Silversea Cruises

The newest addition to the five-ship Silversea fleet—the 270-suite Silver Spirit—embarked from its first American port in January. The 36,000-ton vessel, built at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Ancona, Italy, heads to the Mediterranean this summer following a 91-day, 45-port South American inaugural voyage. Perfect for time-pressed travelers, a series of seven-day summer sails dock in hot spots such as Monte Carlo, Portofino, Provence, Venice, Athens, and Istanbul. Been there, done that? Choose one of the more exotic itineraries featuring Montenegro, Croatia and Ukraine. Come November, the Spirit will relocate to Bridgetown, Barbados, and offer Caribbean sailings through year’s end.

Ocean view suites range in size from 312 square feet to 1,668 square feet, and all but a mere few have private teak balconies. Butler service is standard for all guests and each suite features an Italian marble bathroom with separate shower and tub, two flat-screen satellite TVs, WiFi, and a fridge stocked per guest preferences. Each of the two Owner’s Suites can be configured with one or two bedrooms, as can the six Grand Suites. These eight suites feature an additional half-bath, full-size Jacuzzi, huge walk-in closets, espresso machines, two hours each of free in-suite worldwide phone use and Internet, plus complimentary laundry services, dry cleaning, and early embarkation.

The Silver Spirit’s décor blends an old-world Art Deco feel with classy, modern sophistication throughout the public areas of the ship, which include an 8,300-square-foot spa, a Cigar & Cognac bar, and six dining venues (including a 24-seat Wine Restaurant by Relais & Châteaux, the 58-guest Stars Supper Club, and a 24-seat Asian/sushi spot called Seishin). Additional onboard features include an outdoor pool, four whirlpools, a fitness center/yoga studio, an Internet café, and a small but stylish casino with blackjack, roulette, poker, and slots.

Silversea’s all-inclusive pricing policy covers all meals, an extensive selection of beverages (alcoholic and non-), all gratuities, 24-hour room service, a complimentary shoreside event, and round-trip transportation from the ports to the closest town. We also love Silversea’s “open dining” policy, which allows guests to dine at their leisure rather than at set times and assigned tables.