Silversea gets a high rating so we expected a lot, but the company and "Shadow" fell short. Our cabin number was unavailable until we embarked.We found the ship deck plans quite confusing for such a small vessel but that is very common at sea!

From the embarkation moment the trip was rather dull with few geographical announcements and the ship keeping well back from the glacier.Despite a refurb the ship, inside and out, looks drab and blandly decorated.The mirrors in the cabin giving us multiple reflections of ourselves sitting. The TV was set rather high up.Our veranda door so stiff to slide, it was a strain injury waiting to happen.The balcony furniture poor.Most open deck furniture is new and pleasant and rugs and cushions were good.

The cabin bathroom was very good and cloths storage adequate.The ship is very clean and butler service was there but the "frock" coat uniform looked ridiculous, and his service very limited. Dress code for passengers was listed as casual, or informal,even on cocktail party nights, but passengers wanted to dress up and often did.Prosecco wine is used whenever possible and I always requested the Champagne (when I had a choice), as I did for our cabin fridge.Wine at meals was varied and well served and bar service good. Staff are plentiful but English comprehension is not always there with so many from the Philippines and India etc. The ships officers and management kept well out of the way except for the cocktail introduction party. Read more