We've sailed on the Silver Explorer and were quite happy. When a cruise was offered to Macquarie Island, we figured this would be all good. It was ANYTHING BUT. Service, food, and cabin all great. Everything else was a disaster.
1. this ship is NOT outfitted to travel to this sort of location, in spite of what Silverseas might say (having that confirmed later by 2 independent captains who are familiar with this vessel). It cannot handle rough seas which, of course, is what you get in this part of the world.
2. The captain and expedition leader both continued to give out extremely sketchy information, other than saying they were "trying to get to Macquarie Island". We never got there, instead spending an inordinate amount of time in Milford Sound, TWO visits to Stewart Island and another location where "daytrippers" go. Poorly managed, no communication of any real value, and this was the most EXPENSIVE trip we've ever taken that simply went to places we could have gone to on something far less expensive.
Exactly what you'd expect in the category. Our room steward was attentive and very good
This is a place where you'll run into alot of "day trippers". Just a walk around town
Been to Dunedin a few times but always a lovely spot to see. Make certain to see the train station as the architecture is fabulous!