We enjoyed many aspects of our cruise to the Azores and Canary Islands. Silversea's staff was pleasant and professional, but paled to that we experienced with Scenic. Although quite expensive, we also enjoyed the spa services, but those were contracted not organic. Although we were pleased to have the opportunity to take (and pay for) a very short camel ride in Agadir, we did not like Morocco at all. That's not Silversea's fault or problem.
That's not to say Silversea was faultless or perfect. For example, while we enjoyed our meals at La Dame and Kaseki, we found it challenging to keep track of the numerous dining options and their operating hours. Nor do we believe we should have to pay an upcharge to dine at any eatery on board when we paid nearly $40,000 for a 14-day all inclusive cruise. We were also frustrated with the daily change in dress code. We appreciate that many customers want to dress up. But, we found the changing of dress codes annoying and pretentious. We didn't appreciate being told we couldn't eat at a certain eatery because we did not conform to its dress code, especially when we paid for one of the most expensive staterooms on the ship (701). We also found annoying the transformation of the pool deck into an eatery every evening starting between 5 and 6 pm. Leave the pool deck alone to serve its primary purpose! You already have sufficient (too many?) dining options on board!! It was also shocking to find out that the reception desk provided cash service only in U.S. dollars and only up to $200 per day. On a European cruise? On a purported luxury cruise line? To make matters worse, there was no ATM service on board. This is insane!
Additionally, we found the excursion guides wanting. Most struggled with the English language. Many conversed in Spanish or Portuguese extensively with those guests notwithstanding the fact the excursions were categorised as "English only." The group size of most excursions was way too large and we struggled to hear the guides when they opted not to incorporate the "whispers." Moreover, the tour guide in Agadir was rude and inconsiderate, taking on airs that he was doing us a favor and demanding we follow him like sheep even if he had nothing constructive to say. If Silversea insists on asserting it's a luxury cruise line, it needs to contract much better and professional guides.
Lastly, we could not make out what the captain was saying. His English is nowhere's near as good as he thought it was, speaking way too quickly with an insurmountable accent. Have a bonafide English speaker make English announcements.
Overall, we struggle to rate our experience with Silversea as "satisfactory" and do so with the consideration that many may like certain features we found distasteful or annoying. It is highly unlikely we will choose Silversea for any of our future cruises.
