1. Embarkment in Venice was horrible at best. We had a water taxi from our hotel that was fine. We were felt off at a dock and our luggage was tagged and we were told to walk to the terminal. We were also told to follow all the signs. There were No signs, we walked at what looked like an abandoned warehouse area, finally saw a girl in the distance and asked were the Silver Dawn building was and she just pointed, continued to walk to a door and another girl just stood there and pointed, as we entered there were several uniformed folks. We had walked 15 minutes at this point and my partner, with his cane, was exhausted. A person inside the building asked if he needed a wheelchair?!!! Why didn't someone offer a wheelchair when we got off the water taxi. The walk was very long even for someone without disabilities. We were told to sit and wait. Why, no one knew. Then we asked to line up and someone checked our documents. And our latest covid tests. They didn't like our test results, because they sail the rule was within 24 hrs. Our test results were 25 hrs. So we had to get the antigen test again and waited 25 minutes. Then they checked all other docs and put us on a bus to the Silver Dawn. For us, we love Venice but never again on Silverseas.

2. The new ship was nice but nothing like the Regent Splendor or any Regent ship. I booked a Panoramic cabin but they said we were upgraded to a deluxe cabin. Way forward and a long walk for my partner as the Panoramic were almost next to the main elevates. We have found out that over the years, upgrades usually aren't. The cabin was small, one sink bathroom and small walk-in closet. Not many drawers but for a cruise of 10 days OK. Our stewardess, Kathrine was outstanding. She had the room in perfect order as soon as we left for breakfast. Our butler, Kumar, was only available to take our daily temperatures. Yes, the Dawn required daily temperatures. Otherwise the butler was not necessary.

3. Dining in the main dining room was fine. The room was dark with heavy burgundy chairs, carpet and drapes. Old looking for a new ship. The food was OK but nothing special. The S.A.L.T dining room was just the opposite, light and airy and modern looking. We tried it 3 times and each time the pasta course had to be returned. Inedible, mush overcooked each time. I was determined to get good pasta as the other Silverseas ships were famous for it. Only the luncheon buffet had good pasta made to order too. The buffet was fine but always the same stuff. Nothing imaginative. Read more