Silversea Cruises was launched in 1994 by the former owners of Sitmar Cruises, the Lefebvre family of Rome, whose concept for the new cruise line was to build and sail the highest-quality luxury ships at sea. Intimate ships, paired with exclusive amenities and unparalleled hospitality are the hallmarks of Silversea cruises. All-inclusive air-and-sea fares include not just round-trip airfare, but all transfers, porterage, and deluxe precruise accommodations as well.

Personalization is a Silversea maxim. Although their ships offer more activities than other comparably sized luxury vessels, you can either take part in those that interest you or opt instead for a good book and any number of quiet spots to read or snooze in the shade.

Guest lecturers are featured on nearly every cruise; language, dance, and culinary lessons and excellent wine appreciation sessions are always on the schedule of events. During afternoon tea, ladies gather for conversation over needlepoint, and the ranks of highly competitive trivia teams increase every successive afternoon.

After dark, the Bar is a predinner gathering spot and the late-night place for dancing to a live band. A multitiered show lounge is the setting for spirited production shows, classical concerts, magic shows, big-screen movies, and folkloric entertainers from ashore. A small casino offers slot machines and gaming tables.

Food

Dishes from the galleys of Silversea's Master Chefs are complemented by those of La Collection du Monde, created by Silversea's culinary partner, the world-class chefs of Relais & Châteaux. Menus include hot-and-cold appetizers, at least four entrée selections, a vegetarian alternative, and "Cruiselite" cuisine (low in cholesterol, sodium, and fat). Special off-menu orders are prepared whenever possible, provided that the ingredients are available on board. In the event that they aren't, you may find after a day in port that a trip to the market was made in order to fulfill your request.

Chef Marco Betti, the owner of Antica Pasta restaurants in Florence, Italy, and Atlanta, Georgia, has designed a new menu for La Terrazza that focuses on one of the most luxurious food trends, the "slow food" movement. The goal of the movement is to preserve the gastronomic traditions of Italy through the use of fresh, traditional foods, and it's spread throughout the world. At La Terrazza (by day the Terrace Café, a casual buffet) the menu showcases the finest in Italian cooking, from classic favorites to Tuscan fare. The restaurant carries no surcharge; however, seating is limited, so reservations are a must to ensure a table. It's one reservation you'll be glad you took the time to book.

Nightly alternative theme dinners feature regional specialties from the Mediterranean to the Orient by reservation only in the Terrace Café. Another alternative for dinner is the intimate Le Champagne, a gourmet delight limited to 24 diners. Unlike other dining venues, there is a charge for the exclusive wines ordered in Le Champagne. An evening poolside barbeque is a weekly dinner event, weather permitting. A highlight of every cruise is the Galley Brunch, when passengers are invited into the galley to select from a feast decorated with imaginative ice and vegetable sculptures. Even when meals are served buffet-style in the Terrace Café, you will seldom have to carry your own plate as waiters are at hand to assist you to your table. Wines are chosen to complement each day's luncheon and dinner menus.

Always available are extensive selections from the room-service menu. The full restaurant menu may also be used for room service orders, which can be served course by course in your suite during regular dining hours.

Fitness & Recreation

The rather small gym is equipped with cardiovascular and weight-training equipment, and fitness classes are held in the mirror-lined, but somewhat confining, exercise room.

South Pacific-inspired Mandara Spa offers numerous treatments including exotic sounding massages, facials, and body wraps. Hair and nail services are available in the busy salon. A plus is that appointments for spa and beauty salon treatments can be made online from 60 days until 48 hours prior to sailing.

Golfers can sign up with the pro on board for individual lessons utilizing a high-tech swing analyzer and attend complimentary golf clinics or participate in a putting contest.

Your Shipmates

Silversea Cruises appeal to sophisticated, affluent couples who enjoy the country-clublike atmosphere, exquisite cuisine, and polished service.

Dress Code

Two formal nights are standard on seven-night cruises and three to four nights, depending on the itinerary, on longer sailings. Men are required to wear tuxedos or dark suits after 6 pm. All other evenings are either informal, when a jacket is called for (a tie is optional, but most men wear them), or casual, when slacks with a jacket over an open-collar shirt for men and sporty dresses or skirts or pants with a sweater or blouse for women are suggested.

Junior Cruisers

Silversea Cruises is adult-oriented and unable to accommodate children less than one year of age, and the cruise line limits the number of children under the age of three on board. No dedicated children's facilities are available, so parents are responsible for the behavior and entertainment of their children.

Service

Personalized service is exacting and hospitable, yet discreet; the staff strive for perfection and often achieve it. The attitude is decidedly European and begins with a welcome-aboard flute of champagne, then continues throughout as personal preferences are remembered and satisfied. The word "no" doesn't seem to be in the staff vocabulary in any language. Guests in top-category suites are pampered by butlers who are certified by the Guild of Professional Butlers.

Tipping

Tipping is neither required nor expected.

Past Passengers

Membership in the Venetian Society is automatic upon completion of one Silversea cruise. Members begin accruing Venetian Society cruise days and are eligible for discounts on select voyages; onboard recognition and private parties; milestone rewards; exclusive gifts; the Venetian Society Newsletter; ship visitation privileges; complimentary early embarkation or late debarkation at certain milestones; members-only benefits at select Leading Hotels of the World and Relais & Châteaux hotels and resorts; and select offers through Silversea's preferred partners.

Through the Friends of Society programs, members can double their accumulated cruise days and receive a shipboard spending credit by inviting friends or family members to sail on select Venetian Society sailings. Friends or family will enjoy the same Venetian Society savings as members for those cruises, a really nice perk.

Silversea Cruises.
Phone: 954/522-4477 or 800/722-9955
www.silversea.com