Ship Reports - Silver Spirit

Silver Spirit

The newest vessel in the SIlversea family, Silver Spirit, offers a luxurious cruise experience. The facilities include the Art Deco Stars Supper Club, an Asian themed restaurant, an expansive 8,300 square foot spa, a resort-style pool and the largest suites in the Silversea fleet of which 95% have private verandas. Broads’ cruise specialist, Anita Williams, visited Silver Spirit in May 2010. Read her report to find out more or call 0121 250 2201 or 01543 412768 to book your cruise on Silver Spirit.

Arrival

I travelled from Birmingham to Southampton by train as there is a direct service which only takes about two and a half hours. I then took a taxi to the Ocean Terminal which was only a short journey.

Suites

I had the opportunity to look around many of the suites, beginning with a Veranda Suite on Deck 5, which was very spacious. It can be made up with a Queen size bed or two single beds and there is a sofa which can be converted into a bed to accommodate a third person. The furniture inside the cabin and on the balcony are of a teak finish and there are floor to ceiling glass doors. Each suite has two televisions, one in the sitting area and the other in the bedroom area, which are quite unusual as they are set into the mirrors. There are also walk-in wardrobes and a marbled bathroom with a full size bath and separate shower. I also looked at a disabled Veranda Suite (no. 533) which was of a very good size and has ample space for wheelchairs to manoeuvre.

Bars & Lounges

On Deck 5 there is The Bar, a relaxed area decorated in yellow and gold with a small dance floor. It offers speciality coffees, tapas and complimentary cocktails throughout the day. A little further along the deck is the Show Lounge which is decorated with rich red colours and has twin sofa style seats. Here you can see full-scale production shows, feature films, port talks and classical soloists.

On Deck 8 there is a casino which offers roulette, Black Jack, poker and slot machines (only open during the days at sea). Also on this deck you will find the Connoisseur’s Corner where you can enjoy a cognac along with a premium selection of cigars which are available to buy.

A lovely place to enjoy afternoon tea is the Panorama Lounge which is specially designed to provide an uninterrupted view of the day’s destination from the comfort of the ship’s interior. Further up on Deck 11 is the Silver Suite where you can relax in the Observation Lounge which is located above the bow of the ship and has a radar screen, astronomical maps, binoculars and reference material. There is a self service coffee machine and water and juice in the lounge. Even further up on Deck 12 is the Observation Deck, which is an ideal place to take in the views.

Fitness Centre, Spa & Beauty Salon

Deck 6 is home to the fitness centre, spa and beauty salon. The gym is fully equipped with weights, treadmills and exercise bikes and there are complimentary group classes. The 8,300 square foot Spa offers a wide range of therapies including facials, body wraps and massages and the beauty salon offers hairstyling, manicures and pedicures. It has nine treatment rooms, an outdoor whirlpool, saunas and steam rooms. One of the unique Silver Spirit treatments is the Private Hammam Experience in the private Hammam (Turkish bath) Chamber.

Dining & Entertainment

La Terrazza on Deck 7 offers a casual dining buffet style breakfast and lunch and during the evening the restaurant transforms into an à la carte traditional Italian restaurant. Also on Deck 7 you can find the Stars Supper Club, a warm and inviting Art Deco-inspired dining venue which recalls the supper clubs of the 1930s. It has trendsetting menus with a modern twist which showcases regional and seasonal delicacies. You can arrive early for cocktails and stay late as the mood is transformed by live music, dancing and nightclub style entertainment.

On Deck 4 is Le Champagne, the only wine restaurant at sea by Relais & Chateaux, which offers a six course dining experience with gourmet cuisine and fine wines in an intimate and elegant setting. You will need to make a reservation for this venue and a supplement applies.

I also had a look around the Seishin, which takes its name from the Japanese word for spirit. This restaurant specialises in Asian fusion cooking and you can choose from the a la carte specialities or try a nine course tasting dinner. You can also enjoy hors d’oeuvres of sushi and caviar from the chef’s table where he sculpts sushi and sahimi using his culinary artistry. Again, you need to reserve a table and a supplement applies.

The Restaurant is a sophisticated and elegant venue, sparkling with silver, crystal and candlelight. It offers contemporary international cuisine.

Public Areas

he Library on Deck 7 is well stocked with floor to ceiling hard backed books, DVDs, magazines and newspapers as well as audio listening stations. This seemed to be a very popular relaxing spot. On Deck 8 there is a selection of boutiques featuring designer jewellery, perfumes and Silversea branded items. You can also buy toiletries and convenience items here.

Pool

The pool area has teak chaise longues arranged in the sun or the shade and staff are at the ready with an oversized towel as you emerge from the pool with your favourite beverage at just the right moment! The Pool Bar & Grill offers lighter snacks at breakfast, grilled meats and pizza in the day, and in the evening it becomes the Black Rock dining venue.

Summary

The newest member of the Silversea fleet does not disappoint! Even though it is the largest vessel, carrying 540 guests, it still felt spacious and the Art Deco design elements created a sophisticated 1930s ambience throughout.