Fast Facts

Launched: September 2000.

Tonnage: 28,258.

Cruising speed: 18.5 knots.

Number of passengers: 382 at double occupancy.

Crew: 302

Staterooms: 194 ocean view suites, 80 per cent of which have private balconies.

Where she cruises: Australia/New Zealand, Asia, Alaska.

Overview

With Italian elegance and the looks of a yacht, Silver Shadow was the third ship to launch in Silversea’s fleet. She also introduced the new Millennium Class, built with proportions slightly larger than her older sisters, yet retaining the same intimate feel and personalised service.

Who Should Go?

Couples.

Things You Might Not Know

Silver Shadow was built by the award winning architects, Petter Yran and Bjorn Storraaten of Oslo. Silversea also claims she’s one of the most spacious ships afloat, with a guest-to-crew ratio of 74.

Staterooms

All of Shadow’s staterooms are described as “suites” and for good reason. They are bigger than average in the industry, and all come packed with goodies including butler service, champagne on arrival, fresh fruit and flowers, an in-room bar stocked with your preferences, down duvets, a choice of nine pillow types, personalised stationery, luxury bathroom amenities….the list goes on!

There are three types of suite – two Owners, four Grand and two Royal – which come with either one or two bedrooms, and all with private balconies. There are 13 Silver suites and two Medallion suites, also with balconies, but the majority, 128, fall into the category of Veranda suites. The remaining suites are still decent in size at 28 square metres.

When it comes to decor, in a nutshell it can be described as simple, tasteful and elegant. Larger suites are adorned with biscuit carpets, cream chairs, gold drapes, blonde wood, and minor flashes of colour, while smaller ones have aqua blue carpets, cream walls and blonde wood.

Facilities and Entertainment

For a boutique ship Shadow certainly has plenty of bells and whistles to keep guests amused. Public rooms are timelessly elegant and feature a two-level show room, a cigar bar call The Humidor, and two primary lounges for relaxing. The hub of activity pre and post dinner, however, is The Bar, and entertainment tends to be towards smaller style Broadway affairs or solo artists.

By day, there is a computer centre for anyone who has to keep in touch with the outside world, a well stocked library which operates on an honour system, a small casino, a small fitness centre and a full service spa. Silversea places a huge emphasis on education and enrichment, however, with many cruises boasting a laundry list of guest lecturers from the worlds of politics, business, food and wine to name a few. Outside on the pool deck there is small plunge pool flanked by two whirlpools.

Dining

The cuisine on board Shadow, as with all Silversea ships, is of high quality if not exotic, with a focus firmly on Europe and the Mediterranean. Dining is also open seating – you can dine when and with whom you choose – with the exception of the the elaborate Le Champagne wine restaurant where reservations are required.

The main dining room is simply called The Restaurant, serving three meals a day, an intimate venue which boasts a contemporary menu with signature dishes provided by culinary partner, Relais & Chateau. La Terrazza is located at the ship’s aft, open by day for a casual buffet-style breakfast and lunch indoors or al fresco and in the evening it transforms into a traditional Italian style setting with an a la carte menu to match. Seating is limited, however, so you are advised to make reservations.

If you really want to splash out however, head for Le Champagne. All Silversea ships have this venue, in partnership with Relais & Chateau, where fine wines of the world are paired with a tasting menu of regionally inspired dishes. Surprisingly for a six-star ship, however, there is a surcharge for the privilege.

The Low Down

Shadow was last refurbished in 2006, and and after five years will be going into dry dock for another minor overhaul shortly. It’s following tends to be well heeled, well travelled, and although it does attract some younger couples, fellow passengers are mostly in the 60-plus age group. This is more of a formal, traditional ship which prides itself on silver service.

More information

Visit www.silversea.com