I appreciate that some people like the massive cruise ships that are on offer, especially as all seem to be vying for your trade with on board credit, free drinks (very limited), massive facilities, lots of entertainment; the truth is I'm done with them. Having sailed Holland America in Sept 2014 for two weeks (too long), I found it too much of a hassle each time you had to disembark and the general kerfuffle in boarding such a large ship, lets face it the days of cruising being exclusive had now turned into cruising for the masses, hence our short trip in the Silver Wind.

Yes, it is probably the oldest ship in the fleet, yes it is expensive compared to the leviathans on the sea that you can sail, yes you have to be prepared to forgo the various entertainments that accompany those ships, but what you get is cruising as it should be. Excellent facilities, service reserved for a five star hotel, food and drink of the highest quality and dare we say it? The crowds that often make the whole holiday experience tiring. I like the fact that you berth in ports too small for most cruise liners, trips where there will be a maximum of 15 to 20 people mean more of a personal experience, no hustling to get big groups back on the coaches, take your time (within reason) and enjoy what you came to see.

As for the age of the ship I found that you could probably see where it would need an upgrade or two, especially the bath panel being loose, the toilet being a bit inconsistent, paint on the windows giving away it's age, but for me small things that don't detract from the fact that you are treated as an actual valued guest. Read more