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SILVERSEA CRUISES OVERVIEW:
 In 1994, Silversea Cruises set a course of pampered luxury with the launching of the 296-passenger sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind. Targeting the ultra luxury segment of cruising, the company hired experienced European staff and chartered an exotic course of itineraries. While yacht-like, all-suite luxury ships already had their place, Silversea upped the stakes by adding private verandas to 75% of all staterooms and made the experience as all-inclusive as it gets today.
Silver Cloud and Silver Wind were so successful that the line built the larger, 28,000-ton 388-passenger Silver Shadow, which entered service in September 2000. She was followed by Silver Whisper in July, 2001. (Silver Whisper was originally announced as Silver Mirage.) On Silver Shadow and Whisper, a standard cabin with private balcony is 360 sq. feet (vs. 295 on the existing ships), with most of the added space going into bathrooms and closets.
The SilverSea Experience:
| A champagne and caviar experience aboard the most exclusive luxury vessels afloat. All cabins are suites and 75% have private verandas - at 295 sq. feet they aren't as large as the Penthouse Suites found aboard Crystal, but are beautifully furnished. Standard features include walk in closets, TV/VCR, small refrigerators stocked with your personal preferences, a separate seating area with sofa and desk plus those marvelous teak balconies. All onboard gratuities are included and none are ever expected. Complimentary beverages are served throughout the ship. When purchasing the cruise line's air/hotel program, your roundtrip Economy airfare, a one night pre-cruise hotel stay, ground transportation and baggage handling are also included. With the highest passenger-space ratio at sea on board their small-sized ships, Silversea ensures you'll have several lounges, a good amount of deck space, spacious dining facilities and a theater large enough for Broadway-style productions. |
A Vista Suite
The lowest category onboard Silversea
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Silversea does a superb job of itinerary planning, with the perfect mixture of days in port and relaxing time spent at sea.
Most people compare Silver Wind and Silver Cloud to the smaller 204-passenger vessels of Seabourn Cruise Line. While some cruisers claim Seabourn's cuisine is incomparable, both cruise lines have different styles of service. On Silversea, the staff is warm and friendly while Seabourn's Austrian staff is much more reserved. Personally, I think the engaging staff, who quickly learn your name and individual preferences, is the big reason Silversea has so many loyal repeaters. It's the very personal level of service that keeps them returning. Not to mention those sybaritic private balconies.
Fellow Passengers:
Well-heeled, experienced cruisers in the 55+ age group seeking exotic itineraries and plush facilities.
Shore Excursions:
Silver Seas often gets some of the most knowledgeable and well-spoken guides in the business. Their shore excursions are well thought out and comprehensive, for example an overnight trip to Moscow via airplane from the ship docked in St. Petersburg.
Taking The Kids:
There are no special programs for children.
Past Passenger Program:
My pick for the very best past-passengers program is Silversea's "Venetian Society", with special sailings scheduled throughout the year. The special activities are exclusive and fun: on my cruise these included a golf tournament in Boca Raton, an exquisite private dinner in New Orleans, unforgettable private dinners in a separate dining room created by guest Cordon Bleu chefs and special shore excursions. In addition repeaters save five to 15% off brochure rates on Venetian Society cruises. You'll get a five- percent discount, plus a host of exclusive on-board events with a private Silversea corporate host plus special shore excursions. If you want to be thoroughly pampered and feel like a celebrity, be sure to enroll in this enriching program.
Attire:
Formal nights are scheduled during days at sea, when a tux is de rigeur and women don their serious jewelry. Daytime attire is casual. |
