Silver Shadow

Silver Shadow's pool deck is made for easy sea days. Up top, daybed-style double loungers and singles sit in both sun and shade, with towels set out. One level down, guests can sit on the edge of the pool and dip their toes, with a couple of whirlpools nearby. The pool bar keeps drinks flowing, many of them included. By day the grill serves burgers and hot dogs, and at night it becomes The Grill, with steaks and lobster under the open sky.

Perched like a crown at the very top of the ship, all the way forward, the Observation Lounge wraps floor-to-ceiling windows around the room, with outdoor space for even more views. It doubles as the ship's library, with quite a collection of books for a quiet sea day. A coffee nook on the far side offers espresso, Americanos, tea and water, so guests can settle in with a cup and watch the scenery go by.

The spa offers massages, facials, wraps and more, plus a full-service salon with pedicures, manicures and a gentlemen's barber, a welcome touch on longer voyages. The changing rooms have lockers, robes, slippers and showers, and the steam room and sauna are complimentary for all guests throughout the cruise. The fitness center has bikes, ellipticals, treadmills, a rowing machine and circuit equipment, with an aerobics studio for yoga, stretching and classes.

All the way aft, the Panorama Lounge lives up to its name with floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around the room. Sofas, chairs for two and tables for four fill the space, and the full bar serves espresso and cappuccino as well as cocktails. A dance floor and bandstand host live music before dinner, plus trivia and get-togethers. Next door, Connoisseur's Corner is a well-ventilated cigar lounge with indoor and outdoor seating.

La Terrazza, at the aft of the ship, is the casual choice for breakfast and lunch, with rotating buffet stations and made-to-order items. In the evening it becomes an Italian specialty restaurant, and it's included in the fare. Inside, there are tables for two, four, six and eight, plus space for larger groups. The real draw is the terrace out back, where guests can dine al fresco at breakfast, lunch or dinner with the sea right beside them.

La Dame is the elegant fine-dining choice on board, a French restaurant with dishes from both land and sea, including lobster, duck, beef, lamb and sea bass. Courses are paired with wines, and the mood is refined and intimate, so it's a night to dress up. La Dame carries an additional cost, but Danny truly loves the menu, and it's the place to mark a special occasion during the voyage.

The Restaurant is Silver Shadow's main dining room, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner virtually every day with an upgraded à la carte menu and attentive service. Wines and other drinks are included, sommeliers help with pairings, and upgraded bottles are available for wine lovers. Window seats line the far side, with tables for two and four, larger tables, and room to combine tables for groups. Danny says it feels very spacious.