Silver Sea - We Whisper Luxury
The smaller capacity and size means ports are often less busy when you get in, it also means these ships can get closer into more ports – even sailing down the river Thames and under Tower Bridge in London. Onboard the reduced capacity gives each passenger more square foot per person, with large ocean facing suites (all cabins on board are suites) and spacious (and beautiful) public spaces. We visited the Panorama Lounge for some drinks and to take in the view. Cobh looked beautiful but I couldn’t help but imagine the sail away views from New York, Cape Town or Sydney. The Panorama Lounge is used as a piano bar or DJ lounge or a beautiful place to have a coffee during the day.
As we walked around the pool area, there was plenty champagne on ice available. We were told how, when you are lying by the pool – a staff member will give you a little treat every half an hour or so. It would be a sorbet a fruit skewer, face spritz or even to have your sunglasses cleaned. On the pool deck there is a pizzeria which is open from 11 to 11, making fresh pizza how you like it. The also make fresh ice-cream daily. I noticed there was loads of space on the pool deck to walk between sun loungers.
As we were walked through the ship to view a suite, we could see that there was a self-service laundrette on each floor which was again a great sign of the very very even spread of amenities. Obviously, laundry services are available for a charge if you don’t want to do it yourself and this becomes free if you have accrued 100 days of sailing with Silversea. When we got to the suite it was large – the biggest bathroom I’ve been on a ship and even had a bath. All toiletries are provided which always helps with packing. Each suite is ready with – you guessed it – champagne on ice on arrival! Your butler is there to help you and will bring fresh ice and sliced lemon to your suite twice a day. They will also make a note on your arrival of your drinks preference and will keep the mini fridge stocked with your favourites.
During our tour of the ship, we visited the theatre where guests can enjoy excellent entertainment and beautiful gourmet restaurants. One restaurant even had a box of designer reading glasses sorted by prescription in case you left yours in your suite.
Expedition Voyages On top of being the pioneers of ultra-luxury, Silversea are also one of the finest suppliers of expedition voyages since 2008. Expedition voyages travel to rare, remote and remarkable areas of untouched natural beauty. Expedition voyages travel to the South Pacific, Galapagos, Artic and Antarctic, Northern Europe, Africa and the Indian Ocean as well as The Kimberly in Australia.
With the expedition voyages, you will often travel to unchartered destinations, interact with local communities or explore the geology of the destination. In the evenings there will be talks on the destinations visited in the place of musical performances. The expedition staff onboard are experts in their field – marine biologists or geologists, the are trained and employed year-round and Silversea endeavour to be the employer of choice for these professionals. The expedition voyages in Africa could be described as a safari at sea and the expeditions in The Kimberly would allow you see sights few other have seen. The attention to detail and level of service does not fall on the expedition cruises for example there is a “mud room” where you can leave your mucky boots to have them heated for when you next wear them. The outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi are open even in the Antarctic so you can watch massive glaciers while enjoying a champagne in the heated tub.
The reduced capacity and level of service means Silversea Expedition Ships can disembark all passengers from the ship to the zodiac boats at the same time – no queueing or reduced exploration time. Overall, this is definitely a luxury cruise line – but not at all snobbish or stuffy. After speaking to people who have sailed, they all said the same thing – it was exceptional, and we never felt out of place. In your cruise package all of your gratuities, shore excursions, gourmet food and drink are all included so it’s probable that you will get off the ship without a bill. This is definitely a high-end product but every time I quote it I am surprised at the cost – its less than you would expect for the level of luxury and the number of inclusions.
Get in touch today to discuss your Silversea cruise. I am a certified Silversea Expert, and I have the best available rates for your as well as 24/7 support before, during and after travel.
