titanium) so quite spoiled with free internet, laundry, dry cleaning, airport pick up etc. I already know we will not get any of these things on Silversea.

 

Are Veranda cabins similar to standard cabins on the Voyager? What are eating options? How is the casino and shows? Does S.S. have any formal nights on a 10 night cruise? Any thoughts on location of cabin #516?

 

My husband is a little concerned that with only 382 passengers there won't be many options as on ships such as Voyager or Mariner. I'd love to hear the good,the bad and any opinons. Thanks guys. :)[/quote

 

Other than the size , you will find the ships quite similar..in service & food & accommodations. The bigest difference is the home office/ Silversea seems not to care.'cause either they respond a long time after you contact them,. IF AT ALL!!

Whereas Regent responds quickly.. To us this is very important .Needless to say food & service is a very subjective matter.

[unfathomable]

Any thoughts on location of cabin #516?

Should be OK; perhaps one deck lower and a bit further forward than we would choose if we had a free choice, but I'm being picky.

The bigest difference is the home office / Silversea seems not to care.'cause either they respond a long time after you contact them,. IF AT ALL!! Whereas Regent responds quickly.. To us this is very important.

Our (star) TA insulates us from back office issues. It's the on-board experience that keeps us coming back.

[DebbieH103]

I recommend guests deal with everything they can while onboard where there is still a chance to improve things, and of course if it is something where that option cannot apply, at least get it documented while on board. I prefer to deal with the hotel director and the concierge people.

[conchyjoe]

We have never been on Silversea before but considering a New England trip on the Silver Whisper in a Veranda cabin (#516). We're highest tier on Regent (Titanium) so quite spoiled with free internet, laundry, dry cleaning, airport pick up etc. I already know we will not get any of these things on Silversea.

 

Are Veranda cabins similar to standard cabins on the Voyager? What are eating options? How is the casino and shows? Does S.S. have any formal nights on a 10 night cruise? Any thoughts on location of cabin #516?

 

My husband is a little concerned that with only 382 passengers there won't be many options as on ships such as Voyager or Mariner. I'd love to hear the good,the bad and any opinoons. Thanks guys. :)

 

 

Just curious - why are you looking at moving to Silversea when you have so much time on Regent ?

[wripro]

My guess is itinerary.

[petlover]

BINGO Wripro...this is exactly the reason. We were going to go on a May '10Canada/New England itinerary on Regent but the trip ends in Iceland. We were just in Iceland so we didn't want to have to fly back from there again, a waste for us.

 

It is tough giving up the perks we have and now in 2010 Regent includes excursions for everyone...makes it tough to consider "jumping ship". We are also considering a mass marketed ship like Princess, HAL etc. for this one trip. Just not sure how well we'd adjust to cruising with sooooooooooo many other passengers.

 

I know we'd feel much more "at home" on Silversea and even know some former Regent staff who are now with Silversea.

[LOVE@CRUISE]

Hi Marcie,

 

We are also considering a SS cruise for the first time. We are Regent Gold, from So Cal too! ) Got an incredible offer to "try them out" on an upcoming LAX to LAX aboard the Shadow! 9 days, almost cheaper than staying home! Feel guilty a bit if we do it, since we are die hard Regent!

Looking at cabin 515 or 610. Who knows if there's a difference?????:confused: Love to hear what you decide! I know I'll be happy if they serve belvedere, chopin, and cappucino!!!! My husband ( a scotch drinker) will hope for Pinch or Delwinney!

[petlover]

WOW...that's sounds fantastic. I don't remember getting anything (or else it got tossed before I read it). If it's something you can share, I'd love to hear more about it, dates? My email is petlovermarcie@gmail.com

[WesW]

Marcie,

 

believe the shadow cruise Love@cruise is talking about is the 24 Sept or 3 Oct,

LA to LA (4 mexican ports & San Diego):

 

http://www.silversea.com/voyagesearch.aspx?id=1853&search=yes&RegionID=0&Date=01/01/2001&ShipID=3&Duration=0&page_type=viewvoyagesearch&page_id=Voyages

[cmhmarine]

Marcie,

 

believe the shadow cruise Love@cruise is talking about is the 24 Sept or 3 Oct,

LA to LA (4 mexican ports & San Diego):

 

http://www.silversea.com/voyagesearch.aspx?id=1853&search=yes&RegionID=0&Date=01/01/2001&ShipID=3&Duration=0&page_type=viewvoyagesearch&page_id=Voyages

 

October 3 LA to LA does not include San Deigo, but adds Manzillo Mexico.

[azgkrudi]

I agree that both lines are very similar. We started with Silversea but matriculated to Regent: initially because of itinerary (Regent's Paul Gauguin in French Polynesia), then Regent started to include air on their European itineraries which was very attractive to us. Before we knew it, we racked up nights with Regent and achieved Silver level pretty quickly, which gave us unlimited free internet and an hour's worth of telephone time. At that point, it became about itinerary, timing of cruises (making the most use of our holidays and weekend time) and sometimes also a question of "when can our friends book/what do they want to sail?".

 

I wouldn't hesitate to book Silversea again, even though it's been almost 3 years since we've cruised them. Especially because they are now including air on many itineraries like Regent does. Of course, on the other hand, Regent is now including excursions (or greatly reducing the price). It really is a tossup.

 

Just one parting thought that I give Regent the edge on would be ship configuration/amenities, particularly with Voyager. I absolutely love that ship and can't wait to sail her again...it almost feels like they constructed it with my husband and myself in mind! ;) That being said, Silversea's new Spirit looks to be right up our alley and we would really love to try her as soon as possible!

 

Oh - and one other minor thing - I recall that with Silversea, in order to board before 3pm, we had to pay a fee for early embarkation. Regent has accepted us whenever we've arrived without hesitation (if I remember correctly, as early as 10:30-11:00am). Of course, the suites weren't available yet, but it was nice not to have to worry about where to put our luggage, are we going to have shelter if they make us wait, etc. etc.