Keep it a secret venue
The best space for curling up with a book is in one of the comfortable chairs in the modest-sized Observation Room (see photo) on the top deck. Except for an occasional private function and port sail-ins and sail-outs, it often sits quiet and empty. As a bonus, the wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows give you terrific views.
Passenger profile
Guests on a Silver Shadow Alaska cruise are affluent, sophisticated and well-traveled. They come from around the globe, with the majority from the USA. Many are active or retired professionals and top executives. Most come as couples and are in the 40s to 70s age range. Few (sometimes zero) children are aboard.
Communications
My cell phone (Verizon service) worked well in the ports and at sea (except when the ship was miles out or sailing along scantily populated coastal areas). The ship's satellite internet service was up 90% of the time (exception: in ports rimmed with high mountains).
What's included
in the fare
Food, wines, drinks, onboard entertainment, and tips are included. In some cases, airfare is also thrown in. Key extras are shore excursions, surcharges for high-end wines/ champagnes/cognacs/spirits, dining in the Le Champagne restaurant, boutique purchases, spa treatments, private fitness training, laundry/pressing/dry cleaning, and satellite phone and internet services.
Dress Code
Daytime
Casual "country club" attire. Jeans can be appropriate if you're planning to go ashore that day
Formal nights
Tuxedoes (or dark suits with tie) for men. Evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant pantsuits for women.
Informal nights
Slacks and jackets (tie is optional) for men. Dresses or pantsuits for women.
Casual
Slacks and open-color shirts (jacket optional) for men. Dressy sportswear for women.
Silver Shadow
Why it's special
Top activities
Dining
Dinner menus
Silver Shadow facts
Photos and deck plans
Other public spaces
Suite photo gallery
Crew photo gallery
Deck plans
Click Silversea Cruises for its website.
Itinerary insights
Packing tips
Famous Alaskan foods
Alaska facts and tidbits
Other Alaska cruise topics
Best 4 Alaska cruise ports to visit
Best shore excursions - overview
Helicopter tours - Ranks #1
Floatplane tours - Ranks #2
Best 3 Juneau shore excursions
Best 3 Ketchikan shore excursions
Best 3 Sitka shore excursions
Best 3 Skagway shore excursions
Best glaciers
Denali National Park
Goldstar Dome railroad ride
More pre- and post-cruise options
World Wonders - Top 100 rankings
World Wonders - Top 1000 list
My credentials
About my website and criteria
Reader testimonials
Site map