Staff Educational: Silversea
Date Posted: 08/08/2024
Michelle from our Cruise Call Centre recently returned from a trip on board Silversea’s Silver Ray. We caught up with her to find out all about her time at sea...
"Where do I start?! The ship was breathtaking and from the minute I stepped onboard I suddenly felt so relaxed. It is on the smaller side compared to other cruise ships I've been on however I think this is definitely a plus in many ways. It makes for a perfect getaway for couples as well as a great option to celebrate special occasions. It's ideal for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle, enjoy some quiet time and indulge in the amazing food and drink on offer, from pizza to caviar, coffee to champagne.
Whilst Silversea do generally cater for age 55+, there are multi-generations travelling together so we did have children on board our cruise. There are no official kids’ clubs however if the demand is there for a certain sailing, Silversea will arrange a kids’ programme which I think is a great added extra for families.
Expect nothing but pure opulence when you step onboard with beautiful decor encompassing every corner. All suites are extremely spacious with a walk-in closet, twin or double bed, seating area and a balcony. The mini bar is replenished daily with your favourite drinks, and you even have your own butler which was an added touch of luxury. The marbled bathroom was huge, probably bigger than my kid’s bedroom at home, with a lovely rainfall shower, perfect after a long day of exploring. If you want to indulge a little, you can also get the butler to arrange an aromatherapy shower with candles in the evening before dinner. I also loved the lighting in the suite, which was fully customisable to fit the mood. It really came in handy for movie night where we ordered hot chocolates and popcorn too; it was like our own private movie theatre at sea.
The whole ship was well laid out and flowed nicely. The pool deck was lovely, with both sunny and shaded areas, plenty of sunbeds and a great sized pool (which in the 33C heat was well needed). Whether you wanted to lounge around with a cocktail in hand, take in the beautiful views from the infinity pool or read your favourite book in the orangery, there was amble space to enjoy your days at sea.
But the pool isn't the only area to rave about! The Otivm Spa offers personalised treatments for those looking to indulge in a bit of TLC while the extensive library is the perfect place to kick back and relax for any bookworms on board. If you're after a bit of entertainment you can head to the Venetian Lounge which holds 370 guests over 2 storeys. During the day you can expect knowledge-filled lectures and talks, while in the evening you can enjoy the amazing shows put on by talented cast and crew.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from on board too. Atlantide restaurant offers iconic dishes in a lovely setting, with lots of seafood and meat menu choices, paired with a great selection wines. By day The Marquee was the must visit spot for any pizza-lovers out there, by night it turned into Hot Rocks where you can cook your own food to your likings, which was a really fun experience. The SALT Lab also offers an immersive experience, roll up your sleeves and get involved in the hands on making of local cuisine. We made Brudet, Fisherman’s Stew & Pura and Creamy Polenta under the watchful eye of our host chef. Again, it was such a great experience and we loved the chance to do something totally different.
The bars were equally as exciting. Dusk Bar is located at the rear of the ship. Set outside, it offers absolutely stunning views of the incredible sunsets and picturesque ports. The S.A.L.T Bar allows you to sample locally sourced spirits and cocktails (top tip: make sure to try the famous Celine de moon cocktail designed by the onboard master mixologist). Dolce Vita is another recommendation with stylish décor, comfortable seating and a live pianist creating the ultimate laid-back atmosphere.
The staff onboard were exceptional, always friendly and smiling with nothing being too much trouble. Silversea is a breath of fresh air, and I have never felt so relaxed on a cruise ship. Even at full capacity, the ship was so peaceful and never felt overcrowded. I would definitely recommend a Silversea’s cruise for anyone who just wants to get away from it all and unwind, or for those who enjoy sampling the taste and culture of the destinations visited along the way. Overall, it certainly was a trip of a lifetime!"
