Cruise Specialists Blog

Ship: Silver Shadow
Destination: Mexican Riviera (Round-trip Los Angeles)
Dates: October 3-12, 2009
Category: Mid-Ship Verandah Suite – Cabin # 925

EMBARKATION:
Upon arrival to the cruise ship terminal in Los Angeles we were directed inside the terminal to the waiting area. Basically it was a large closed terminal with chairs, table with coffee/tea/water while you waited to board the ship. The embarkation truly didn’t begin until it was stated on the cruise ticket which was 2pm. Small groups were boarded onto the ship based on when they arrived to the pier (you were handed a colored tag to determine your boarding group). Walking off the gangway onto the ship was a very relaxed and festive environment. We were all directed into the Show Lounge where we handed our cruise ticket, passport and had a photo taken for our key cards. Then ushered into The Bar where there were light hors d’ oeuvres and champagne served. For those that didn’t want to stay there, you could also go straight to your suite. There were no formalities at check in like the other cruise lines. It’s up to each guest to visit the Front Desk and leave a credit card imprint for any services/purchases made onboard prior to the cruise ending. Smooth boarding, best ever as no lines, hassles asking for your left arm to board the ship!

CABIN:
Our accommodations were in the Mid-Ship Verandah Suite, Cabin # 925 (starboard side, deck 9) - same deck as the bridge/officers. For us it was a great location as close to the pool, and 1 deck away from the self service launderette (yes we did use it once)! Our balcony had 2 chairs and a table, perfect to sit out in the mornings/evenings. We did find if you keep your balcony door open to wide during the evening, the humidity level in your cabin sweats and your Fire Alarm Goes off! Yes, ours did…..so you can say we tested the alarms to be sure they worked. In fact ours went off for a solid 30 minutes before they shut it off from the bridge and having many representatives knock on our door. Crazy…so my tip is Don’t leave your balcony door open at night unless you want to think the ship is going down when you hear the alarm go off in the middle of the night! Our bed was made into 1 queen which is 2 twin beds pushed together. I found the mattress to be too soft which made for a stiff, sore back in the morning. In addition by morning the beds would have separated and there was a large crack down the middle. Secret hiding place? By night # 3 I requested a bed board with my cabin steward, which did help! There was plenty of space in the cabin, and the walk-in closet had sufficient space for hanging garments and drawers for folded clothing. They do provide robes/slippers in every cabin. The bathroom had a duel sink/vanity area which also included your basic toiletries (soap, shampoo, lotion, hair cap). Bathtub was separate from the shower stall.

BBQ Night aboard Silver Shadow

DINING:
Most of the cruise we opted for the breakfast room service – delivered to our cabin at time requested. Fabulous to just relax in your robe and wake up to cooked to ordered breakfast! For most lunches we enjoyed poolside casually and they were just fine. I found if I asked for an item off the main menu, they did get it for me. Of course that started a trend once I asked as others caught on. In addition we enjoyed fabulous buffet lunches in the Terrace Café/La Terrazza. We could dine indoors or outside and they had a great selection for everyone. For evening’s we had the opportunity to visit all the venues:
The Restaurant – we showed up when we were ready and escorted to table. Selections on the menu did have a variety of pasta/fish/meat/vegetarian items for each course. The sommelier tried to pair a versatile red and white wine for each evening. Wines were pretty good selection on most nights. If you didn’t care for one, then you could ask for a different one. One evening we dined in La Terrazza which was a more intimate group of only about 60 guests (reservation only, no charge). La Terrazza offers a daily menu change of Italian fare. We were only able to get in once, as the ship had several requests/groups onboard. The greatest experience was on our last night onboard ship in Le Champagne. We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take part in a multiple tasting course menu paired with wines! The food/service I found far superior. This room only holds about 24 lucky guests, reservation only and there is a $30.00 per person charge, and about $200.00 per person more if you have the wines paired they are serving. At the end of the evening (approximately 3 or more hours) you will be handed your custom menu with everything you tasted. What a treat and I do recommend taking part in this! There was also an outdoor barbeque night by the pool with entertainment which was a fun, festive event with great buffet!

ENTERTAINMENT:
The Bar each evening had live music, and then turned into DJ later at night. Not many guests.
The Show Lounge each evening would have a mix of the usual Silversea entertainers which were ok. The Guest Entertainer on our cruise was Donny Ray Evans (Fantastic singer). He also mixed/mingled with the guests throughout the cruise. If he entertained nightly it would bring down the house, they should hire him permanently! Other than that, just the Casino/Bar, and The Humidor, Panorama Lounge to gather. The Humidor offered very nice upgrade spirits and cigars for sale. In addition there is a library to check out books/magazines/music/movies and an internet area.

SPA:
Recommended to all that take a cruise! I opted for a Deep Tissue massage which was the stress reliever and helped my back. They were wonderful and I felt the prices were fair for what they offered. I also used the workout facility (just once!), hey I’m here to relax not work….

Our group in Cabo

PORTS OF CALL:
Mazatlan – We didn’t even disembark the ship. Truly not a port I care to visit any more.
Puerto Vallarta – We opted to take the local Blue Bus to downtown shopping market and had lunch.
Manzanillo – Rented a taxi that drove us around. Pouring down rain, we just went back to ship after driving around in the rain.
Cabo San Lucas – We met a local at the pier, took him to lunch to the restaurant of his recommendation. We had a wonderful time with the local and then went to the beach for a swim and back to the ship.
Ensenada – Signed up for the Wine Tasting Silversea Shore excursion. We visited 2 wineries, which were pretty wineries; however the wine served wasn’t worth tasting. For those that aren’t winos and know fine wines, it would probably be fine for them. Don’t recommend tour to those that appreciate very fine wines.

DEMOGRAPHICS ONBOARD/PASSENGERS:
Variety of ages from 30-99…..it was hard to get a true normal feel as there were many other travel industry onboard as well. Definitely this is a cruise for those of any age that want to just relax and not have too many things to do onboard.

SURPRISES:
I found upon boarding that one of their “house champagnes” is one of my favorites, Nicolas Fuiellette. At home it runs about $45.00 per bottle, not so on Silversea….complimentary glass or bottle if you asked! That went for anything they served…..

Bridge Tour – We did the bridge tour which was fascinating….all should attend.
Kitchen Tour – Again attended that and upon entering the kitchen you’re handed a glass of champagne and watch the action.
Cooking Demonstration/Wine Tasting – We attended in the show lounge. You get to watch, taste, sip, then get the recipe to take home.

Until the next one, bon voyage & Ciao,

Shannon

Tags: Mexico Cruises, Port Reviews, Ship Review, Silversea Cruises

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 11:29 am and is filed under Cruise Ports, Cruise Specialists Staff, Mexico Cruises, Ship Review, Silversea Cruises. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.