Stressfree cruising: my Silversea experience

Cruising is a great way to see the world and do it both in style and comfort. I do have to say that a lot of people still regard it as something for the newly wed, over fed and nearly dead. Thankfully even we in Estonia can see a decline in that mentality. Still, finding your own from the large number of cruise companies, ships and routes can be a bit daunting. This time, I would like to make your life a tad bit easier with talking about one of the best in the business - Silversea Cruises.

So, a few months ago, I was lucky enough to be a part of a group of travel agents who got to experience the quality and style of Silversea. Our group consisted of travel professionals from the Baltic States and Scandinavia. I have to say that this one was one of the best familiarization trips that I have been on until now.

Silver Whisper by Silversea

We were treated to a 5 day cruise onboard the beautiful Silver Whisper which accommodates 382 passengers and 302 crew members. From these numbers alone, it's clear that the service onboard Silversea is very personal.

Being honest, I have to say that this was my first ever cruise and some might say that this was not a good choice. Some might also say that the only way now is down, but I don't take is as such. This gives me a good perspective of how high you can go and therefore review the other cruise lines a bit better. We'll see...

Everything that shines doesn't have to be golden

Silversea Cruises was born in 1994 as the first all inclusive cruise line on the market. The Italian cruise line set on to offer a cruise product like no other. All inclusive service, small and spacious ships, interesting routes and world class dining. With 20 years, the company has grown from 1 ship to having 8 and 1 just on the way. Besides classic cruises, they also offer expedition cruises, which by the way also provide all inclusive services, just as Silversea should. Who said that everything that shines has to be golden?

Service extraordinnaire!

That is most likely the only way to explain the service onboard Silversea cruise ships. Starting from the layout of the suites, the butler service, the cruise staff and the dining options - there isn't a limp in this cruise line's step.

Cruise documents

When booking a cruise with Silversea you are already getting the five star treatment that they are known for. In the booking process alone you are asked about your preferences in bedding and everything else. Your cruise documents arrive in a beautiful silver box and give you all the details on your route and much more.

When checking in on the first day you are welcomed with a glass of champagne and directed to your suite. After settling in you will probably see your butler who will explain all the how's and why's and will get you ready for the voyage.

No staterooms, only suites ;)

The suites are all very spacious with en-suite bathrooms with both a bath and a shower. And walk-in closets! The walk-in closets make a world of difference! No small drawers and ironing almost every piece of your wardrobe because of it getting wrinkled in the suitcase. You can unpack it all and if you're feeling lazy, ask your butler to do it for you. Most of the suites also impress you with a very good sized balcony, though there are also suites with large windows and no balcony. 

A moment on the balcony

The beds in the suites are to die for. Me, who I usually like to sleep on "a rock" found the bed extremely comfortable. All the mattresses are actually double sided, so in case you like to sleep on a softer bed, your butler can get it turned over.

The bathrooms are stocked with Bvlgari toiletries, but you are welcomed to change them to any other brand from their selection. After a good bath or quick shower, you are more than welcome to get in one of their plush robes and have a glass of bubbly on the balcony. I tried that and I swear I was two steps from heaven.

Service extraordinnaire!

The mentioned butler service might raise a few brows, but I can assure you that you will see your butler just as much as you need or wish. In some cases and places, an all inclusive service means that there is someone on your tail 24/7. I personally can not deal with that. In Silversea's case, the butlers are trained to read you and work out how much you need them or wish to see them. When you go out and about during the day, they will magically restock your minibar (which is stocked to your preferences), clean your glasses and in the evening get your bed ready for a good night's sleep. 

Butler service

The butler that was assigned to my suite was extremely helpful and very friendly. I saw him only a couple of times, but never did I feel like something was missing or could have done better - he just knew what I wanted and how to make my day better. 

As we are already talking about the staff onboard then I do have to tell that on Silversea, they are the best. They are extremely friendly and helpful and by day 2, they know your name, where you're from and how you take your coffee. As I already mentioned, you never feel over pampered. The staff is there when you need them to be and honestly, the champagne glasses refill themselves, at least it feels like it. I really liked that they somehow managed to take care of you without you even really noticing - like magic :)

Forget your diet

Oh, the food and wine! Where should I start? From the absolutely to die for desserts or the finely selected wines to each and every course or the melt in your mouth stakes? Every mouthful you have on Silversea will make you forget your diet.

Pool Bar & Grill

Onboard Silver Whisper, there are a total of five dining options with en-suite dining being the fifth. The absolutely wonderful side of en-suite dining is that you can order from any of the restaurant's menus and enjoy it in your suite. This means you get to choose if you wish to dress up or have dinner in your robe.

Onboard Silver Whisper there is only one restaurant with a cover charge and that is the only Relais & Chateau restaurant at sea called Le Champagne. You would expect the cover charge to be quite high, but actually it's only $ 40 per person. It would cost you as much as the cruise itself to visit a Relais & Chateau restaurant on dry land.

If you're ever on one of Silversea's cruises then be sure to also reserve a table at the Pool Bar & Grill. The experience of preparing your own meat on a hot lava rock is something on its own. Of course you can also opt to have fish or even tiger prawns. Mixed with a nice ocean breeze, great wine and even better company - a night to remember!

Who and where?

I'm pretty sure that you have already gathered that I am absolutely in love with Silversea Cruises. I do know that the element of the "first cruise" is to be blamed for it as well, but as a true believer of good service and price-quality balance, I cast my honest vote.

Sunset on the pool deck

It is also true that Silversea is not a cruise line for the young party goers. The atmosphere onboard the ships is very relaxed and homey, but there are no late night parties and kids clubs. This is a place to enjoy the finer things in life and do it in style. I would say that a person in their thirties will have a very good time on a Silversea cruise, although the average age onboard is usually around 55.

The choice of routes and destinations is fitting for a very wide scale of clients. You can take a tour in the Mediterranean or go see the icy waters of Alaska. With their expedition product - the choice is even wider and more interesting.

In the end, if you are looking for a nice holiday and enjoy the finer things in life then Silversea Cruises is the choice for you. The higher price tag might be a bit daunting at the beginning, but I can assure you that every dime will be well spent. 

As I said earlier - not everything that shines has to be golden and not all good things have to come in big packages. Silversea is a success story that keeps on writing itself and giving us a wonderful way of seeing the world.

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Pictures: author, Silversea Cruises