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.
Silversea has introduced a series of Silversea Expeditions,
allowing Luxury clients to experience destinations off the beaten
path. Silversea guests can now explore the far corners of
the earth while living in luxury accommodations.
Silversea purchased an expedition ship, and upgraded it
considerably before adding the Prince Albert II, to the fleet in
2009 to take their luxury clientele to these exotic
itineraries.
Silversea also added a newly built luxury vessel to the fleet in
late 2009. The 36,000 ton 540 guest Silver Spirit offers
more verandas, more dining choices, more onboard amenities, more of the
excellence their guests have come to expect of Silversea.
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.
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 50+ 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.
By Anne Campbell, Editor,
CruiseMates.com Co-founder of CruiseMates.com and past
editor-in-chief of America Online's Cruise Critic. Prior to that, she authored
Fielding's Guide To Worldwide Cruises (1994, 1995 editions).
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.