we have been cruising for many years but have grown tired of the larger ships which seem to be getting even larger. We have decided to only cruise on small ships . Earlier in the year we took an Azamara cruise which we enjoyed but this time we decided to give Siversea a try. We were not disappointed. The cruise exceeded all expectations. From the time you embark (no queuing and check in on board with a glass of champagne and canapes) you are treated as honoured guests. The suite (although only the lowest grade of accommodation) was superb with a full size bath, walk in wardrobe and full size bed. All premium drinks are included and your in-suite bar is stocked with whatever alcoholic beverages you require. Room service, which we only had once, was suberb. We had lunch in our suite one day. It is brought course by course and a dining room table is set up for you.

Dining, is as you would expect, excellent. We particularly l;iked the speciality Champagne restaurant and the lunch and breakfast buffets, which are set up in a dining room with your own table, not the usual scramble at poolside buffets. You could always stay on deck and have a hamburger or hot dog if you wished.

The service, as you would expect, was faultless. Friendly without being obsequious from The Captain down the humblest cleaner everything was done with a smile. The benefit of a smaller ship is that you get to meet people. Most of our fellow guests were well educated and travelled Americans, they made for excellent company as did the few fellow Brits aboard. The entertainment was not good.The shows were, quite frankly, mediocre and apart from a good US singer would not have been permitted in a holiday camp. We really didn't mind as you go on a Silversea cruise for good company, good food and the whole expewrience. The less said about the itinerary the better. We are now hooked on Silversea and have already booked another cruise for later this year.