We have cruised extensively on Crystal, Oceania, and Silver Sea and this was our first mega/ large ship experience. The cost of the crossing was about 50% of the ships listed above. The Silhouette is lovely and the staterooms spacious and the baths well detailed with a fantastic shower jet system. The architectural spaces of the ships interior are dramatic! There are both outdoor and indoor pools with ample deck chairs and loungers for the 3000 capacity. There are many comfortable seating locations for passenger enjoyment ( not so on Oceania and Silver Sea) . Captain Kafetzis became celebrity with the humor of his daily announcements and his presentation on ship navigation. The quality of service ( room and dining) was the to the highest standard. Bravo .

A unique feature is The Lawn Club with real grass lawns where both bocce and croquet are played. However, for reasons unknown( perhaps they can't grow grass in the sea environment) they discourage the use of the lawns and only offered a few one-half hour games and many days none at all. This is said to be a "signature" feature of the Silhouette but the guest experience would be better with the addition of a few artificial grass areas to port and starboard (like the competition) upon which play would be encouraged.

The enrichment lectures were a disappointment and the bright lighting in the theater made viewing of images on the screen difficult . Read more