Public Areas & Facilities

The logical layout of the ship with suites located in the forward two-thirds of the ship and public rooms aft, makes orientation simple. The clean, modern decor that defines public areas and lounges might almost seem stark, but it places the main emphasis on large expanses of glass for sunshine and sea views as well as passenger comfort.

Silversea ships boast unbeatable libraries stocked with best-sellers, travel books, classics, and movies for in-suite viewing. Extremely wide passageways in public areas are lined with glass-front display cabinets full of interesting and unusual artifacts from the places the ships visit.

The Humidor by Davidoff is a clubby cigar smoking room with overstuffed leather seating and a ventilation system that even nonsmokers can appreciate.

Restaurants

The formal restaurant offers open-seating during scheduled hours and is more than large enough to seat all passengers at once. For a more casual setting, the Terrace Café has indoor and outdoor seating for buffet-style breakfast and lunch.

The ultracasual poolside grill offers an alternative luncheon option.

What Works & What Doesn't

Sailing on a Silversea ship is like spending time as a pampered guest at a home in the Hamptons. Everything is at your fingertips, and if it isn't, all you have to do is ask. Silversea is so all-inclusive that you'll find your room key-charge card is seldom used for anything but opening your suite door. Even charges for Internet access are sensibly computed and only accrue when downloading or uploading Web pages. In an odd contrast to the contents of display cases and lovely flower arrangements, artwork on the walls is fairly ho-hum and not at all memorable.

Accommodations

Layout: Every suite is outside with an ocean view, and more than 80% have a private teak-floor balcony. Standard suites have a sitting area that can be curtained off from the bed for more privacy. Marble bathrooms have double sinks and a separate, glass-enclosed shower as well as a tub. All suites have generous walk-in closets.

Amenities: Standard suites have an entertainment center with a TV and DVD or VCR, personalized stationery, a cocktail cabinet, personal safe, and a refrigerator stocked with complimentary beer, soft drinks, and bottled water. A hair dryer is provided at a vanity table, and you can request a magnifying mirror. Beds are dressed with high-quality linens, duvets, or blankets, and your choice of synthetic or down pillows. Bathrooms have huge towels and terry bathrobes for use during the cruise as well as designer shampoo, soaps, and lotion.

Top Suites: In addition to much more space, top-category suites have all the standard amenities plus dining areas, separate bedrooms, and CD players. Silver suites and above have whirlpool tubs. The top three categories have separate powder rooms.

Good to Know: Two suites are designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Category	Size (square feet)
Grand Suite	1,286-1,435
Royal Suite	1,312-1,352
Owner's Suite	1,208
Silver/Medallion Suite	701/521
Verandah/Vista Suite	345/287

Favorites

Best Added Value: The spas' complimentary saunas and steam rooms are tiny treasures. Although small, they are adequate and seldom occupied.

Most Appreciated Freebie: Also on the small side are the totally free laundry rooms (even the soap is included). Perfectly adequate for ships this size, they are frequently in use. Just about the only line you're likely to encounter on a Silversea ship is the one to use a washing machine.

Best Nightly Treat: Other cruise lines leave a chocolate on your pillow to wish you sweet dreams. Silversea's little gold boxes of Godiva chocolates are distinctively a cut above the usual.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: We love to sink into a cushy leather seat in the candlelighted cigar lounge to end a full evening of dinner and dancing.