Category — Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises.

Guests sailing on the nearly sold-out Silver Spirit voyage of 24 May 2012 are in for a special treat. Silversea is offering an optional two-day “70th Grand Prix de Monaco” land package.

Silver Spirit guests will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of a Formula One race at the Monaco Grand Prix during the ship’s overnight visit on 26 May. On Saturday, guests will enjoy witnessing the time trials (practice runs for the drivers and their cars) from Tribune K reserved seats. From this section of the grandstand, guests will see cars racing towards them at tremendous speed, slow down, and then accelerate, before making the next turn. In the evening, guests attend an invitation-only cocktail reception hosted by the ship’s captain and a former Grand Prix driver, followed by a themed dinner of Mediterranean and Monegasque cuisine served in La Terrazza. On Sunday, guests return to their same reserved seats for the exciting final race. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises.

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is pleased to announce that four additional voyages this year will feature the exclusive “Relais & Châteaux L’École des Chefs” interactive cooking school.

Rudi Scholdis, Silversea’s director of culinary development, said: “Our L’École des Chefs cooking school is proving extremely popular with guests and we’re pleased to roll it out to more voyages this year.”

The new L’École des Chefs voyages for 2011 are: [Read more →]

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises.

Over 160 voyages this year will feature nearly 200 distinguished guest lecturers, celebrated chefs and destination experts as part of Silversea’s most-expansive and varied enrichment programme ever offered in a single year.

Complementing this record undertaking is the roll-out of new branding for the programme — Silver Perspectives — designed to communicate the exceptional calibre of speakers selected to share their views and expertise with Silversea guests.

Steve Tucker, Silversea’s vice president of field sales for North America, said: “Our Silver Perspectives enrichment programme offers travellers interesting journeys hosted by noted historians, political analysts, bestselling authors and other esteemed experts. And many of these voyages will feature several guest lecturers teaming up to host a broad range of entertaining and enlightening presentations on a single itinerary.” [Read more →]

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises.

Silversea Cruises, known for its exotic worldwide itineraries, luxurious all-suite accommodation, gracious service and sumptuous gourmet cuisine, has taken the wraps off a new collection of 10 Culinary Arts theme cruises to be offered this year — featuring some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and rising stars. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises.

Silversea continues its commitment to the culinary enrichment of its guests with the creation of Flavours of the Mediterranean, a special programme showcasing the talents of its corporate chefs, slated for the 24 May, Rome-to-Nice sailing of Silver Whisper.

This unique voyage is designed to highlight the flavours of the Mediterranean by bringing together, for the first time, Silversea’s corporate culinary stars to tantalise guests with festive dinners and tastings, cooking demonstrations and wine pairings.  Guests can attend lectures discussing top trends from terroir to sustainable; join optional tours to renowned wineries and bistros; and visit a local market with a chef to learn how to pick the perfect ingredients for a delicious meal.

[Read more →]

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises.

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has tapped motion picture luminaries to host filmmaking discussion panels, screenings and enlightening presentations on the 20 February 2010, 16-day segment of Silver Spirit’s Grand Inaugural Voyage, sailing from Buenos Aires to Santiago.

Guests on this special voyage will enjoy an enrichment programme hosted by award-winning actress Karen Allen, best known for her role as Marion Ravonwood in Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull; award-winning production designer Kristi Zea, renowned for her work on such films as The Departed, Good Fellas and As Good as It Gets; and screenwriter Ron Nyswaner, whose screenplay for The Painted Veil won the National Board of Review’s Best Adapted Screenplay Award. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises.

Silversea Cruises’ newest ultra-luxury ship, Silver Spirit, welcomed guests aboard its maiden voyage, an 11-day “Holiday Spirit” cruise departing from Barcelona and concluding in Lisbon after visiting Malaga, Gibraltar, Cadiz, Casablanca and Tangier on December 23, 2009.

Amerigo Perasso, Silversea’s president and chief executive officer, said: “The delivery of Silver Spirit is an important milestone for our company and represents our commitment to the development of the Silversea brand. With her Art Deco touches lending a timeless elegance, this new flagship of our fleet represents an important evolution in the design of our vessels. As guests step aboard Silver Spirit today, they will find a ship that continues our legacy of innovation, offering all our signature luxury amenities, plus more space, more dining options, and more unique features. Although Silver Spirit is larger than her sister ships, she has the same intimate feel, relaxed ambiance, and sense of camaraderie so treasured by our international clientele. I’m sure guests sailing on this maiden voyage, many of whom are repeat guests of Silversea, will feel right at home.”

Perasso continued: “I wish to express my deep gratitude to the entire team of professionals that contributed to the development of Silver Spirit, including those on Silversea’s side, the teams at Fincantieri and V. Ships, and of course, the ship’s architect, Giacomo Mortola. Most of all, I am grateful to our shareholders for their continued support.”

At 36,000 tons, and accommodating just 540 guests, this intimate ship has the largest suites in the Silversea fleet – with 95% featuring a private veranda – and one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea today. The onboard decor lends a sophisticated 1930′s Art Deco ambiance to the public spaces, highlights of which include an indoor/outdoor spa measuring over 8,300 square feet (770 square metres), a resort-style pool, four whirlpools, and a choice of six dining venues including Seishin, showcasing Asian-fusion cuisine, and the innovative Stars Supper Club, offering trendsetting menus and all-night entertainment.

In the US, Silversea has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and ratedNumber-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI).  International awards include “Best Innovation in Products and Services” from the Italian Innovazione Marketing Oggi Awards (2009); “World’s Leading Small Ships Cruise Line” from World Travel Awards (2009); “Five Star Diamond Award” from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2009); “Number One” small-ship line in the Readers’ Choice” survey conducted by Britain’s Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Spain’s Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Australia’s Luxury Travel & Style Magazine (2009); and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” according to Asia’s Travel Weekly (2008).

Courtesy of Silversea

On December 23, 2009 the world’s newest ultra-luxury, all-suite ship, Silver Spirit, will take to the seas on her maiden “Holiday Spirit” voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon.

Construction of Silver Spirit is progressing according to schedule at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy. The 540-guest ship successfully completed a preliminary set of sea trials on Sunday and has repositioned to Trieste for a week in dry dock before undertaking a more rigorous set of sea trials starting on 5 September.

As the structural elements of Silver Spirit take shape, the plans and details for an expansive array of dining options are also emerging.

Rudi Scholdis, Silversea’s culinary director, said: “Recognising the fundamental importance of the culinary experience for the luxury traveler, we have added more dining alternatives aboard our newest ship. Our beautiful Silver Spirit will feature two new dining options for a total of six venues in addition to in-suite service, which includes dinner served course by course. It’s revolutionary for a ship this size to offer so many distinctive dining choices.”

A Menu Of Culinary Artistry
In the exclusive world of small-ship cruising, Silversea’s newest ship raises the bar in fine dining experiences, offering an unmatched variety of creative culinary options designed to suit the most discerning palates. Guests will enjoy the uncommon luxury of open seating – dining when, where, and with whom they wish. Woven through this experience will be the promise of subtle service and an unspoken anticipation of the guest’s needs. The meal itself will be artfully prepared from the finest quality fresh ingredients by master chefs with a taste for innovation. With the convenience of complimentary wines, spirits and sodas and the comfort of an extensive stock of additional rare vintages, the perfect complement to the meal is always at hand.

The Restaurant
Situated mid-ship on Deck 4, The Restaurant features sumptuous culinary fare in an atmosphere of elegance. It is elegant but not at all stuffy – the perfect stage for a dining experience guests want to savor. Open most of the day, The Restaurant serves open-seating breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features contemporary international cuisine, complemented by La Collection du Monde, signature dishes created by Relais & Châteaux in partnership with Silversea’s own master chefs.

La Terrazza
The far aft location of La Terrazza on Deck 7 allows for 180-degree views of the horizon. It is open for casual, buffet-style breakfast and lunch with indoor/outdoor seating available. For dinner, La Terrazza offers an authentic a la carte experience with only the finest elements of Italian cooking, melding together fresh and flavorful ingredients — in the finest Slow Food tradition. Reservations are required for dinner.

Le Champagne
Savor the delights of outstanding champagnes and wines paired to perfection with regional fares in the intimate atmosphere of Le Champagne, situated aft of The Restaurant on Deck 4. This innovative Wine Restaurant by Relais & Châteaux features some of the world’s rarest vintages, carefully chosen to highlight a most memorable and exclusive culinary experience. There is a fee to dine and reservations may be made on board.

Seishin
New Dining Venue: Taking its name from the Japanese word for “spirit,” this intimate restaurant specializing in Asian fusion cuisine is situated aft of The Restaurant on Deck 4. Seishin features a large, round chef’s table as its centerpiece. Guests at surrounding tables can watch the chef at work sculpting fresh sushi and sashimi. The varied menu ranges from exquisite bento (boxed meal) lunches and a la carte specialties of seafood salad, lobster and Kobe beef to a nine-course degustation dinner. There is a fee to dine and reservations may be made on board.

Stars Supper Club
New Dining Venue: The warm and inviting Art Deco-inspired decor of this dining venue elegantly recalls the supper clubs of the 1930s. Located just forward of La Terrazza on Deck 7, Stars Supper Club offers a modern twist with trendsetting menus showcasing regional and seasonal delicacies to be enjoyed in a succession of small courses. Guests can arrive early for cocktails and stay late as the mood is transformed by live music, dancing and nightclub-style entertainment. Reservations are required for dinner.

Pool Grill
On Deck 9 adjacent to the pool area is the Pool Grill. In addition to a medley of salads, sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs offered for lunch in a casual outdoor setting, the Pool Grill on Silver Spirit will introduce a wellness breakfast designed to complement morning poolside fitness classes. Here guests can start the day energized with a menu of light and delicious fares — from nutrition-packed fresh fruit smoothies and organic cereals to egg-white omelets and spinach and artichoke frittatas. Also set to debut at the Pool Grill is a unique cooking concept for dinner that lets guests cook healthy fare on their own heated volcanic rock plate.

24-Hour In-Suite Dining
Complimentary 24-hour room service is available on all Silversea voyages. Selections from The Restaurant menu are served course by course during regular dining hours, utilizing the same fine china, linens and accessories as enjoyed in The Restaurant.

Courtesy of Silversea.

Departing Fort Lauderdale on 21 January 2010, Silversea’s newest ultra-luxury ship, Silver Spirit, is set to explore over 20 countries and 45 ports on her 91-day Grand Inaugural Voyage, visiting South America, the Mexican Riviera and crossing the Panama Canal before reaching her ultimate destination, New York City.  To celebrate such a momentous journey, Silversea is lining up an array of celebrity guest speakers (to host onboard presentations), complimentary excursions and other exclusive onshore events designed to showcase local cultures as well as entertain guests.

Two popular personalities already tapped to highlight the enrichment roster are:

John Cleese - 20 February 2010 (Buenos Aires to Santiago)

Renowned for his TV roles in Monty Python’s Flying Circus and Fawlty Towers, the actor, writer and comedic legend will share insights and anecdotes from his long career and entertain guests aboard Voyage 5005. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

From fans of jazz and the Beatles to opera enthusiasts, virtually all music lovers will find Silversea is offering the perfect blend of culture and travel with its lineup of music theme sailings this year. During seven voyages exploring the British Isles and the Mediterranean, guests will have the chance to enjoy a vibrant onboard enrichment programme that brings to life a sampling of the world’s finest musical genres.

Silversea director of entertainment Cliff Perry said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer such a diverse array of music-focused enrichment programmes. These voyages are a great opportunity for guests to indulge both their love of music and passion for travel, and in the process discover the uniquely enriching lifestyle experience of Silversea.”

MEDITERRANEAN

The London Festival Opera brings together some of the most established artists from major British opera companies and exceptional new singers. Its gifted soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone and pianist have performed worldwide at leading venues such as Hampton Court Palace and the Gran Teatro La Fenice in Venice. Audiences have included the Queen of England and other members of the British royal family. Silversea guests will enjoy Italian and other opera favourites in performances and events that include a gala opera evening, a show entitled “A Night at the Opera,” and a gourmet Italian dinner presented with serenading opera singers in the ship’s main dining venue, The Restaurant, and La Terrazza, a specialty restaurant. The London Festival Opera will be on board:

– VOYAGE 2923: Silver Wind, July 28 – August 7, Monte Carlo to Rome, 10 days. Destinations include Portofino, Livorno, Barcelona, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca and Corsica.

Fans of Cole Porter and Noel Coward will be transported back to the early 20th century when singer/pianist Bobby Nesbitt and lecturer/social historian David Garrard Lowe team up to present original musical theatre programmes exploring the works of these music masters. Written and narrated by Lowe and featuring songs performed by Nesbitt, the special enrichment programmes will be featured as follows:

“Cole Porter — He’s the Top” Musical Theatre

– VOYAGE 4922: Silver Whisper, August 1- 8, Venice to Rome, 7 days. Destinations include Zadar, Kotor, Sicily and Lipari.

“An Evening with Noel Coward” Musical Theatre

– VOYAGE 4923: Silver Whisper, August 8 – 15, Rome to Monte Carlo, 7 days. Destinations include Sorrento, Livorno, Menton and Cassis.

A rising star on the American music scene, Loston Harris blends traditional jazz riffs, gospel and blues with his own unique stylings. He performed as a member of the Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra, led by multiple-Grammy winner Wynton Marsalis. Harris also appeared on public television in the U.S. on the PBS special “Portraits in Blue” with fellow pianist and bandleader Marcus Roberts. The exceptional talents of this gifted singer/pianist will be showcased aboard:

– VOYAGE 4925: Silver Whisper, August 22 – 29, Barcelona to Rome, 7 days. Destinations include Alicante, Malaga, Monte Carlo and Portofino.

Place a flower in your hair and journey back to the Southern California pop music scene and carefree spirit of the 1960s with an original member of the legendary singing group the Mamas and the Papas as your host. Singer, songwriter and actress Michelle Phillips will tell the story of the Mamas and the Papas musical saga with film and music clips and her intimate knowledge of the group when she presents a special enrichment programme aboard:

– VOYAGE 2934: Silver Wind, October 30 – November 9, Rome to Athens, 10 days. Destinations include Naples, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Crete, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Mykonos.

BRITISH ISLES

An exciting “Tribute to the Beatles” programme will be presented by Joe Johnson, host of the popular “Beatles Brunch” radio show, broadcast in over 100 markets across the U.S. and Canada. The Bootleg Beatles, one of the world’s most acclaimed Beatles tribute bands, is slated to perform a full-length Beatles show as part of the festivities. And Tony Bramwell, author of “Magical Mystery Tours: My Life with the Beatles,” will also join the programme to share tales from his days as the Beatles’ personal assistant. Other highlights will include a name-that-tune contest, a trivia game, a “Hard Day’s Night” dance party, and Beatle Brunch Feast, a gala breakfast/luncheon featuring the music of the Fab Four and prizes. Johnson will also interview guests for a special edition of his radio programme set to air later in the year. The Tribute to the Beatles will take place on:

– VOYAGE 1921: Silver Cloud, August 26 – September 5, London to London, 10 days. Destinations include Edinburgh, Invergordon, Oban, Dublin, Cork and Fowey.