Savor Exquisite Voyages in the Timeless Beauty of the Aegean Sea Aboard a Silversea Cruise, Offering an Elegant Take on Maritime Travel
Cruising the Aegean Aboard the Silver Spirit
Last month, I embarked on an unforgettable six-day adventure aboard the Silversea's Silver Spirit, sailing from Athens to Syros, Rhodes, Ephesus, Mykonos, and back to Athens. While the excursions to the islands and ancient sites were extraordinary, I couldn't help but yearn for more sea days, enjoying the ship's exceptional service.
Unlike the hype in the cruise industry about size and novelty, the Silver Spirit proves that small can indeed be breathtaking. Launched in 2009 and refreshed in 2018, the ship maintains an immaculate appearance. Each passenger receives a roomy suite, many with a balcony offering stunning ocean views.
With a maximum capacity of 608 guests and 411 crew members, the crew-to-passenger ratio is nothing short of remarkable. The limited number of passengers makes boarding and disembarking quick and effortless. Rest assured, the crew takes impeccable care of passengers from top to bottom, even painting touch-ups when you're off exploring.
The Silver Spirit is a compact yet spacious vessel, ideal for unwinding. The central blue pool, heating up as spring arrives, is surrounded by on-deck Jacuzzis. Attentive waiters serve drinks and snacks as you lounge in the sun or dine al fresco at the outdoor restaurant. Ascend to Spaccanapoli, and you'll discover some of the finest Sicilian and Neapolitan pizza available on a cruise ship.
Guest service is a top priority aboard the Silver Spirit, evident in the warm, friendly, and uplifting demeanor of the staff. Their genuine concern for your wellbeing creates an unparalleled vacation experience. As the great Maya Angelou once said, "People will never forget how you made them feel."
Every deck on the Silver Spirit is catered to by well-trained butlers. These friendly, engaging individuals undertake a comprehensive 108-point training program to ensure they handle every detail to perfection. From laundry to room service to glasses cleaning, guests can relax and enjoy their trip. You'll spot them in black tuxedos in the evening – Narsiso, the butler assigned to our corridor, being a prime example of stellar service.
Narsiso took great care of us during our voyage, mainly by being attentive to our slightest needs. From making sure our fruit bowl was always stocked to organizing our chaos before our excursions, his service was impeccable. He even brought a late-night snack to our room at 10:30PM and orchestrated a delicious room service breakfast with impeccable timing.
The commitment to exceptional service extended throughout the ship, from the pool to the blackjack tables in the casino. This commitment to customer satisfaction was so strong that I didn't mind dropping a Benjamin or two because I was genuinely having a good time.
Even during exclusive dining experiences, the managers accommodated unexpected schedule changes or reservation mishaps gracefully. One evening, we hopped off the ship for a special Silversea concert in Ephesus, returned late, and managed to enjoy a complete menu despite the dinner service being closed.
I inquired about the possibility of Michelin-star recognition in the ship's high-level restaurants, but the food and beverage executive expressed skepticism. Nevertheless, the food served aboard the Silver Spirit was delicious and innovative each day. Despite my curiosity about how they managed to source fresh berries daily, a mystery remains unsolved.
Burn off some calories in the ship's fully-equipped gym or go for a morning jog around the jogging path, reminiscent of Chariots of Fire. The Spa and state-of-the-art Fitness Center offer a wide range of workout options, classes, and relaxing treatments like massages and facials.
Post-dinner, the lounges become cozy and dim, with generous drinks and the soothing sound of a piano man playing your favorite tunes. One night, the pianist seemed to really enjoy belting out Elton John hits, and later, a talented guitarist took the stage. The ship's fabulous production show featured five singers and dancers performing an energetic Broadway medley that left the audience in high spirits.
We sampled most of the dining options aboard the Silver Spirit, from casual to formal. Restaurants offer open seating for breakfast and lunch, where the attentive wait staff caters to your every whim. La Terrazza offers an impressive buffet for both breakfast and lunch, with an assortment of options to accommodate diverse taste preferences.
Our first night aboard the Silver Spirit, we dined at The Grill and were impressed by the casual atmosphere and fresh sea bass. Had we had time, we certainly would have ordered the steak, cooked on intensely hot lava rocks, at nearby tables.
On subsequent evenings, we dined at more formal restaurants, each showcasing unique cuisine and beautiful décor. Seishin, our preferred sushi restaurant, featured a gifted chef whose knife skills were a sight to behold. While I chose à la carte dishes, my wife indulged in the Chef's Omakase, a mouthwatering six-course feast.
We also enjoyed dining at Atlantide, which showcased expertly prepared fish and meat dishes amid an enchanting atmosphere. During our dinner, we gained insights into the inner workings of the ship and learned about Silversea's secret recipe for outstanding client service. Atlantide is designed to be a delightful dining experience on multiple evenings, as no reservations are required, and the menu changes every three days.
The dress code on the Silver Spirit embodies 'relaxed luxury casual,' an elegant yet laid-back ambiance. Levels of formality vary, allowing you to dine comfortably without feeling underdressed or out of place.
La Dame, the Silver Spirit's intimate French restaurant, offers an undeniably romantic atmosphere and a five-course à la carte menu. Reservations can be challenging to secure, and there is a $60 per person surcharge, but the experience, food, and wine are well worth it. We savored classic caviar, blinis, and a Grand Marnier soufflé among other delights, paired with expertly selected wines that flowed freely throughout the dinner.
One of my favorite spaces aboard the Silver Spirit was the Observation Lounge, with its stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, clubby library-like decor, and a classic brass telescope at its center. After six, you could unwind with a fine cocktail while watching the sunset and the darkening skies.
When touring ashore, the Silver Spirit offers incredible special events like the classical concert we experienced in the ancient city of Ephesus. However, it's Silversea's attention to detail, from unobtrusive yet exceptional service to cozy lounge areas and sunny deck spaces, that truly sets it apart. The ship supports guests as they embark on their own journey with a focus on exceptional service, diverse dining options, and amenities that cater to every whim.
Experiencingluxury on the Silver Spirit was more than just a cruise; it's a lifestyle that blends exceptional home-and-garden hospitality with the sophistication of travel. Narsiso, our butler, exemplified the unparalleled service that epitomizes the Silversea experience, ensuring our vacation was nothing short of perfect. Whether relaxing by the pool, enjoying delectable food in their diverse restaurants, or unwinding in the Observation Lounge, every detail is meticulously taken care of, enhancing the overall ambiance of a charming home away from home.
