Name: Irene Croft Jr.
Email: journeys@kona.net
Age: 54
Occupation: Independent Travel Columnist
NumberOfCruises: 15
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Silversea-SilverCloud
SailingDate: 14FEB-02MAR
Itinerary: South Atlantic
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 80
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 98
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities:
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 98
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 98
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Sep 1998
Time: 20:11:23
Remote Name: 207.12.20.11
Remote User:

Comments

I have sailed on seven voyages with one of the all-suite, twin flagships of Silversea Cruises. The most recent was a dazzling voyage on the six-star
Silver Wind across the South Atlantic from Rio to Cape Town, with stops at Ascension Island, St. Helena (Napoleon’s place of exile) and Namibia.
This was a most unusual and fascinating itinerary.

Repeatedly named “Best Cruise Line in the World” by discerning readers of Conde Nast Traveler, six-star Silver Wind (and her twin, Silver Cloud)
have also earned my personal vote as the top contenders in the small, ultra-luxury category. An intimate, state-of-the-art vessel, Silver Wind
carries a maximum of 296 passengers in sumptuous comfort and style. On this ultimate cruise ship you are ensconced in spacious, beautifully
appointed 295 sq. ft. suites with private verandas-- or 240 sq. ft. vista suites with picture windows-- plus marble baths and walk-in closets. Don’t
think of cocooning in anything but a Veranda Suite: being able to lounge on your own private deck is a priceless perk. The impeccably managed
Silver Wind offers gourmet dining as you please in a single open-seating; complimentary spirits, wines and other beverages; 24-hour ‘white-glove’
room service; renowned lecturers and polished entertainers; inviting public rooms; and a full complement of shipboard facilities, amenities and
diversions.

Because I organize, as a volunteer, worldwide journeys to raise money for our local non-profit organizations here in Hawaii, I have taken several
of our groups on the Wind and the Cloud. Feedback from our passengers is that the luxurious accommodations and the kindness and competence
of the staff are irresistible. The shore excursions are less so. As is true of most ships that are not expedition-oriented, land programs are left to
the discretion of local land tour operators who never seem to exhibit much originality or imagination. Although some excursion opportunities are
pretty run-of-the-mill on Silver Wind, they are at least moderately priced and very well-organized.

I also love the single, open-seating arrangement where you may dine when and with whom you please at each meal. When the voyage is
designated as a Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Cruise, meals in the dining room are a particular treat. The Terrace Cafe, where breakfast and lunch may
be taken, is the venue for the evening alternative restaurant where Italian and French and Asian 8-course dinners are served. Some folks really
like this for a change, but my husband and I prefer the ambience and menu choice of the dining room.

The Silversea experience is not for the faint of pocketbook, but it is probably the most all-inclusive cruise adventure you will find in a world where
price is confused with value. The per diem has escalated hugely in the past four years, to an average of about $950 per person. Gulp. However,
coach airfare, a pre-cruise deluxe hotel night, port charges and all gratuities are included on every voyage. Combined with the complimentary
drinks-policy, Silversea’s fares offer unbeatable value for the luxury traveler. Compare it to the fares and inclusions of their closest competitors--
Seabourn, Sea Goddess or Crystal-- and you’ll probably arrive at the same conclusion that our passengers have.

Although Silversea never discounts and only offers ‘savings’ off its brochure prices, it has authorized me, exclusively, to offer a 25-day Indian
Ocean cruise, from South Africa to Singapore, at a fraction of the $21,590 per person brochure price. For this November sailing, bargain business
class supplements and safari opportunities are offered, subject to limited availability. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that must be acted
upon by September 30, 1998. Contact me at journeys@kona.net if you’re interested.

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