Silversea Explorer
The ship was very small and because of this, had limited facilities compared to most cruise ships. Silversea Explorer is built to reach the small ports and rivers around the world allowing passengers to experience the towns and scenery and wildlife which is inaccessible for larger ships. The vessel has limited facilities as far as entertainment and restaurant choice go due to the nature of the cruise. However, there was a bar which doubled up as an entertaining lounge in the evening with piano music and lounge singer. During the day there was also a viewing lounge/library at the front of the ship where drinks could also be served to guests wanting to view from the warmth of the lounge.
DAILY LECTURE/UPDATE
The expedition crew did a daily update in the small theatre (which also doubles up as a cinema on occasions), with photos, maps and information on the following days port of call as well as a summary of wildlife viewed on the previous day. These were enthusiastically presented by the expedition staff who really involved everyone (who wanted to) in the local sights, walks, flora and the abundance of wildlife that we saw during our day. As this cruise was specifically designed to view the marine life, there were specialist whale and dolphin experts who kept a constant look out for passing wildlife making announcements so that passengers could go on deck to view and take photographs. It was not unusual for announcements to occur during meal times and as this is a casual cruise, guests did occasionally visit the deck to view the wildlife and then return to continue dinner service. On occasions where viewing was better, they even permitted passengers to go onto the forward bow which is usually out of bounds to passengers.
FOOD & DRINKS
There was one main restaurant onboard offering high quality fine dining menu for dinner with a buffet service at lunchtime and breakfast. Freshly prepared and waiter served menu was also available at breakfast. There is also the 24-hour room service menu which could be enjoyed in your suite, the restaurant or on deck if preferred. The menu always had a nice choice, but as the ship is so small the choice was scaled down from what you would expect on a larger traditional cruise ship. The quality however was excellent and the service exceptional.
In addition to the main restaurant, guests were invited to reserve a table at “Hot Rocks” which is an informal steak and seafood restaurant prepared daily on the deck. Capacity is limited so booking was required although there was no cover charge. Hot rocks served your choice of steak and seafood served to you raw with a very hot stone on which you could cook your own food. Vegetables, baked potatoes and salad were served to accompany your main course. It was great fun, although the night we booked the weather was a bit too cold, however, the waiters came around with blankets to keep us warm.
A full bar service is available in the bar lounge as well as on deck and with meals. All drinks including the mini bar in your suite is included in the cost of the voyage.
EXCURSIONS
There was a selection of excursions available each day with the focus on wildlife, scenery and walks/hikes specifically tailored to the itinerary. Guests could select any excursion they wished and if the duration was over a meal time, complimentary boxed meals and drinks were provided. Very well organised and excellent guides too.
ZODIAC
The ship was not always able to dock alongside the quay and in this event, guests went ashore by the Zodiac inflatables. They were a little tricky to board at first, but always lots of help available and even the elderly were able to use them with comfort and knowledge they were in safe hands
BUTLER SUITES
The suite was fairly compact but had all the necessary features including a complimentary mini bar, large flat screen TV, sitting area with small table for in suite dining and very comfortable beds. The shower was spacious with a power shower head and Bvulgari toiletries were provided in all suites. Every guest has a butler to attend to their needs and our butler was really professional, friendly and very efficient.
SERVICE
Every crew member from the cabin attendants, bar staff, waiting staff, expedition leaders and butlers were outstanding.
PASSENGER SUITABILITY
The ship may have access issues for some guests. There is a lift to most areas of the ship, but I would not recommend this to any person who requires a wheelchair. The crew are extremely patient and anyone who is elderly or has minor mobility issues will be absolutely fine.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Taking into account the quality of food, service and the fact that all drinks and excursions are included, Silver Explorer is exceptional value for money.
I chose to extend my stay in San Francisco for two nights pre-cruise and a further two night in Vancouver post cruise. This is something I am happy to arrange for my clients on any cruise.