CRUISING IN STYLE
What is it about a cruise that entices travelers to track the launch of new ships, the publication of new itineraries, and the opening of new booking windows years in advance? There is something unique about this niche that a professional advisor simply must understand. So it was with great anticipation that I joined Silversea last month on a ten-day round trip voyage between Seattle and Alaska.
Sleeping arrangements
What sets Silversea apart from other cruise lines is the level of luxury throughout. Every room is a suite with distinct living and sleeping areas, full marble baths, soaking tubs, and private verandas for all but a few (for instance, when you want the kids in their own room but don’t want them playing on the balcony). The bedding is like sleeping on clouds and the finishes are top tier. I have a strong preference for spacious rooms and the smallest suite measured in at 375sf which suited this gal perfectly!
Catering to Every Whim
The service aboard Silversea is legendary. The crew to passenger ratio is nearly 1:1 and every suite includes a personal attendant. This detail is a defining one for Silversea and what makes cruising with them so fabulously relaxing. The personal attendant is there to make sure everything you need and want is provided. They are excellent listeners and learn what you like to eat and drink, when you like to get up in the morning or enjoy a siesta, what activities you enjoy, and when your shoes or clothes need cleaning after a trail hike. They will unpack your bags when you arrive and pack them up when the cruise is over, make dinner reservations if needed, deliver food and drinks around the clock, keep your room tidy and stocked with favorite drinks and snacks (my supply of French bubbly never ran out - phew!), prepare a candlelit aromatherapy bath, and on and on. When you sail with Silversea, you are pampered into complete relaxation.
Choose your fun
We had four port stops on our itinerary with a wide variety of guided shore excursions. There were trail hikes, glacier treks, helicopter tours, whale watching boats, Zodiac excursions, town and museum tours, mountain rail journeys, sea kayaking, jet boats, raft floats, the list goes on. Exploring on your own is an option, of course, as is staying aboard for a good read, spa day, game time, or just lounging about. Choosing what suits you is part of the luxury experience.
wine and dine
Foodies and wine lovers will be quite happy with the many options on a Silversea ship. The Silver Muse has eight restaurants for dinner plus an on-demand menu whenever the mood strikes. We enjoyed perfectly grilled beef tenderloin, Maine lobster, homemade pastas, a sushi bar, tapas and live jazz, Neapolitan pizza, Asian fusion, and Northwest cuisine. Premium cocktails and wine never ceased to flow and exceptional vintages were available for purchase. It was fun to dress for dinner again and enjoy a variety of well-prepared dishes in portions that didn’t overstuff.
safekeeping
It is true that cruising has never been safer. Cleaning protocols have been developed, refined, and rehearsed over the course of many long months. Silversea required all passengers to provide proof of vaccination, participate in testing at check-in prior to boarding, have a temperature check each morning, and wear face masks whenever moving through public indoor spaces. The staff were masked at all times. Everyone was happy to be back and I never once saw anyone flaunting the protocols.
why plan ahead?
Cruise lines are like favorite hotel brands: when you find one you like, it is nice to try new offerings and destinations. Cruisers return again and again because they know the value of unpacking once, traveling to multiple destinations with ease, enjoying exceptional food and personalized service, and getting active when you want and lazing about when you prefer. The catch is that inventory is limited while demand is not; those who plan ahead have dibs on favorite suites, new routes, and new ships. A professional advisor will help you sort through the extensive offerings and ensure you get the best fit but you need to book ahead of the holidays (or earlier if you want specific suites, dates, routes, or connecting rooms). Are you ready to cruise?