Splashing out on finer things in cruising life

Splashing out on finer things in cruising life

“LET me take your bag,” said the white-gloved porter as I walked towards the Silver Whisper.

It was not really an offer, it was a demand. Today you are a Silversea client and you do not carry your own bag, even if it is hand-luggage, was the underlying message.

It is the first in many tastes of luxury that Silversea customers experience – and the reason why they are willing to pay around $1,000 a day to be on board.

The second taste is the cabin, which is so luxurious it is hard to imagine why anyone would want to emerge for the duration of the cruise – and this a Veranda Suite, one of the cheapest suites available.

One of the big attractions for me was the huge walk-in bathroom complete with two sinks, bath and separate shower and luxury toiletries.

Customers told Silversea that they didn’t like having the shower above the bath because it meant two people couldn’t get ready for dinner at the same time, so on the new ship, Silver Shadow, the bathroom has been redesigned.

You also get a walk-in closet, large bed and sitting areas and a big balcony. If you can drag yourself away, you get quite a different experience from the new breed of mega-liners.

For one thing, maximum capacity is 382 guests; for another, champagne – Moët and Chandon of course, as the brand is a partner to the cruiseline – is just another drink among many other beverages included in the all-inclusive price.

Any other cruiseline might find free-flowing alcohol a problem but apparently it is not an issue for passengers on the Silver Shadow or any of its sister ships.

New features on the ship include the Poolside Grille; Le Champagne, a small wine and champagne bar designed to reflect the Moët and Chandon partnership, that is used for tasting and social events; and The Humidor cigar club – run by Davidoff, the cigar and tobacco supplier, that has just signed a partnership alliance with Silversea

A computer centre has also been added where passengers can send or receive e-mail – the cost is $1.50 per e-mail – and there is also Internet access in the suites.

In addition, the spa and fitness area is 62% larger. The Mandara Spa offers massages, body and beauty treatments which unfortunately are not included in the price of the cruise.

As a sample, massages and facials cost from $95 for 50 minutes.

Top flight: the Verandah Suites are among the cheapest on board the Silver Whisper yet still offer the height of luxury for guests

Silver Shadow itinerary 2001

January/February South America with prices from £3,395 for seven-night cruise from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro.

March/April Africa and the Indian Ocean with prices from £2,945 for six-night cruise from Safaga to Athens.

April-September Mediterranean with prices from £2,895 for six-night cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Nice.

October Africa and the Indian Ocean with prices from £6,195 for 14-night cruise from Dubai to Singapore.

November/December The Far East and South Pacific with prices from £6,065 for 12-night cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong.