Plan Your Silversea Cruises Vacation
Silversea Cruises was launched in 1994 by the former owners of Sitmar Cruises, the Lefebvre family of Rome, whose concept for the new cruise line was to build and sail the highest-quality luxury ships at sea. Intimate ships, paired with exclusive amenities and unparalleled hospitality, are the hallmarks of Silversea cruises. All-inclusive air-and-sea fares can be customized to include not just round-trip airfare but all transfers, porterage, and deluxe precruise accommodations as well.
Personalization is a Silversea maxim. Their ships offer more activities than other comparably sized luxury vessels. Take part in those that interest you, or opt instead for a good book and any number of quiet spots to read or snooze in the shade. Silversea’s third generation of ships introduced even more luxurious features when the 36,000-ton Silver Spirit launched late in 2009. Silversea’s Silver Explorer is the top choice for luxurious soft adventure expedition cruising, and in 2013 Silversea added a second exploration ship, Silver Galapagos, that will sail exclusively in the Galápagos Islands.
Key Silversea Cruises Tips
Are you a first-time cruiser? View our helpful hints and tips on Your Shipmates, Dress Code, Junior Cruisers, and much more! See Tips
Top Reasons To Cruise
- All Suites All accommodations on Silversea ships are suites and all come with the service of butlers.
- Friendly Crowd Unlike on some luxury lines, the well-traveled and well-heeled, sophisticated Silversea passengers are anything but stodgy.
- International Clientele An international mix of passengers are often found on the luxury line’s voyages.
- Luxury Chic The style of Silversea ships is chic, but not stuffy.
- Varied Destinations Silversea’s destination-intensive fleet roams the globe, seldom repeating ports from one voyage to the next.
Is This Line Right For You?
Choose This Line If
- Your taste leans toward learning and exploration.
- You enjoy socializing as well as the option of live entertainment, just not too much of it.
- You like to plan ahead. You can reserve shore tours, salon services, and spa treatments online.
Don't Choose This Line If
- You want to dress informally at all times on your cruise. Passengers on these cruises tend to dress up.
- You need highly structured activities and have to be reminded of them.
- You prefer the glitter and stimulation of Las Vegas to the understated glamour of Monte Carlo.
What To Expect On Board
Food
Dishes from the galleys of Silversea's master chefs are complemented by those of La Collection du Monde, created by Silversea's culinary partner, the world-class chefs of Relais & Châteaux. Menus include hot and cold appetizers, at least four entrée selections,
a vegetarian alternative, and Cruiselite cuisine (low in cholesterol, sodium, and fat). Special off-menu orders are prepared whenever possible, provided that the ingredients are available on board. In the event that they aren't, you may find after a day in port that a trip to the market was made in order to fulfill your request.
Chef Marco Betti, the owner of Antica Pasta restaurants in Florence, Italy, and Atlanta, Georgia, has designed a new menu for La Terrazza that focuses on one of the most luxurious food trends: the Slow Food movement. The goal of the movement is to preserve the gastronomic traditions of Italy through the use of fresh, traditional foods, and it has spread throughout the world. At La Terrazza (by day, a casual buffet) the menu showcases the finest in Italian cooking, from classic favorites to Tuscan fare. The restaurant carries no surcharge. Seating is limited, so reservations are a must to ensure a table—it's one reservation you'll be glad you took the time to book.
Entertainment
Guest lecturers are featured on nearly every cruise; language, dance, and culinary lessons and excellent wine-appreciation sessions are always on the schedule of events. Silversea also schedules culinary arts cruises and a series of wine-focused voyages that feature award-winning
authors, international wine experts, winemakers, and acclaimed chefs from the world's top restaurants. During afternoon tea the ranks of highly competitive trivia teams increase every successive day.
After dark, the Bar is a predinner gathering spot and the late-night place for dancing to a live band. A multitiered show lounge is the setting for talented singers and musicians, classical concerts, magic shows, big-screen movies, and folkloric entertainers from ashore. A small casino offers slot machines and gaming tables.
Fitness and Recreation
The rather small gyms are equipped with cardiovascular and weight-training equipment, and fitness classes on Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow are held in the mirror-lined, but somewhat confining, exercise room. Silver Spirit introduced an expansive 8,300-square-foot
spa and more spacious fitness center.
South Pacific–inspired Mandara Spa offers numerous treatments including exotic-sounding massages, facials, and body wraps. Hair and nail services are available in the busy salon. A plus is that appointments for spa and beauty salon treatments can be made online from 60 days until 48 hours prior to sailing.
Golfers can sign up with the pro on board for individual lessons utilizing a high-tech swing analyzer and attend complimentary golf clinics or participate in a putting contest.
