Silversea: Unrivalled ultra-luxury

Italian-owned Silversea, which operates some of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious ships, is a line that is going through a big wave of investment and change.

Silver Explorer

At present, the line has five ‘classic’ cruise ships, including the brand-new 596-passenger Silver Muse, launched in April 2017, and four expedition ships. Between them, the nine vessels sail to all seven continents.

The largest of the expedition fleet, Silver Cloud Expedition, has moved across from the classic fleet and was re-launched in 2017, its hull strengthened to tackle Antarctic ice conditions. Silver Cloud is now one of the most luxurious ships to cruise polar waters.

The classic fleet is gradually being upgraded to bring the ships more in line with the look and feel of Silver Muse, praised for its beautiful contemporary décor, multiple dining options and lavish accommodation. Silver Spirit, which was launched in 2009, is to be ‘stretched’ in dry dock in 2018, adding a new section of suites and cabins, while Silver Wind and Silver Whisper, both older ships, are to receive significant upgrades. The 352-passenger Silver Shadow was upgraded in 2017. Meanwhile, a new ship, Silver Moon, will make its debut in 2020.

All of the classic ships have certain elements in common, not least a butler for every cabin and some of the finest dining at sea, thanks to an association with Relais & Châteaux. Each ship has a nod to the line’s Italian heritage in La Terrazza, a romantic restaurant offering regional Italian specialities. Silver Spirit and Silver Muse also each have a Japanese restaurant (among others) and a supper club with jazz. The expedition fleet offers the levels of cuisine and service that Silversea’s discerning passengers expect, although the ships are much smaller with the destination being the focus.

Silversea Couture – Tibet

Activities on-board range from spas and exercise classes to lectures, art classes and, in the evenings, theatrical productions and music performances. Some cruises are themed around opera or ballet, food or bridge. Fellow passengers are likely to be mature, experienced travellers, mainly adults, although some families cruise in summer.  Expect mainly Americans but a good percentage of South Americans, Brits and other Europeans, too.

What all Silversea passengers have in common, though, is an appreciation of fine food and wine and an adventurous spirit.

Would you like to experience this unrivalled level of ultra-luxury? Call our Cruise Concierge team to find your perfect Silversea cruise, and immerse yourself in the beating heart of some of the world’s most stunning destinations.