Silversea Cruises

Silversea was founded in 1994 by the Italian Lefebvre family, who launched the small, all-suite Silver Cloud and Silver Wind with a then-novel promise of butler service for every guest. The line expanded into expedition cruising in 2008 and became part of Royal Caribbean Group, which completed its purchase in 2020, while keeping its Monaco base and Italian-influenced style.

The classic fleet carries roughly 400 to 730 guests. The Nova class, Silver Nova and Silver Ray, is the newest, with an asymmetrical design, more outdoor space and hybrid power technology. The Muse class (Silver Muse and Silver Dawn), Silver Moon and Silver Spirit offer the widest dining choices, while Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow are smaller and more traditional. The expedition fleet includes Silver Endeavour, Silver Wind and Silver Cloud for polar and remote voyages, and Silver Origin, which sails the Galápagos year-round with around 100 guests.

Itineraries reach all seven continents, including Antarctica, the Arctic of Svalbard, Greenland and Canada, Africa, Asia, the South Pacific and multi-month world cruises.

Silversea feels discreet, elegant and international, with Italian hospitality at its core. Guests are typically affluent travelers aged 55 and older, from North America, Europe and Australia, many of them seasoned cruisers. Ships are small, so crowds never form, and the butler in every suite handles unpacking, reservations and in-suite dining. Evenings are elegant casual, with formal optional nights on longer voyages, when many guests wear jackets, tuxedos or gowns. The pace is relaxed and conversational. On expedition ships, dress is casual and days revolve around Zodiac landings, expert talks and wildlife.

Dining varies by ship. The main restaurant, Atlantide for steak and seafood on several ships, Indochine for Asian dishes, La Terrazza for Italian and the Hot Rocks grill, where you cook on volcanic stones, are all included. The S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) program on newer ships offers a S.A.L.T. Kitchen serving dishes from the region you are sailing, a S.A.L.T. Lab for cooking classes and a S.A.L.T. Bar with local drinks. La Dame, a French restaurant, and some special experiences carry a surcharge.

Evenings feature small-scale shows, live music, a pianist in the bar and a small casino on classic ships. Enrichment lecturers and destination experts are a highlight. On expedition ships, entertainment gives way to daily briefings, expert talks from naturalists and historians, and Zodiac landings and cruises.

All accommodations are suites with butler service, and most have verandas. Entry suites are generous, and options rise through Silver and Medallion Suites to the large Owner’s and Grand Suites. Bathrooms are marble with luxury toiletries, and you can choose from a pillow menu. Expedition ships have suites too, though somewhat smaller.

Drinks are included, covering wines, spirits, champagne, soft drinks and specialty coffees, along with an in-suite bar stocked to your preferences. Rare vintages and premium labels may cost extra.

Gratuities are included in Silversea fares, so no service charge is added and tipping isn’t expected.

The Venetian Society is Silversea’s loyalty program, with recognition and perks such as onboard credit, member events and savings that grow with days sailed. Members also receive special Venetian Society sailings.