OP here, back from our second Silverseas cruise. We were on the Whisper in a Penthouse Suite. TLDR: Wonderful experience.

The ship is old by chronological age, but in excellent shape. Not a whisper of rust was visible. Interior public and suite areas were well-maintained. Furniture is dated, but very-well maintained.

After an initial problem with our Butler (never before on this ship or a butler), we got an experienced butler who knew how to communicate and do his job. The housekeeper was fantastic, as was the entire crew. This was a very different experience from our first SS cruise five years ago, when we seemed to go on board a ship loaded with unhappy poor performers. Except for our initial butler, the rest of the staff knew what they were doing, and were very pleasant as they went about doing it! Food was pretty good for cruise ship fare. Entertainment was abysmal (we were told that all SS entertainers will now be SS employees rather than contractors).

I just wish SS had a future cruise deposit system like Seabourn, in which one can use the credit within four years, and always get a refund if requested.