Silver-Cloud-1.jpg

Size, Age & Life Onboard

by Cruise NewsLuxurySilversea

Silversea cruises are often described as the ultimate luxury at sea. All-inclusive drinks. Butler service in every suite. Some of the most exclusive itineraries in cruising.

But here’s what many people don’t realise…

Not all Silversea ships feel the same.

Some are sleek, modern luxury ships. Others are smaller expedition vessels built for exploring places most cruise ships can’t reach. And the onboard experience can feel surprisingly different depending on which one you choose.

So which Silversea ships are the newest, the biggest… and the ones that offer something completely different?

Silver Cloud

Size of the Silversea Fleet

Silversea currently has 12 cruise ships in its fleet. Of the current fleet, four are Expedition ships and eight are ultra-luxury cruise ships.

There are two main types of Silversea ships – the standard ships that offer a classic ultra-luxury experience, and Expedition class ships.

Cruise Ship - Silver Moon
Cruise Ship – Silver Moon
Expedition Ship - Silver Origin
Expedition Ship – Silver Origin

Silversea Expedition vs Ultra-Luxury Ships

Expedition class vessels are smaller than regular cruise ships as they are specifically designed to be able to access ports of call that larger ships can’t.

They still provide a luxury cruise experience, but being smaller they don’t have the same range of facilities – you’ll have fewer choices for dining venues, and there won’t be as many public areas to relax. They’re an adventure ship, rather than one designed around sumptuous pool decks and classy bars.

With Silversea expeditions, the focus is very much on the destinations, with the chance to visit some of the world’s most beautiful and untouched locations including the north and south polar regions, the Galapagos Islands and more.

Silversea’s larger cruise ships won’t even offer tenders to these locations due to logistical issues, but the smaller expedition ships are able to anchor much closer. They’re also better equipped to deal with icy polar weather conditions.

Many Silversea expedition cruise ships have Zodiac boats, which are much smaller than a typical tender and allow guests to get onto land at destinations like the Antarctic where a regular tender can’t get close.

Silver Cloud zodiac

If you’ve ever wanted to see penguins in their natural habitats, rather than zoos, then a Silversea Expedition ship can get you there.

They’re ideal if you like the idea of cruising with a much smaller number of passengers too – the largest Silversea expedition ship accommodates just 274 passengers, while the smallest has just 100. You could almost learn every passenger’s name by the end of your voyage!

Read more: Advantages and Disadvantages of Silversea Cruises

Silversea Ships by Size

Silversea cruise ships are all relatively small compared to many other cruise lines, with a maximum guest capacity of 728 on the largest ships (and many accommodating fewer).

A cruise with Silversea is not one where you’re going to be overwhelmed with crowds. It’s a more intimate and relaxed experience, where the crew are able to give a more personalised service.

It wouldn’t be possible for a ship with 6,000 passengers to be able to give each guest the same luxury that Silversea offers.

The table below compares all of the Silversea ships by size from largest to smallest…

ShipTypeVolume (gross tons)Length (feet)Number of decksPassenger capacityCrew capacity
Silver RayUltra-luxury54,70080111728556
Silver NovaUltra-luxury54,70080111728556
Silver MuseUltra-luxury40,70069811596411
Silver MoonUltra-luxury40,70069811596411
Silver DawnUltra-luxury40,70069811596411
Silver SpiritUltra-luxury39,51969111608411
Silver ShadowUltra-luxury28,25861010392302
Silver WhisperUltra-luxury28,25861010392302
Silver EndeavorExpedition20,44953810200209
Silver CloudExpedition17,4005149254212
Silver WindExpedition17,4005149274239
Silver OriginExpedition5,800331810090

Planning a Silversea Cruise?

Get expert help choosing the right Silversea ship, suite, and itinerary for your trip.

Silversea Ships by Age

The current newest ship in the Silversea fleet is the Silver Ray, the second of the Evolution-class of ships. The first of this class was the Silver Nova.

Silver Nova

Silversea maintains the highest standards in its ships, and so they go through regular refurbishments to ensure that they offer the luxury that the cruise line demands.

Here’s a look at each ship in the fleet, when it was launched, and when it was last refurbished:

ShipTypeYear builtYear joined the fleetLast refurbished
Silver CloudExpedition199419942017
Silver WindExpedition199519952021
Silver ShadowUltra-luxury200020002019
Silver WhisperUltra-luxury200120012018
Silver SpiritUltra-luxury200920092026
Silver MuseUltra-luxury201720172025
Silver MoonUltra-luxury20202020N/A
Silver OriginExpedition20202020N/A
Silver DawnUltra-luxury20212021N/A
Silver EndeavorExpedition202120222022
Silver NovaUltra-luxury20232023N/A
Silver RayUltra-luxury20242024N/A

Life Onboard a Silversea Ship

Silversea is considered to be an ultra-luxury cruise line. With smaller ships, a crew-to-guest ratio that’s often close to 1:1, and butler service for all guests, everyone enjoys a personalised VIP experience, with fine dining restaurants, beautiful suites and public areas to enjoy.

All the finer details are taken care of, so you can expect the staff to greet you by name, remember your favourite drink, and even offer you a cool towel while you sunbathe by the pool!

Sunbathing by the pool on a Silversea cruise ship

What Makes Silversea Different

What sets Silversea apart – as well as the all-inclusive luxury – is the choice of itineraries available. Across their entire fleet, they sail to over 900 ports of call on all 7 continents, meaning guests can explore more of the world from the comfort of a luxury vessel.

They Aren’t Stuffy Though!

Silversea’s ships are luxurious, but it’s more understated and chic. Guests are treated as if they are VIPs and everything is about giving the guest the best cruise. There aren’t a lot of formal expectations placed on guests to behave in a certain manner.

Silversea lunch by the pool

You Do Still Get Formal Nights

There is at least one formal night on every Silversea cruise. They’re optional, with some restaurants on board allowing guests to still dress casually. If you do wish to attend a formal night, men should wear a dark suit or tuxedo and women are asked to wear an evening gown.

Formal night on a Silversea cruise

Surprisingly, Families are Welcomed

Despite their ultra-luxury atmosphere, Silversea ships are not for adults only. Children as young as six months are permitted to travel. Guests under the age of 18 must be travelling with an adult, either in the same or an adjoining suite.

That said, you’ll rarely find any children on board Silversea cruises. As there are no facilities for children, families often choose more family-friendly cruise lines with activities for children.

Drinks Are Included In Your Fare

All drinks are included on a Silversea cruise, even Champagne. Whether at a bar, a restaurant or in your own suite, all drinks on board are complimentary, and your butler will make sure that your own mini-bar is constantly stocked with your favourites, though you can also make special requests.

All Inclusive drinks on Silversea cruise

Some Fares Include Airfare Too!

Guests can choose a Door-to-Door cruise fare if they want airfare included in their cruise, along with chauffeur transfers from their home to the airport. A Port-to-Port fare lets guests book just the cruise element if they want, and there’s also a newer Essential fare on some sailings that removes the shore excursions from the package.

What’s Not Included

Some of the things not included in a Silversea cruise fare include selected shore excursions and on-board dining experiences, any on-shore dining, fuel surcharges, laundry and valet services, casino gaming and purchases from the on-board shops.

Personal care services, including spa treatments and medication, are also not included.

Which Silversea Ship is Best

There’s no single answer on which is the best Silversea ship, because they all offer different types of experience.

If you’re more concerned with the quality of the onboard experience, then you will likely find one of the classic ultra-luxury ships to be more to your tastes. They offer a wider range of dining venues and more deck space where you can unwind.

But even within these ships, you have the choice of one of the ‘larger’ ships in the fleet that can accommodate up to 728 passengers or a smaller one that has a capacity of around 400 guests. Those smaller ships still have plenty of spaces to unwind in luxury, and they have a better crew-to-guest ratio that’s close to 1:1 for even more attentive service.

Or, you could choose an Expedition ship. These are smaller again, and while they don’t have the same range of restaurants or public areas where you can unwind, they still offer Silversea’s ultra-luxury experience.

Plus, you get the chance to explore a much broader range of destinations, including some incredibly exciting ports in parts of the world that most other cruise ships simply can’t reach due to their size.

That’s why it’s impossible to say which is the best. It all comes down to whether you want a ship with more places to relax, or a smaller ship where the destination matters more.

Whichever of the Silversea Cruises ships you choose though, you will be made to feel very comfortable and very special, thanks to their outstanding service across the entire fleet.

Book Your Silversea Cruise

I recommend Panache Cruises as the ideal expert to help you book your perfect Silversea Cruise.

  • Panache Cruises are specialists in luxury ocean cruises
  • Their expert Cruise Connoisseurs will tailor your trip to your exact requirements
  • I love their motto – “Nothing is too much trouble”

To Conclude

Silversea’s fleet isn’t the largest (both in terms of ship size and the number of ships), but they have a very specific target market in mind. These aren’t cheap cruises – these are the pinnacle of ultra-luxury holidays, offering you the equivalent of the finest hotels whilst also taking you to some of the most exotic and fascinating places in the world.

Expedition cruises are more suited to the adventurous types, but each ship is something special, and definitely worth checking out if you want the cruise holiday of a lifetime.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!


Jenni with Disney Cruise ship at Castaway Cay




Source link
Silver-Shadow-1.jpg

The Pros & Cons Of Ultra-Luxury Cruising With Silversea

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsSilversea

Let’s be honest right from the start – if you’re looking at cruises from Silversea, you either don’t know much about the brand, or you have the money to treat yourself to a really special kind of vacation – that, or you like to dream.

Silversea Cruises is not a cruise line for the mainstream. It is very much a luxury cruise brand, reflected in its incredible food, beautiful ships, stellar service, and price.

Silver Shadow at sea

But even beyond the price, there are some downsides to such a fantastic cruise line… First, though, the reasons that justify the cost.

Silversea Cruises Advantages

Here’s a list of the main ‘pros’ of Silversea, and why you should consider them for your next cruise.

1. All-Inclusive Cruising (Almost)

With Silversea, almost everything is included in your fare – more so than almost every other cruise line sailing (the only major cruise line that is similar would be Regent Seven Seas, another ultra-luxury option).

However, there are different fare options. Door-to-Door includes your flights and chauffeur transfers (more on that below), while Port-to-Port is just for the cruise element. And then the newest fare option is Essential, which removes the shore excursions for added flexibility, but only on some cruises.

When you book a cruise with Silversea, you really don’t have to pay anything extra:

  • Flights – Your flights are all included in your fare, with Business-class upgrades where possible, if you choose a Door-to-Door fare
  • Hotel – If your flights get you into your embarkation port a day early, or if you can’t fly out on disembarkation day, your pre- or post-cruise hotel stays are included
  • Gratuities – All of your tips and gratuities are covered in your fare
  • Excursions – You get at least one free shore excursion in every port you visit, unless you’ve chosen the Essential cruise fare
  • Food – Your dining in the main dining room is included
  • Drinks – All drinks are free onboard, including alcoholic beverages. You’ll even enjoy free Champagne!
  • WiFi – Internet access is included

There are a few things you may want to pay for, but they’re always completely optional.

Woman in suite veranda on Silversea cruise ship

2. Private Transfers Included

Your luxury cruise with Silversea doesn’t begin when you get to the ship. It starts much earlier – from the second you step out of your home.

That’s because another included feature on the Door-to-Door fares is executive private transfers. You don’t need to arrange your own taxi to take you to the airport, it’ll all be done for you – in a stylish luxury car too.

It’s one less thing to worry about, and it means you can start to enjoy that VIP treatment the second that your holiday starts.

3. Stunning Service

Silversea ships are all-suite, and as part of that, it means every single room has a butler offering white-glove service. They are available round-the-clock for anything you need, whether that’s unpacking your suitcases for you, shining your shoes, or just making sure your minibar is stocked with all your favourites.

Silversea butler

It’s not just the butlers that are a beacon of excellent service, though – every crew member that you meet is trained to the very highest standards. Everywhere you go on the ship, you’ll be greeted warmly by the most dedicated and helpful staff you could hope to meet. Nothing is ever too much trouble.

4. Gourmet-Quality Dining

Every restaurant on Silversea offers truly stunning gourmet-quality dining. The Restaurant is the main dining room, with a vibrant and ever-changing menu that will often reflect the local dishes of the destinations you visit.

But the ships have other restaurants on board too, including specialist Italian fare, Japanese and Indochine cuisines, fine French options and succulent steak and seafood fare.

No matter how adventurous (or not) your palate, you will delight in sumptuous food throughout your entire cruise.

Guests having dinner at The Restaurant on Silver Cloud
Dining on Silver Cloud

5. Absolute Enrichment Onboard and Ashore

It’s worth reiterating that you get one included shore excursion in every port that you visit, meaning you get the chance to sample the local culture and major attractions without having to pay a penny extra.

But these are not excursions that are just thrown together. Each one is tailored to truly highlight the best features of every port, where possible.

It doesn’t mean you’ll see everything, because there’s often so much to do that it wouldn’t be possible. But you will get a fantastic insight into each destination.

This insight is only strengthened by the expert lecturers on the ship, offering extensive talks on every destination you’re sailing to. These free lectures are the perfect way to brush up on your next port of call before you visit, and broaden your horizons.

Silversea guests hiking in Antarctica
Silversea guests hiking in Antarctica

6. Smaller Ships

Silversea’s fleet of cruise ships does not include the gigantic behemoths of the more mainstream cruise lines.

Indeed, the largest ships in the fleet are Silver Nova and Silver Ray, both of which have a gross tonnage of 50,051 – that’s around a fifth of the size of the biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas.

And that’s absolutely by design. Smaller ships mean more intimate service from the crew and a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. It also means that the ships are capable of exploring ports that larger ships simply can’t get to.

And that’s before you consider the specialist Expedition ships, which are smaller again and are built for the most hard-to-reach places in the world, such as the Antarctic.

Read more: Silversea Cruise Ships Compared

Silver Muse at sea
Silver Muse

7. Choice of Destinations

It’s not just about being able to reach destinations off the beaten track – Silversea also excels in sailing to destinations all over the globe.

While some other cruise lines will primarily stick to sailings in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, Silversea offers a huge amount of choice across Europe, all of North America and South America, Australia and New Zealand, Asia and both polar regions.

There are also some truly stunning Grand Voyages and World Cruises, if you’re lucky enough to have time to see more of the world in one holiday.

Silver Explorer cruising the Misty Fjords, Alaska, USA
Silver Explorer cruising the Misty Fjords, Alaska, USA

Silversea Cruises Disadvantages

Now let’s look at some of the ‘cons’ of Silversea that may put you off.

1. High Cruise Fares

You knew this was coming.

Understandably, when you’re sailing with an ultra-luxury cruise line that is almost all-inclusive, the cruise fares for Silversea are pretty high in comparison to other cruise lines.

Whereas a 9-night cruise around Europe with Royal Caribbean will likely start at around £1,300 ($1,500) per person, expect Silversea Cruises prices per person to start at around £6,000 ($6,900).

Of course, that Royal Caribbean fare won’t include the same features as the Silversea one, and that is for the lowest price stateroom in each – which with Silversea will be a suite. A Royal Caribbean suite would of course be much more expensive than £1,300 per person.

It comes down to your own personal budget, but for many people, the high Silversea prices are not unjustifiable – they are actually great ‘value’ for the quality of service you get, and for everything that is included.

2. Some Restaurants Aren’t Included

Unfortunately, not everything is included in your Silversea cruise, despite the marketing which describes them as being ‘all-inclusive’.

One of the main things you’ll need to pay extra for is dining in some of the speciality restaurants, which can cost around $60 per person.

That’s not extremely expensive for a gourmet-quality meal, but you might just prefer to stick to the main dining room, since it’s included in your fare and the food is still exceptional. It’s your choice again, but if you do want more variety and more specialist cuisines then be prepared to pay extra.

La Dame on Silver Nova
La Dame on Silver Nova

3. Not Well Suited to Families

Is this really a disadvantage? It depends on your own travelling party. But Silversea cruises are not really suited to families. They are not ‘adults-only’ but they don’t have any features on the ships really tailored to younger guests.

This might be something you see as an actual benefit, if you want a quieter cruise. There’s a very low chance that there will be any children or teenagers on board your cruise. But if you do have a family, be prepared for the fact that your kids may not enjoy the time spent at sea.

If you want a cruise that’s more upmarket but is accommodating to children too, consider premium cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises instead. Or a family-friendly cruise line such as MSC, with a premium area like the Yacht Club.

Suggested read: The Best Cruise Lines For Families

Is Silversea Worth It?

Whether Silversea is worth it depends on the type of cruise you want to experience, your budget, and how much you appreciate exemplary service.

It’s a stunning cruise line, making every guest feel like they really are a VIP, so if you like the idea of butler service, fine dining and expert guides to your destinations, it’s safe to say that Silversea is absolutely worth your money.

But if you need a little more convincing, there are plenty of Silversea reviews out there from past guests, which can tell you a lot about the typical experience onboard.

The best way to book a Silversea cruise

Want expert help to plan your perfect cruise?

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me


Source link

over-40-single-man-on-cruise-ship.jpg

Looking For The Best Singles Cruises Over 40? These Are The Cruise Lines You Need!

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsHolland America LineNorwegian Cruise LineRoyal CaribbeanSilverseaSolo

There could be many reasons for seeking out the best cruises for singles over 40. Searching for solace and relaxation after a divorce? Or just want to time away by yourself? Looking to meet new friends with shared interests? Plotting a romantic fling or true love on the seven seas?

No matter the reason, cruises are a great option for solo travellers over the age of 40.

single man over 40 on cruise

The thought of cruising solo might seem daunting at first, but the ships offer thought-out plans, daily programmes and evening entertainment to keep you occupied. Not to mention visiting multiple destinations in one trip without having to keep packing up your suitcase!

The average age of a cruiser is 45, so you’re sure to be amongst passengers your own age. One of the main benefits of a cruise is that they take the hassle away of researching places to stay, eat and drink while travelling as it’s all there for you on your ship.

Read on to find out the best cruise lines to choose if you’re over 40 and planning a singles cruise.

There are plenty of cruises perfect for singles over 40!

While any cruise is well suited for this demographic, there are some organised group cruises for singles. These are ideal for finding friendship and romance at sea.

If you want to know more about organised singles cruises, take a look at my guide: Single Cruises – How They Work & Best Options.

However, you don’t need a dedicated singles-only cruise – sometimes it’s better to choose a regular cruise. You’ll still get a lot of arranged events where you can meet other singles in your age group. Singles-only cruises are good, but not the only option.

Some people may be considering a singles cruise as an easy way to hook up with fellow guests. With social spaces such as bars and restaurants, as well as nightclubs, there are lots of places on a cruise ship you can meet a love interest. Take a look at the best cruises for singles to hook up to read more.

In general, whether you’re seeking platonic or romantic relationships or just a passing travel partner, all cruises will welcome you aboard as a solo traveller over 40.

single people on a cruise

The best cruise lines for singles over 40

Here are the best cruise lines to choose as a 40+ single traveller:

1. Royal Caribbean

Energetic and fun, Royal Caribbean cruises bring you plenty to keep you occupied and then some. Surfing and sky-diving simulators, dodgems, rock-climbing walls, zip lines, laser tag, escape rooms, circus schools and more are the ideal antidote to the hustle and bustle of a busy life 40-somethings can often get caught up in. It also means there’s a good chance to be a big kid again!

Life onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise as a 40-year-old needn’t be all fun and frolics. If you prefer relaxation, there’s also an adult-only Solarium on every ship in the fleet, as well as and a range of bars, lounges and a casino for grown-ups to hang out and socialise.

Single cabins feature on selected Royal Caribbean ships, with a mixture of inside, balcony and virtual balcony staterooms, which include no single supplements. It’s a good idea to book these as soon as you know you’re planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean as they can get booked up very quickly!

Adults-only solarium on Anthem of the Seas

2. AmaWaterways

Another option for active solo cruisers is a river cruise with AmaWaterways. Instead of cruising the ocean, this cruise line features ports along European waterways such as the Rhine, Seine and the Danube.

With a smaller guest capacity, there isn’t as much to do on the ship, and you will find yourself bumping into the same people – but that makes for great mingling opportunities!

Not only can you cruise right into the heart of the destinations you visit with AmaWaterways – think Budapest, Cologne, and Paris – but you can enjoy cycling along the riverbanks and enjoying food and drink-themed tours that will ensure you fully experience the regions you visit.

With a great price point and service, the cruise line is a top choice for those over 40 travelling alone and seeking an active and busy holiday experience.

Suggested read: AmaWaterways Vs Viking River Cruises

My double room for single occupancy on AmaVerde

3. Silversea

When it comes to luxury cruises for solo travellers aged 40 and over, Silversea is one of the best options.

Bringing fellow passengers onboard with similar views and interests, guests can enjoy smaller ships where activities are adult-oriented and offer educational benefits. Just one of the ways Silversea creates this is with their resident photographers who offer tutorials on wildlife and nature photography, as well as how to edit digital images in the onboard lab.

Each cruise offers a program centred around a certain field of interest, so you already have a great talking point with other passengers to break the ice.

Be aware that aren’t any solo cabins on Silversea cruise ships. Instead, solo travellers will pay between 25 and 75% supplement charge, so it’s wise to keep an eye out for promotions or deals where this might be waived!

A large table of solo travellers on a Silversea cruise

4. Norwegian Cruise Line

One of the best solo cruise lines overall is Norwegian Cruise Line. It was the first major cruise company to create studio cabins specifically for single cruisers as well as the exclusive Studio Lounge only for solo travellers.

These solo cabins offer a chic décor set in 100-feet of space and can be found on board Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway and Pride of America.

As well as the Studio Lounge where solo travellers can enjoy their own space to drink, have a snack and meet other travelling singles, there are many other spaces where guests can mingle including the varying bars, lounges and adult-only areas for events and live music that runs right into the early hours of the morning.

From 2024, there are more NCL solo cabins than ever before. The cruise line has said that, because they’re so popular, they want to expand the number of cabins available to single travellers.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Studio Lounge

5. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Another luxury cruise line to consider is Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Though the demographic for customers is closer to 60 years, sorter and 7-night sailings still bring a younger audience in their 40s and 50s, so choose your itinerary carefully.

Despite this, the cruise line is proud of the emphasis it places on creating an environment and community for solo travellers to feel welcome. Dedicated hosts, butlers and concierge will ensure you have all you need both in your suite and around the ship. They will also plan activities for singles including gathering at dinner or over cocktails and excursions, so you needn’t worry about going ashore along.

The cruise line consistently offers discounts for solo travellers too, with up to 75% saving on single supplements in some cases. Regent Seven Seas Cruises are the most inclusive cruise line at sea including Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and gratuities in your package. So although the cruises can seem very expensive, they offer great value for what you get.

Regent Seven Seas Navigator

6. Holland America Line

With over forty activities available purely for solo travellers to meet one another during a cruise, Holland America Line is rightly prepared for the mingling and ice-breaking a singles cruiser might be craving.

This cruise line is one of the top choices for those travelling alone and the cocktails, games, team trivia, and line dancing planned into the sailing speak for themselves.

Guests who love live music will enjoy the range of musical events and shows on offer during their Holland America cruise. Dance the night away at the B.B. King’s Blues Clue or rock out in the Rolling Stone Rock Room, created in collaboration with Rolling Stone magazine.

For a more chilled vibe, you can test your kitchen skills in America’s Test Kitchen with demonstrations or enjoy some yoga and book club with the Oprah Magazine-branding activities. There’s certainly a wide range of activities to keep you active and likely to meet new friends onboard.

Only selected ships in the Holland America Line fleet offer solo cabins, including the biggest and newest ships in the fleet: Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam. So, it’s best to book as soon as you can to ensure you don’t miss out on securing your very own room, supplement free!

Single room on Holland America Line

To conclude

It’s always wise to book your stateroom early, no matter which cruise line you choose. Solo staterooms, or studios as they’re often called, are in high demand and are usually the first options to sell out. Keeping an eye on which cruise lines are offering reduced or 0% single supplements is key to making sure you can save some money on your overall cost too.

There are so many cruise lines to choose from when it comes to cruising as a solo traveller, and more cruise lines are working to cater to these groups more widely. 

The best recommendation is to go for a cruise line that is appealing to what you would like out of your cruise.

Luxury and educational activities? Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are perfect!

Looking for an energetic and active cruise, both on the ship and ashore? Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and AmaWaterways are for you!

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me


Source link

Luxury cruise ship sailing on open blue sea, the kind of small all-suite ship compared in Silversea vs Seabourn

Silversea vs Seabourn: Which Luxury Cruise Line Is Best?

by Cruise NewsSeabournSilversea

Silversea vs Seabourn comes down to style more than quality. Silversea has the bigger, more varied fleet, butler service in every suite, a slightly more polished European feel and fares that can include a shore excursion in every port, plus flights and transfers. Seabourn feels more like a relaxed private yacht club, and its fares cover premium drinks, every restaurant and Wi-Fi, with most excursions charged extra.

Both are genuine ultra-luxury, all-suite lines, so you can’t really make a bad choice. The better fit depends on where you want to go, how you like to spend your evenings and which inclusions you’ll actually use. Below we compare the two lines’ ships, fares, dining, suites, destinations and prices as they stand in late 2026.

Silversea vs Seabourn at a glance

Feature Silversea Seabourn
Fleet (late 2026) 12 ships: 8 ocean, 4 expedition 5 ships: 3 ocean, 2 expedition
Guests per ship About 100 to 728 About 264 to 600
Newest ships Silver Nova (2023), Silver Ray (2024) Seabourn Venture (2022), Seabourn Pursuit (2023)
Suite service Butler in every suite Suite stewards, attentive but no butler as standard
Drinks, Wi-Fi, tips Included Included, with premium spirits and fine wines
Shore excursions One per port on Port-to-Port and Door-to-Door fares (ocean voyages) Mostly extra on ocean voyages; included on expedition sailings
Flights and transfers Included on Door-to-Door fares Not usually included
Speciality dining Some venues carry a fee All venues included
Atmosphere Elegant, slightly more formal Relaxed, resort-casual, sociable
Best for Variety of itineraries, polar expeditions, butler service, all-in packages Free-flowing drinks, easygoing evenings, signature deck events

Fleets and ships in 2026

Silversea’s fleet

Silversea, founded in 1994 and now part of Royal Caribbean Group, runs one of the largest fleets in luxury cruising. Its eight ocean ships range from the classic Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper (around 390 guests each) through Silver Spirit, Silver Muse, Silver Moon and Silver Dawn (roughly 600 guests) to the Nova-class Silver Nova and Silver Ray, which carry 728 guests. The Nova-class ships have an asymmetric, open design with lots of glass and are the line’s most modern and energy-efficient vessels.

The expedition side is just as important. Silver Endeavour is a polar-class ship for Antarctica and the Arctic, Silver Origin was built specifically for the Galápagos with only 100 guests, and the older Silver Cloud and Silver Wind have been converted into ice-strengthened expedition ships.

Seabourn’s fleet

Seabourn has deliberately become smaller. It sold Seabourn Odyssey in 2024, and Seabourn Sojourn finished her final world cruise for the line in spring 2026 before joining Mitsui Ocean Cruises in Japan. That leaves three ocean ships, Seabourn Quest (about 450 guests) and the newer sisters Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation (about 600 guests each), plus two purpose-built expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit (264 guests each). Seabourn sailed its first ship in 1988, so the brand is approaching its 40th anniversary.

In practice, Silversea gives you more ships, more ship sizes and more itineraries to choose from. Seabourn gives you a tighter, more consistent product: its ocean ships feel very similar from one to the next.

Spacious cruise ship suite with a private balcony overlooking calm blue ocean
Both lines are all-suite, and most suites on either fleet come with a private veranda. Photo: Jean-Paul Wettstein on Pexels

What’s included: Silversea vs Seabourn fares

This is where the two lines differ most, and it’s the area most comparisons skip.

Silversea fare types

Every Silversea fare includes butler service, 24-hour in-suite dining, drinks (a good selection of wines and spirits), Wi-Fi, gratuities and port fees. On top of that, you choose a fare type:

  • Door-to-Door: adds flights, private transfers between home and airport where available, and one shore excursion per port on ocean voyages.
  • Port-to-Port: includes the one-excursion-per-port benefit, but you sort out your own flights and transfers.
  • Essential: a cheaper voyage-only fare with stricter terms and no included excursions on ocean voyages (expedition voyages still include landings and charter flights).

Silversea is also reorganising its 17 suite types into four categories, Oceanview, Veranda, Residence and Villa, for sailings from 1 January 2027. Residence and Villa guests get extras such as earlier dining and spa bookings, and Villa guests get private transfers (when flights are booked through Silversea), chef and sommelier consultations and other perks. Basic inclusions stay the same for everyone.

Seabourn inclusions

Seabourn keeps things simpler. Fares include all dining venues, premium spirits, fine wines and Champagne, Starlink Wi-Fi, gratuities and caviar on request, plus a stocked in-suite bar. Most traditional shore excursions on ocean voyages cost extra, although some itineraries include special experiences. On Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, expedition landings, Zodiac tours and a parka are included. Note that Seabourn ended its expedition submarine programme in early 2026, so don’t count on that if you’re reading older reviews.

In short, Seabourn tends to give you more in the glass and on the menu, while Silversea tends to give you more ashore and, on Door-to-Door fares, in the journey to and from the ship.

Dining compared

Both lines serve excellent food, but Silversea offers more variety and Seabourn more freedom from extra charges.

On Silversea, the main restaurant Atlantide and Italian-themed La Terrazza are joined on newer ships by the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) programme, which ties menus, a cookery lab and some shore experiences to the region you’re sailing through. S.A.L.T. Kitchen is included, while venues such as French restaurant La Dame, Japanese Kaiseki and the S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table on the Nova-class ships carry a supplement.

Seabourn’s restaurants are all included. Alongside The Restaurant and the casual Colonnade, the speciality venue is now Solis, a Mediterranean restaurant that replaced The Grill by Thomas Keller in 2024. If you see Thomas Keller mentioned in older articles, that partnership has ended. Encore and Ovation also have a sushi venue, and the line is known for touches like Shopping with the Chef in local markets.

Suites and service

Neither line has inside cabins. Silversea’s big selling point is a butler for every suite, from the smallest Vista to the Owner’s suites, which suits travellers who like things done for them without asking. Seabourn uses suite stewards instead, and its staff are known for remembering names and drinks orders quickly. Seabourn’s entry suites are well designed, with generous bathrooms, and the newer ships have verandas on most suites.

If you plan to book a top suite, Silversea’s new Villa tier from 2027 adds noticeably more perks than Seabourn’s upper suites typically do.

Atmosphere, activities and entertainment

Silversea leans slightly more formal and traditional, with elegant evenings and a classic European style, although the Nova-class ships feel more contemporary and relaxed. Entertainment includes intimate shows, live music, enrichment lectures and the Silver Note jazz supper club on some ships.

Seabourn’s dress code is resort casual by day and elegant casual at night, with typically one optional formal evening. Its social life is built around signature events such as Caviar in the Surf on Caribbean and Mediterranean beaches, Evening Under the Stars on deck, a watersports marina on some warm-water itineraries and Seabourn Conversations talks. Neither line markets itself as adults-only, but both draw a mostly mature, well-travelled crowd. If a child-free ship matters to you, see our guide to the best adults-only cruise lines.

Small inflatable expedition boat carrying passengers past icebergs in polar waters
Both lines run expedition ships, but Silversea has more of them and more polar itineraries. Photo: Jan Tang on Pexels

Destinations and expedition cruising

With more than twice as many ships, Silversea covers more ground: the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, world cruises and a large expedition programme covering Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos and remote islands. If you want somewhere unusual, Silversea is more likely to go there.

Seabourn concentrates on the classics, such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe and Alaska, with longer voyages including a world cruise. Its overnight stays in key ports are a highlight. Its two expedition ships are polar-class, with an expedition team and 24 Zodiacs each, and sail to Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska, the Kimberley in Australia and more.

Silversea vs Seabourn price

Prices change constantly, so treat these as rough guides only. On ocean voyages, entry-level suites on both lines often work out at roughly $600 to $1,000 per person per night, sometimes less on promotions and much more on peak dates or in larger suites. Expedition voyages are pricier on both, often well over $1,000 per person per night. Silversea’s Essential fare can undercut Seabourn, while its Door-to-Door fare looks more expensive but includes flights.

How to compare quotes like-for-like

  1. Match the fare type: compare a Silversea Port-to-Port fare with Seabourn, not a Door-to-Door fare that includes flights.
  2. Add up excursions: on a 10-night Seabourn ocean voyage, a few paid tours per couple can add a significant sum, which Silversea’s included excursion may cover.
  3. Check the drinks you prefer: if you drink premium spirits or particular wines, Seabourn’s wider included list can save money.
  4. Price in any speciality dining surcharges on Silversea.
  5. Look at the suite tier, especially for 2027 sailings when Silversea’s new categories begin.

For current offers on both lines, see our roundup of cruise deals for 2027, or check fares directly at silversea.com and seabourn.com.

Silversea or Seabourn: which is best?

Choose Silversea if you want the widest choice of ships and destinations, a butler in your suite, included shore excursions, or a package with flights and transfers arranged for you. It is also the stronger pick for Antarctica, the Galápagos and other expedition trips, simply because it has more ships and departures.

Choose Seabourn if you value a relaxed, sociable atmosphere, enjoy premium drinks without thinking about a bill, like to choose your own excursions and want every restaurant included.

If you like the idea of a small, casual ship but want a lower price point, it’s also worth reading our Windstar cruise ships guide as a small-ship alternative.

Dining is a big part of the luxury premium, and our guide to the cruise lines with the best food compares Seabourn and its rivals across every budget.

For a closer look at Seabourn expedition cruising, read our Seabourn Venture ship guide, covering suites, submarines and itineraries.

If you would like to see how Silversea and Seabourn compare with Crystal, Explora and Regent, read our guide to the best luxury cruise lines ranked for 2026.

FAQs

Seabourn or Silversea: which should I book?

Book Seabourn if you want premium drinks, every restaurant and Wi-Fi included with a relaxed, social yacht-club feel. Book Silversea if you want a butler in every suite, more ships and destinations to choose from, or a fare that includes shore excursions, flights and transfers. For expedition trips to Antarctica or the Galápagos, Silversea has more departures.

Is Silversea or Seabourn more expensive?

They are priced similarly. Silversea’s Essential fare can be cheaper, while its Door-to-Door fare costs more because it includes flights and transfers. Compare like-for-like fares and include excursions and drinks in your sums.

What is included in Silversea cruises?

All fares include butler service, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, in-suite dining and most restaurants. Port-to-Port and Door-to-Door fares also include one shore excursion per port on ocean voyages, and Door-to-Door adds flights and transfers.

Is Seabourn a good cruise line?

Yes. Seabourn is an established ultra-luxury line with all-suite ships, premium drinks, all restaurants and gratuities included, and a relaxed, sociable style that many experienced cruisers prefer.

Which is better for Antarctica, Silversea or Seabourn?

Both run polar-class expedition ships. Silversea has more expedition ships and departures, including smaller ships, while Seabourn’s two expedition ships offer a consistent, newer product. Seabourn’s submarine excursions ended in early 2026.

Does Silversea have new ships coming for 2027?

Silversea’s newest ships are Silver Nova (2023) and Silver Ray (2024). The big change for 2027 is its new suite structure of Oceanview, Veranda, Residence and Villa categories, for sailings from 1 January 2027.

Silver-Shadow-1.jpg

Essential Luxury – New Pricing Structure Announced By Leading Elite Cruise Line

by Cruise NewsCruise TipsNewsSilversea

Silversea, one of the world’s most popular cruise lines for exquisite luxury sailings, has announced a new pricing structure to help give guests more flexibility.

Silver Shadow

Previously, the cruise line offered two different cruise fares – Door-to-Door, or Port-to-Port. But now, a third option named Essential is being introduced on select sailings.

The Door-to-Door cruise fare is one of the most inclusive in the world, covering all travel arrangements from guests’ own front door.

They will be picked up by a private chauffeur and driven to the airport, or the cruise port for sailings from the UK. All transfers oversea are included too, as is the return chauffeur trip home once the cruise ends.

It also includes almost everything onboard – your gratuities, all of your drinks, and WiFi internet access. There are some dining venues with an additional charge, and you’d need to pay for spa treatments, but in terms of the onboard experience, everything would be covered.

You’d also get at least one free shore excursion in every port, typically a range, with a handful of enhanced shore excursion options available to book at an additional charge.

The Port-to-Port fare includes everything you’d get with Door-to-Door, but without the chauffeur transfers or airfare, so that guests can instead choose a more flexible start or end for their cruise.

This fare has been enhanced with the new changes, and now will include the same promotional offers as the Door-to-Door fares would enjoy, along with a Fare Guarantee, so that guests can be sure they’re always getting the best price.

The Essential fare is new, and is only available on a limited range of cruises. It still has a lot of inclusions, such as the drinks, WiFi and tips, but it doesn’t include shore excursions on ocean-sailing cruises. On Expedition cruises, shore excursions (along with expedition gear and charter flights) will still be included in this fare.

Silversea believes this will give guests more freedom to choose a fare that fits them, and more flexibility in making their own travel plans pre- and post-cruise, and in ports of call, if they want to.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Silversea offers…

Related Posts

If you enjoyed this article please share!
Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Source link

silver-dawn-1.jpg

Silversea Is Owned By Royal Caribbean. Here’s What That Means For You

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsSilversea

Silversea is one of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines. The standards of service on a Silversea ship are arguably unrivalled, with every guest feeling like they’re a truly special VIP from the moment they step on board.

Silver Dawn

So it may surprise you when you find out who owns the cruise line – although when you look at it from a perspective of success, it’s actually no surprise at all. 

Silversea is part of one of the biggest and most successful ocean cruise companies in existence – let’s take a look at the line’s current ownership and history.

Silversea Was Acquired By The Royal Caribbean Group

Silversea Cruises is owned by the Royal Caribbean Group, and has been since July 2020. It was the most recent cruise line to be acquired by the group, which already owned various cruise lines including its flagship Royal Caribbean International brand.

While the brand ‘Silversea Cruises’ is owned by the Royal Caribbean Group company, you could argue that the cruise line is owned by various different investment groups, since it is publicly traded. 

Capital Research & Management is the largest shareholder in the Royal Caribbean Group, owning over 16% across multiple subsidiaries.

The Royal Caribbean group owns three cruise lines outright – as well as Silversea, it owns Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. The company retains a 50% share in TUI Cruises, having sold half of the cruise line. And it currently owns two defunct cruise brands – Pullmanter and CDF.

The group did previously own Azamara as well, but sold that cruise line to Sycamore Partners in 2021.

In terms of net worth, the group is one of the most valuable in travel. As of November 2023, the net worth of the Royal Caribbean Group was $21.85 billion – around $7 billion more than Carnival.

The CEO Of Silversea Cruises

Roberto Martinoli is the President and CEO of Silversea Cruises. He has been with the company since 2016 and oversaw the cruise line’s acquisition by the Royal Caribbean Group. Originally from Italy, he has also studied in the US before embarking on a career in cruise.

Roberto Martinoli
Roberto Martinoli

Prior to his role at Silversea, Martinoli held senior positions with Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines and Costa Crociere.

Silversea was founded in Monaco as a joint venture between the Vlasov Group of Monaco and the Lefebvre family in Italy. The cruise line still has its headquarters in Monaco.

The cruise line’s parent company, the Royal Caribbean group, does have its headquarters in the US but it is registered in Liberia.

Silversea cruise ship

Silversea Cruises History

Silversea Cruises was founded in 1994 by two groups – the Lefebvre Family of Rome and the Vlasov Group of Monaco. The two had worked together previously as the owners of Sitmar Cruises. They were based in Monaco but did add a US sales office.

They were the first cruise line to run with a marketing strategy around all-inclusive cruises, giving guests a fare that included drinks, tips, shore excursions and more.

Silversea cruise guests

Growth In The Fleet

Silversea was founded with one ship, the Silver Cloud, but this was quickly followed by the Silver Wind in 1995. It was then another five years before two more ships joined the fleet, the Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper.

Silver Cloud
Silver Cloud

The fleet has expanded slowly since. The next ship to join was Silver Spirit in 2009, before the company purchased Canodros S.A., a tourism company based in Ecuador. This led to the formation of Silversea Expeditions, and the launch of Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos. Silver Discoverer became the third Expeditions ship in 2014.

Since then, the Silver Muse, Silver Moon and Silver Dawn have launched. The newest Silversea ship, Silver Nova, set sail in July 2023.

Silver Nova
Silver Nova

Read more: List of Silversea Cruise Ships

Acquisition By Royal Caribbean

In 2018, Royal Caribbean made an offer to purchase two-thirds of Silversea for a cost of $1 billion. At the time, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, the son of co-founder Antonio, was the sole owner. The deal was agreed upon, and Silversea ordered three new ships.

Then in 2020, the Royal Caribbean Group bought the rest of the shares and took the cruise line into full ownership in the group.

In 2022, Silversea bought the Crystal Endeavor ship from the now-defunct cruise line Crystal Cruises. The ship cost $275 million and has been renamed Silver Endeavor.

What To Know Before Buying Shares

Silversea Cruises does not have its own stock, but you are able to buy shares in the parent company Royal Caribbean Group (listed as RCL on the New York Stock Exchange). This is one of the highest-price cruise line stocks you could buy.

Interestingly, there are currently no benefits to owning stock if you were to then sail on a Silversea cruise. Usually, when you’re a shareholder in a cruise company, you are entitled to an onboard credit allowance on every sailing you book.

And indeed, that same offer applies to Royal Caribbean Group shareholders when they sail with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises. If you own 100 shares in the group, you can enjoy up to $250 to spend on-board on every Royal or Celebrity cruise that you take.

But despite being a part of the same corporation, that benefit has not yet been extended to Silversea sailings. When questioned, the Chief Commercial Officer of the cruise line confirmed that they are looking into ways to partner with their sister cruise brands more and that one of those could be in the shareholder benefits offered.

Bear that in mind if you were hoping to buy shares in the Royal Caribbean Group in order to earn free onboard spend on your Silversea cruises – as it stands, you won’t be entitled to it. Though it is potentially a nice perk just to say you’re part of the Silversea ownership, one of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Shareholder Benefits Explained

How To Buy Shares

If you want to buy shares in Silversea Cruises, you’ll instead need to purchase Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) stock. You can’t buy shares in the individual cruise line, only the parent company. Use a stockbroker – either in person or online – to make your purchase.

It’s up to you whether you work with a stockbroker in person, or you just log onto a platform on your laptop or smartphone to buy the shares yourself. Stockbrokers charge higher fees but can offer financial advice, whereas you take the risk on entirely yourself if you just use an online platform.

I can’t advise you which is the best, but I personally chose to buy my RCL shares through an online investing platform called etoro. I chose this one because it is one of the most popular platforms with 20 million registered users and has great reviews and low fees.

I’ve been very happy with my share-buying experience and found it really easy to do.

(eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.)

Read more: Should you invest in Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd?

To Conclude

Silversea Cruises isn’t just one of the most luxurious cruise lines in the world, but it’s part of arguably one of the two biggest cruise companies in existence too. The Royal Caribbean Group may now only hold three brands, but they are some of the very best names in mainstream, premium and luxury cruising.

If you want, you can invest your own money to become a part-owner if you buy stocks. Just remember that trading stocks and shares is a risk, and you could lose all your money if things worked out really badly.

And while at the moment you wouldn’t get any benefits on a Silversea cruise as a shareholder, you would if you decided to try a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise instead.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Silversea offers…

Related Posts:

If you enjoyed this article please share!
Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Source link