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Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Monte Goldstein
Email: jhjf50A@prodigy.com
Age: 36
Occupation: physician
NumberOfCruises: 15
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Silversea-SilverWind
SailingDate: January 08,1997
Itinerary: Java Sea
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 96
ShoreExcVariety: 98
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 98
ShoreExcValue: 100
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 50
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 96
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 86
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 20 Jul 1997
Time: 18:50:44
Remote Name: 207.116.57.53
Remote User:
Comments
The ultimate cruise experience for those seeking luxury and Value. The far east was
magnificent with this ship. A deluxe experience from start to finish.
Check in service was flawless. Our cabins were extra comfortable with wvwry amenity
including a CD player and VCR. The refrigerator was always
replenished with our favorite drinks and all desires were a phone call away.
The ship has a nice pool for its size. Plenty of deck space with great service. All
beverages are included and easily available.
The foood is 5-star at all times served in an elegant setting but not stuffy atmosphere.
Even the buffet area has a-la-carte menu dining at all times. Gretat
variety.
The shore excursions were reasonably priced and well conducted. In Central Java we had a
police escort to speed us on our way.
My only complain tis that although the claim tips are included, the were readily accepted
by all staff, almost expected.
Name: J.Lewisy
Email: kmpt29a@prodigy.com
Age: 51
Occupation: consultant
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Silversea-SilverWind
SailingDate: 1/3/99
Itinerary: Bangkok/Vietnam/Hong Kong
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 70
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 80
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 75
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 80
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 85
EntertainmentLounges: 75
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 65
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 80
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 75
DeckSpace: 70
Stabilization: 60
ShopsOnBoard: 70
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 27 Feb 1999
Time: 20:57:53
Remote Name: 209.156.88.147
Remote User:
Comments
Our pre-cruise hotel was the Shangri-La, Bangkok, definitely not in the same class as the
Oriental. We were able
to change to a better room, but, as the hotel was full, many fellow cruisers weren't so
lucky. We did have the
most incredible and romantic New Years Eve at the hotel, which we reserved in advance, by
fax. Arriving at the
ship was an incredible experience - the best we have ever experienced! We were wisked to
our rooms, with
Pommery champagne in hand, and had a full bottle on ice in our room, along with all of our
baggage
pre-delivered.
The dining experience did not live up to our expectations, after all the recent hype when
Silverseas was voted #1
in the world overall. We experienced quite a few 'misses' and had to re-order some
courses. This was always
done graciously, but really shouldn't happen so often on a ship of this caliber. On the
upside, one could always
order cavier or pate de foie gras as a wonderful alternative. If you were not happy with
the wine being featured
on a particular evening, you only have to ask for the more extensive wine list (most were
free of charge, but
some premium wines were at an additional charge).
We had a wonderful range of options for our shore excursions in Vietnam, and the Tour
Directors on board were
wonderful. We had a superb lecturer on board, who brought the whole Vietnam experience to
life for us. Vietnam
is still not overly 'user friendly', so we arranged all our tours on board, whether group
or private. We had a very
insightful and luxurious overnight in Hanoi, that was not to be missed. When we returned
to the ship, the entire
wait staff and room staff was lined up at the dock with welcome signs and trays of hors
d'ouvres and champagne.
The ship was maintained imacculately throughout. We had only a few days of calm, sunny
weather, so we were
not able to fully appreciate the outdoor and pool areas. The ship is rather small, and
most of the passengers
were quite uncomfortable during some of the very rough weather we experienced (we were in
in the bow of the
ship, which was extremely rough).
The entertainment, casino, and shops were above average.
Most memorable were many extremely interesting and friendly fellow passengers, many very
charming and
helpful crew members, a lovely ship and wonderful ports of call.
Name: John Bailey
Email: jack@utech.net
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 12
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Silversea-SilverWind
SailingDate: November 7, 1999
Itinerary: Athens - Bombay
Cabin: 630 - Veranda Suite
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 79
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 100
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 70
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 69
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 100
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 70
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 70
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 02 Dec 1999
Time: 17:38:05
Remote Name: hr1-cf9a436d.dia.impulse.net
Remote User:
Comments
We had heard about the Silver Sea Cruise Line winning all the awards for the best small
cruise ship. The intinerary was
perfect, filling many of the sights we had always wanted to visit. Great Pyramids of
Eygpt, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Petra
and with a 5 day post cruise extension the Taj Mahal. Some of the other ports of call we
could of done without. Who ever
wanted to go to Djibouti,Djibouti? Silver Sea does a good job overall but falls behind
when it comes to shore excursions,
somewhat disorganized. Cruise ships always advertize cruise staff to passenger ratio, what
about passenger ratio to
square feet. Small ships might be fine for some but my wife and I had a hard time finding
a quite spot to read. The weather
was hot and humid making it uncomfortable to use our veranda during the day. The food was
so so, I believe its what they
call FUSION COOKING the blending of two or more cusines. I did not hear one word of praise
for the food. The open
sitting is nice but it should start at 6:30 PM not at 7:30 PM. There were times that we
did not finish dinner untill after 10:00
PM. With early morning tours scheduled earlier seating would have been nice. The ship
seems to attract repeat cruisers,
people whom wish to be catered to without concern of cost or interest in ports of call.
Name: John C. Morrissey
Email: greatplanes@sprintmail.com
Age: 60
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Silversea-SilverWind
SailingDate: 6 Jan 2000
Itinerary: Papeete to Valparaiso
Cabin: 719 Varanda
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 98
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService: 98
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 94
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 98
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 100
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 94
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 98
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 100
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 98
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 23 Feb 2000
Time: 11:03:04
Remote Name: sdn-ar-002mokcitp279.dialsprint.net
Remote User:
Comments
This is our seventh cruise. We have been on the Wind and Clound twice each and the Legend three
times. I do not believe there will ever be another cruise that could equal this one. From the night at
the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles (where we received our United boarding documents for our next
morning's charter (all Business configured), to the curb to plane no hassel boarding (only 105
passengers) on the beautiful Boeing 747 with magnificent service to Tahiti, to the thirty seven
minutes it took from landing to our cabin, this trip was incredibly unique. We only book crossings in
order to relax and enjoy the ship, so the 10 days at sea in perfect weather pampered across the
Pacific with only 95 paying passengers by 200 plus crew members was a real treat.
My wife took the two day shore excursion to Macu Picchu from Lima and reports the experience to
be first rate. The was just not a thing to distract from the perfection of this experience. The day room
at the Hyatt in Santiago was superb as was the complementary Business/First flight home. Silversea
has outdone themselves on this one.
It seemed like a different cruise line than the one who managed our trip from Lieth to Montreal last
September on the Cloud.
We have noticed that there seem to be four mandatory prerequisites for an outstanding crusie: the
Captain, Cruise Director, Maitre d', and Hotel manager. This cruise had the Silversea "A" Team. The
entertainment was also superb; in addition to a very competent Walter Painter cast, we were very
fortunate to have Donald Cant as a featured vocalist.
As we approached Valparaiso, all of us wished we could just urn around and take the Wind back to
Tahiti.
Name: Brenda McCroskey
Email: kaimbu@earthlink.net
Age: 41
Occupation: Resort Representative
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Silversea-SilverWind
SailingDate: May 23, 1999
Itinerary: Athens Mykonos Kusadasi Volos Istanbul
Cabin: Balcony Suite
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 96
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 96
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 92
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff: 88
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 40
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 98
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 100
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 75
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon: 100
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 96
Casino: 94
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 75
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 96
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 May 2000
Time: 22:40:14
Remote Name: ip18.saddleback.ca.pub-ip.psi.net
Remote User:
Comments
We cruised on the SilverWind in May '99 from Athens to Istanbul for our 10th Anniversary. It was the most
fabulous, romantic, pampered, well-fed, incredible wines & champagnes,... cruise we have ever been on -
forget Seabourn, Crystal, Sea Goddess, etc.
Our suite was gorgeous - must get one with a balcony - worth every penny. I prefer suites in hotels, but these
stateroom suites are so well designed and 274 sq. feet, so that we didn't miss or feel it would be worthwhile to
upgrade to a Owner's or Grand Suite (we did see a Grand and it was beautiful, but we were still happy to
return to ours.) The bathtub was normal size, the counter around the sink spacious and the Bulgari toiletries
got me hooked and I am still buying them at home. I have heard their new ship is even going to better this and
have double sinks and more counter space! Could have had a little more drawer space in walk-in closet, but it
was fine. Bed very comfortable, vanity area and seat well lit. I had asked for a lit make-up mirror prior to
boarding and there it was - didn't need it, though as the light was so good. Comfy sofa and small table that
converted to dining table and two nice chairs. Well-stocked (pre-stocked with our requests) refrigerator, nice
desk, TV with VCR. The teak balconies were wonderful - 2 seats and one table. Could have used a little more
space here, but I wasn't complaining! The suites are very private and quiet. We got to know the couple in the
next suite and we swear we couldn't hear each other.
Our Italian cabin maid was darling & took care of us. Probably only complaint was slowness of dry cleaning
being returned, but cost was so reasonable & they did such a great job I couldn't complain.
The entertainment was cheesy, but who goes on a small luxury ship for that? Loved the elegant casino - we
had a ball there with the Italian casino staff (once we got them to warm up...) & actually did pretty well.
The main bartender was always pouring complementary $50 plus, on the whole, excellent, wines for us & our
friends (tipping although not allowed, was definitely accepted at end of of the cruise & worth it!) He really
made us feel welcome and always knew what to pour, what wines we liked, etc.
Dining room fabulous - my husband & I would just sit at a table in the back corner by ourselves & watch
everything & be totally pampered by the Filopino wait staff & sommelier. Food was not what I would consider
gourmet, but it was excellent, creative, and wonderful choices. The mango creme brulee was to die for! The
Italian restaurant was also very good - just get reservations early!
Very nice in beauty shop and excellent spa treatments, although in small rooms. Very kind spa staff.
The Captain was the best - always fun, interesting parties - he even had a hammock installed in our friend's
grand suite because there was not enough air circulation lying down on the terrace!
We loved every moment - avocado, bacon & cheese omelets with salsa in the middle of the Mediterranean,
caviar & champagne every night before dinner in our cabin, all the flexibility - no one telling us what to do or
pushing us into activities.
Ports - Athens is Athens, alhough Grande Bretagne Hotel (not on ship's program) definitely slipping & not
worth money, Mykonos great - go to Super-Paradise beach if you dare!, sad no Santorini as our favorite
island, Kusadasi & Ephesus amazing - visit Mary's house where it is believed she spent her last years, cruising
the Athos Peninsula fascinating - read Richard Halliburton's Complete Book of Marvels to learn more, Volos
only negative port - nothing there, but monasteries hours away by. We heard they were worth it, but didn't
want to sit in a bus all day. We did all other excursions on our own by hiring taxis and therefore didn't need to
be ready to go at 8:00 am!
There was a broad age range. We were probably the third to the youngest couple, but met fascinating people
and can't wait for our next Silversea cruise!
Name: Bechi Currier
Email: bcurrier@att.com
Age: 29
Occupation: Project Management
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Silversea-SilverWind
SailingDate: 6 May 2000
Itinerary: Athens - Istanbul
Cabin: 705 - Verandah
FoodDiningRoom: 99
CruiseDirector: 96
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 91
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 99
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 91
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 98
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 0
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 92
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 89
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 100
MedicalFacilities: 95
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 89
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 26 May 2000
Time: 06:21:58
Remote Name: alcfpxy1.att.com
Remote User:
Comments
It's impossible to describe the indescribable, but this cruise was absolutely fabulous! All airfare, transfers,
pre-cruise hotel with breakfast, shipboard drinks and tips are included. We cruised aboard the Silver Wind
from Athens to Istanbul May, 2000, and from the moment we were greeted by a cruise line representative at
the Athens airport, our every desire was catered to. We were assisted with our luggage and whisked to the
Athenaeum Inter-Continental aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned motor coach (Athens is pretty hot even in
May). There, we were quickly checked in by the hospitality desk and found our luggage awaiting us in our
suite. After "freshening up" and admiring the view of the Acropolis from our window, the Silversea hospitality
desk provided us with a city map and a pocket book on local sights and attractions, cuisine and language, so
that we may explore the city and a booklet on the next day's available pre-cruise tours of the city.
A nice breakfast buffet was available the next morning before we embarked on the pre-cruise tour we had
decided to book. Transfers from the hotel to the pier were scheduled to leave at 1pm, with the tour groups
arriving later in the day, so we decided that that would be best choice. The tour was very leisurely and we
were able to explore the Olympic Stadium and the Acropolis before finishing up with a nice lunch al fresco
near the Acropolis. After lunch we then proceeded to the pier to join the ship.
Silversea representatives at the terminally greeted our group and quickly issued our boarding cards and suite
key-cards in a handsome leather wallet in exchange for our passports, which are kept during the cruise. Up
the gangway we went to receive our signature white glove Silversea greeting and crystal flutes of cold Moët &
Chandon champagne. If we had paused for a moment, we would have been shown to our suite by our
stewardess, Kelly, but instead we rushed ahead on our own and meeting her a few minutes later.
A bottle of the same champagne was chilling in a silver ice bucket along with a pair of flutes, and as we hadn't
specified anything specific, our mini-bar was stocked with yet another bottle of champagne, some Heinekens,
soda, mineral water and seltzers, and fresh flowers and fruit were provided on the sideboard. Our luggage
was laid out on the queen sized bed atop a vinyl protector for us to unpack. The thoughtfully provided
champagne fortified us for this task. The suite itself was extremely comfortable and well thought-out. The
marble bathroom was large, featuring a full-sized bath, lots of mirrors (which may or may not be a good
thing!), and an abundance of thick, soft towels. There is a retractable clothesline in the shower, and
generous bottles of Bvlgari toiletries (green tea line) are provided: bath and hand soaps, shampoo,
conditioner, bath geleé, and body lotion. My one complaint in the bathroom is the terribly uncomfortable toilet
seats. Roughly equal in space to the bathroom is the walk-in closet, plentiful with cedar hangers, drawers,
and a personal safe. Also stashed away was an umbrella we thankfully never needed to use, a pre-threaded
sewing kit, clothes brush, shoe-shine kit and hair dryer. In the suite, two twin beds configured as a queen with
absolutely delightful Frette linens, down pillows and merino blankets, a well light vanity, sofa, cocktail table
which converts into a full dining table, two end chairs, TV and VCR featuring two movie channels, National
Geographic channel, port talk channel, bridge view channel, 3 music stations and local programming. The
blue upholstered, wood paneled and brass accented suite was very roomy and storage abounded. Outside,
just below the bridge, was our teak verandah equipped with two padded chairs and a small table. Overall, our
suite was so comfortable, we were sorely tempted to never leave it as room service is available 24 hours a
day with course by course service during Restaurant hours.
The Restaurant and Terrace Café were wonderful as well. Service was efficient and professional, but never
stuffy in both locations and the food was unbelievable for shipboard fare. We enjoyed every dish we tried with
the exception of a vegetarian chili I had ordered. It was by all means good, but didn't live up to my
expectations and was quickly replaced with an exquisite fillet of John Dory. I even learned to shed by stigma
against buffets after trying the Mediterranean lunch buffet in the Terrace Café. The salads and smoked fish
were excellent and I developed a definite weakness for the expertly executed fresh pastas and risotto's
available each day. Breakfast was also available in the restaurant each morning, coffee, tea, juice and
pastries in the observation lounge, bouillon and crackers, afternoon tea, etc. but we were never able to
muster up enough appetite to investigate.
We also can't comment too much on the majority of the facilities aboard ship as we never found the time (or in
some cases, the inclination) to take advantage of them. All public rooms are located aft, away from the suites
so as to keep those areas as private and quiet as possible. The smallish Parisian lounge was perhaps the
flashiest area of the ship but still eminently tasteful. We did manage to catch a Broadway inspired review,
"Bulldogs and Englishmen" performed by the Silver Wind quartet and small team of entertainers, which was
well managed and entertaining, but by no means a full scale production. The entertainment highlight was
definitely the poolside barbecue with Turkish music and dancers, including one male (queenly) belly dancer
and one female. They were incredible and it appeared that not one of the 290 some odd passengers aboard
missed it. We can also attest to the existence of a gym, spa and beauty salon aboard as we walked past them
numerous times but never felt the desire to set forth any further! There is also a small casino (we don't
gamble) and the Bvulgari boutique which we browsed (a bit out of our price range). The bar is very elegant
and relaxing; a wonderful spot to rekindle romance over a few drinks. The is also a small salt water pool with
accompanying Jacuzzi's and a plethora of fresh plush towels and deck chairs. It would be improved however,
by increasing the temperatures of the Jacuzzis; one was little more than tepid, and seeing that the pool water
is kept replenished with cold water on hot days. After returning from Marmaris on a particularly hot day, the
pool equaled the temperature of the Jacuzzis. Definitely NOT refreshing.
Overall, the ship is comfortably low-key and relaxing; ideal for warm conversations while watching the world
slip by. The staff anticipates your every wish and is quick to greet you with a smile and pleasantries on and
off the ship. We are definitely anticipating our next cruise with Silversea!
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