Launched in July 2001, the
Silver Whisper was built in Italy as the identical twin of the Silver Shadow. Like her, she roams the globe offering high-end all-inclusive cruising—which extends to complimentary drinks and selected wines and all gratuities. Registered in the Bahamas, this beautiful ship grosses 28,258 tons, stretches nearly 600 ft and cruises at 21 knots. The passenger-space ratio is among the highest in the cruise industry. Service aboard the Silver Whisper is top-drawer, and many staff greet you by name after a couple of days. It's an international staff that hails primarily from Europe, India and the Philippines.
Silversea Cruises joined the luxury end of the cruise business in 1994, and in tonnage and passenger capacity, the ships fall about midway between the smaller Seabourn trio and the larger Regent (formerly Radisson) Seven Seas threesome. The ship exhibits touches of Italian decor, Murano glass fixtures and Italian-inspired paintings and drawings. Many of the top officers and the maitres d'hotel are Italian, and one of the main restaurants features a nightly regional Italian menu.
While the majority of passengers are North American, Silversea draws many Europeans, Australians, and some Asians, creating an international atmosphere. The ship is officially English-speaking, but non-English-speaking passengers have access to a host or hostess, translated menus and programs, and a selection of books and films. Passenger ages range from 50 upward, and few children are present.
The Silver Whisper is a globe trotter, spending the summer cruising the Mediterranean, then heading via Suez to the Middle East, Southeast and East Asia and Australasia before returning through the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean. Passengers may embark at almost any port as long as they stay five days, but most choose the advertised segments that are seven days and more often longer. Some port calls offer overnight stays, providing more in-depth touring ashore.
Roominess is apparent throughout the ship, and the interior design sees all but one small public room located aft on five different decks, keeping most noise away from the suites. The ship's decor is understated and sophisticated, and there are many attractive rooms in which to rendezvous or read. The result is a delightfully peaceful atmosphere on sea days. Starting high up on Deck 10, the Observation Lounge, with its wraparound windows, is always serene and well away from the flow. Located behind the forward lounge, Silversea is phasing in a new spa concept called The Spa at Silversea, replacing the Mandara Spa. The new spa includes dry and steam rooms and a beauty and hair salon. The expanded fitness center and aerobics studio is equipped with circuit weights, state-of-the-art cardiovascular training equipment, fit balls, step blocks and yoga mats. Equipment has individual TV screens.
Two decks below, the Panorama Lounge is a sprawling room with views in three directions, ideal for drinks, dancing, game show evenings or reading. An open-shelf library features a collection of hardcover books, newspapers and the video and DVD film collection. Here and next door are seven computer stations with high-speed Internet connections; rates are reasonable when time is bought in bulk. Deck 7 holds a Humidor with a men's club atmosphere for cigars and liquors, a conference room and a card room. The Viennese Lounge descends to the level of the stage, and the seven wide tiers allow for banquette and moveable chair seating, serving well for parties, lectures and entertainment. The cabaret acts get mixed reviews, and the enrichment program presents topics related to the itinerary, or celebrity actors and authors.
The midships casino offers blackjack, stud poker, American roulette, video poker and slot machines. Next to the tiny Grappa Bar, boutiques carry clothing, jewelry, perfumes and Silversea logo items. The circular central foyer is rimmed by a 24-hour reception desk, concierge service, shore excursion counter and cruise consultant. Deck space includes many levels for seating with deck chairs positioned in wind-sheltered areas. Deck 9 provides a jogging track and Deck 8 the lido pool and two whirlpools. Pre-dinner cold canapes and hot hors d'oeuvres are served in all bars. A bar with complimentary drinks spans the width of the ship.
The Silver Whisper operates on an open-seating basis for all meals, which permits passengers to meet one another or remain as private as they wish. The restaurant on the lowest passenger deck can seat all passengers at once, so there are ample choices of tables on most nights. The menu provides classical and modern French cuisine with signature dishes designed for Silversea by Relais & Chateaux. The complimentary lunchtime and dinner wines are poured. La Terrazza provides a light-filled dining facility for breakfast and lunch and an intimate curtained room for dinner. Seating is both indoors and outside overlooking the stern. For dinner, La Terrazza reservations are accepted for just 60, so the occupied tables range around the perimeter. When the ship is full, passengers may generally eat here only twice. The menu is regional Italian and changes every night. Le Champagne, with just seven tables, is a handsome private room outfitted as a wine restaurant by Relais & Chateaux with a major extra tariff depending on the plan one chooses. Light breakfast pastries, tea and coffee are also available in the Panorama and Observation lounges, and both breakfast and lunch are available at the Poolside Grill with table service. Special events are the Galley Brunch where an extravagant food display is laid out in the ship's kitchen, and an evening outdoor barbecue set around the pool. And lastly, there is in-suite service where passengers can dine inside or on the veranda.
The 194 suites fall into eight categories with the smallest Vista Suites at 287 sq ft and no veranda, then Veranda and Midship Veranda Suites at 345 sq ft. Both have sitting areas beside the large windows, walk-in wardrobes, marble baths with double sinks and vanities, and separate shower stalls and tubs. These suites have metal fabric deckchairs with wooden handles. The Medallion Suites at 521 sq ft have a dining and sitting area and enclosed bedroom. Free laundry service and CD players start at this level, in addition to TVs with DVD and VCR.
The 653- to 701-sq-ft Silver Suites offer perhaps the best value because of their use of space. The Royal and Grand Suites (1,286 to 1,312 sq ft) have truly separate bedrooms that face forward over the bow. The owner's suite (1,264 sq ft) is side-facing with two bedrooms and two separate baths, and the Rossellini Suite (1,435 sq ft) adds a second bedroom to one of the Grand Suites. Shipboard living does not get more lavish than this. All suites feature a refrigerator stocked with one's preferences, Pommery Champagne, fresh fruit and flowers, a selection of toiletries such as Bulgari and Aqua di Palma, a choice of pillows, personalized stationery, plush robes and slippers, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. Two handicapped-accessible suites located side-by-side fall into the Vista category.
Silversea offers a top-of-the-line cruise experience and does it with a bit of Italian flair. The atmosphere aboard is low-key and social. Passengers mix easily in the bars, at open sitting meals, joint activities and on shore excursions. The ship could not be a more comfortable conveyance to see the world and provide a fine home away from home. Service is tops and food consistently well-prepared.
