The Silver Shadow is the second in a larger class of ship commissioned by Silversea. It offers guests more spacious accommodations and larger public areas while retaining a wonderful ‘small-ship’ feel.
Suite ratings
| Room | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall size | (5.0) |
| Decor | (4.5) |
| Sitting area | (4.5) |
| Veranda | (5.0) |
| Cleanliness | (4.5) |
| Condition | (4.0) |
| Soundproofing | (5.0) |
| Bed comfort | (4.5) |
| Pillow options | (4.5) |
| Blanket options | (4.0) |
| Closet space | (5.0) |
| Bathroom | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bathroom size | (5.0) |
| Storage space | (4.5) |
| Lighting | (4.5) |
| Shower/bath | (5.0) |
| Water pressure | (5.0) |
| Products | (4.5) |
| Towels | (5.0) |
| Cleanliness | (5.0) |
| Condition | (5.0) |
The suite review
The Silver Shadow’s thirteen Silver Suites are all located midship on deck 7. Each Silver Suite measures a massive 65 sq. m. (701 sq. ft.) including an expansive 11 sq. m. (123 sq. ft.) veranda. This is roughly double the size of a typical Veranda Suite on the Silver Shadow.
Every Silver Shadow Silver Suite features a long entry hall with book shelves down one side and access to a bathroom and wardrobe on the other. The entry hall opens to an spacious lounge and dining area flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling glass doors which lead on to a double-sized teak veranda. The bedroom, accessed through a set of French doors in the lounge area, also provides access to the bathroom and walk-in wardrobe.
We love the Silver Shadow Silver Suite. The sense of space really impresses. The lounge area is perfectly proportioned with two well-sized arm chairs, a 2-seater sofa (which can be converted to a bed) and large coffee table. The entertainment unit features a large flat screen TV and DVD player. An extensive DVD collection can be found in the ships library.
The dining area is also a generous size. It features a 4-seater dining table and a handsome built-in sideboard upon which sits an Illy Espresso machine and Bang & Olufsen sound system. The clever use of artwork in the dining area helps lift the apparent height of the ceiling too.
The bedroom of the Silver Shadow Silver Suite is unusual in that the queen-sized bed is configured diagonally. This smart layout further enhances the sense of space. The bed features Silversea’s signature Pratesi® sheets. A flat panel TV, iPod docking station, ample shelf storage (including above the bedhead) and vanity mirror complete this well-designed, restful sleeping area.
A large walk-in wardrobe is located between the bedroom and bathroom. There is enough space in here to fit a typical couples entire home wardrobe!
The Silver Shadow Silver Suite marble bathroom is enormous. Guests will appreciate the separate shower and full-sized whirlpool tub, as well as the double-vanity and large mirror. There is plenty of storage space either side of the mirror and underneath the vanities. A separate toilet is located between the bathroom and entry hall. Guests may choose either hypo-allergenic, Ferragamo or Bvlgari bathroom products. Plush bathrobes and slippers are also supplied.
Guests who book a Silver Shadow Silver Suite enjoy perks offered to those who book the top-of-the-line Owners Suite, including welcome chocolates and champagne, afternoon canapés and cocktails, dinner at the officers table at least once per voyage and free laundry.
We recommend the Silver Shadow Silver Suite for it’s shear space, value and added perks! We rate the Silver Shadow Silver Suite 4.5 stars.
Visit the Silversea website more information on the Silver Shadow Silver Suite.
Dining review
The Silver Shadow offers 4 dining options (depending on the time of day). These include La Terrazza, Le Champagne, The Restaurant and The Grill.
La Terrazza is located at the rear of the ship on deck 7. During the day it offers a buffet selection, however at night it is transformed into the Silver Shadow’s signature Italian restaurant. La Terrazza embraces the slow food movement and the menu reflects local and seasonal changes. The freshly made pasta is exceptional and not to be missed. Weather permitting, guests can dine al fresco on the outdoor terrace. Reservations at La Terrazza are required.
Located next to La Terrazza is Le Champagne, the Silver Shadow’s fine dining restaurant. It is the only Wine Restaurant by Relais & Châteaux at sea. As you’d expect the menu is outstanding and the wine list superb. Guests can dine on such favourites as caviar, gold leaf risotto, breast of forest pigeon with artichoke and morel ragout, or lobster thermidor.
We recommend taking the advice of the sommelière at Le Champagne when selecting wines. They have a wealth of knowledge and will be happy to make a recommendation from the connoisseur’s selection to fit your budget, or even pair a selection of wines with your various courses.
It’s not only the food and wine that will please the senses at Le Champagne, fine works of art from the ship’s private collection hanging from the walls enhancing the dining experience.
Le Champagne has limited seating and is very popular, so we advise you to make reservations prior to boarding to ensure you don’t miss out. You can do so via the Silversea website.
The Restaurant is the main dining venue onboard the Silver Shadow. While it is indeed a large venue, it has been cleverly divided into a number of smaller spaces that help create a more intimate feel. The menu changes daily and will often feature locally sourced produce. We rate the food quality and presentation very highly. Reservations are not required at The Restaurant, guests can dine when they like, with whom they like – from a romantic table for two, to a memorable party of 10 or more!
One of the real treats of having a Silver Suite is dining ‘at home’. Guests can enjoy a meal selected from The Restaurant menu, served course-by-course at their own suite dining table. Your butler will lay the table with crisp linen and fine crockery, then come and go throughout the evening attending to your ever need.
Exclusive to Silversea is the hot rocks dining experience at The Grill, the poolside al fresco dining venue. Pre-heated volcanic rocks are brought to the table allowing guests to cook steak, veal, lamb, pork or seafood to their liking. A selection of delicious sauces prepared by the Silver Shadow’s chefs make a great accompaniment. We recommend The Grill for a super relaxed, informal evening under the stars.
An art gallery afloat
The owners of Silversea, the Lefebvre family, have a passion for fine art as well as luxury cruising. So it was decided that the Silver Shadow should house it’s very own private art collection.
From Chagall to Picasso, the works on display represent some of the most outstanding examples of modern art available to the public. Unlike most private collections no appointment is require to view these master works. Indeed they are on display throughout the public areas of the ship.
Guests wishing to become more acquainted with them can book a tour with the Silver Shadows art curator (select voyages) who will be delighted to explain the finer points of the many and varied works.
The art collection abroad the Silver Shadow is unique among the worlds ocean liners. We highly recommend it.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
