The Silver Shadow is the first of Silversea's larger pair, built in Italy to Petter Yran and Bjorn Storbraaten's design. Both were also responsible for Silver Cloud and Silver Wind. Launched in 2000 with Silversea's traditional hallmarks—all-inclusive pricing, veranda suites, Christofle silver—this ship incorporates such enhancements as a poolside grill, a cigar lounge, larger walk-in closets and baths, and more verandas. This Bahamian-registered ship of 28,258 tons measures 610 ft in length, with a beam of 82 ft, a draft of 20 ft, a cruising speed of 21 knots, seven passenger decks and five elevators. Italian officers and maitres d'hotel and a European and Asian crew of 295 pamper up to 388 passengers.
Silversea Cruises joined the luxury end of the cruise business in 1994, and in tonnage and passenger capacity, the ships fall about midway between the smaller Seabourn trio and the larger Regent (formerly Radisson) Seven Seas threesome. Family-owned by the Lefebvres of Rome who formerly owned Sitmar Cruises, they project an Italian heritage. The ship exhibits touches of Italian decor, Murano glass fixtures and Italian-inspired artwork.
The Silver Shadow's passengers are an English-speaking and international lot, though with Americans in a majority on most cruises. Adults must accompany children under age 18 and, frankly, life aboard this ship will not appeal to most young ones. All gratuities are included in the fares, and nothing else is expected.
The Silver Shadow's wide-ranging cruises are from 7 to 15 days in Northern Europe in the summer, and the Caribbean in winter. In 2008, she is offering a "Rhythms of the World" itinerary that will depart from Florida, consist of nine legs and last 110 days. Cruises often include overnights in ports, allowing two full days ashore for more comprehensive touring inland. The concierge can plan independent touring.
The interior design sees all but one small public room located aft on five different decks, keeping most noise away from the suites. Roominess is apparent throughout the ship, and the decor is understated and sophisticated. The many attractive rooms provide a social rendezvous or a quiet reading spot. Starting high up on Deck 10, the Observation Lounge, with its wraparound windows, is always serene and well away from the flow. Located behind the Observation Lounge, Silversea is phasing in a new spa concept called The Spa at Silversea, replacing the existing Mandara Spa. The thrust is to help passengers maintain a healthy lifestyle while away from their routines at home. The Spa at Silversea includes dry and steam rooms and a beauty and hair salon. The expanded fitness center and aerobics studio is equipped with circuit weights, state-of-the-art treadmills, cardiovascular training equipment, stair climbers, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, fit balls, step blocks and yoga mats. Equipment has individual TV screens. Two decks below, the Panorama Lounge is just that, a sprawling room with views in three directions, ideal for drinks, dancing, game show evenings or a quiet read.
Just forward of the Panorama Lounge, an open-shelf library features a collection of hardcover books, some in European languages, an atlas, newspapers and the video and DVD film collection. Here and next door are seven computer stations with high-speed connections to personal e-mail and the Internet. Rates are reasonable when buying time in bulk. Deck 7 sees a cluster of three small rooms: the Humidor with a men's club atmosphere for Davidoff cigars and liquors, a conference room and a card room. The wine-red Viennese Lounge descends to the level of the stage, and the seven wide tiers allow for banquette and moveable chair seating, serving well for parties, lectures and evening entertainment. The cabaret acts get mixed reviews, and enrichment programs present topics related to the itinerary.
The midships casino offers blackjack, Oasis stud poker, American roulette, video poker, and slot machines. Next to the tiny Grappa Bar, boutiques carry clothing, jewelry, perfumes and Silversea logo items. The circular central foyer is rimmed by a 24-hour reception desk, concierge service, shore excursion counter and cruise consultant. Deck 9 provides a jogging track and Deck 8 the lido pool, two whirlpools, and a grill bar. A bar with complimentary drinks spans the width of the ship and proves to be the most popular spot before and after dinner. Pre-dinner cold canapes and hot hors d'oeuvres are served in all of the bars.
The Silver Whisper operates on an open-seating basis for all meals. The restaurant on the lowest passenger deck can seat all passengers at once, so there are ample choices of tables on most nights. The menu provides classical and modern French cuisine with signature dishes designed exclusively for Silversea by Relais & Chateaux. The decent complimentary lunchtime and dinner wines are poured. La Terrazza provides a light-filled dining facility for breakfast and lunch and an intimate curtained room for dinner. Seating is both indoors and outside overlooking the stern. For dinner, La Terrazza reservations are accepted for just 60, so the occupied tables range around the perimeter. When the ship is full, passengers may generally eat here only twice—a criticism for some. The menu is regional Italian and changes every night. Le Champagne, with just seven tables, is a handsome private room outfitted as a wine restaurant by Relais & Chateaux with a major extra tariff depending on the plan one chooses. Light breakfast pastries, tea and coffee are also available in the Panorama and Observation lounges, and both breakfast and lunch are available at the Poolside Grill with table service. And lastly, there is in-suite service where passengers can dine inside or in most cases on the verandah.
The 194 suites fall into eight categories with the smallest Vista Suites at 287 sq ft and no veranda. Veranda and Midship Veranda Suites measure 345 sq ft. Both have sitting areas beside the large windows, walk-in wardrobes, marble baths with double sinks and vanities, and separate shower stalls and tubs. These suites have metal fabric deckchairs with wooden handles. The Medallion Suites at 521 sq ft have a dining and sitting area and enclosed bedroom. Free laundry service and CD players start at this level, in addition to TVs with DVD and VCR. The 653 to 701-sq-ft Silver Suites offer perhaps the best value because of their clever layout. The Royal and Grand Suites (1,286 to 1,312 sq ft) offer truly separate bedrooms that face forward over the bow. The owner's suite (1,264 sq ft) is side-facing with two bedrooms and two separate bathrooms, and the Rossellini Suite (1,435 sq ft) adds a second bedroom to one of the Grand Suites. Shipboard living does not get more lavish than this. All suites feature a refrigerator stocked with one's drink and soft drink preferences, Pommery Champagne, fresh fruit and flowers, a selection of bath amenities such as Bulgari and Aqua di Palma, a choice of pillow fillings, personalized stationery, plush robes and slippers, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. Two handicapped-accessible suites located side-by-side fall into the Vista category.
Understated elegance, fine if not outstanding food, superb service, intriguing fitness offerings, and absorbing lectures make the Silver Shadow a worthy member of one of the top cruise lines. The price is high but the all-inclusive arrangement, apart from shore excursions, pleases many regulars.
