Interested in visiting exotic locations in an intimate, luxurious setting? Silversea Cruises offers deluxe accommodations not only to cruising mainstays like the Caribbean, but also places like Antarctica, the West Coast of Africa and the Panama Canal, to name just a few. Silversea’s smaller ship sizes allow travel to charming spots that bigger boats can’t visit. And the smaller setting allows for a staff to passenger ratio of nearly one-to-one. If you ever took a cruise before, you will surely agree that a cruise, although more time-consuming, beats even the cheapest flights by far.
It’s no wonder you’ll find loyal customers like Sanu and Nalini Desai from England. We met them on our wonderful 2-week voyage aboard the Silver Shadow – one of Silversea’s six ships – from Dublin, Ireland, to New York. In the previous six years, they had spent at least 340 days on Silversea cruises – including a trip to the Amazon – and were planning an excursion to Auckland, New Zealand, to see the America’s Cup races.
How many vacation packages offer the opportunity to visit so many destinations so conveniently or affordably? We cruised for 14 days and enjoyed locations such as Ireland’s culture-rich capital of Dublin, as well as Thorshavn in the Faroe Islands, Iceland’s Reykjavik and several locales in Canada before ending our adventure in New York.
One of the best features of Silversea cruises (and a favorite of the Desais) is that they are all-inclusive. Meals and all your beverages from soft drinks to champagne are complimentary, and the in-room bar and refrigerator are always well stocked. Butler service is included, as well as gratuities, select shore side events and transportation into town from most ports.
The cuisine lives up to the Silversea reputation as well. The Restaurant provides elegant dining at your leisure with open seating and no assigned table or time. Patrons of the Silver Shadow can enjoy The Terrace Café and try foods from various countries like Mexico or Italy. If you’d prefer to dine in, you will also enjoy their 24-hour room service.
The spacious suites all offer ocean views and most also boast private verandas. You will find plenty to do on board; you can shop in the boutique, pamper yourself at the spa, participate in fitness classes, or try your luck in the casino. You may also enjoy activities as varied as cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and dance classes. And at night the lounge offers entertainment from magicians to musicians.
Another favorite of Sanu and Nalini is the Venetian Society – Silversea’s loyalty program. Special recognition and private parties are just some of the privileges available. Discounts on future cruises of 5% and more can also be earned. And speaking of discounts, be sure to check the web site at www.silversea.com for information on their cruise deals. Currently they are offering the Passport to Luxury which provides up to $1500 credit toward on board spending.
Silversea’s excellence is widely recognized. Honors from more than 30 publications around the world include World’s Best Small Ship Cruise from Travel & Leisure and Best Luxury Cruise Company at the SPAA Awards for the 8th year in a row.
So if you’re looking for ideas for last minute cruises and want something a little off the beaten path, Silversea is definitely worth a look. Their luxury accommodations, variety of locales and value for the money have earned them well-deserved accolades.
