SILVERSEA

For years I have resisted the idea of getting on a cruise ship. It was mostly my ego, harboring the notion that cruises are for older folks (partly true) and being younger (no longer true) we should engage in more active and energetic options. Our virgin, first ever, cruise in 2008 on a Seabourn yacht in the Mediterranean, the year before I retired, changed that picture. Curiously these highly seaworthy vessels are never called ships, but yachts. For all I know, sailors work hard to get a yacht going in blue waters on sails and spinnakers, landlubbers join cruises where they are looked after head to toe, literally and figuratively, on these monstrous ships of pleasure. These ain't yachts pal!

We, a small party of 5 like-minded couples, are Seabourn fans as we like the intimacy of smaller vessels up between 250-400 passengers. This is our first attempt with Silversea in the South Atlantic, with a capacity of 600 even though this particular cruise carries only 450. Regardless of brand or size the configuration on board is de-rigurer as cruise lines fight a fierce war in this sought after up-market consumer segment. Being foodies, what we like most is the open seating dining at multiple outlets for all 3 meals, and the 24-hour room service, convenience that is unmatched by any 5-star hospitality establishment on land. To me, not having to deal with packing and unpacking or checking in and out of hotels is a big plus. Needless to say, shopping is decimated on these cruises which is a major incentive to me. 

By the way this is our 5th cruise together, including a river cruise down the Danube, and I find myself closing ranks with fellow cruisers a lot better. No, age has zero patience, it does not wait for anyone.