So Ken and I boarded the Silver Ray yesterday. Some of our clients have been raving about the two new Silversea ships, the Ray and the Nova. Asking me to check these ships out. So I got approved on the Ray last week and here I am sitting in my cabin which is VERY nice.

First Impression overview after just 24 hours - lot to learn still.

Regent new ships are American with the WOW factor with lots of glitz.
• Entry - Greeted by high ceilings and a beautiful chandelier and magnificent stairs, lots of marble.
• Main dining room. A different wow factor with each ship – the Grandeur is stunning with the fabulous white tree ceiling.
• Higher ceilings in the public areas
• Lots of glitz in the restaurants, lounges
• Standard F & E suites have a bigger closet, both shower and bath, bigger sq.ft.

Silversea is European with the conservative classy style, soft subtle colors in most areas.
• Entry, just enter into the ship at the stairway.
• Lower ceilings on the ship no high ceiling areas, except the main show lounge with upstairs seating.
• Main dining room dark colors like an old time steak house restaurant
• Elevators are on the outside of the ship where you can see the sea - thats neat.
• The four lower priced suites are exactly same. Priced based on location. Extremely well designed, smaller but do not feel smaller.
I will take photos as we go. Some have a shower and some have a bathtub.

I was told initially the food was not as good on Silversea but I think the ships are equal on the food. Both ships have pros & cons on this subject. There are two additional cost restaurants on Silversea.

I will keep updating this thread as we will learn more as we continue the cruise.