Silver Cloud is a SMALL ship, about 300 passengers. Great for really getting to know people, but perhaps a bit small otherwise - small buffets with limited options, etc. But they did well with what they had. Checkin was a breeze -- we literally walked aboard at noon, when "everyone" arrives. The entertainment group was outstanding -- a 6-person group that did songs from the 50s-80s, Beatles, Broadway, even opera! Chef cooking demonstrations ALWAYS began with a glass of pink champagne for everyone, AND the opportunity to taste ALL the "creations." Seafood was outstanding (my dining choice), and (big surprise) WONDERFUL french fries (think McDonalds) as a standard option on the dinner menu. We had fun, enjoyable tours, all booked through the ship.

It's a bit more formal than many other cruise lines -- yes, they still have the formal, informal, casual nights -- but the casual buffet dining for breakfast/lunch has you check in with a maitre-d and get seated BEFORE going through the buffet line! This is the ONLY cruise line of 6 we've been on that has this. (Silver Whisper, which we'd cruised previously, does the same). They also serve you in the line; we prefer serving ourselves.

One big complaint we had with the buffet dining was their hours of operation. Sea days they opened at 0800 for breakfast! Tour days at 0730, even when there were early tours! Even worse -- NONE of the 3 dining facilities (pool, buffet, main dining room) opened for lunch until at least NOON (main dining room 1230)!! People with 1215 tours were out of luck unless you got room service (seriously?) or had bouillon soup in one of the bars! Read more