Silver Cloud Entertainment
The gamut of usual shipboard activities are offered during the day: from lectures to language lessons, dance classes and always, Bridge. The most popular pastime is the daily Trivia competition. The cruise line also features a Silver Links golf program that includes onboard lessons from a pro and all arrangements (greens fees, cart, caddie, transfers from the ship) at some of the best courses in the world (from Australia to the Mediterranean). Evening entertainment has taken a major turn on the entire fleet and while not Broadway caliber, it's entertaining enough. There's usually one or two small production shows, a magician, comedian and occasionally some local entertainers. For those who don't need force fed amusement, the library is stocked with old and very new books and videos. There's also a tiny casino that gets good table action, but not too much slot play. The cruise director, who provides port lectures, introduces the shows and the captain and officers on the "Welcome Aboard" night, is usually well-selected, well-met type who is also always good for a joke.
Silver Cloud Public Rooms
Dynamite-design and user-friendly, the pretty Panorama or Observation lounges are comfortable just for sipping drinks, listening to music or simply sitting and watching the sea go by. The multi-tiered Venetian Lounge provides a pleasant setting for evening shows or movies with unobstructed views. The most popular spot is The Bar, a bustling art deco saloon where folks meet and mingle easily before and after dinner and the barkeep calls you by name and remembers what your drink after one visit.
Silver Cloud Spa & Fitness
Silver Cloud has an irritatingly small gym crammed with two treadmills, bicycles, free weights and often racks of logo sportswear for sale that take up precious space. A variety of fitness classes are offered daily, although there's rarely enough room for more than six people at a time. For those who prefer pampering to pumping iron, the newly added Mandara Spa is a sight for sore muscles. The specially designed Balinese treatments are excellent (especially the hot lava rocks or "around the world" massages, Sea and C Facial and the Javanese honey steam wrap). There's also a steambath and sauna in the changing room. The outdoor pool is long enough for some good lap swimming and the deck space more than ample for sun lovers.
