I recently had the pleasure of sailing on Silversea‘s newest luxury cruise ship, Silver Ray, during a wonderful short Mediterranean roundtrip from Lisbon. As the second ship in Silversea’s pioneering Nova Class, Silver Ray promises an exceptional cruising experience.
Following in 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. The ship accommodates 728 passengers, offering an intimate and exclusive voyage.
Silversea’s asymmetrical design
My 4-Day Itinerary
I started my journey aboard Silversea’s stunning new ship, Silver Ray, from Lisbon. My delightful itinerary included a Vigo stopover before returning. Upon boarding, my first thought was to explore and familiarise myself with the ship. The Marquee became my go-to spot for both lunch and dinner and let me tell you, the food was absolutely delicious!
On the second day, I decided to venture into Lisbon, visiting the city centre, shops, and views of the Red Bridge before returning to the ship to bask in the sunny afternoon by the pool area. I had a handmade stone-baked pizza with fries in the Marquee grill for lunch. For dinner, I opted for Filet mignon and king prawns on the hot rock in the Marquee grill, which was a treat in itself.
Lisbon
One of the trip’s highlights was the first morning when I indulged in some fantastic breakfast room service, ordering eggs Benedict, fresh fruit, and croissants with juice, which was laid out for me in my suite. The service was top-notch, and everything arrived promptly. The following day, I took a tour around the ship, exploring its various nooks and corners. The afternoon was spent mingling with fellow guests on this sea day. In the evening, I grooved to some nostalgic 90s music The Wild Boys band performed.
Accommodation on Silver Ray
One of Silver Ray’s standout features is its all-balcony cabins, which ensure guests can enjoy breathtaking views and fresh sea air from their suite. Silversea’s renowned butler service complements this, which adds a personalised touch of luxury to your journey.
While traditional Silversea ships start their suite offerings with the Window Suite, the Nova Class, including Silver Ray, introduces the new Signature Class. This exciting addition expands the range of luxury accommodations, offering even more options for guests to tailor their cruising experience to perfection. Silver Nova and Silver Ray offer a 1:1.3 crew-to-guest ratio.
Silver Ray’s cabins are distributed across four decks and are available in 13 different categories, beginning at a spacious 357 square feet. Each cabin features a private veranda and a walk-in closet. The largest cabins are the Otium Suites, located aft on Decks 6 and 7. These suites offer a remarkable 270-degree view and include a bedroom, separate living and dining areas, and encompass 1,324 square feet. Additionally, they boast a 431-square-foot veranda complete with a whirlpool, providing an ideal space for relaxation and enjoying the scenery.
Deluxe Veranda Suite
I was thrilled to be assigned a Deluxe Veranda Suite, and it exceeded all my expectations. The suite was incredibly spacious and featured a lovely walk-in rainforest shower with a luxurious rainforest shower. The extremely roomy living area and even a pillow menu made my stay feel extra special.
My Favourite Intimate Spots on Silversea’s Silver Ray
When you step onboard Silver Ray, you’ll immediately feel at home in The Shelter Lounge on Deck 3. This spacious lounge, adorned with contemporary colours, exudes a welcoming atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to settle in and start your luxurious journey. Silversea’s all-inclusive approach means even shore excursions are included, ensuring a seamless experience with everything from gourmet dining to exciting excursions taken care of.
The Atrium is another favourite, offering plenty of cosy seating areas perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Each evening, The Shelter comes alive with live music, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a glass of champagne while listening. For those who prefer a quieter space, the ship offers numerous nooks to curl up with a good book and a charming library where you can sit with a coffee. Despite its capacity, Silver Ray always feels open and spacious, providing something for everyone.
The Panorama Lounge is a versatile gem, ideal for any time of day. During the day, it’s a peaceful haven for relaxation, but by night, it transforms into a lively bar with the best bartenders onboard. If you enjoy a well-crafted drink, this is the place to be. The lounge offers stunning 270-degree views and an aft outdoor seating area, making it a fantastic spot to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
Lastly, The Observation Lounge is a cosy retreat with a breathtaking 270-degree view from the ship’s top. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a calming colour palette inspired by the sea, it’s the perfect intimate space for guests to sit back, relax, and soak in the panoramic views.
Drink Options on Silver Ray
On Silver Ray, you can enjoy a wide selection of cocktails, beers, wines, and champagne—all included in the price, along with a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. The Arts Cafe is a wonderful spot to indulge in speciality coffee and delicious treats. For a touch of elegance, you can also request an English tea service, which is included in your fare as well.
Dolce Vita
Dining Options on Silver Ray
There is an impressive eight dining venues, ensuring a delightful culinary journey. One standout is the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, where the menus are inspired by our travel destinations, such as Terrain, which highlights local recipes and flavours, and each venue provides a unique dining experience. Other dining options include:
- The Grill
- The Spaccanapoli Pizzeria
- Kaiseki for Asian-fusion cuisine (speciality restaurant)
- La Dame, a French fine dining restaurant (speciality restaurant)
You can unwind at the open-air Dusk Bar on Deck 10 at the ship’s rear, making it an ideal spot for a sunset drink. Additionally, Silver Ray features the beloved Arts Cafe, where you can enjoy drinks and snacks in a charming cultural atmosphere.
Dusk Bar
Cocktails, beers, wine, champagne, and various non-alcoholic beverages, are included in your fare. The Arts Cafe is a fantastic spot for speciality coffee and treats. Additionally, you can enjoy an English tea service upon request, which is also included in your fare.
Personal Highlights and Activities
The Marquee, a product of the ship’s stunning asymmetrical design, offers a relaxed dining space that transforms into The Grill in the evening. While The Grill requires a reservation, there is no extra charge, making it an accessible luxury for all guests. Located conveniently near the pool, The Marquee also serves comfort foods like pizza, perfect for a casual bite. Whether you enjoy a laid-back lunch or an elegant dinner, the atmosphere and cuisine promise an exceptional dining experience on your luxury cruise.
The Marquee
The Marquee Grill was hands down my favourite spot to eat. Located on the pool deck, it’s perfect for enjoying an al fresco meal. The decor is light and airy, with lovely blossom trees that make it feel so welcoming. You can have lunch and dinner here, with a varied lunch menu, including healthy options. Dinner, though, is something special – you get a hot stone to grill your own fillet mignon, king prawns, and more. It’s a fun and unique experience!
Another one of my favourites was the fillet and prawns on the hot rock in the evening. For lunch, I loved the pitta with hummus, the Caesar salad with chicken and grilled salmon, the incredible pizza, and the burger. Everything was absolutely spot on!
Pizza from The Marquee Grill
Atlantide is the main dining room on board and serves as a classic steakhouse. This is where you’ll enjoy most of your dinners, and the best part is that it doesn’t require reservations or additional charges. While the breakfast menu remains consistent, the lunch and dinner menus change daily, offering various delicious options. This inviting and versatile dining space is perfect for guests seeking comfort and culinary excellence.
Atlantide
S.A.L.T. Kitchen, which stands for Sea And Land Tastes, offers delectable local cuisine from the destinations you visit. With two types of menus—voyage menus and regional menus—there’s always something new and exciting to try. No reservations are needed, and there’s no extra charge, making walking in and enjoying a meal easy. The menu changes daily, and the separate voyage menu celebrates the iconic tastes and culinary traditions of the journey’s region. Expect great food, wine, and a rich cultural dining experience on your luxury cruise.
S.A.L.T. Kitchen
S.A.L.T. Lab allows guests to get involved with the chefs and local foods. There are cooking stations throughout, so guests can get stuck into making some food. Guests will also be able to view demonstrations and enrich themselves in local food cultures. There is also an outdoor seating section outside of the S.A.L.T. room where you can enjoy your masterpiece food.
La Terrazza is fantastic for afternoon al fresco dining with the dazzling AFT view. The restaurant is also included in the fare. Dining reservations don’t need to be made, but they are highly encouraged. It is also open for lunch and breakfast, which is buffet style; reservations during the day are not needed. And, take my word for it, sit Al Fresco – it’s best whether at sea or port.
La Terrazza
Silver Note is a place where you can enjoy mouth-watering international cuisine perfectly complemented by exciting live and blue music while you eat. You don’t have to pay extra for anything, but reservations are highly encouraged.
Silver Note
Entertainment
The Venetian Lounge is the heart of entertainment on the ship, and it’s two-story design is absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy live shows in the evening and fascinating enrichment lectures during the day. The mezzanine seating adds a touch of elegance, ensuring the house has no bad seats.
Venetian Lounge
Outdoor Spaces/Spaces Onboard
The Pool area on this ship is genuinely fantastic, boasting 280 sun beds and an asymmetrical design with spacious starboard side areas. The swimming pool is much larger than those on most ships and includes a fabulous pool bar. At the heart of it all, an infinity whirlpool offers stunning views over the ship’s side. Additionally, there’s a beautiful wrap-around jogging track—12 laps equal 1 mile! With so much outdoor seating and space, you’ll never feel crowded. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy your time on board, and it’s where I spent most of mine! For those seeking a peaceful sunbathing spot, the Sun Deck on Deck 11 is ideal, offering a serene escape from the crowds.
Pool Deck
Connoisseur’s Corner, the Cigar Bar on Silver Ray, offers premium liquor and cigars. This stylish smoking lounge combines all cigar culture elements indoors and on its elegant terrace. For a bit of excitement, there’s also a small casino with a few tables and slot machines, which gets lively at night.
Casino
The Otivm Spa offers a variety of treatments, from manicures to massages, providing a luxurious escape on board. The rock sauna, with stunning ocean views, and the thermal pool are included in the fare at no extra cost. Additional spa treatments are available for an additional fee, allowing you to indulge in even more pampering.
Otivm Spa
The gym is large and spacious, equipped with a wide range of equipment to meet all your fitness needs. Dance and exercise classes and a convenient refillable water station are also available to keep you hydrated. Silversea has reduced the use of single-use plastics, including toiletries and water bottles, significantly lowering the amount of waste produced.
Fitness and Gym Area
Eco-Friendly Silver Ray
Like Silver Nova, Silver Ray is powered by a hybrid system. This allows the ship to be completely emission-free while in port, thanks to the use of fuel cells and batteries, along with eco-friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG.) as its primary fuel. Both ships are equipped with sustainable technology that utilises shore-side power when docked. Additional features include a micro auto gasification system, which reduces onboard waste volume and lowers incineration emissions.
Any questions?
If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to email me at Melissa@cruiseline.co.uk. Alternativly, you can reach me directly at 01273 836607.
The Marquee Restaurant
