It never fails to amaze me how cruise ships pull off the extraordinary everyday — with the same staff. Hotels and resorts have the advantage of rotating staff who can go home to refresh and re-energize, but cruise ships typically employ staff who may work nearly everyday for as long as 12 months before getting a well-deserved break. And the amazing thing with the staff on Silver Explorer is that they do it with a smile that appears to be genuine and heartfelt. As one of my dinner companions remarked last night: “It’s not a game face. You can tell that they truly love what they do.” In fact, staff on Silver Explorer are beginning to feel more like old friends, and we’ve only been on board a little more than a week.

Last night, as Silver Explorer motored on calm seas under gorgeous evening skies to the northern tip of South America, chefs and waiters, along with management, set up for an evening of Dining Under The Stars. As Alfredo rehearsed his evening repertoire, all were hustling about to prepare linen-covered tables with flowers and candles, chill wines, prep dishes and prepare welcome cocktails.