We chose this cruise because we really liked the itinerary and have always wanted to try Silversea. We were very disappointed. Beginning with no one from Silversea to greet us at the hotel where we had to wait for several hours in the lobby after our plane arrived until we were bused to the pier. After a few hours we took a shuttle to just get out for a bit and have lunch. We understand some type of buffet was finally served, but know nothing about it. Our cabin on the ship was pleasant if small. The separate shower was so small you could barely turn around. We would have preferred no tub and a larger shower. Maybe some of the cabins could be changed when the ship is updated next time. The special space (with doors) where people are allowed to smoke next to La Dame is such a terrible idea. The smoke wafts out into the hallway and into La Dame. And the outdoor areas where smoking is allowed is also a terrible idea. The wind catches the smoke and swirls it around the pool area and the outside eating areas -- not much worse than having to breathe cigarette or cigar smoke while trying to enjoy lunch outdoors. Meals were most disappointing. Whether we ate in La Terrazza, the Grill or The Restaurant (main dining room) we received appetizers timely, but then had to wait 35-40 minutes every time for our main course to arrive. By the time we waited so long we skipped dessert. First time we never enjoyed desserts onboard a ship after our meals. And either food was lukewarm, or dry, or overcooked. The buffet in LaTerrazza was almost impossible to get to -- too much crammed into too small a space. Too many people taking too long to decide what they wanted -- we gave up several times and ate elsewhere. The Grill -- you cook your own meats/seafoods here - and still could not get the entrees brought out in anywhere near a timely fashion. And once the somms had brought around wine, they stood off to the side and let the poor 1 or 2 waiters do all the rest of the work -- they could not keep up at times -- it added to the delay. The saving grace for a meal was LaDame. Of course you have to pay for that. But we enjoyed excellent service and delicious foods served timely with very nice wines. We finally got to where we either ate at LaDame or we even ate on shore. Silversea is a one and done for us. And we met other guests onboard that were first cruisers on Silversea that said they won't be back. And some cruisers who have sailed with them before and said to us they felt service, food, etc. was not up to previous standards at all.