The ship was a disappointment. It was too crowded and too noisy. The final area of disappointment was the pervasive feeling that we were “marks” for the staff that was constantly hawking extras. One could hardly walk along the shop areas without being accosted by aggressive sales personnel. It was ironic to be treated that way be people selling some elegant products. I was hardly ever accosted by vendors selling souvenirs in the ports, (it was the Baltic and not the Carribean where things would have been different) – not so on the Silhouette. This survey calculated a 4.1 star rating. I would give it a 3.5.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Excellent except I was unaware that you could not enter your stateroom until 1:30. That fact was not prominently displayed in the pre-cruise literature or in the embarkation area. I would have modified my plans had I known.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Some good, some not so good. Overall, average for a cruise line.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Major entertainment - production shows and guest performers were excellent.
Children's Programs
No kids
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Service was excellent both in the stateroom and dining room.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
The ship had only two elevator wells which were open like atria from Deck 3 to the top. This feature, while visually beautiful, made the ambient noise level on decks three to the top dependent on whatever music was being played in the 3rd deck common areas. It was almost impossible to escape it — the noise. I like to go to a venue to enjoy the music. I do not so much like it to follow me all over the ship. Another area of disappointment was the feeling of crowding in the ship. I think the feeling was exacerbated by the lack of a third elevator well.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
The cabin was not well laid out. It seemed smaller than the other ships I had been on and had less drawer space. It was clean but a bit worn looking. The bathroom was one of the best I have seen except that it did not have a clothes hanger (extendible cord type)
Ship tip
Do not go if you are looking for peace and quiet. It is difficult to escape the noise.
If weather is less than ideal for being outside there will be more guests inside leaving the impression that it is crowded.
If you are fit enough, using the stairs is a great way to avoid any elevators.
You are under no obligation to buy anything from the 'hawkers' - they are only doing their job. Those types of crew are in other cruise ships as well.
Staterooms are commonly not available until that time, sometimes even a bit later. Often an announcement over the general ship's broadcast is made to that effect. Remember the ship returned to port that day and the crew had to get ready for your arrival. It is a tried-and-true system.
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