The "Silver Cloud" is ideal for cruisers seeking the finest in amenities, service, food, and colossal treatment. With a maximum of 298 passengers we never felt crowded, either on board or on ship tours. Our mid-ship veranda suite was excellent and spacious. Normandy beaches were our main touring target and it was truly a thrill of a lifetime visiting the landing beaches and Colleville Cemetery where almost 10,000 American heroes are buried. The outstanding beauty and solitude of the burial grounds overlooking Omaha beach will never be forgotten. We finally had our opportunity to honor those heroic young men who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We were deeply touched and proud to be there to honor them.

Our cruise was 9-days filled with a multitude of new and interesting experiences in France, Spain, and Portugal. Santiago de Compestela in La Coruna, Spain is where pilgrims travel to worship at the huge cathedral, and it feels comparable to St. Peter's in Rome, but on a smaller scale. We visited the Port wine cellars in Oporto, Portugal. Lisbon and the remarkable bridges suspended over their beautiful bay are sights to behold. This was the starting place for many Portugese explorers who helped find the pathways to the New World. We passed "Rocco" at midnight - the Rock of Gibraltar - enroute to Malaga, the lovely resort city in southwest Spain.

We saw so much in 9-days that much of it seems like a blur - the itinerary was outstanding and extremely interesting. The "Silver Cloud" is a beautifully designed ship accompanied by an outstanding crew that makes every effort to insure that your cruise is most memorable. Every meal on board was superb and beautifully presented. This was our second Silversea cruise, and once again we were truly delighted with the experience. The only negative I can recall is leaving the ship - the stark reality of the "real life" hits you immediately. And, oh yes, before I neglect to mention another outstanding experience - my very first pedicure at the Mandara Spa was so wonderful and relaxing - it took all the persuasion my wife could muster to get me there before I reluctantly agreed. Most men don't feel comfortable being in such a place, but all I can say is this - gentlemen, do yourself a great big favor and go for the treatment. I guarantee that you will never regret getting it done. It was a most memorable experience.