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Silversea Cruise ReviewsSilversea Whisper Review & Photos CLICK HERE (opens in a new window)
European heritage and serious luxury, Silversea delivers a polished mid-size ship experience to a varied clientčle of world travelers. Wonderful integration of fine accommodations, service and cuisine produce what should be a memorable and relaxing vacation. History Founded in 1992 by the Francesco Lefebvre family of Rome and the Vlasov Group of Monte Carlo, the former owners of the now-defunct Sitmar Cruises, Silversea built its line around two 296-passenger super-luxury vessels rather than returning to big-ship cruising in the Sitmar style. The name was chosen to suggest quality, luxury and the romance of the sea. The Silver Cloud, launched April 1994, and the Silver Wind in January 1995, were designed by Norwegian architects Pettar Yran and Bjorn Storbraaten, who also designed the interiors of the Seabourn and Sea Goddess ships as well as the Song of Flower for Radisson Seven Seas cruises. Understandably, Silversea took the market by storm with reasonable pricing, uncompromising service, large accommodations and a high public space ratio. The super-luxury six-deck ships offered all-suite accommodation and, a huge first for the time, most cabins had verandas – added to this the ‘all-inclusive’ tariff, almost guaranteed a successful formula. Buoyed by the success of their first two offerings, the line added another set of slightly larger (388 passenger) twins, the Silver Shadow in 2000, and the Silver Whisper in 2001.Carrying around a third more passengers, and a third bigger than the original twins, the Shadow and Whisper incorporated enhancements such as larger bathrooms and closets, more high-grade suites, 80% of cabins with verandas, poolside dining, cigar lounge, computer centre and a larger spa and gym. All four ships were built at the T.Marrotti Shipyard in Italy. The Concept Silversea intended to offer a symbiotic balance of luxury – delivered in an ‘all-inclusive’ package. And all inclusive it is, one price covers all onboard beverages, all gratuities, port taxes, baggage handling, and perhaps a ‘Silversea Experience’ which is an exclusive and included shore experience. Also available air/sea packages also factor in air travel (class selectable) transfers, porterage, and before and after cruise hotel stays. The 60% of repeat customers that are on-board almost every sailing, is testament to the Silversea concept being delivered. Cruise Line Strengths *Comprehensive, all-inclusive prices. *Luxurious all-suite cabins, most with verandas. *Superb balance of service and cuisine. *Open dining. *Special itineraries. Cruise Line Weaknesses *Somewhat limited and staid evening entertainment. *Cost cutting is eroding the quality of included wines. Who’s aboard? Well traveled and outgoing, passengers range from young professionals in their 30’s to lively 80-year-olds. Diverse geographically and demographically Silversea passengers are predominately middle-aged and are experienced cruises. Many have sailed on other luxury lines such as Cunard, Seabourn, Crystal and Radisson Seven Seas. Silversea has a solid European following, with legendary German Formula 1 driver, Michael Schumacher recently leasing one of the ships before racing at Monte Carlo. Other countries well represented are Italy, UK, Austria, South Africa, Mexico and Switzerland.A massive 60% of passengers on-board a typical sailing are Silversea repeaters. Children’s activities are very limited or non-existant and infants are not permitted. Late-night revelers and the burger crowd are nowhere to be seen. Who’s the Competition? While most other luxury cruise lines have solid first-time cruiser numbers, Silversea has succeeded in convincing previous luxury cruising passengers to try them out. This strategy appears to have worked well, with what is arguably the highest level of repeat cruisers in the industry. Seemingly a happy medium between the classier Seabourn and the glitzier Crystal, Silversea also attracts the kind of customers who enjoy sailing on the Regent Seven Seas veranda vessels, the Voyager, Mariner and Navigator. The Lifestyle Those familiar to ultra-deluxe vessels will recognize the luxurious, sociable, stress-free and unstructured lifestyle that is encountered on-board Silversea. Some who consider the ship the destination never go ashore. On-board activities are low-key, ranging from a variety of fitness classes throughout the day, to a printed quiz, bridge, trivia or golf. Arriving guests are offered chilled champagne, fresh flowers and a bowl of fruit in their suites, as well as a stocked bar and mini-fridge. Many veteran cruisers agree the ‘Private Party’ atmosphere aboard is achieved by the removing the need to sign bar chits or figure out tips. The Wardrobe The Silversea ships are quite dressy, with passengers fashionably attired daytimes as well as evenings. Formal wear is two nights per 7 day cruise, with most men in dinner jackets or dark suits. Informal nights ask men to wear a jacket with optional tie. Casual clothes on the remaining evenings are still fairly dressy, but never messy. Anyone who doesn’t feel like dressing for dinner call always order from the dining room menu to be served course-by-course in the cabin. Showtime In the evening, there’s dancing music before and after dinner, as well as a variety show, a comedy and perhaps some magic. The ships small orchestra plays easy listening and dance music in the Bar, and a vocalist or pianist duo perform in the Panorama Lounge. Entertainment in the main Lounge spotlights individual entertainers and production shows by a six-member group. Late-night diversions can consist of audience-participation games, dancing and piano music in the Panorama Lounge. Crew Facilities Good. Past Passengers Silversea passengers automatically become members of the Venetian Society, reflecting the lines Italian heritage. Members receive pins depending on the length of time sailed, a discount of 5% to 15% on selected Venetian Society sailings. Friends sailing with you enjoy similar savings. Member’s magazine sent 3 times per year. Other benefits include events hosted by the Captain and early-booking combinable incentives. How to book You can only book Silversea via your travel agent. The exception to this is if you book while aboard for a future sailing. Silversea believes that your own travel professional is best able to assist you with your personal booking needs, but does offer a ‘preferred agent’ search facility on its web site. Skeletons in the closet Recently the closet seems rather bare, albeit the quiet rumblings of inefficiencies during ‘run-in’ periods still persist. Initially the cuisine lacked delivery, but this was fixed quickly. Oh…by the way the Silversea definition of ‘All-inclusive’, like most all other luxury lines actually does not include: internet/e-mail access, shore excursions and spa-treatments...in case you were wondering… The Bottom Line These all-inclusive, luxurious ships appeal to almost everyone who’s demanding about food, accommodations and service. While hard to fault the accommodations, the big plus is not having to worry about bar chits and tips. The well designed, mid-size luxury vessels are very roomy and offer the popular verandas to most suites. A great choice for those who don’t chase the glitz, Silversea remains a polished, six-star, winner.
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