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3rd Feb 2027 | 13 nights | Silversea | Silver Shadow
Why do we love this cruise holiday? Three nights in colourful San Juan provide a relaxed start to this Caribbean escape, before setting sail for ten nights exploring some of the region’s more distinctive islands. From the beautiful beaches of Jost Van Dyke and Canouan to the French charm of Gustavia and the volcanic landscapes of Montserrat, each stop brings something different to discover. There’s the chance to explore the lush scenery of Dominica, wander the colourful streets of St George’s or simply enjoy the laid back character of the smaller islands along the way. With return flights, a three night San Juan stay and the cruise all included, it’s an easy way to experience several very different corners of the Caribbean in one holiday.
Please note our website incorrectly states Bridgetown as the first port, it is San Juan - we are working on resolving this. Please accept our apologies.
What's included?
Expedition Cruises Also Include
Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 6 point charter:
Start your holiday today with a flight out.
3 nights in San Juan is a leisurely way to switch into holiday mode.
Lazing on the beach or sightseeing in the sun?
There are so many things to discover here before your cruise.
Barbados -- or B'dos, as the locals abbreviate the name -- was a British territory until 1966 and remains greatly influenced by the United Kingdom. Brits on holiday make up the largest number of visitors to the island. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road, and afternoon tea is a respected ritual. Anglican churches are the anchor of all 11 parishes, although, in recent years, more evangelical churches have become the choice of many Bajuns.
But those of all nationalities will feel at ease there. The Bajuns are open, friendly people, proud to share their home with visitors. There's little crime and a general sense of safety and well-being.
The easternmost of the Caribbean islands, Barbados is technically in the Atlantic Ocean. An excursion to Bathsheba on the rugged eastern shore leaves no doubt about the vast forces of the Atlantic, unchecked for nearly 3,000 miles between there and the coast of Cape Verde, Africa. Some say the freshest air on the planet blows there. The surf looks gentle, but don't be fooled -- the undertow is something to be wary of, even for the best swimmers.
Despite heavy development along the western and southern coasts, the rest of the island is full of sweeping natural vistas, from rippling fields of sugar cane in the interior to the Atlantic surf pounding against the cliffs at the island's northernmost tip. The island rewards independent exploration; rent a car or hire a driver to see its unspoiled side.
Though today the sugarcane fields speak more to the island's past than its present (tourism, not agriculture, now drives the Barbadian economy), visitors can still experience the island's heritage at a number of plantation houses and rum distilleries. If you'd rather skip the history lesson, there are plenty of places to just get away from it all, from Bridgetown's duty-free department stores to the soft, white beaches of the south coast.
In 1493, Christopher Columbus was allegedly so smitten with this volcanic island that he named it after St. Christopher, the patron saint of travellers. Since its discovery, St. Christopher (later shortened by British sailors to St. Kitts) has been fought over by the British and French who, tragically, made it a centre of the West Indian slave trade. Pirates, including the notorious William Kidd who was marooned on Nevis after his crew mutinied, enjoyed lucrative careers in Basseterre Harbour. St. Kitts and sister isle Nevis were part of the British Empire until 1967, earning semi-independent status when they were named associated states of Great Britain. In 1983, the 68-square-mile St. Kitts and Nevis became an independent, two-island nation with a parliamentary government headed by a prime minister. While British holdovers such as cricket and driving on the left side of the road remain, the Kittitians are extremely proud of their history and how far they've come on their own. The island's lush geography lends itself to eco-tourism, starting with the dense tropical rainforests that surround dormant volcano Mount Liamuiga. Colourful birds and butterflies, as well as the green vervet monkey, reside here. Sugar cane, the staple of the economy since the 17th century, was St. Kitts' main export until production stopped just a few years ago. However, wild sugar cane fields remain, particularly in the west, and offer a scenic ambience that is more reminiscent of Hawaii than the Caribbean these days. While tourists have discovered St. Kitts (evidenced by the row of lively beach bars on South Frigate Bay, known as "The Strip"), the island is still relatively unspoiled and crowd-free, with a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.
Little Bay, Montserrat, is a unique cruise destination with a blend of resilience and natural beauty. As the island's developing capital after the volcanic eruption of 1995, it offers visitors a chance to witness Montserrat's rebuilding efforts and explore its stunning coastline, including the black sand beaches and clear waters of Little Bay itself.
A visit to Dominica (pronounced Do-min-EE-kah) promises to be unlike any
other stop on your itinerary. Prepare to slow down, take in the
scenery, breathe fresh air, sample fruit right off the trees and
experience nature in a way unique to few places on earth.
This "Nature Island" measures 29 miles long by 16 miles wide and
encompasses about 290 square miles of untamed rain forest; dense, lush
vegetation; waterfalls; freshwater pools and bubbling hot springs,
heated by the active underwater volcanoes surrounding the island. Much
of the interior can only be reached on foot.
It's easy to see why producers selected Dominica as a backdrop for two
sequels in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series. As you drive the
coastline on roads hacked out of the mountainside, jagged edges plunge
into the ocean, as mango trees and ginger root cascade down into the
sea.
Once off the ship, head inland to visit the island's impressive national
parks or into the water to spot plentiful sea life. Dominica ranks as
one of the top sites for scuba-diving in the Caribbean. Its beaches are
mostly rocky.
The island features no chain hotels or big-box mega-stores, though there are a Pizza Hut and KFC in Roseau, the capital city.
Originally populated by the Carib tribe of Indians, the island gets its
name from Christopher Columbus, who first spotted the land in 1493 on a
Sunday. (Domenica means "Sunday" in Italian.) In the 1800's, the French
and British fought for control of the island. If you glance at a map of
Dominica, it's clear by the town names that the French populated the
South (Roseau, Soufriere), while the British occupied the North
(Portsmouth).
Eventually, the British conquered the French portion of the island and
maintained control until 1978, when Dominica gained independence. The
island still has a Carib population of about 3,000; they occupy a
northeastern corner of the island. A drive through this "Carib
Territory" will give you a rare glimpse at traditional native life in
the Caribbean.
Dominica has survived with a predominantly agricultural-based economy
that includes bananas. Tourism also remains strong, with Dominica
attracting a stream of naturalists who flock to the island to see 172
types of birds, 12 major waterfalls and peaks that rise to 5,000 feet.
Whale-watchers also come in hordes to explore the waters that plunge to
nearly 6,000 feet right off the coastline, providing an ideal base for
seven types of whales that can be seen nearly year-round, including a
resident population of sperm whales.
Weather on the island averages 77 degrees in winter, 82 in summer,
although it's cooler in the mountains, humid in the rain forest and
warmer on the coast. The driest months are January through April, but
don't be surprised if you experience a brief downpour every day.
Canouan is a small island in the Grenadines, an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Canouan is known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes. One of the main attractions on Canouan is the renowned Pink Sands Beach, which features soft pink-hued sands and picturesque views of the surrounding sea.
In addition to beach activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing, the waters surrounding Canouan are also popular among boaters and yachters, with opportunities for sailing, deep-sea fishing, and exploring nearby islands and cays. The Tobago Cays Marine Park, a protected area known for its vibrant coral reefs and marine life, is a popular day trip destination from Canouan.
Your first look at St. Lucia's lush coast from the deck of a cruise ship is likely to include the island's most dramatic geologic feature: the Pitons, two striking volcanic peaks that rise a half-mile off St. Lucia's southwestern coast. The island's beauty has earned it the nickname "Helen of the West Indies." Though St. Lucia has plenty of visitors (including those from cruise ships and a steady influx of honeymooners), parts of the island have largely remained unspoiled due to the locals' commitment to protecting the rainforests and other natural resources. A decent percentage of the island -- some 19,000 acres -- is protected as part of the St. Lucia National Rain Forest. What development there is on St. Lucia is mostly in the area around Castries, the island's colourful, energetic capital city. It's not picturesque but it's still worth a look, especially if you're in search of duty-free goods or local handicrafts. But to appreciate St. Lucia's natural beauty, rent a car or take a cab out of town. The prettiest part of the island is in the south, and most visitors head there to see the former French colonial capital Soufriere, the lush Diamond Botanical Gardens and the world's only "drive-in" volcano. More options include hiking through the rainforest, snorkelling the sunken wreck off of Anse Cochon and horseback riding along the coast. Settled first by the Arawaks and then the Caribs, St. Lucia became a hotly-contested territory with the arrival of Europeans in the 17th century. The island passed back and forth 14 times between the British and the French until 1814, when the Brits finally took possession for good. Traces of both cultures still remain in the language; many St. Lucians speak both English and a French Creole patois, and it's visible in distinctive place names such as Soufriere, Gros Islet, Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island.
Barbados -- or B'dos, as the locals abbreviate the name -- was a British territory until 1966 and remains greatly influenced by the United Kingdom. Brits on holiday make up the largest number of visitors to the island. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road, and afternoon tea is a respected ritual. Anglican churches are the anchor of all 11 parishes, although, in recent years, more evangelical churches have become the choice of many Bajuns.
But those of all nationalities will feel at ease there. The Bajuns are open, friendly people, proud to share their home with visitors. There's little crime and a general sense of safety and well-being.
The easternmost of the Caribbean islands, Barbados is technically in the Atlantic Ocean. An excursion to Bathsheba on the rugged eastern shore leaves no doubt about the vast forces of the Atlantic, unchecked for nearly 3,000 miles between there and the coast of Cape Verde, Africa. Some say the freshest air on the planet blows there. The surf looks gentle, but don't be fooled -- the undertow is something to be wary of, even for the best swimmers.
Despite heavy development along the western and southern coasts, the rest of the island is full of sweeping natural vistas, from rippling fields of sugar cane in the interior to the Atlantic surf pounding against the cliffs at the island's northernmost tip. The island rewards independent exploration; rent a car or hire a driver to see its unspoiled side.
Though today the sugarcane fields speak more to the island's past than its present (tourism, not agriculture, now drives the Barbadian economy), visitors can still experience the island's heritage at a number of plantation houses and rum distilleries. If you'd rather skip the history lesson, there are plenty of places to just get away from it all, from Bridgetown's duty-free department stores to the soft, white beaches of the south coast.
Take your overnight flight back today.
Silver Shadow delivers a fine balance of onboard service and outstanding shore experiences. The 382-passenger ship is just big enough to provide multiple lounge, dining and entertainment options, and small enough for crew to quickly learn passengers' names and preferences.
Built in 2000 with its last major refurbishment in 2011, this well-maintained ship has beautiful bones. Rich teak and shiny brass accents abound. In late 2016, Silver Shadow underwent a much-needed refreshment. Upholstery and carpeting in public areas and in the bigger suites were redone. (The swirl-patterned carpeting in passenger hallways and some public corridors adds needed pizzazz.) Parquet floors throughout the ship were refinished and gleam like new. All accommodations are suites, chock-full of amenities like Pratesi linens and Bulgari toiletries. Colours tend toward subdued shades of beige, brown, blue and burgundy -- staid and classic.
Silver Shadow excels at shore excursions with enthusiastic expert guides and as comfortable transportation (air-conditioned coaches, minivans, and private cars with drivers and guides) as a port allows. When we were on a mid-voyage land adventure in Bagan, Myanmar, Silversea chartered a plane last minute after our commercial flight returning to Yangon was delayed. Now that is luxury.
Silver Shadow offers a wide selection of shore excursions that are priced similarly to outings offered by other luxury lines. Extremely physical outings are rare; such excursions are saved for the Silversea expedition fleet. The level of physicality needed for each excursion is clarified and ranges from coach rides with photo stops to extensive walking tours with many hills and steps.
Silver Shadow runs a complimentary shuttle to a town or city centre when possible. The shore excursion desk provides maps and tips for independent exploration. The ship sometimes offers "Good Citizen" excursions, where passengers explore philanthropic opportunities onshore, such as donating school supplies or preserving wildlife.
Many activities are scheduled throughout the day, particularly on sea days. Count on shuffleboard, table tennis tournaments, bingo, pool volleyball, golf putting challenges, and trivia games. Most passengers participate in activities, with bridge and trivia ever-popular.
Night-time entertainment is varied. Singers called Voices of Silversea entertain most evenings in the Athenian Lounge, a multi-level showroom decorated in burgundy and beige with chairs, couches, and cocktail rounds, on Deck 6. They generally perform together, although some evenings, members perform solo shows, varying the musical content from country to opera. They perform one show, either at 6:30 or 10 p.m., and it's popular.
A singer croons in The Bar on Deck 5 pre-and-post dinner. After dinner, many passengers head to the Panorama Lounge on Deck 8 where the Silver Shadow Quartet plays and passengers dance or just sip nightcaps. A DJ takes over when the quartet retires and spins late-night tunes. By 10 or 11 p.m., the ship is quiet.
When out to sea, the small casino on Deck 5 is open for slot machines from 10 a.m. until all passengers leave. Roulette, poker, and blackjack tables are open from 2:30 until 6 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. until the last passengers depart. This casino is lively when a group of passengers come in together to play poker or blackjack.
Many of Silversea's daytime activities fall under the enrichment tag, such as language and dance classes, fitness seminars, art lectures, and bridge lessons.
Guest speakers, such as an eloquent physician from University of Miami discussing health care disparities, or an impassioned former diplomat on United States and Chinese relations, deliver enrichment lectures relating to visited ports. Lectures we've attended keep passengers' interests and provoke back-and-forth dialogue. A destination lecturer, usually jovial and outgoing, provides port information briefings with slideshows.
Teatime and post-dinner cocktails in the Panorama Lounge and pre-dinner drinks at The Bar are the most popular pastimes. If shore excursions begin early morning, few passengers stay late in bars and lounges.
The Bar (Deck 5): The Bar is particularly popular pre-dinner for pairing off with dinner companions while a vocalist sings. (She also sings after dinner, but crowds are smaller then.) There are several cosy seating areas with leather couches and patterned upholstered chairs plus a handsome wood bar with leather stools. Servers circulate with nightly tapas such as mini-quiches. Hours are 6 p.m. until the last passenger leaves.
Connoisseurs Club (Deck 7): Passengers puff away on Davidoff cigars and sip fine brandies and other select spirits while relaxing in overstuffed leather chairs at this lounge. Asian rugs and glass-topped tables with ashtrays complete the clubby look. Bar hours are 9 p.m. until the last passenger leaves.
Panorama Lounge (Deck 8): Panorama Lounge is chock-full of cocktail rounds surrounded by velvety burgundy or cream-coloured chairs. Softly striped curtains frame floor-to-ceiling windows. The bar serves from 10 a.m. until the last passenger leaves. On select voyages, onboard Gentleman Hosts may arrange cocktail get-togethers for solo passengers at 7:30 p.m. The Silver Shadow Quartet entertains from 9:30 p.m. until midnight while passengers twirl around the good-size dance floor. This lounge is much more popular in the evenings than during the daytime.
The Grill Bar (Deck 8): Open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., this small corner alfresco bar is always busy. Passengers move between poolside lounge chairs and the few stools to socialise.
The Observation Lounge (Deck 10): This beige-hued lounge is a spacious quiet spot with jaw-dropping floor-to-ceiling window views –- it's all the way forward -- and 24-hour self-service coffee. Passengers come here to curl up with a book (wall cabinets are stocked with hard-covered tomes to borrow) or contemplate the sea on comfy chairs and couches. It's the most underused lounge onboard.
The seawater swimming pool on Deck 8 is heated in cold weather and chilled when it's hot. Up to six passengers can soak in one of the two beige-and-brown-tiled Jacuzzis at a time, and these hot tubs stay busy with passengers chatting and sipping cocktails. There are also two rinse-off glass-encircled showers. Lounge chairs with striped or brown cushions flank the pool and always-popular covered daybeds edge the teak deck.
On Deck 10, the jogging track encircles the upper pool deck. Joggers may have to manoeuvre past some passengers sunning on lounge chairs but only if it's midday. Many couples walk the track at sunrise, sunset, and after dinner.
There is a 24-hour staffed reception desk on Deck 5. The shore excursion desk is adjacent and posts its hours. The Medical Centre on Deck 3 is staffed with a doctor and a nurse and has clinic hours about two hours per day. Medical assistance is available 24 hours or by appointment.
The library and 24-hour Internet Café are on Deck 7, with eight computers spread between the two spaces. It's easy to hop on one any time; most passengers use their laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Internet charges are not listed; many passengers rely on complimentary Wi-Fi time. Come here to read newspapers and the latest magazines, and browse many hardcover books to borrow. The Internet Café is open 24 hours, with personal assistance available one hour a day, usually from 5 to 6 p.m.
The spacious upscale boutique on Deck 5 sells designer clothes, expensive watches, and fine jewellery. Friendly salespeople are low-key and happy to chat even if you're just browsing. Items like aspirin are tucked away in a closet. (Each suite has a list of toiletries and other essentials that your butler can procure.)
The Card Room on Deck 7 has wood tables with leather chairs, burgundy and cream-swirled carpeting, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Cabinets are stocked with puzzles and board games like Scrabble. This venue is nearly always filled with enthusiastic bridge players; some games go on for hours.
Three complimentary self-service launderettes with Miele washers and dryers and ironing facilities are on decks 4, 6, and 8. Each has a flat-screen television, chair, and laundry baskets to make laundry day a breeze.
The Spa on Deck 10 is tiny; expect a small reception area with leather chairs and a coffee table decorated with an orchid. The desk is hosted by amiable, helpful receptionists. There are a few small treatment rooms with flowery names like Iris and Lily.
Despite its diminutive size, the spa offers an impressive number of services. Skilled therapists use posh skincare products, such as Elemis, for wraps, masks, and massages. More unusual massages include a warm bamboo shoot and essential oil treatment, and Thai herbal poultice.
Prices are comparable to fees charged by other luxury lines; a 60-minute massage can run £170. On busy shore excursion days, the spa often offers reduced-price treatments. And if you book two or three treatments at once, you get discounts up to 30 percent. Men and women have separate changing areas with lockers, showers, sauna, and steam room. Don't be surprised to receive a handwritten thank-you note delivered to your suite after a treatment.
The beauty salon offers everything from Fire & Ice manicures (first a cooling gel and then hot stones are massaged into hands) and pedicures to haircuts and styling -- even teeth whitening. It's most busy on sea and formal days and usually open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The well-equipped fitness centre is by The Spa on Deck 10. It's open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Elliptical machines, treadmills, stationary bicycles, free weights, and upper and lower-body weight machines such as leg presses make a full workout easy. Some treadmills have televisions. Headsets, towels, and chilled bottle waters are provided. A wall of windows provides ocean views.
You can hire the fitness instructor for personalised training, but there are many complimentary classes, such as yoga, Pilates, sunrise walks, and fitness seminars. Classes are led in a mirrored room by the weight and treadmill area. When classes aren't in session, come here to stretch, do mat work, or use medicine balls, rollers, and the barre. Extra dumbbells are stacked in racks.
Recently, Silversea switched from relying on frozen ingredients to utilizing fresh locally sourced foodstuff whenever possible. This dramatic change positively impacts the overall dining scene; chefs are happier, the food tastes better and servers are more enthusiastic. The new healthier emphasis includes ingredients like chia and flax seeds and flavoured olive oils on the luncheon buffet, and olive oil on tables throughout the ship, even the Pool Grill. Dinner in the Italian La Terrazza and in Le Champagne are cruise highlights. Service is excellent in all dining venues, although it is at a slower pace at The Pool Grill at lunchtime.
The Restaurant (Deck 4): This dining room smacks of timeless elegance. Crystal chandeliers shimmer. Softly striped formal curtains, lined with sheer panels, tie back to reveal ocean views from windows lining both sides of the room. (Window tables for two are highly coveted.) Recently sanded and re-polished parquet floors gleam. Tables are set with overlay cloths in creamy tones.
The Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and reservations are never needed. Dine as you wish, with fellow passengers or at tables for two. Tables for four are often converted to two, per passenger request. While the maître d' always asks if you'd like to sit with others, he never makes you feel pressured. State upfront if you want a table for two nightly.
Breakfast is served between 8 and 9:30 a.m. and is ordered from a menu. Expect choices like pancakes, waffles, egg dishes, Danish and other freshly baked pastries. English breakfast devotees adore scrambled eggs served with baked beans and grilled tomato.
Lunch is served between noon and 1:30 p.m. The menu is substantial -- order up to three courses plus dessert. Dishes like crab and cherry tomato confit timbale, penne carbonara and whole-roasted Asian-style crusted pork loin are typical. You can find a sandwich, like grilled ham and cheese with French fries and greens. If the only salad available is appetizer-size, ask the chef to add chicken, seafood or beef for a main-course meal. A leisurely lunch here is most popular on sea days. When the weather's nice or passengers are busy with activities, most prefer dining more informally outdoors, at The Pool Grill or La Terrazza.
Dinner is served between 7 and 9:30 p.m. The Restaurant feels far fancier come nightfall. Lights are dimmed, curtains are closed. Tables are set with dressier china and more delicate stemware. On formal nights, musicians play classic songs. The expansive menu always features crudo (raw marinated, usually seafood), like scallops or beef carpaccio, soup such as frothy cauliflower, salad, pasta like fusilli mascarpone with mushrooms, seafood such as crayfish-stuffed baby squid, and premium meats. Two gourmet hamburgers, including hickory-infused with taleggio cheese and polenta fries, are new-ish staples. Most passengers order three or four courses plus dessert. Europeans often finish with a cheese course; the menu features 10 selections, many from France. Vegetarians can choose between two sophisticated entrees. Menu staples, like grilled salmon, chicken and steak, are always available. With advance notice, the chef will prepare any dish you like if the ingredients are available.
Knowledgeable sommeliers bring complimentary red and white wines to each table and readily refill glasses. These wines gallop the globe, and include fine labels as Chateau Les Tuileries Bordeaux. If you don't like the evening selections, ask for another complimentary choice. Wines are good enough to avoid spending extra on the Connoisseurs List, unless your budget is limitless or you're celebrating a special occasion.
The dessert menu accentuates gelato -- don't miss the Sicilian pistachio or Italian almond. Italian frozen yoghurt marbled with whole fruit (bitter orange delights), stands out, too, and the froufrou pastries are as chic as any in a Manhattan bistro.
La Terrazza (Deck 7): La Terrazza's indoor-outdoor design showcases gorgeous sea views with floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides of the room. Inside, fine linens top tables, and columns with brass accents and teak rails subtly divide the space into more intimate alcoves. A stunning oval-shaped stained glass light fixture shines overhead. Outdoors on the patio, a cream-coloured awning shades teak tables of varying sizes. On beautiful days, these tables are packed. The breakfast and lunch buffets are presented in a separate annex, so dining feels unhurried and uncrowded. Reservations are only necessary at dinner.
A breakfast buffet is served between 7:30 and 10 a.m., with egg dishes requested from your server and cooked to order. The buffet is well presented, with neatly arranged food on attractive platters kept immaculate by watchful cooks. Help yourself to fresh fruit, yoghurt, cheeses and primo cold cuts, and sides like hash browns and grilled tomatoes. Freshly baked breads, croissants and Danish abound. Servers insist on carrying plates to your table, even if you're only holding a small fruit bowl. They refill water and coffee, clear plates and happily retrieve an extra Danish from the buffet. La Terrazza is the most popular morning dining venue, particularly on shore excursion days.
A diversified lunch buffet is served between noon and 2 p.m. More passengers enjoy dining here rather than The Restaurant; it's less formal plus it's faster on shore excursion days. Staff stands behind counters to assist and serve. The spread is prettily laid-out, at varying heights, on attractive platters and with signage. An array of sophisticated salads, from duck to vegetarian, plus sandwiches are always displayed. Many ingredients, such as artichoke hearts, capers, pumpkin and pine nuts, and seeds like chia and flax, may inspire your own leafy creation. Splash one of eight flavoured extra-virgin olive oils, such as lemongrass-infused, on your greens. Sushi and sashimi, such as salmon or vegetable rolls, are fashioned daily, too. A quiche of the day and two freshly baked thin-crust pizzas, like seafood or mushroom, also await -- or order a personalized pie from the tableside menu of 10 choices. The pizzas are uniformly good.
At the carving station, a cook slices moist roast turkey, pork loin or juicy beef to order. Other hot dishes vary from dim sum and Indian biryani, to fish and vegetable gratins. These dishes, made in small batches, possess finesse. The cheese display excels, often including a fine French blue or English Stilton. Expect a wide array of gluten-free and sugar-free desserts, plus ice cream, pastries such as opera cake, and biscuits like oatmeal raisin and chocolate chunk.
An Italian sit-down dinner is served between 7 and 9:30 p.m. The setting is far lovelier at night. The buffet annex is closed, lights are dimmed and passengers are only seated by or near the windows, or on the outdoor patio. Dinner is by candlelight and served on more elegant dinnerware than at lunch. The restaurant is booked only until it's half-full, so make reservations ahead. The evening menu changes every three days and homemade pasta -- particularly a signature duck ragout -- is always a knockout. The exemplary breadbasket tempts with bulbs of roasted garlic and freshly baked herb-scented focaccia. The noteworthy antipasti plate includes arancini (rice balls), anchovies and robust Parmesan. Lamb chops with deep-fried leeks and sliced striploin of beef with port wine sauce are terrific. Complimentary Italian wines, like Luccarelli Puglia Primitivo, are always good and servers are quick to refill glasses or open another complimentary bottle if you're not satisfied. Tiramisu and panna cotta are dessert standouts.
Le Champagne (Deck 7): Le Champagne is the most romantic dining room onboard, and Silver Shadow's only extra-fee restaurant. This is a couples' haunt, with just seven candlelit tables for duos who come to whisper and hold hands. Fine art celebrating food and drink hang on walls; sleek glass cases display haute wine bottles. Two picture windows provide ocean views. Chairs sport plush royal blue upholstery. Posh chargers, rimmed with black and gold, rest on creamy linen tablecloths. The delicious menu showcases fancy French multicourse meals with wine pairings and is served between 7 and 9 p.m.
Luxury ingredients -- like caviar with buckwheat blinis, foie gras mousse in cones or terrines and lobster as in a spectacular bisque or Thermidor -- take centre stage. Edible gold leaf risotto is decadently good. Lovely complimentary wines include Champagne Monopole Heidsieck Brut and Tenuta Sant'Antonio Sponsà. Meander through five courses or so and relish on-point servers rushing airy Grand Marnier souffles to your table. Even though dinner costs extra, it's extremely popular, so make reservations as soon as you book your cruise.
The Pool Grill (Deck 8): The poolside alfresco grill is open for lunch between noon and 3:30 p.m. and dinner between 7 and 10 p.m. This isn't your basic greasy burger counter. Grab a seat at one of the Formica-topped tables with rattan-style powder-coated aluminium chairs lining the deck. Even the napkins are fancy -- fine linen rather than paper. There's no waiting in line; servers take all orders. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar cruets, plus a dual grinder of Himalayan pink salt and black peppercorns, grace each table. One side of The Pool Grill is reserved for smokers.
At lunchtime, choices include fresh grilled fish of the day, salads like caramelised fig and goat cheese and the ever-popular Black Angus burgers and sliders. Homemade Ronnefeldt-flavoured iced teas and cocktails are poured.
Come dinnertime, the eatery is simply called The Grill and serves Americana classics with hot rock dining. Servers deliver tortilla chips, guacamole and salsa while you decide between entrees like steaks, veal chops and giant Madagascar prawns. (The prawns are divine.) Entrees arrive sizzling on a heated volcanic stone and you take over the cooking. (If you don't want to, the chef can do it. But know that they cook entrees on a flattop rather than hot rocks, which impacts the flavour.) Sides are aubergine, tomato and zucchini skewers, and a surprisingly good baked potato with all the trimmings. Dessert includes apple pie with vanilla ice cream. It's divine to dine under the stars with that gentle ocean breeze. Plus, there's no dressing up.
Panorama Lounge (Deck 8): This all-purpose lounge offers Early Risers coffee and pastries from 6:30 to 10 a.m., and bouillon from 11 a.m. until noon. Tea service is offered daily -- between 4 and 5 p.m. -- and it's impressive. Select from about 20 Ronnefeldt teas, from black and green tea to wild cherry organic. Loose leaves brew in pots while servers present assorted freshly baked scones, tea sandwiches and tiny pastries. It's all quite proper and very fun.
Room Service: Complimentary in-suite dining is available 24 hours a day. Breakfast can be ordered the night before by 2 a.m. Although breakfast is served between 6 and 10 a.m., with advance notice, butlers bring what you want whenever you want.
All 191 accommodations are posh ocean-view suites. There are eight suite categories. The smallest have large picture windows; the biggest have oversized verandas. Suites are comfortable, elegant, and timeless in design—like a wealthy mature couple's Upper East Side Manhattan apartment. Think classic styling, with richly grained light wood, plush upholstery and carpeting, and mostly burgundy, beige, blue, and brown soft hues. Twenty suites connect, and two are designed to be wheelchair accessible.
All suites possess much in common. They're all well-designed; curtains separate sleeping and sitting areas, and the television swivels between the bed and sitting area. (Except in the largest suites; their separate bedrooms have second televisions.) All closets are walk-in, featuring cloth and wood hangers. Lighting, both overhead and lamp, is good for reading.
Beds convert between queen and twin. Dorelan mattresses from an Italian luxury firm—new to Silver Shadow—feature silken Pratesi linens and fluffy down duvets. Passengers select from a pillow menu with nine choices. Sleep comes easily on these beds.
Amenities include personalised stationery, safes, minibars stocked with passengers' preferences and water bottles, hairdryers (no diffuser attachments), Etro robes and slippers. A sewing kit, shoeshine bag, binoculars, lint brush, and a Silversea keychain with a built-in flashlight are also provided. The alarm clock has a built-in iPod docking station.
The flat-screen Phillips televisions (sizes vary by suite category) offer on-demand movies, music, and channels such as CNN, Fox News, ESPN, and BBC. All suites are Wi-Fi accessible. Passengers can download complimentary interactive mobile content, including movies, via a Silversea app to their smartphone or tablet. Electrical outlets are both 110 and 220-volt.
All suites—even the smallest—have similar bathrooms; a granite stall shower, full-size tub with a clothesline, blue granite counters with double sinks, and marble flooring. Shelves are plentiful, lining both sides of a large mirror and underneath sinks. A makeup mirror is located outside the bathroom on a well-lit vanity table that doubles as a desk.
Choose between Bulgari, Salvatore Ferragamo, and hypoallergenic toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, and soap. (Ask your butler for more than one brand, and your request will be graciously received, especially if booked in a high-level suite.) In the largest suites, passengers can choose the more exclusive white tea-perfumed Bulgari toiletries versus green tea. Scented reed diffusers by high-end Italian perfumer Laura Tonatto, in fragrances like Shanghai, top all bathroom counters. Basic toiletries, like cotton puffs and swabs, are on counters and replenished as needed.
Passengers receive Italian chocolate squares as nightly turn-downs. Some evenings, such as formal nights, turn-down is elevated to a four-piece gift box of exquisite chocolates from star Belgian confectioner Pierre Marcolini in intense flavours like caramel passion and almond praline. Passengers in the biggest suites receive a 16-piece box of Pierre Marcolini chocolates on arrival. All passengers are welcomed to their suites with a bottle of chilled Champagne.
All suites get white-gloved butler service, Silver Shadow's big drawing card. Butlers do everything, from wrapping loose eyeglasses in lint cloths to greeting passengers shipside with welcome signs after an overnight journey. They pour drinks, replace soap, and deliver folded laundry in tissue paper. They unpack and pack for you, and when departure time approaches, they clean suitcases and wrap them in ribbons and bows. Getting attached to your butler is easy; saying goodbye is hard.
Vista Suites: The 26 Vista Suites measure 287 square feet and are located on Deck 4. Along with the Terrace Suites, they're the smallest. They're still comfortable, with a seating area with a couch, table, and chair, a large picture window, and marble baths with double vanities, a separate shower, and full-sized bathtub. Passengers receive one hour of complimentary Wi-Fi per passenger per day.
Terrace Suites: The nine Terrace Suites on Deck 5 are identical to Vista Suites, except they have floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a shared teak veranda. The veranda is used by all the Terrace Suites and lacks furniture. Passengers also receive one hour of complimentary Wi-Fi per passenger per day. Two of these suites are equipped for wheelchair access and are conveniently located by the reception and shore concierge desks, boutiques, and bar.
Veranda Suites: The 128 Veranda Suites measure 345 square feet, including 60-square-foot private balconies, and are located on decks 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Veranda Suites' biggest differences from Vista and Terrace Suites are the larger couches with two chairs inside and, of course, the veranda with two rattan-style powder-coated aluminium chairs and a low table. Some Veranda Suites accommodate three passengers with pull-out couches. Amenities are the same as in Vista and Terrace Suites, including complimentary Wi-Fi as stated above.
Medallion Suites: The two Medallion Suites on Deck 7 measure 521 square feet, including an 81-square-foot veranda with a dining table, two rattan-style powder-coated aluminium chairs, and a matching chaise lounge. They are the most forward of the suites on this deck and the entry-level for the poshest suites with the best perks. The living room has a dining area with a richly grained inlaid wood table and four upholstered dining chairs. The seating area includes a couch and two upholstered chairs. A glass partition separates the bedroom from the living and dining area. The bathroom has a separate water closet for the toilet and a sink. Whirlpool tubs, unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi, and complimentary butler-served afternoon canapes from a posh Gourmet Bites menu—starring caviar and blinis, and foie gras terrine with brioche—begin in this suite category.
Silver Suites: The 13 Silver Suites on Deck 7 measure between 653 and 701 square feet, including verandas between 110 and 123 square feet. They're popular with passengers seeking a midship location with extra space. All Silver Suites accommodate three passengers, with convertible sofas. The separate bedroom is partitioned by wood doors with etched glass. The dining area features the same table and chairs as the Medallion Suite. The seating area includes a couch with upholstered chairs. The bathroom has a separate water closet for the toilet and a sink. Verandas are furnished similarly to Medallion Suites. Extra amenities beginning at the Silver Suite level include a Bang & Olufsen audio system and an Illy espresso maker.
Royal Suites: The two Royal Suites on decks 6 and 7 measure between 967 and 1,007 square feet, including a veranda of 110 to 116 square feet with a dining table and two chairs and a chaise lounge. Passengers who want the extra privacy of the all-the-way-forward location and an extra bathroom prefer these suites. They're available as a two-bedroom with an adjacent Veranda Suite. The master bathroom has a water closet with a third sink, toilet, and bidet. There's also a powder room (no shower or tub). Royal Suites offer the same amenities as Silver Suites.
Grand Suites: There are four one-bedroom Grand Suites, all the way forward on decks 6, 7, and 8, varying in size from 941 to 1,090 square feet, including a veranda of 103 to 116 square feet with a dining table, two chairs, and a chaise lounge. An adjacent Veranda Suite can be added for a two-bedroom configuration. They're much like Royal Suites in size and design, but those who prefer bigger verandas opt for the Grand Suites. Grand Suites feature a spacious separate bedroom and a roomy walk-in closet—big enough for two to move around in. This bedroom has so many drawers, it's hard to fill them all. The bathroom has a water closet with a toilet, bidet, and extra sink. A powder bath is located off the living room.
The large living room has a full-size couch and two overstuffed chairs. The corner bar has shelves stocked with glasses, granite counter with an Illy espresso maker, and two chairs. An upholstered chaise lounge beckons before a wall-mounted Philips television. Amenities are the same as for Silver Suites and above, plus more: two hours of satellite telephone calls worldwide per voyage, complimentary laundry and dry cleaning service, and complimentary dinner for two in Le Champagne per voyage.
Owner's Suites: Two Owner's Suites on Deck 7 are coveted favourites for their more midship location (compared with the forward-facing Grand and Royal Suites) and the largest verandas. They measure 919 square feet, including a 220-square-foot veranda with an outdoor dining table with two chairs and a chaise lounge. (Request a second, if you like; it will fit but makes the veranda slightly crowded.) Owner's Suites may be configured as a two-bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite. The large living room features a granite bar with three high-backed upholstered chairs, polished wood dining table with four upholstered chairs, and a spacious seating area including a couch, two chairs, end tables, and a coffee table. The bedroom has a cosy sitting area with a couch, coffee table, and chair. The bathrooms and the amenities are the same as in Grand Suites.
Sophisticated international travellers who enjoy unusual destinations yet want a hint of traditional formality, complete with butler service
Young families and American-centric cruisers who like to be casual all the time
Silversea caters to Baby Boomers, affluent and often retired, with the leisure and the resources to make Silversea their cruise line of choice. Silversea Expeditions also appeals to that demographic, as well as younger professionals with a desire for active cruising that includes posh cabins and stellar service alongside Zodiac expeditions, snorkelling excursions and in-port hikes. Shorter classic voyages also tend to draw younger passengers. About 60 percent of passengers onboard come from the Americas, the rest from international markets.
Yes, if you are going on a classic cruise ship; no if you're sailing on a luxury expedition cruise. The classic ships divide evenings among casual resort wear, informal attire (for men, this means a jacket, tie optional, and women wear dresses or pantsuits) and formal nights when eveningwear for women is an evening gown or cocktail dress and men wear tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits, and a tie is required. The dress code is more casual on the expedition vessels, and there are no formal nights.
Silversea cruises are fairly inclusive, with the only extras being shore excursions (except on Silversea's expedition cruises on which they're included in the cruise price), shop purchases, spa and beauty treatments, and send-out laundry. Some speciality restaurants also cost extra (and caviar on the room service menu). Cruise fares include gratuities, unlimited beverages (soft and alcoholic), internet access and round trip transportation into town in most ports. Most itineraries also include transfers to/from the ship, and some even include complimentary round trip economy airfare.
Onboard, each Silversea cruise ship has a pool and hot tubs that see a lot of action, and the spa gets a lot of use, as well. Silversea cruisers also enjoy attending lectures on the culture and history of the destinations they visit, and like to spend time in the library. Evening shows, which range from opera-themed to swing-era classics, also draw a crowd. When in port, most Silversea cruisers opt for one of the line's many shore excursion offerings. Expedition cruises bring cruisers together with experts to lead hiking, Zodiac, snorkelling, diving and other small group excursions.
A quiet sanctuary. The sitting area of the Vista Suite has plenty of room to relax. Large picture windows frame panoramic ocean views. The perfect backdrop for breakfast in bed.
