Silversea is family-owned by the Lefebvres of Rome who formerly owned Sitmar Cruises, and because of their background, they aim to project an Italian heritage. Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio is the current chairman. Silversea represents the top of the cruising market along with Seabourn and Regent.Silversea Cruises recently announced a multi-million dollar refurbishment of its two oldest ships, the Silver Wind and Silver Cloud. The ships will enter dry dock for the renovations in November 2008 and May 2009, respectively. The plan’s highlights include flat-screen TVs, new marble bathrooms and a larger spa.
Fleet
The quartet appeared as two pairs – the 16,927-ton,296-passenger Silver Cloud (1994) and Silver Wind (1995) and the larger28,258-ton, 288-passenger Silver Shadow (2000) and Silver Whisper (2001).Larger tonnage is on order. The quartet of ships, built in Italy, exhibit touches of Italian décor, Murano glass fixtures and Italian-inspiredpaintings and drawings. Many of the top officers and the maitres d’hotel areItalian, and La Terrazza, one of the two main restaurants, features a nightlyregional Italian menu.
Itineraries
The Silversea fleet roams the world with winter itinerariesin Asia, Australasia, the Caribbean, and South America and summer programscenter primarily in Europe with one ship in Alaska. Passengers may embark at almostany port as long as they stay five days, but most choose the advertisedsegments that are seven days and more often longer. Some port calls offerovernight stays.
Dining and Decor
Dining is open seating in the main restaurants from anextensive menu with complimentary poured wines. Regional Italian food is servedin the most attractive La Terrazza, and true gourmet meals, at a steep tariffwith or without wines, are also an option in a cozy private dining room.
Programs
Enrichment lecturers, experts in their fields, famous ornot, expound on topics related to the itineraries and sometimes not, just providingstand alone interesting talks.
Onboard Experience
While the majority of passengers are North American,Silversea draws many Europeans, Australians, and some Asians, creating aninternational atmosphere that many passengers like. While the ship isofficially English-speaking, non-English-speaking passengers have access to ahost or hostess, translated menus and programs, and a selection of books andfilms. Passenger ages range from 50 upward and few if any children are likelyto be present. The atmosphere aboard is low-key and social. Passengers mixeasily in the bars, at open sitting meals, joint activities and on shoreexcursions. However, the ship’s spaciousness allows privacy to dine at tablesfor two, find quiet places to read and enjoy the many in suite amenities andservices.
Competitors
In size, the Silversea quartet falls between the smallerSeabourn and the larger of the two Regent pair. The food might be better withSeabourn and there are more places to dine on the larger Regent pair butotherwise all three lines offer a top cruise experience at top mostly inclusiverates.
