We spent two nights at the Rosedale on Robson Hotel in Vancouver before embarking on the Silver Shadow. The hotel, and our visit to Vancouver, were both outstanding. This hotel has 21 floors, and our suite was on the 20th floor, so we had great views. The location was great and the staff was very helpful. The hotel is in Yaletown, a trendy area with numerous bars and restaurants. Vancouver is a wonderful city. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful.

Silversea and Seabourn are remarkably similar. Both are small ships, luxury, all inclusive, almost all suites with balconies and with outstanding service due to high crew to passengers ratios. The Silver Shadow had 348 passengers, the Seabourn Quest had 450.

Positives: Embarkation was slow getting through US customs, but after that, very smooth. Departure was scheduled for 6PM. We went right on the ship at 1:30PM, had lunch and our suite was ready by 2:30PM. Our cruise was 7-day in the Inside Passage, Vancouver to Seward, with port stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka. We were blessed by remarkable weather throughout the 7 days. Never really had to wear a jacket or sweater. The Silver Shadow is very similar in layout to the Seabourn Quest, including the suites with balconies. Our "butler", Roland, gave us excellent service, seemed always available and was proactive in anticipating our needs. Silversea did a much better job (versus Seabourn) promoting their activities and the activities were better. At the welcoming cocktail party the first night, Silversea trotted out all the entertainers, lecturers and department heads. As a result, we enjoyed the entertainers' shows at night and Professor Wolf's lecturers on Alaska history. Read more