Silversea

The Vibe: An Ultra-Luxurious Experience

Silversea is an ultra-luxury cruise line that offers an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. With a high crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1, you can expect highly personalized and attentive service, including a dedicated butler for every suite. The small size of the ships creates a sense of intimacy and friendly camaraderie among guests. The overall feeling is that of a private yacht, where every detail is taken care of, allowing you to focus on relaxation and discovery. The dress code is generally upscale, with some formal nights on longer voyages, but there are always more casual dining options available.

Destinations: Visit Exotic Locations Across Every Continent

Silversea offers a remarkable range of itineraries, sailing to over 900 destinations across all seven continents. Their small ships can take you to places that are inaccessible to larger cruise lines. Popular destinations include:

Africa & Indian Ocean
Alaska
Antarctica
Arctic & Greenland
Australia & New Zealand
Caribbean & Central America
Galápagos Islands
Mediterranean
Northern Europe & The British Isles
South America
Transoceanic voyages and World Cruises

Departure Ports: Where do they leave from?

Silversea's cruises are global, with departure ports located around the world to support their diverse itineraries. Some of the many ports they sail from include:

Barcelona, Spain
Bridgetown, Barbados
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Honolulu, Hawaii
Miami, Florida
New York, New York
Papeete, French Polynesia
Reykjavik, Iceland
Southampton, United Kingdom
Sydney, Australia
Tokyo, Japan

The Fleet:

Silversea operates a fleet of 13 ships, divided into two categories: luxury ocean ships and expedition vessels.

Luxury Ocean Ships: These ships carry between 388 and 728 passengers. They are designed for classic cruising to a wide variety of destinations.
Expedition Ships: The expedition fleet is smaller, with ships carrying as few as 100 passengers. These vessels are specifically built to navigate narrow waterways and access remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations.

The small size of the entire fleet allows Silversea to access ports that larger ships cannot, bringing you closer to the heart of the destinations you visit.

Cabins: All Suites, All Luxurious

All accommodations on Silversea ships are suites, and most have private balconies. The suites are spacious and elegantly decorated, with high-quality furnishings. Every suite features:

An ocean view, and many have a private teak veranda
A bedroom with a choice of twin or queen-sized beds
A separate sitting area
A walk-in closet with a personal safe
A luxurious marble bathroom with a full-sized bathtub and separate shower
Butler service, which is a signature hallmark of the Silversea experience

The butler is available to assist with a variety of tasks, from unpacking luggage and making reservations to replenishing your mini-bar and setting up in-suite dining.

What Is Included

A key feature of a Silversea cruise is the all-inclusive fare, which is one of the most comprehensive at sea. Included in the Fare:

Onboard Gratuities: All tips are included.
Beverages: All premium wines, spirits, and soft drinks are complimentary, in all bars and lounges, and in your suite.
Butler Service: As mentioned, a dedicated butler for every suite.
Fine Dining: All onboard dining, including specialty restaurants (with the exception of some premium-cost venues like La Dame), is included.
In-suite Dining: 24-hour in-suite dining is available at no extra charge.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is provided throughout the ship.
Shore Excursions: Silversea has recently introduced a new fare system. The "All-Inclusive Plus" fare includes a generous shore excursion credit, while the "All-Inclusive" fare allows guests to purchase them a la carte. Expedition voyages continue to include shore excursions as part of the fare.

‍

What Is NOT Included

Premium Experiences: Some ultra-exclusive dining experiences or specialty items may carry an additional charge.
Spa Treatments: Spa services and salon treatments are not included in the fare.
Personal Shopping: Any purchases from the onboard boutiques are extra.

Onboard Activities & Entertainment

While the focus is often on the destinations, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your days at sea. Silversea's onboard activities lean towards enrichment and relaxation rather than high-energy entertainment. You can expect:

Enrichment Programs: Daily lectures by guest experts on topics related to the itinerary, such as history, culture, and nature.
S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) Program: A unique culinary experience that connects guests with the culture of a destination through its food. This includes cooking classes, market visits, and special dining events.
Wellness: A well-equipped fitness center, a spa offering a range of treatments, and wellness programs.
Leisure: A pool, a library, a casino, and various lounges and bars for socializing.
Entertainment: In the evenings, there are live music performances, dance shows, and occasional movie nights.

Pros

All-Inclusive Value: The comprehensive fare means you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about additional costs.
Personalized Service: The high crew-to-guest ratio and butler service provide an unparalleled level of attention.
Intimate Ship Size: The small ships can reach unique and remote destinations, offering a more immersive travel experience.
World-Class Dining: Silversea is known for its excellent culinary offerings, with multiple dining venues and a focus on quality.
Expedition Expertise: For adventurous travelers, their expedition fleet and knowledgeable teams provide an exceptional way to explore the world's most remote regions.

Cons

High Price Point: The luxury comes at a significant cost, making it less accessible for budget-conscious travelers.
Limited Entertainment: The focus is on relaxation and destination immersion, so those looking for a lively "mega-ship" atmosphere with Broadway-style shows might be disappointed.
Dress Code: While optional, some guests may find the formal attire for certain evenings to be a disadvantage.