The Silversea Silver Shadow is an ultra-luxury ship, and its accommodations should meet any passenger's expectations for a 6-star cruise ship. The Silver Shadow is an all-suite cruise ship. Even its smallest suites have 287 square feet! All of the 194 suites are outside, and they range in size from 287 square feet to 1,435 square feet. More than 80 percent of the suites feature private teak balconies, and nine Vista suites share a common veranda.

This design gives passengers the opportunity to have a balcony in one of the lower cost suites. The Silver Shadow and her twin sister the Silver Whisper feature more large specialty suites than the Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, including: two Owner's Suites, two Royal Suites, four Grand Suites, thirteen Silver Suites and two Medallion Suites.

Twenty-six of the Vista suites are the only cabins without a balcony, but even those have a large picture window to go with the generous 287 square feet of cabin space. The 128 Veranda suites make up the largest category, and are similar to the Vista suites, except they all have a private balcony. The two Medallion suites are mid-ship and next door to the Owner's Suites. They are smaller than the 13 Silver Suites, and although they have a separate sleeping room, they lack the full-size dining table and area found in the Silver Suites.The Owner's Suites, Royal Suites, and Grand Suites are each like your own private apartment, and even include a separate powder room for visitors to your suite.

In addition, the in-suite entertainment for these three categories includes a large flat screen TV in the sitting room, a separate TV in the bedroom, and a CD stereo system. The Royal and Grand Suites can be booked with an adjoining suite next door, perfect for families or friends traveling together.

All accommodations include convertible twin-to-queen beds, walk-in closet, sitting area with writing desk, dressing table with hair dryer, Italian marble bathroom with telephone, double basin vanity, full bathtub and separate shower, refrigerator and cocktail bar, entertainment center with remote-controlled satellite television and videocassette player, direct dial telephone, in-suite safe, fresh fruit and flowers, individual climate control and 110/220 electric current. Unlike many cruise ships, the bathrooms are as nice (and as large) as those found in elegant hotels ashore. Take all of these amenities, add 24-hour room service, and it is almost understandable that some passengers never even leave their suites!

Although spending the entire cruise in your suite might be tempting, the lure of the ports of call, the onboard activities, socializing with others, and the interesting cuisine should lure you away from your cabin. Let's take a look at one of my personal cruise ship favorites--the cuisine.

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