Company Profile: Silversea Cruises

Something you don't see every day:

the 296-guest Silver Cloud passes under 

London's Tower Bridge at dusk. 

Photo courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Founded in 1994, Silversea is an ultra-luxury line that operates six magnificent ships that specialise in sailing to destinations and ports around the world, many of which are off the beaten path or accessible only due to the more intimate size of their vessels.  Not only has the line won a staggering number of awards during its sixteen-year existence, but it backs those up with a number of loyal passengers from all walks of life who enjoy the elegant, yet easygoing atmosphere and world-class food and service that has made the line so popular.

Silversea sails to just about any destination you can imagine - and perhaps more than a few you haven't.  As the line states in its 2011 Voyages brochure, "there are places in this world that travellers only dream about."  Which is why, in addition to the ultra-luxurious Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit, the line offers Silversea Expeditions - unique voyages aboard their yacht-like explorer ship, Prince Albert II.  Carrying just 132 guests to places like the Arctic and Antarctica, these are voyages without equal.

No matter what your destination or which ship you sail aboard, as with most ultra-luxury lines, it's the little details that count:  say goodbye to inside staterooms - you won't find them on any of Silversea's six well-appointed ships.  Instead, all staterooms are oceanview or better, and the vast majority boast their own private veranda.

Even in a bottom-of-the-barrel oceanview stateroom, prepare to be spoiled:  staterooms include champagne upon embarkation that is replenished as you wish, in addition to fresh cut flowers, fresh fruit, a beverage cabinet stocked with your favorites, fine bed linens, robes and slippers, personalised stationary, your choice of pillow, a marble bathroom with full-size tub, and a TV and DVD player.  Your choice of aromatherapy scents ensures your stateroom truly is an oasis upon the sea.

What else can you expect?  How about the fact that gratuities and all beverages are included with your cruise price.  Or that you can receive an actual full breakfast from room service - also complimentary, and with no tipping required.  If your ship happens to be docked at a pier far removed from the town center, expect complimentary transportation into town in most cases. 

Silversea also offers a complementary Silversea Experience® on select voyages.  These unique excursions are designed exclusively for Silversea guests; you won't be herded around with three thousand other passengers on these one-of-a-kind outings.  Past Silversea Experiences have included dinner in the deserts of Namibia, as well as a private concert in the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey.

Incredibly, it doesn't stop there.  You won't find any belly-flop contests poolside here; what you will find, however, are some of the best lectures and entertainment at sea: renowned authors and destination specialists will thrill you with their knowledge and unique perspectives while the production shows, classical concerts, and folkloric performances in the on board multi-tiered show rooms will entertain you into the wee hours. 

Due to the intimate size of their vessels - the largest of which holds a refreshingly low 540 passengers - expect no lines, anywhere.  Anytime.  Including dinner: with no assigned dining time and no assigned table, you are welcome to dine when you wish, with whomever you want - it's all up to you. 

On the outset, Silversea may seem more expensive than most mainstream lines.  But look further into it:  suites on lines like Princess and Royal Caribbean regularly creep into - and sometime exceed - the fares charged by most ultra-luxury lines.  Add all the pieces together: your gratuities are covered.  Your drinks are free.  You're entitled to a multitude of exclusive excursions.  Do the math.

To top it off, many sailings offer free or reduced price Economy airfare included with your cruise.  For North American sailings, that may not be such a huge draw.  But for European sailings embarking and disembarking at different ports, it's worth its weight in gold - and makes the line an even better value.

Still can't find the perfect voyage?  Why not create your own.  Silversea offers a unique program called Personalised Voyages that allows you to take any sailing as a starting point and pick your own embarkation port and disembarkation port.  The only caveats are sailings must be five days or longer, and must adhere to all applicable visa, Cabotage or Jones Act regulations.  The Jones Act prohibits passengers sailing from a US port of call unless a stop at a 'distant foreign port' is fulfilled before disembarking.

Silversea is a line that doesn't focus on waterslides or poolside amphitheatres or bars that rise five decks on hydraulics.  They are a line that focuses on the ship and the destination.  On service.  On comfort. 

On the simple joy of being at sea, and the thrill of exploration.

And isn't that what cruising is really all about?

Be sure to join us later this week as we take you along for an in-depth photo-tour of Silver Shadow in order to better discover the real Silversea Experience.