The world of luxury cruising is all about indulgence and adventure. Perfect for anyone seeking an upscale travel experience to international or even remote holiday destinations, luxury cruising offers passengers the opportunity to explore the world from a different perspective in a laidback and intimate setting at a much slower pace than other modes of travel like air or land travel.
Voted Asia’s Best Cruise Line 2022 and a leading brand in the luxury cruise industry, Silversea Cruises, owned by the renowned global cruise company, Royal Caribbean Group, offers all-inclusive cruise tours to over 900-holiday destinations worldwide, elevated personalised services with a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1:1, spacious accommodations with incredible ocean view, and high-end leisure facilities. For the benefit of our readers seeking a luxury cruise adventure, we caught up with Denise and Nathalie on their recent Silversea luxury cruise experience on board the Silver Spirit from Singapore to Hong Kong.
Top Reasons For Choosing Silversea’s Silver Spirit Luxury Cruise
Exciting international cruise itineraries and amazing deals on all-inclusive fares
Covering all seven continents of the world, from Asia to Africa and the Indian Ocean, to Europe, and all the way to Antarctica, mature travellers, Gen-X, and millennials travelling solo can choose from a wide range of sea voyages to fantastic international holiday destinations, such as the Galápagos Islands, Cape Town, and Athens.
On the Singapore to Hong Kong route, Denise and Nathalie boarded the Silver Spirit at Cruise Pier Harbourfront Singapore, just 22 minutes from Changi Airport. Over two weeks, they travelled across 7 ports and 4 countries (Singapore–Thailand–Vietnam–Hong Kong (China)). A day before disembarkation at each port of call, all guests must attend a pre-destination briefing to learn more about the culture of the holiday destination, do’s and don’ts, things to pack, etc.
One of the memorable shore excursions was a scenic drive by jeep across picturesque Koh Samui. For the shore excursions in Bangkok over two days, guests can choose to visit Pattaya, the Buddhist Temples of Bangkok, or the famous river cruise and flower market, to name a few.
Three days in Vietnam included shore excursions to various fascinating tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, like the Cu Chi Tunnels and Saigon War Relics, Vietnamese street food and coffee culture. Meanwhile, a day in Chan May allows guests to explore the streets of Hoi An and take some photos at Marble Mountain. The final stop before heading to Hong Kong is Ha Long Bay, with shore excursions like cruising along the Bay by junk boat, a kayaking exploration or a visit to the iconic Giac Tam Buddhist Zen Monastery and a neighbouring local village.
With exclusive offers like Door-to-Door and Port-to-Port All-Inclusive Fares, travellers can also select when their Silversea luxury cruise experience begins. If you want all your needs taken care of right from your doorstep, opt for the Door-to-Door all-inclusive fares. This type of fare covers chauffeur services to your domestic airport and back, onboard food and beverages (comprising diverse international cuisines, open-seating dining, 24-hour room service (including caviar and canapes served throughout the day), in-suite beverages and onboard the ship (like champagne and wine), 24-hour butler services, on the shore excursions (subject to availability and weather conditions) and expedition in-country air travel and hotel accommodation (like group flights/charter to the holiday spot and pre-and post-cruise hotel for day or night-use).
On the other hand, you can enjoy considerable on the Port-to-Port all-inclusive fares compared to the former all-inclusive fares if you can manage your travelling costs to and from the ship. This offer covers only services aboard the ship, on-the-shore excursions, expedition in-country air travel and hotel accommodation. However, passengers opting for this fare category must pay a 25% deposit for some international voyages and are subject to a stricter cancellation policy.
Other exciting offers for first-time Silversea passengers include the Special Singles Fares for solo travellers on selected voyages. The special fares include a Welcome Reception to encourage singles to mingle and foster new friendships, even Gentlemen Hosts as dance partners or dinner companions on specific voyages beyond the standard all-inclusive Silversea luxury cruise benefits.
Cruise aboard a modern ship with spacious all-suite accommodation
In 2018, the Silver Spirit underwent a major refurbishing and remodelling phase, which included the addition of a new mid-section to cater to ultra-modern cruising. As Silversea’s most prominent luxury cruise liner, the Silver Spirit has a maximum capacity of 608 passengers, weighs 39,519 tons, and has a length of 691 feet.
According to Denise, Silver Spirit’s distinctive appeal lies in its all-suite accommodation with a private veranda or sitting area in-suite offering fantastic ocean views that instantly make you feel like royalty at sea. On their Asia cruise, Denise and Nathalie booked the Superior Veranda Suite on the upper deck with twin sharing beds and a private veranda. However, some Veranda suites can accommodate up to three persons.
Roughly the size of a small apartment over 370 square feet, the Superior Veranda Suite has a separate sitting area within the suite, unlimited standard wifi, and a host of in-room pampering facilities like a mini-bar replenished with your choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, plush bathrobes and premium quality linen and bedding, luxury bath amenities, personalised stationery, and turndown services like a box of delectable chocolates.
From champagne on arrival to around-the-clock butler services, it won’t be surprising if you spend more time in your suite taking power naps or just relaxing on your private balcony, taking a deep breath of the crisp, clean air, feeling the sea breeze and enjoying the exquisite sea view or watching the sunset. The best part about Silversea Cruises is that the crew-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1 promises peace of mind without worrying about tipping the butler or staff.
Larger suites like the Owner’s Suite, Grand Suite and Royal Suite feature more expansive spaces close to three times the size of a regular Veranda Suite that includes a separate dining area, living room, a fancy Illy® espresso machine and unlimited premium wifi in addition to other standard Silver Spirit suite features. Even if you are travelling solo and opt for the Panorama Suite or Vista Suite, you won’t lose out on the panoramic sea view while chilling in the sitting area with large windows at a cosy corner of the suite.
Silver Spirit also goes the extra mile to ensure guests with mobility issues have a comfortable stay with several wheelchair-accessible suites on Deck 5, which also houses the Reception/Guest Relations area.
Experience fun and fine dining at sea
The hallmark of a luxury cruise is exceptional gastronomic delights. On Silver Spirit, there are eight restaurants to tantalise your taste buds: La Terrazza, Spaccanapoli, The Grill and Hot Rocks, Atlantide, Indochine, Seishin, La Dame, and Silver Note. Most guests onboard the Silver Spirit enjoy going on a culinary adventure, sampling various starters, main courses, and desserts across all the food establishments onboard, subject to reservations for speciality restaurants.
On the first day of their cruise, Denise and Nathalie had dinner at La Terrazza, a Northern-Italian restaurant and an iconic part of Silver Spirit dining since the cruise line started in the mid-90s. La Terrazza takes pride in using some of the finest Italian ingredients, including buffalo mozzarella from Naples, organic balsamic vinegar and olive oil from Umbria, and air-dried ham from Parma. Silversea exclusively sources their 24-month-old Parmigiano Reggiano from the Emilia-Romagna region.
Wet your palate with some of La Terrazza’s Signature Antipasti, like the Carpaccio di Manzo (thinly-sliced beef tenderloin with arugula, cherry tomatoes, chervil and extra virgin olive oil). Freshly made pasta is not to be missed with various options to choose from, like Rigatoni alla Gricia with Pancetta, Onions and Parmigiano Reggiano, Pappardelle with Braised Duck, Red Wine and Tomato Sauce, or Pansotti in a rich and flavourful walnut and butter sauce.
There are also vegetarian, fish and meat main courses, like Seabass with Balsamic Vinegar Fish Stock, Capers, Garlic and Olives reminiscent of classic Mediterranean flavours or the popular selection of Veal Saltimbocca or King Prawns Pan-fried in Garlic. Although open for a la carte breakfast and lunch, guests are recommended to make reservations for dinner at La Terrazza. You can dine indoors or al fresco on the outdoor terrace.
For pizza lovers, Spaccanapoli on Deck 5 serves classic Naples-style pizzas in a chill and laidback atmosphere, including a casual dress code, even on formal nights. Sample Italian classics like Pizza Margherita or try Pizza Diavola with Spicy Italian Sausage and Pizza Prosciutto E Rucola. A small-size pizza is a perfect choice for lunch or go for the large size if you are feasting with a large group of friends.
A popular lunchtime spot is The Grill and Hot Rocks (Deck 9), with casual poolside dining where guests can enjoy breathtaking ocean views and the gentle sea breeze. The lunch menu features Western cuisine like salads, wraps, burgers, hot dogs and fresh seafood. At dinnertime, The Grill transforms into Hot Rocks, a restaurant with table service and a candlelight ambience. Be prepared for a unique dining experience as you cook food directly at your table on volcanic rocks heated to 400ºC/750ºF. Place your choice of meat, fish, tofu or vegetables on top of the grill stone, and cook it to your taste. The restaurant also serves a variety of delectable dipping sauces that guarantees a memorable meal.
Located on Deck 4, Atlantide is regarded as Silver Spirit’s grand dining room. This modern contemporary restaurant boasts striking features, including stylish architectural curves inspired by sea waves on its ceiling, velvet chairs, and classy table linen. Atlantide serves mostly European cuisine, and in the evenings, guests can enjoy dishes featuring the Chef’s Selection of premium seasonal produce.
Open for lunch, breakfast and dinner, the restaurant follows an open-seating concept that accommodates seating for couples and large groups of up to 12 persons, which makes it feel not overcrowded. Atlantide’s Favourites, like Grilled Lobster Tail, are mostly available throughout the day. Other exclusive dishes include Royal Crab, Blue Lobster or Verbena-infused red snapper in a sea salt crust.
If you have a sweet tooth, the deconstructed lemon meringue is a must-try, as it is pleasing to the eye and palate. The premium selection of wine pairings, which changes every night, complements the food served at Atlantide. Otherwise, the sommelier on duty will be more than happy to suggest a different variety of wine, or you can even purchase wine by the glass or bottle from the Connoisseurs Wine List.
Deck 4 also features Indochine, an Asian fusion restaurant that boasts cuisine from India, Thailand, China, Japan and Indonesia. Inspired by Marco Polo’s voyage, the menu features an amalgamation of ingredients, spices, and cuisine central to the places throughout his journey to the East, like Saku Tuna Sashimi with Shiso Leaves and Citrus Dressing or Red Snapper Fillet Wrapped in Banana Leaf with Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce. Asian beers, including Tiger and Asahi, are also great accompaniments to the spicy food served at Indochine.
Meanwhile, the desserts are perfectly balanced with sweet and citrus notes like the Ginger and Kaffir Lime Crème Brûlée or indulge in a Sample Platter of Taro Pudding, Coconut and Lime Pannacotta, Mango Kulfi, and Kalamansi Sorbet and Exotic Fruit Salad. Open only for dinner, Denise recommends first-time Silversea cruise vacationers make early dinner reservations to dine at Indochine.
When you are too lazy to walk out to any Silversea restaurants, you can order room service throughout the day based on the menu on the in-suite TV. The butler on duty will arrange a proper sit-down meal in your suite for breakfast, lunch or dinner, including luxury delicacies like Caviar on Canapes and alcoholic beverages, including champagne or wine.
Coffee and light snacks like pastries and cakes are available at the Arts Café (Deck 8). The venue is designed as a relaxing spot for guests to chill and mingle with others onboard. The Arts Café also showcases paintings and sculptures from various creative talents.
The speciality restaurants on Silver Spirit are Seishen and La Dame, which require additional payment for dining and early reservations. Seishen is Silver Spirit’s renowned Japanese restaurant, open for lunch and dinner. Featuring Nikkei cuisine with seasonal ingredients and traditional Japanese and Peruvian culinary techniques, Seishin is a relatively small restaurant with an intimate setting of tables and seating at the centre stage and Chef’s cooking area.
Some of the outstanding dishes available for dinner include Wagyu Beef Tataki, the restaurant’s signature Miso Glazed Black Cod, Yuzu-infused Seafood Consommé with Lobster Medallions and King Crab Tempura Balls with Yuzu Mayonnaise. Don’t forget to end the night with some traditional Sake!
La Dame is a fine-dining French restaurant featuring a bespoke menu of regionally inspired dishes. Offering an unparalleled six-course dining experience in an elegant setting, starters include Caviar and Foie Gras with condiments and Nos Escargots de Bourgogne served out of the shell on French bread.
The main course features dishes like Lobster Tail with Truffled Leeks & Green Peas or Grilled Rack of Lamb with Gratin Potatoes, Thyme-infused Lamb Jus and French Beans. Try their famous Soufflé au Grand Mariner or Mousse au Chocolat covered with a Chocolate Dome, Strawberry Salsa and Candied Orange for dessert. La Dame also serves excellent vintage wines, like Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan Blanc 2014 and Château Margaux 2007. As La Dame is only open for dinner, reservations are essential.
A unique concept on Silversea luxury cruises launched aboard the Silver Spirit in 2009 is Silver Note, Silver Spirit’s jazz club. Although the menu has been upgraded, the music and lively yet intimate setting remains the best features of this venue. Most dishes are tapas-style and divided into four categories: Oceans, Raw, Cooked, and Earth. Meals from the ‘Earth’ category feature root vegetables and produce from the land, like ‘Forgotten Vegetables’ of Braised Root Vegetables, Beetroot Jus, Fresh Goat’s Cheese, Rocotto Pepper Gazpacho, Wild Mushrooms, Dried Chilies, Purple Onions, Dried Leaves and Flowers.
The ‘Oceans’ category includes scrumptious and high-end seafood like Buttered Lobster Tail with Aji Limo, Samphire, Butter, Sour Cream, Mashed Potatoes and Shiso Cress. The Beehive in the ‘Raw’ category featuring Saku Tuna, Tiger Prawns, Seabass, Veal Tartar, Asparagus Tips, Beef Carpaccio, Avocado Puree, Chilli Puree and Scrambled Egg with Caviar is definitely Instagram-worthy.
If you just want to enjoy the music, swing by for a nightcap and request a song or two. However, if you wish to dine at Silver Note and prefer to face the stage, make early reservations due to limited tables.
Pamper yourself with a host of leisure and enriching activities
Silver Spirit hosts various daytime activities, including bridge, language lessons, sudoku, bingo and team trivia. Silversea’s newsletter, the Daily Chronicles, highlights the daily activities throughout the voyage. Many guests often sign up for bridge classes and tournaments daily or special events like cooking demonstrations.
In the evening, guests are encouraged to wind down, mingle with other guests onboard and enjoy live entertainment at the Panorama Lounge (Deck 9). Remodelled in 2018, this lounge features a cosy ambience and breathtaking ocean views. As a popular spot for passengers to hang out both day and night, you can read and relax in the lounge or at the expansive balcony outside and enjoy the sea breeze. In the evening, guests are treated to pre-dinner cocktails.
Late-night dance parties are also hosted by a fabulous DJ at the Panorama Lounge. Solo travellers won’t feel left out as Silver Spirit’s Solo Social Club hosts casual get-togethers at the Panorama Lounge in the late evenings with cocktails and dinner to foster camaraderie among single travellers.
The Observatory Lounge (Deck 11) is the perfect choice if you are looking for a quiet spot to read and enjoy the ocean view. The lounge houses a library with an interesting collection of travel guides and novels that you can borrow. You can even bring alcoholic beverages from other lounges into the Observatory lounge during the day.
Fans of jazz music should check out Silver Note, where you can dine in or just enjoy the music and dance the night away. In addition, the Venetian Lounge on Deck 5 can accommodate many guests for musical performances and dance routines by professional guest entertainers like violinists, pianists, and dance performers.
The Casino on Deck 7 comes alive when the ship is out to sea. Although a relatively small casino, it is a popular spot for guests to spend late evenings or nights over roulette, slots, and blackjack and converse with other guests over a drink or two.
For recreational activities onboard Silver Spirit, the popular attraction is the Swimming Pool on Deck 9 expanded in 2018. There is a large, rectangular pool with three hot tubs for guests to dip in during a sunny day or chill with a drink by the Pool bar. This venue is also a great spot to meet other guests from all over the world. Meanwhile, the Boutiques on Deck 8 provide ample retail therapy for guests, including shopping for exclusive gold and diamond jewellery.
Silver Spirit’s fitness and spa amenities are located on Deck 6. The Fitness Centre has three areas – two indoor spaces and one outdoors. The main gym area features modern fitness equipment, like treadmills, bicycles and a separate weights room. Complimentary yoga and fitness classes are also held at this space as advertised in the Daily Chronicles. The small outdoor gym area has spin bicycles and exercise mats perfect for yoga, stretching or intensive cycling during pleasant weather. The fitness centre is usually crowded in the mornings and late afternoons. If you prefer having the gym all to yourself, then midday would be the best time for a workout.
After a workout, indulge in a spa treatment at the Zagara Spa. Various facial treatments, hot stone massages, reflexology, and acupuncture guarantee rest and rejuvenation. In the early mornings, the spa offers special reduced prices. The small beauty salon and barber shop nearby also offer hair treatments with high-end products, manicures, and pedicures. Treatments for men include mini-facials, shaving and beard trimming.
10 Practical Tips for First-Time Silversea Cruisers
1. Seek the help of a specialist travel agent in luxury cruises
It is best to engage a reliable travel agency specialising in luxury cruise travel for more comprehensive advice. From the best luxury cruise deals to catering to your specific needs to advice on the best accommodation that is wheelchair-friendly or special dietary needs, a specialist agent with extensive knowledge in the luxury cruise industry will be able to meet your needs for a comfortable stay apart from your research about the different types of Silversea cruise lines and itineraries.
2. Determine what type of luxury experience is your priority
Are you looking for a luxury cruise renowned for its fine dining options or leisure amenities? What about the accommodation and in-room services that suit your needs and your travel companion? You must also consider the various ports of call and holiday destinations covered in your cruise package and the range of inclusive shore excursions. Let your travel agent know your preferences to book the best cruise package that matches your travel expectations and needs.
3. Book suitable accommodation
If you have always dreamt of watching the sunset or sunrise at sea, book a cabin with a private veranda like Silver Spirit’s Veranda Suites. If you are worried about motion sickness, then book accommodation located mid-ship where the rocking will be felt the least. Alternatively, book a cabin away from the lift area if you prefer less noise. Booking the right accommodation can transform your luxury cruise into an unforgettable experience!
4. Avoid overpacking
One of the most essential things to pack on a Silversea luxury cruise is medication for motion sickness. Although there is a doctor and a small medical team onboard for medical emergencies, always be prepared with extra medical essentials. Other essential items to pack include valid travel documents (your passport must be valid at least 6 months before travel with the relevant visas) personal toiletries, clothes, comfortable shoes, and light snacks.
Most luxury cruises follow a casual concept, so you don’t need to pack too many clothes depending on the duration of your cruise, as self-service launderettes are free of charge. Consider a carry-on bag pack (for shore excursions) and a small suitcase to check in as baggage.
5. Be aware of specific dress codes
Most luxury cruise lines have formal nights where guests can dress up and wear elegant outfits. Check your Silversea cruise line dress code list and pack some smart casual and formal wear. A luxury cruise is the perfect opportunity to express yourself through subtle fashion!
6. Arrive at your port of embarkation ahead of time and check-in early
If you live in another country from the port of embarkation, plan to arrive at your departure port a day or two ahead of schedule. This way, you will have a relaxing start to your holiday and allow more time to discover a new city. Likewise, checking in early aboard the cruise line allows you to explore the ship before setting sail.
7. Book excursions and exclusive restaurants in advance
Apart from inclusive shore excursions, you may opt for selected excursions like a private cooking class or guided tour that requires advance bookings due to limited openings. First-time Silversea cruisers are highly recommended to book speciality restaurants like La Dame and spa services in advance at an additional cost to avoid disappointment.
8. Cashless payment
Generally, cruise ships do not accept cash on board. Any additional payment or onboard purchases is charged to your personal cruise account. Connecting your credit card to your account beforehand will save you time on check-in and check-out and make life stress-free. Reach out to the crew onboard to enquire about how you can track your spending during the cruise.
9. Make the daily newsletter your new best friend
Silversea’s Daily Chronicles allows guests to determine how to spend their day from foreign language classes, all-day dining options, spa treatments, trivia and board games or a cooking demonstration. A good old-fashioned paper planner makes it easier for you to highlight activities that pique your interest and pace yourself throughout your entire cruise.
10. Always ask the butler or staff for help
The pleasant and hospitable staff onboard Silversea Cruises will often go out of their way to accommodate your needs. Getting to know the butler and other Silversea staff makes for exciting conversations and will, more often than not, result in better service!
At the end of the day, Silversea luxury cruises offer an experience that goes beyond being a mere passenger. When you step aboard a Silversea ship, you enter a world of privilege and exclusivity, where every detail is meticulously curated to provide an unparalleled level of personalised service and a truly six-star luxury travel experience. In fact, most mature or solo travellers who have travelled once on Silversea Cruises become regular cruisers.
Book your Silversea luxury cruise vacation today and
discover a world of untold wonders!
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