Now Up: Our Extensive Silver Spirit Photo Tour

Silver Spirit's Observation Lounge.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

Fresh on the heels of our extensive cruise report aboard Silversea's Silver Spirit, we now have a complete photo tour up for this fascinating, 642-foot long vessel.

Built in 2009, Silver Spirit is the new flagship of Silversea Cruises.  Like her siblings, she offers a true luxury product, but with all the features and amenities today's cruise traveler has come to expect.  Indeed, she can best be thought of as a large ship scaled down to a more intimate size.

She carries a maximum of 540 passengers, and on our sailing, slightly less than that.  There are no lines here, and finding your favorite seat in one of the many public areas is never an issue.

So come along with us as we tour her beautiful public rooms, exquisitely appointed staterooms, and her spacious exterior decks.  We also took some high-definition video on our voyage - be sure to look for that in the new year!

Click here to launch the tour.

For more information on Silversea and the Silver Spirit, be sure to check out Silversea's website.

From the Deck Chair will return Monday, December 27th. Until then, Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas to all of you!

Focus On: Stablization

This illustration of the 1849-built steamship Pacific

reveals how passengers of the day regarded ocean travel.

Illustration courtesy of Wikipedia

When was the last time you were in rough seas?  

While most passengers know what to do in the event of rough seas - ginger, patches, heavy food, etc, few give much thought to the technology that ensures their comfort at all times: the stabilizer fins.

The first ship to feature stabilization technology was the Conte di Savoia.  Built for the Italia Line in 1932, the Conte di Savoia featured two enormous gyroscopes hidden forward in her hull.  By measuring the ship's relative position to the ocean, the gyroscopes attempted to counter-act the rolling motion by rotating at high revolutions.  For passengers, presence of this unique machinery became the key highlight on many behind-the-scenes tours.

 Gyroscopic stabilizers aboard Conte di Savoia.

Photo courtesy of Project Michelangelo

The gyroscopes had their drawbacks.  In extremely rough seas, they were unable to effectively counter the ship's rolling, and in fact helped to exaggerate it.  This caused the Conte di Savoia to actually maintain her severe list longer than similar vessels without any stabilization technologies.  Their general ineffectiveness, coupled with the enormous machinery spaces needed and high maintenance costs contributed to their demise as a viable technology.

Fast-forward to 2010.  All modern cruise ships are now fitted with stabilizer "fins".  Normally retracted inside the hull like a bird's wings, these stabilizers can be extended with the push of a button on the navigation bridge.  They work in a similar fashion to flaps on an airplane, allowing slight adjustments to ensure the smoothest ride.

Some ships are even fitted with two sets of stabilizer fins per side for extra stability.  The fins themselves can compensate for up to eighty percent of all rolling.  The early transatlantic liners were not fitted with stabilizers, and were subjected to horrific rolling, sometimes exceeding well over twenty degrees.  Not only was this uncomfortable for the passengers, it also put extra stresses on the hull.

The newest stabilizers can disengage and fold back into the hull even if crew members were to forget they were deployed: the simple act of engaging the thrusters necessary for docking results in the wings being folded back in automatically.

While the fins do have a slight impact on fuel consumption when deployed, keeping the guests and crew happy is the primary objective of every major line.

So the next time you encounter rough seas on your cruise, sleep easy with the knowledge that the Officers have deployed the stabilizers and eliminated over eighty percent of your possible discomfort.

Beat the Post-Cruise Depression

Passengers disembark P&O's Azura

in Ft. Lauderdale on December 20, 2010.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

Post-Cruise Depression.  Chances are you've heard the term before, and while it is usually said in jest, Post Cruise Depression (PCD) can be a very real after-effect of an enjoyable vacation.

It starts with disembarkation day.  You know what's coming: in a few short hours, you'll have to leave your floating paradise and your new-found friends behind.  At this time of year, it also means many of us will leave the tropics and return to the cool, dark northern climates we ran away from in the first place.

Then comes the trip to the airport and flights home.  Nothing snaps you out of relaxation mode faster than the ever-changing enigma that is airport security.  After that, you can look forward to a few memorable hours with your knees up to your chest in economy class while the cabin crew doles out headphones at $3 a pop.

I'm exaggerating, of course, but we each have our own moment of revelation when we begin to recognize that the party's over.  After disembarking our tremendously enjoyable voyage on Silversea's Silver Spirit, my own personal PCD kicked in roughly 37,000 feet in the air, somewhere over Winnipeg, as the nice stewardess on our flight home swiped my VISA for $14 in order to have a bite to eat.  Two days earlier, I'd dined on suckling pig and shrimp cocktail. 

Not anymore.

So what can you do to beat post-cruise depression?  Here's a few of our favorite ways to help you remember your past experiences while still looking forward to the future:

Look at the Brochure & Plan Ahead - The easiest solution in most cases is to simply pick up the brochure and start planning the next one.  Even if you don't intend to lay down money right away, the act of simply researching your next cruise can be as enjoyable as it is informative.  Don't limit yourself to one line - look at them all.  Circle the itineraries you like, and the ships you want to sail on.  Pick cabins.  Then, narrow it down to a handful of voyages that fit your time and budgetary constraints.  You'll be surprised how invigorating this activity can be.

Re-integrate Into Your Routine - A few weeks of being waited on can take their toll in the "real world."  So try to get back into your normal, shore-side routine.  There's no one to make your bed or serve you your coffee, so get cracking!

Combine the Best of Both Worlds - While there's no convenient way to mimic that pleasant swaying feeling as you sleep, try to combine things you enjoyed on your cruise in your daily life.  Did you enjoy having all that fresh fruit for breakfast?  Pop over to the supermarket and grab some!  Just because you're on land doesn't mean you have to give certain things up.  

Live Vicariously - sites like The Avid Cruiser, Maritime Matters and ShipParade are all excellent resources to get your "ship fix" through trip reports, photo-tours and extensive blogs.  Work them into your daily website list; you won't be disappointed.

Lastly, cherish the memories you have made - and look forward to the ones that have yet to be discovered.

Silver Spirit Day 10 - Disembarking in Ft. Lauderdale

Sailing into Fort Lauderdale in the early morning.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

When I first embarked Silver Spirit, I have to admit I was a little worried.  I’d never sailed on a luxury line before – would I like it?  Would it be enjoyable?  I had a sneaking suspicion it would be a good fit, based in part on my tour of the Silver Shadow in Vancouver back in June.  

What I wasn't prepared for, however, is just how good it was.

Too often, I think, luxury cruises are dismissed as being “for rich people.”  What I discovered was that the people who sail aboard Silversea are some of the kindest, most fascinating folks you could wish to meet.  They’ve worked hard in their professional lives, and this is their reward: a truly relaxing getaway.  No lines.  Unique ports.  Attentive service.

 Entering Port Everglades aboard the Silver Spirit.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

There are also those who could cruise mainstream lines – and have – but who have left, preferring instead to do one cruise every couple of years instead of multiple mainstream cruises per year.  They’re active; they’re adventurous.  They’ve traveled the world – sometimes multiple times – but they’re unique and down to earth.

 I myself would fall into this category; I’m not wealthy by any means, but I appreciate and enjoy the finer things in life.  I write this blog and hold down a full-time job in the entertainment industry.  I probably spend ten to twelve hours a day in front of a computer. So the opportunity to cruise – and truly relax, unwind, and enjoy life – is paramount.  I love cruising on all lines and ships, but I was surprised how quickly I relaxed onboard Silver Spirit - by day two, I was thoroughly enjoying myself.  On many mainstream lines, it can take twice as long before I fully settle down.

The famous apartment blocks that line the cut in Ft. Lauderdale.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

 

Sure, Silversea costs more upfront than, say, Royal Caribbean.  But do the math: how much did you spend on your last mainstream cruise?  What did the flights, the gratuities, the beverages, coffee, alcohol and wine cost you?  How about your pre-and-post transfers?  Now add that total to the cost of the cruise itself.  Chances are, on most voyages you’ll find the difference in cost is surprisingly minimal. But what you gain in exchange is priceless.

I love my cruises, and I’m sure I’ll cruise mainstream lines again, but with the knowledge that they offer a very different experience.  The Silversea experience encompasses so much more than just raw costs or vessel size; after nine days aboard, the crew and passengers feel like old friends.  You just can’t mimic the same sense of camaraderie on a three-thousand passenger ship.

What I heard from many guests who'd previously sailed the line is that the Silversea experience gets even better on their smaller vessels like Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, and their expedtion vessel, Prince Albert II.  I may be a self-confessed "big ship" guy, but I can't wait to sail Silversea again, on an even smaller ship this time.

Is Silversea for everyone?  Of course not.  If you need constant stimulation (or you’re hooked on rock climbing walls, ice-rinks and flowriders), Silversea may disappoint.  But if you’re looking for a cruise that stops merely being a vacation and becomes an experience, Silversea provides that in spades. 

 Silver Spirit in the early morning of December 20, 2010:

I can't wait to come back.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

To me, Silversea and the Silver Spirit were almost dream-like.  I discovered a type of cruising I thought I would never experience; a style I thought had died away twenty years ago.  The entire experience has let a profound imprint on both myself, and my fiancée.  I honestly get choked up thinking about some of the experiences I’ve had in the past week and a half.

In life, there are moments you remember forever; those little snippets of wonder that remain imprinted in your mind long after the actual even has faded; the ones you replay and relive, both for yourself and your loved ones.

The Silver Spirit is one of those – and I can’t wait to return someday.

For more information on Silversea and Silver Spirit, be sure to visit the Silversea Cruises website.  They just released their 2012 voyages last Wednesday for those who like to plan ahead.

Missed the original installments of this article?  They can be found below.  Stay tuned in the new year for a complete photo-tour of this fascinating ultra-luxury ship, accompanied by HD video clips.

Day 1 - Bridgetown, Barbados

Day 2 - St. George's, Grenada

Day 3 - Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Day 4 - St. Lucia

Day 5 - Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Day 6 - St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Key West 


From the Deck Chair will return Wednesday, December 22, 2010. 

Silver Spirit Day 9 - Key West, Florida

The first rays of sun light up the pool deck aboard Silver Spirit.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

Our last full day aboard Silversea’s beautiful Silver Spirit has sadly arrived.  I was up bright and early at 5:30 am to photograph the ship as the sun rose east above the horizon on our last full day aboard her.  With her nicely terraced forward and aft decks, the ship lends itself well to excellent photographic opportunities.  The only area I’m not personally a fan of is the sharp drop from Decks 11 and 10 where the forward superstructure ends and meets the pool deck.   

 An early-riser makes use of the jogging track, Deck 10.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

With so much of the ship so nicely terraced with open deck space, it’s a shame Deck 11 didn’t terminate with its own little veranda.  But let’s not split hairs: Silver Spirit is easily one of the most classically beautiful ships I have ever set foot on.

 The bridge team, led by Captain A.A. Corsaro, 

brings Silver Spirit alongside the pier in Key West.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

 Disembarking Silver Spirit at the Mallory Square Dock

in Key West, Florida on Sunday, December 19, 2010.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

Today, we are docked at Mallory Square in Key West, Florida.  Located at the tip of the Florida Keys, Key West is actually closer to Havana, Cuba than it is to Miami.  Because of that, Key West sports a distinctly Cuban atmosphere in its cuisine and many historic buildings – after all, it wasn’t always illegal for American citizens to travel to Cuba.  During the 1930’s, cruises from the United States to Cuba were tremendously popular, thanks to stringent Prohibition laws on land.  Once in international waters, the spirits and champagne flowed freely and the term ‘booze-cruise’ was coined.

Palm Trees & Spirits.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

In 2010, Key West serves as an idyllic destination for holiday makers and cruise ship passengers alike.  Initially, there was some opposition to the proposed plan for a cruise ship pier just off of Mallory Square.  Locals were afraid their picture-perfect sunsets would be obscured by the giant liners.  In the end, the plan went ahead – with the understanding that cruise ships must leave the pier before sunset.  This arrangement benefited both the people of Key West and cruise ship passengers tremendously, as they both got to enjoy the world-famous sunset.

 The shipwreck museum in Key West's oldest district.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

Having been to Key West roughly two years ago, we ambled into town with no real set plan.  Key West is highly walkable, and if you have the time, you can easily travel from the cruise pier to the famous Southernmost Point landmark on foot.  Of course, every visitor to Key West is destined for this classic landmark, too.  Be prepared to wait for a photograph with “the marker.”

 Another visitor to the self-proclaimed "Conch Republic."

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

I was surprised to see how many shops and businesses were closed down, papered up and listed as “For Lease.”  The Key West I saw in January 2009 was a bustling town thriving with business.  Today, it seems the recession has hit particularly hard in the intervening years.  Still, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars – not to mention an abundance of everything “Key Lime” – to keep most travellers happy.  For the maritime buff, the Mel Fischer Maritime Museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts recovered from the sunken Spanish galleon, Atocha.  

Trendy shops, like the Hard Rock Cafe, line Duvall Street.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

The most surprising thing about Key West?  An abundance of wild roosters and chickens roam the island.

Back on the rooster-free Silver Spirit, the passengers seem to be making every attempt to enjoy themselves for one last full day.  Like us, many passengers were onboard well in advance of the posted 4:30pm ‘all aboard’ time.  This evening has been like a parting amongst friends, as passengers exchange business cards and email addresses with each other, and the crew.  I’ve heard so many passengers come up to crew members of all stations, shake their hands, and tell them personally what a difference they have made in their vacation.  I can’t agree more.  

 A "French Martini" in the Panorama Lounge.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

Over the last eight days, I’ve asked one question of everyone I’ve met:  Is this your first Silversea cruise? For some it is, but for many, Silver Spirit Voyage 5041 marks their second, third, and even tenth voyage with the line.  I’ve met people who have sailed every ship in the fleet, so naturally I am curious as to how they’re enjoying being on the largest (and newest) Silversea vessel.

They love it. 

 A unique view of The Bar on Deck 5, showcasing

the unique Art Deco styling.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

Many are quick to point out how much they love the line’s smaller vessels (Prince Albert II and Silver Cloud are mentioned quite a bit), but almost everyone has said the 540-passenger Silver Spirit hasn’t been the negative jump they thought it would be.

Coming from numerous mainstream cruises, I’ve been blown away these few past days.   And it’s more than just the fantastic staterooms or the excellent cuisine – it’s the atmosphere onboard.  The amenities are incredible, but it is the tremendous efforts of each and every crew member that have made this voyage one I will remember forever. 

Time for one last trip to my favorite hangout:

the Observation Lounge, forward on Deck 11.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

So this evening, there’s time for one last meal, one last drink, one last song.  I have a short-list of crew members and passengers – all friends now – that I have to personally thank and exchange information with.  I want to soak in as much of my last evening aboard Silver Spirit as possible.  But I’ve already packed the 2011 Cruise Atlas in my suitcase, and while this particular journey may be drawing to a close, I know it will not be my last.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for our arrival in Fort Lauderdale and a recap of our nine-day voyage aboard Silversea’s Silver Spirit – only at From the Deck Chair.

Silver Spirit Day 8 - At Sea, Day 2

Breakfast condiments on the veranda of La Terrazza, Deck 7.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

Our second full day at sea aboard Silver Spirit started much like the first: reluctantly dragging ourselves from our supremely comfortable bed and ambling down to La Terrazza on Deck 7 for breakfast outdoors on the terrace.  We were lucky enough to have a table right by the stern railing, giving us an awesome view of our wake.  In an age where cruise lines seem to be scaling back on open deck space, it’s refreshing to see this concept is available on every ship in the Silversea fleet.

Today’s activities were similar to yesterday’s in scope and breadth.  I have yet to meet anyone who has said they were bored at any time during the voyage.  Personally, I find there’s more to do here than on our recent Celebrity Summit voyage – even if it is as simple as pulling up a chair in the Panorama Lounge or the Observation Lounge.  

The Executive Chef's "cook-off" in The Theatre, Deck 5.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

 

Due to their popularity, yesterday’s Navigation Bridge tour and Galley Tour were repeated for those who wished to partake in them.   There is also another cooking demonstration – a ‘cook-off’ in the Theatre at 11:30 am.  I’m not much of a cooking show guy, but it was fascinating to watch the competing chefs battle to see who could create the best dish.

Unique View: the Silver Spirit as seen from Deck 12.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

 Poolside Volleyball, Deck 9.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

 

 The Poolside Volleyball tournament is also on the menu again today, and attracted a large crowd of participants and onlookers.  This is perhaps what I like best about Silversea: the idea that ‘elegant’ doesn’t mean ‘stuffy.’

 The Stowaway.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

 Kim & "The Stowaway."

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

We also have an additional passenger today: our neighbours in the Silver Suite next to us have a rather large bird that has been perched on their balcony since about 3pm.  It seems to be enjoying the Silversea experience as much as the rest of us: as of 10pm, the bird has finally moved from the balcony railing to our neighbour’s teak lounger.  I kid you not – the bird is asleep on the lounger.  No word yet on whether the bird dressed for formal night or not.

It is our second and last formal night here aboard Silver Spirit, and the ship and her passengers look fantastic.  Many of the men have elected to wear tuxedos – more than any other ship I’ve sailed on. 

 La Terrazza in the evening.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

We had our second fantastic dinner in La Terrazza, which readers will know has now become our favourite for all our meals.  In the evening, La Terrazza is transformed into a one-of-a-kind Italian restaurant.  Reservations are required, but no per-guest surcharge is added.  Instead, passengers are treated to a four-course meal featuring both long and short pasta’s, all made fresh and by hand aboard Silver Spirit.  This difference in quality is immediately apparent, and it’s some of the best pasta I’ve had outside of Italy. 

This evening, I am writing to you from The Bar on Deck 5, listening to pianist Eric O’Bach sing Michael Buble’s song, Home.  And I am most definitely not ready to go home; tomorrow, we’re docked in beautiful Key West, Florida, and an entire day of enjoyment aboard the magnificent Silver Spirit awaits us.

One evening entertainment venue that is growing in popularity is Stars.  A combination dinner, drink, and live jazz venue, Stars is rapidly growing in popularity amongst the passengers as word spreads as to how good these performers are.  Like their Black Rock Dining concept, this is another area that is totally unique to Silversea, and one innovation I hope to see implemented on other ships in the fleet – it’s that good.  I’ve had more than one passenger now tell me they prefer the smaller Silver Wind and Silver Cloud, but sail aboard Silver Spirit because of the superb entertainment in Stars.  

Exceptional Bar Steward Bass serves up a martini

in the Observation Lounge.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

 

In fact, there’s almost too much to take in.  After seven full days aboard Silver Spirit, there’s still plenty that I haven’t done yet - but there's still one more day!

Tune in tomorrow as we explore Key West, Florida and enjoy one more day aboard Silversea’s flagship, the beautiful Silver Spirit – here, only on From the Deck Chair.

Silver Spirit Day 7 - At Sea

Start the day off right: fresh-squeezed orange juice

and a glazed doughnut aft of the Panorama Lounge.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

Today is our first full day at sea aboard Silversea’s Silver Spirit.  After departing St. Thomas last evening, we ran into some moderately heavy seas and high winds that continued throughout the night.  But passenger discomfort was minimal; the Silver Spirit rides like a much larger vessel, and the creaking, groaning and shuddering that plagues many ships is nonexistent here.

 The best way to relax in the early morning: out on deck, aft.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

We are passing off the east coast of the Dominican Republic, and are scheduled to cross near the Turks and Caicos later today before passing the Bahamas and Cuba sometime tomorrow as we sail to our last port of call, Key West.

 Perhaps a day of relaxing by the pool is in order?

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

Just because it’s a sea day doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do.  In fact, I am impressed at  how many activities passengers can choose to participate in.  My initial thought would have been that luxury lines left passengers largely to their own devices, which isn’t the case here on Silversea – you can do as much or as little as you please.  Here are just a few of the things happening aboard Silver Spirit today:

10:15 am – Passengers signed up for the Navigation Bridge Tour meet; Poolside Bar, Deck 9.

11:00 am – Wine Tasting with Head Sommelier Marjan; Panorama Lounge, Deck 9.

11:00 am – Vista Suite #1001 and Grand Suite #901 are open for guests to tour until Noon.

11:30 am – Cooking demonstration with Executive Chef Jerome Foussier; The Theatre, Deck 5

1:30 pm – “A Christmas Carol”, starring Jim Carrey; The Theatre, Deck 5

2:00 pm – Dance class with ballroom dancers Jodie and Greg; Panorama Lounge, Deck 9

3:00 pm – Pool Volleyball Tournament with the Production Cast; Main Pool, Deck 9.

4:00 pm – Italian Language Class with International Hostess Carla; The Bar, Deck 5

4:00 pm – Traditional High Tea; Panorama Lounge, Deck 5

5:15 pm – Galley Tour; The Restaurant, Deck 4

7:00 pm – Silver Spirit BBQ – Main Pool, Deck 9.

I can tell you exactly when I last saw a Bridge Tour advertised on the daily program on any cruise: 1998.  Some mainstream lines offer tours of the navigation bridge as part of a larger, for-purchase “behind the scenes” tour, while many simply do not offer it at all.  While wine tasting aboard many ships carries a surcharge, here on Silver Spirit, it is complementary.  Between the bridge tour and the wine tasting – which set me back nothing here – I could have spent almost $200 per person to participate in the same two activities on another line.

The Pool Volleyball Tournament at 3pm is another fun little addition I wouldn’t have expected.  As with my revelation about the fact that there are no onboard photographers on Silversea ships, I finally realized today that there are no onboard art auctions either.  Never have I been so happy to not see “Champagne Art Auction!” in the daily program.  I understand the art auction program is a significant revenue generator on mainstream ships, but for me, not having to trip over stacks of art or easels piled in the hallways has been fantastic.

You also won’t find “Snowball Jackpot Bingo!” here.  There is Bingo every day at 4:30pm in the Panorama Lounge, but instead of cash, passengers compete for points that can be redeemed at the end of the cruise for a variety of different things.  Because of this, Bingo is offered free of charge. 

Being a huge maritime nerd, I took in the Navigation Bridge Tour.  Limited to roughly 20 participants and conducted by Silver Spirit’s very capable Captain Corsico, it should not be missed by any maritime enthusiast. 

Photography wasn’t allowed on the bridge itself, but Captain Corsaro and 2^nd Officer Salimov gave passengers an in-depth overview of the ship and her capabilities.  Captain Corsaro stated one of the ship’s best features were her two Mitsubishi stabilizers: airplane-like fins that fold out of the hull below the waterline to help control rolling in rough seas.  This is the motion likely to cause seasickness in most people, and with the stabilizer fins deployed, rolling can be cut down by eighty percent.

 They are also automatically retracted in the event the bow thrusters activate; the Captain told passengers of how another passenger ship Captain once came into port and started moving alongside the pier with the fins still deployed.  Needless to say, the encounter didn’t end well for the fin; a problem that is not possible here on Silver Spirit.

Time to geek out, courtesy of the Captain: Silver Spirit has two electrically driven bow thrusters capable of producing 1360 horsepower each.  These are used to enable the ship to dock and undock without the need for tugs in most cases.  She is 642 feet long, 87 feet wide (97 at the bridge wings), and has an air draft of 158.8 feet.  Her maximum draft below the waterline is 21.7 feet.  She has two 11560-horsepower propulsion motors that drive her twin fixed-pitch propellers through the sea at 21.5 knots, and four Wartsila generators providing 6520 kW of power apiece.

 The expansive balcony of Grand Suite 901.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

 The wraparound balcony of Grand Suite 901 looks out over

the Silver Spirit's bow.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

After taking in the fresh air on the port side bridge wing, it was off to another unique experience: the chance to see one of the Grand Suites aboard Silver Spirit.  

 The separate, forward-facing bedroom in the Grand Suite.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

At 1,528 square feet, Grand Suite 901 boasts a number of features: it has a full separate living and dining area and is done in lighter colors and woods than other suites.  An adjacent hallway connects the living room to the master bedroom, which features a window overlooking the bow, a walk-in closet, powder area, and a large, marble bathroom complete with a Jacuzzi tub, dual sinks, a separate shower area, and even a bidet.  While bidets are not common in North America, they are de rigour in many parts of both Europe and Asia.

 The walk-in closet adjacent to the bedroom.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

 Next to the closet is an ample "powder room."

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

The real ‘wow’ factor though is the beautiful veranda.  Starting on the starboard side of the ship and wrapping around forward to the centre line, the balcony features a commanding view of the ship’s bow and the ocean ahead.  With numerous deck chairs and loungers in place, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would ever want to leave their stateroom.

 The fantastic, marble bathroom in Grand Suite 901.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

 Bvlgari toiletries.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

For two, it might be a little big, but for a once-in-a-lifetime extended family cruise, it seems ideal.  The adjacent balcony suite can be booked in conjunction with the main suite, and an internal connecting door provides for easy access between the two rooms.  Alternately, guests can even book both forward-facing suites and have the forward balcony partition opened, allowing them to have full command of the entire forward deck space overlooking the bow.  In short, it’s almost like having a chunk of the whole ship entirely to yourselves.

 The spacious living area of Grand Suite 901.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

The tour seemed to be a big hit, and there were constantly passengers milling about in the room.  As nice as the suite was, there’s really no bad suite on this ship.  Even the smallest – the oceanview “Vista Suites” on Deck 4 – are still a generous 312 square feet, roughly double that of a comparable stateroom on a mainstream ship.

I have to say, I still like our Silver Suite.  For me, it’s the perfect stateroom.  We were lucky enough to end up with it purely by chance, but I know I am going to miss its spaciousness and separate bedroom and living areas dearly on my next voyage.  But it never feels too big; instead, we were remarking how it still feels “just right” to us.  

A variety of chocolaty delights in La Terraza during High Tea.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders 

Though I have to admit to something: I’m starting to treat the Observation Lounge, just a few doors down, as an extension of my stateroom.  In fact, I’m writing this from there!  During the day, the Observation Lounge has a variety of cold drinks – tea, coffee, juice, pop, as well as pastries in the morning.  After five pm, the bar serves just about any drink concoction you can come up with.  Though it is odd that there’s no public washroom on Deck 11; the nearest one is down two decks on Deck 9, near the pool.  A future refit is supposed to address this issue.

It’s almost never busy here either, and prime seating is always available.  I discovered a huge treasure-trove of maritime books yesterday in one of the many bookcases lining the walls, and I’ve found John Maxtone-Graham’s The Only Way to Cross is responsible for burning through a lot of my free time!

 6 pm: setting up for the big barbeque on deck.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

 7:30 pm: the party is well under way!

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

This evening, passengers were treated to an outdoor barbecue buffet under the stars, complete with entertainment from the production cast.  I’ve seen pool-deck buffets before, but never anything like this.  The crew of the Silver Spirit pulled out all the stops; they spent three solid hours setting up tables, chairs, serving stations and decorations for the event, which started at 7:30pm and continued late in the evening. 

Passengers – the most I’ve ever seen in one place during the entire cruise – were treated to a wide array of delicacies by the ever-smiling staff.  Of course, at this point everyone knows many of the crew members who seemed as happy to see us as we were to see them.  It’s the strangest thing – you get the impression that the smiles with which the crew greets you are genuine and not something they “switch on” in the passenger spaces.  I have experienced excellent service before on many mainstream lines, but never anything quite like this.

The hard-working crew of the Silver Spirit assembled on Deck 10.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders 

In keeping with that theme, Captain Corsaro took to the podium to thank the crew for all their hard work, and even handed out the recognition awards for Employees of the Month for November of this year.  The crew – almost every one of them – paraded from Deck 9 by the pool up to Deck 10 and assembled by the midships staircase entrance, where they were given a standing ovation from the passengers.  

The good times continue well into the night.

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders 

All told, today was one of the busiest – and most rewarding – days at sea I have experienced in a long time.

Stay tuned to From the Deck Chair tomorrow as we spend our second full day at sea aboard the beautiful Silver Spirit, destined for Key West on Sunday and Fort Lauderdale on Monday.