SilverSea’s Silver Shadow sails to Alaska in 2016. She sails between Seward and Vancouver from May 19 to Aug. 31, 2016.
She sails to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Hubbard Glacier on the northbound sailing and the reverse on the southbound sailings.
There’s not much that can be said against the Silver Shadow. It was built and designed to cater to the carriage trade — those who are rich and proud of it.
Its suites are bigger than the industry norm — about as big, in fact, as you would expect from a ship with the Silversea logo on its stack. The ship’s overall passenger space ratio is a whopping 74. That’s arrived at by dividing a vessel’s gross tonnage (which, incidentally, is the volume measurement of its interior space, not literally its weight) by the lower-berth passenger capacity. A passenger space ratio of 74 is HUGE! Its passenger to crew ratio isn’t too shabby, either. Just fewer than 300 crew members means that there is one to every 1.3 passengers, that means you can expect excellent, personalized service onboard!
Passengers range in age. some may be in their mid-40’s. But, generally, the they are way north of 60. Silver Shadow guests tend to be well traveled, loyal to Silversea and well heeled.
There were two formal nights during the 10-day voyage, requiring tuxedo or dark business suit for men — usually with socks. As is generally the case, though, there were men even on those evenings who wore slacks and jackets whose only nod to formality was to wear a tie. The rest of the time, the dress code called for semi-formal (jacket, please … tie not required) or casual (slacks and sports shirt acceptable).
Tips – None are required and none are expected. Silversea crews are paid above the industry average and seem content with that.
This cruise is definitely for an older crowd. Younger travelers and those looking for a wild Caribbean type cruise to Alaska will be disappointed but for those of us who love scenery, good food, good wine and spirits and being waited on hand and foot, this is the cruise for you.
Interline rates are available thru InterlineTravel.com (800-766-2911) and are open to all IATA/ARC airline employees, their spouses, dependent children, parents of the airline employee, and retired airline personnel. Parents may travel independently from the employee and receive the interline discount. A non-airline companion may share a suite with any eligible person and receive the interline discount.