My husband and I flew with EasyJet from Gatwick to Athens and I arranged a private transfer from the airport to the port. Everything went smoothly and check in was very quick -it took just 30 minutes from arriving at the port to being shown to our table for lunch. Yes, I do mean 30 minutes, it was that quick.
After lunch, we were told our suite was ready, and what a suite it was. We were lucky enough to experience a Silver Suite and I have to say that it was superb. It offered a super king size bed, separate sitting and dining area (which can be closed off from the bedroom with sliding doors), walk-through closet, large bathroom and separate toilet. The bathroom had 2 wash basins, a whirlpool bath and stand-alone shower cubicle. We selected Bvlgari toiletries, but they have a choice of others including a natural option. The private balcony is large enough to accommodate a table, two chairs and two sun loungers and the suite also had a sofa bed, an espresso coffee machine and two televisions – showing up to 350 movies. It really was stunning accommodation and I would highly recommend this option if you are thinking of cruising with Silversea. You will not be disappointed.
After a quick change of clothes, we left our suite and started to explore the ship. We went down one deck – to the pool bar on Deck 9 – where the temperature was a sweltering 34 degrees. We decided to stop for some refreshments before going any further and this was where we met some of the best staff we have encountered on a cruise ship. Each of them were friendly, courteous, attentive and looked after us perfectly for the ten days we were onboard.
On the first night, we decided to have room service. Our early morning flight and the heat had completely wiped us out. The food was delivered to our suite by our butler and it was delicious. Every evening a newsletter is delivered to your suite and this details the following day events, dress code, destination tips, information and restaurant and bar opening times. You are also provided with a copy of the menu for the main restaurant, as any items from the extensive six courses on offer can be delivered to your suite.
Our cruise visited the following ports: Athens, Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Chania, Crete; Katakolon, Greece; Siracusa, Sicily; Lipari, Sicily; Sorrento, Italy; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Portofino, Italy; and Monte Carlo, Monaco. Although we didn’t go ashore every day, Silversea offer an extensive tour programme and a shuttle service into town in many ports. In Rome, a group of us decided to get the train for the hour’s journey from the port to the city and it went without a hitch. Providing you give yourself plenty of time to get back it is easy. My favourite port of call was Portofino on the Italian Riviera. A small town favoured by Europe’s wealthy as a mooring for their yachts, many of which are on display. Although it certainly wasn’t cheap, we did have one of the best ice creams I have ever tasted at San Giorgio Gelateria.
Silver Spirit Dining Options
Onboard Silver Spirit there are several dining options – some of which do have a cover charge – and they are as follows:
Main restaurant – open for a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner serving Mediterranean cuisine and regional specialties. We had breakfast and dinner here and the food was off a very high quality.
La Terrazza – Buffet breakfast and lunch, afternoon tea and a la carte dinner offering Italian cuisine. This is the most popular venue for breakfast.
Le Champagne – A la carte dinner served with fine wines. Fee applies
Seishin – Sushi and Sashimi bar- for lunch and Asian a la carte for dinner. We didn’t dine here but we were told the food is very good. Fee applies
Stars Supper Club – A jazz club venue offering a la carte sampler menus
Pool Bar and Grill – Serving light meals for lunch and an evening menu featuring ‘hot rock’ dining on deck under the stars. This was by far our favourite venue and the Filet Mignon is exceptional.
Panorama Lounge and Main Bar – Continental breakfast is served
Room Service – Available 24 hours
Overall, I had a wonderful time aboard Silver Spirit and I would highly recommend her as a ship choice. The food was excellent and her crew were superb. The ambience of the vessel was faultless and I fell in love with the ship and her incredible destinations.
Finally, I would like to leave you with a couple of tips:
- I would suggest that you make your restaurant reservations before you leave. The staff onboard are very accommodating but if your cruise is full, you might miss the opportunity to dine when and where you prefer.
- If you like to sunbathe, then head up to Deck 10. It is a little further from the pool, but in warm conditions you will very much appreciate the breeze.
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