Here’s What It’s REALLY Like On Silversea These Days: Silversea Cruises review

When I started reading the latest reviews of Silversea Cruises, I was taken aback. Long-time guests were saying the line had rapidly slipped in the past 18 months. Comments like “shabby,” “cutbacks,” “no longer luxury,” and “not worth the premium” were cropping up everywhere.

Having cruised on Silversea six times in recent years — and always rated it highly — I wanted to see if things had really changed that much. There was only one way to find out.

I booked the line’s newest ship, Silver Nova, and as always paid full fare via my travel agent to ensure an unbiased review. Here’s what I discovered as you will see in my Silversea Cruises review.

What Is Silversea Cruises?

Silversea Cruises is a 5-star ultra-luxury cruise line owned by Royal Caribbean Group, competing with Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Crystal.

Silversea operates the largest ultra-luxury fleet, with 12 ships — eight classic and four expedition. All suites, from entry-level to top tier, come with a butler.

It’s also known for its SALT (Sea and Land Taste) programme, offering deeper connections to regional cuisine through local dishes, drinks, cooking classes, and food-focused excursions. And thanks to its diverse fleet, Silversea offers one of the most varied itineraries of any luxury cruise line.

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Are Silversea Ships Shabby?

One common criticism is that some Silversea ships are “shabby.” Having sailed older ships like Silver Spirit, I don’t agree — but the experience does vary between ship classes.

Silversea currently operates four distinct classes:

Whisper & Shadow Class (392 passengers) – classic, 25-year-old ships.
Silver Spirit (680 passengers) – 16 years old.
Muse, Moon & Dawn Class (596 passengers) – launched within the last eight years.
Nova & Ray Class (728 passengers) – the newest, launched in 2023.

This variation leads to inconsistency. The new Silver Nova is a dramatic reinvention — lighter, more open, with an asymmetrical design and vastly different layout. Many loyal guests find it too different from the “traditional” Silversea look and feel.

Personally, I loved the new airy design, larger suites, and space throughout. But I understand why some guests find it less familiar and more resort-style than the classic ships.

Is Silversea’s Food Still Exceptional?

Food is another hot topic among recent reviews.

In my view, Silversea’s dining is good but not the standout feature compared to Crystal or Regent Seven Seas.

Highlights include:

SALT Restaurant & Bar: Menus and cocktails inspired by the region you’re sailing in.
SALT Lab Kitchen & Chef’s Table: Hands-on cooking classes and regional tasting experiences (Chef’s Table has an added charge).
Spaccanapoli Pizza & Marquee Grill: Excellent casual dining open late into the evening.
Signature Silver Brunch: An impressive caviar-and-seafood-laden event held once per cruise.

Average or less impressive areas:

Atlantide Main Dining Room: Feels less elevated than competitors.
La Terrazza (Buffet/Italian): Consistent but repetitive on long voyages.
Lack of Casual Evening Option: No buffet dinner alternative — a miss on port-intensive itineraries.

Added-Charge Restaurants:

Kaiseki (Asian): $80 pp for dinner (lunch included).
La Dame (French): Recently reduced to ~$100 pp.
SALT Chef’s Table: Extra-fee regional tasting.

Silversea has also dropped its daily Afternoon Tea — replaced by a single “Grand Tea” during the voyage. A pity, as all rivals still offer daily tea service.

Are There Too Many Cutbacks?

Another recurring theme in online reviews is cutbacks since Royal Caribbean’s takeover.

The most controversial change is the fare structure.

Silversea scrapped its all-inclusive “Door-to-Door” and “Port-to-Port” fares — which previously included flights, hotels, transfers, and excursions — replacing them with three new tiers:

All-Inclusive Plus: Includes excursion credits, fully refundable deposits, fare match guarantee.
All-Inclusive: 75% refundable deposits.
Last Minute: Discounted, non-refundable fares released within five months.

Many guests feel this makes Silversea less “all-inclusive.” However, I welcome the change, as excursions were becoming generic and I often paid for better optional tours anyway.

Other minor “cutbacks” noted:

Wines: Some guests say the included options have declined; others disagree.
Wi-Fi: Standard package now excludes streaming and calls unless upgraded to Premium.
Upselling: Slightly more promotion of paid tastings and premium drinks, but not intrusive.

That said, Silversea has clearly invested heavily in new ships and upgrades. The “bean counter” narrative seems overstated.

How Is The Entertainment?

Critics say Silversea’s entertainment is average. I’d call it solid but traditional.

On my sailing:

Cast of four singers and four dancers with a live band.
Shows included “Limelight,” “Dance on Fire,” and “35mm Blockbuster.”
Guest acts ranged from magicians to musicians.

While not innovative, shows were well-attended and enjoyed by guests. Live music, enrichment lectures, and trivia sessions filled sea days nicely — consistent with ultra-luxury expectations.

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Final Thoughts: Has Silversea Lost Its Luxury Edge?

No. While there are changes and inconsistencies, Silversea remains firmly in the ultra-luxury category.

The Silver Nova represents an exciting evolution — not a decline.

Food is solid, if not standout.

Service and butlers remain excellent.

The fare simplification could make the product clearer and more flexible long-term.

So, while I understand why some loyalists feel nostalgic for the “old Silversea,” I found the experience still luxurious, modern, and innovative — just a little different.