Earlier this month, I had the incredible opportunity to sail aboard Silversea‘s Silver Ray for a Mediterranean cruise. Our journey took us island-hopping through the stunning Greek Isles, exploring the charming streets of Bari, soaking in the breathtaking views of Santorini, and experiencing so much more in between.
Following the wake of her sister ship, Silver Nova, which set sail in the summer of 2023, Silver Ray boasts the same eco-friendly innovations and groundbreaking horizontal design that defines this class. Silver Ray accommodates 728 passengers, offering an intimate and exclusive voyage.
Silver Ray in Bari on hot sunny day
Some may ask, what is the difference between Silver Ray and Silver Nova? Well, there isn’t much of a difference when they are put side-by-side with each other; they are, in fact, an exact replica of each other. The only difference that is found between the two vessels is their onboard art collections.
As my first experience with Silversea, I was eager to discover what makes Silver Ray such a beloved luxury ship for many devoted travellers.
Dining, Silversea-Style
Dining aboard Silver Ray is a culinary journey everyone should experience, offering various world-class options that satisfy the most refined tastes.
Two sophisticated dining spots stood out for me. First, Atlantide is a refined bar and grill showcasing the finest seafood and prime cuts. Dishes like royal crab and blue lobster are prepared with exceptional culinary craftsmanship. Then, there’s La Dame, one of Silversea’s speciality French restaurants, offering an elegant dining experience inspired by classic French cuisine, complemented by an extensive selection of fine wines.
Another speciality restaurant worth mentioning is Kaiseki, where you can enjoy beautifully crafted sushi, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese delicacies. If you’re a sushi lover, I highly recommend trying it.
Food in The Marquee
For a more intimate dining experience with a lively atmosphere, Silver Note is the perfect choice. This venue pairs tapas-style international cuisine with live jazz music, making it ideal for those who enjoy dinner with a side of entertainment.
La Terrazza and The Marquee are excellent options if you prefer open-air, relaxed dining with stunning sea views. La Terrazza offers authentic Italian cuisine, featuring freshly made pasta, Italian meats, and cheeses, all served in a laid-back, al fresco setting. The Marquee also provides open-air dining with a casual yet refined menu that includes grilled favourites and light bites while enjoying the breathtaking surroundings.
The Marquee on Silver Ray
Lastly, there’s the S.A.L.T. Kitchen—short for “Sea and Land Taste”—where you can explore the flavours of the regions you’re sailing through. The menu changes to reflect local ingredients and culinary traditions, offering a fantastic way to experience the local culinary culture fully.
SALT Restaurant
And, what was even better, drinks on Silversea is complimentary. Enjoy a glass of champange, beers, wines
Activities and Excursions
Life aboard Silver Ray can be as relaxed or active as you want it to be, with a range of activities, classes, and excursions to keep you busy all day.
In Montenegro, I had the pleasure of joining the S.A.L.T. Experience at an organic farm and winery, where I witnessed traditional farming in action and enjoyed some incredible local wine. In Argostoli, on the island of Cephalonia, I spent a morning exploring the town and took a local bus tour from the port. The excellent guides highlighted spots where we could see turtles—a real trip highlight!
A day at sea gave us the perfect opportunity to explore Silver Ray. We toured the ship, admiring the different suites, each more luxurious than the last. Later, on the beautiful island of Santorini, I participated in an archaeological excursion that truly brought the island’s rich history to life.
Evenings aboard Silver Ray are a treat, with bars coming alive with talented pianists, jazz musicians, bands, and singers. The onboard theatre showcases an eclectic array of top-class acts, from comedians to stage shows. For those who fancy a flutter, there’s also a casino. The night usually ends with cocktails and a D.J. spinning tracks, keeping the small but lively dance floor buzzing till the early hours.
Standouts on Silver Ray
Several features make Silver Ray stand out from other cruise lines.
One of the most unique aspects is the Otium wellness program, inspired by the Roman lifestyle of leisure and indulgence. This concept integrates wellness into every aspect of the cruise experience, from in-suite spa services to bespoke wellness cuisine, allowing guests to relax and rejuvenate in unparalleled comfort.
The Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) program is another distinctive feature, offering immersive culinary experiences that reflect the cultures and flavours of the regions being visited.
Silver Ray is also designed with a strong focus on sustainability. Its innovative design incorporates cutting-edge hybrid technology to reduce its environmental footprint. It includes an advanced waste management system, energy-efficient features, and the ability to operate with minimal impact on delicate marine ecosystems.
The ship offers all-suite accommodations, each with a private veranda and butler service. The suites are spacious and elegantly designed, providing guests with a luxurious and comfortable home away from home.
Despite its luxury offerings, the ship’s intimate size ensures a more personalised service and a private cruise experience. The interior design blends contemporary aesthetics with timeless luxury, creating a visually stunning environment enhanced by an impressive art collection.
My Silversea Itinerary
My Mediterranean adventure aboard Silversea’s Silver Ray began in the charming coastal city of Bari, Italy, and took me through the historic streets of Kotor, Montenegro, the lush landscapes of Corfu, and the natural beauty of Argostoli, Cephalonia.
Silver Ray in Montenergo
Some highlights included delicious meals at Silver Note, Hot Rocks, and Terrazza where I enjoyed everything from tapas-style dishes to tableside steak grilling.
A relaxing day at sea gave me time to explore the ship’s luxurious suites, savour sushi at Kaiseki, and take part in a fun Greek cooking class at the S.A.L.T. Lab. The journey wrapped up in beautiful Santorini, where an archaeological excursion and a final, unforgettable dinner at Atlantide with exceptional seafood and breathtaking views—made for the perfect ending.
Tips and Advice
Silversea focuses heavily on destinations, visiting over 900 ports worldwide. As tempting as those sun loungers may be, I highly recommend joining the off-shore excursions. Typically one is included per passenger at each port and these immersive experiences are carefully chosen to highlight key sights and attractions.
Another tip, pack light! The suites onboard are spacious and well-designed, making unpacking a breeze—and you can even ask your butler to handle it for you. Re-wearing some clothes is a great option too, with reasonably priced laundry services available, plus a self-service laundrette on each deck. This way, you can easily get by with a smaller suitcase.
Know what to wear before you set sail! During the day on Silver Ray, the dress code is relaxed, similar to a luxury resort. Comfortable shoes, such as flats or low heels, are perfect for walking around the deck. After 6 p.m., the style becomes a bit more elegant. Ladies can opt for trousers, skirts, blouses, or casual dresses, while men should choose collared shirts and trousers. A jacket is optional, but on formal-optional nights, men are required to wear a jacket indoors.
That said, you might not need formal wear, depending on the length of your cruise. On a seven-day trip, evenings are usually elegant casual, unless you feel like dressing up. For cruises lasting 8 to 14 days, you can expect one or two formal nights, and for trips of 15 days or more, there will be at least two optional formal evenings.
Recommended for:
I’d recommend Silversea for travellers looking for a luxurious, intimate, and all-inclusive cruise experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy fine dining, high-end amenities, and personalised service. It’s also ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway or honeymoon and retirees and older travellers who prefer a more relaxed, slower-paced cruise.
Find out more
If you’d like to learn more about Silver Ray, or find out more about Silversea, don’t hesitate to call our team of Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677. Or, visit our Silversea cruise deals page.
