The last few holidays, we have traveled Cunard and loved it. Wanting to embark from the U.S., we decided to give Silversea a try. The marketing suggested upscale and the price certainly reflected upscale. From the outside things looked pretty great. Once we stepped into the cabin, we got a surprise. Start with stains on the floor, drapes, and outer bed blanket. Friends offered to cut the frazzles off the frayed and very outdated sofas. The glass coffee table was seriously scratched. The dressing table was less than one foot from the end of the bed. My husband had to climb over the bed while I dried my hair. The verandah floor was shop worn and had two plastic sitting chairs with no cushions, and table. I suppose you could have put your foot up on the table for relaxing. Our room, 626 was noisy. It had a loud vibration.

We thought the food was delicious and beautifully presented. We also found it difficult to get reservations at the other restaurants. Service started out great. After New Years, the staff size decreased. And they seemed less interested in pleasing. A good training motto for staff might be, "A 1000 dollars a day for our clients means you give them 1000 dollar service for each day!" While the cruise was all inclusive, I don't drink alcohol but like virgin mojitos. After New Years, I was told the limes and mint were gone. Sorry! Food also went down hill after New Years.

My biggest surprise, was the spa. The prices were right in line with Four Season, Regent Cruise, etc. The robe I was given had a big rip. And the waiting area included a few dark brown sofas and tables. Something you would find in a medical clinic waiting area. The refridg had nothing in it. The staff were chatting it up. It was not a place to relax. And….if you wanted to use the warm stone chair, whirlpool or sauna, you were asked to pay another 29 dollars. Not one thing about this spa said, "awww." Read more