Five things to know before you board a Silversea ship

When Silversea launched in 1994, it brought unprecedented luxury and a true all-inclusive offering to cruise passengers. It was the first to include alcohol in the fare, introduce suite butlers and offer a complimentary in-room mini-bar. Three decades on, the line continues to meet the exacting standards demanded by its loyal clientele.

The brand doesn’t try to “be” anything other than a luxurious hotel at sea offering grade-A service. Carpets bounce, décor is quietly elegant and easy-on-the-eye, and guest rooms have pillow menus, marble bathrooms, rain showers and walk-in wardrobes.

Newer ships have ushered in a contemporary feel, with relaxed al-fresco dining areas and lots of exterior glass designed to let the ocean in. It’s an “all-suite” line, which means every guest room has a window-facing lounge area that can be partitioned off from the bedroom.

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Although it typically attracts an older demographic, Silversea doesn’t rest on its laurels, and is constantly reinventing its shore experiences, dining offerings and destination portfolio.

Silver Nova in Hong Kong

In the 2026-7 season, passengers can choose from 230 new cruises. Last year, the line announced plans to build a 150-room hotel in the Chilean city of Puerto Williams to accommodate guests transiting to Antarctica. Rooms will have views across the Beagle Channel to the snow-capped Patagonian mountains.

A focus on quality ingredients and non-buffet dining has been a mainstay for the line. Foodies will appreciate the well-executed Salt (sea and land taste) food programme that explores a destination through food-focused excursions and interactive open-kitchen dinners on board. These are sometimes led by an accomplished local chef.

The cruise fare includes 24-hour butler-in-tux service for every guest; round-the-clock in-suite dining; premium drinks in suite and throughout the ship; and private transfers and flights.

Premium drinks are included in the cruise fare

There is a supplement for certain restaurants. Beyond that are three fare types: door to door (everything is included and transport organised from the minute you close the front door); port to port (transfers and air fare aren’t included), and essential (transfers, air fare and excursions aren’t included).

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Silversea’s fleet consists of 12 ships, six of which have joined since 2020. Four are expedition vessels, including a ship that sails solely in the Galapagos.

Headquartered in Miami, Silversea is one of five brands owned by the Royal Caribbean Group.

1. Where does Silversea cruise?

Worldwide, including all seven continents. The 2026/2027 cruise portfolio features 131 expedition voyages, while ocean ships will visit more than 85 countries. A handful of cruises sail the British Isles from Portsmouth and Southampton in the spring, and there are cruises from Southampton and Belfast to Copenhagen in June.

Expedition cruises visit some of the world’s most remote regions, including the Arctic and Greenland, the Antarctic, South America, French Polynesia and the Pacific, the Galapagos and the Kimberley in north-west Australia.

Silversea’s expedition cruises travel to remote destinations including Antarctica - Pedro Grimaldi

Each January, passengers can join a world cruise – which can be taken in its entirety or in sections. In 2028, a 132-day cruise from Miami to Nice will visit 58 destinations on five continents. For those who prefer to cross the Atlantic by ship, rather than plane, Silversea has “transoceanic” crossings from Southampton and Belfast to New York, and from Lisbon to Barbados.

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Itineraries often dovetail with festivals, high-profile sporting events and seasonal highlights such as cherry blossom season in Japan, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and the F1 Grand Prix in Monaco.

2. Who does Silversea appeal to?

With a high proportion of longer cruises and the inclusion of big-ticket events, Silversea appeals to a well-heeled, largely American crowd that favours “enrichment” (learning experiences) – and that wants to travel in comfort.

Every effort goes into ensuring that passengers get the best experience from the destinations they’re visiting – whether that’s at a fine-dining experience onboard or during a shore experience.

Il Terrazzino restaurant on board Silversea’s Silver Endeavour

Although the demographic is generally older, and there are no children’s clubs on board, families are welcome too. The minimum age for children on ocean-going ships is six months. The following age limits also apply: 12 months on Silver Cloud; five years on Silver Origin. Children younger than five cannot board zodiacs on Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind. Under-18s must be accompanied in the same or connecting suite by a parent or responsible adult aged 21-plus.

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Solo travellers pay 25 per cent of the full fare on selected voyages. An October cruise to Antarctica costs £11,150 instead of £12,900, and a Bridgetown to Lisbon cruise costs £3,150, down from £4,900.

3. Silversea’s fleet

Ocean

Silver Ray (728 passengers)

Launched in 2024, Ray is the identical sister ship to Silver Nova. The 13 room categories include new, corner master suites with 270-degree views. There are eight restaurants, four bars and lounges, an Otium Spa, plus a sea-facing gym and beauty salon. Powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), Silver Ray is the most energy-efficient ship in the fleet. She has plug-in capability and is hydrogen fuel-cell ready.

Silver Nova (728 passengers)

Launched in 2023, Nova introduced the “Nova” class of ship, featuring an asymmetrical design aimed at connecting guests with the water, wherever they are on board. It also introduced a buzzing all-day dining hangout, The Marquee. The deck 10 pool has “floating” cabanas and a decent swimming length. Corner Otium Suites feature a private Jacuzzi and 270-degree views.

Silver Nova

Silver Dawn (596 passengers)

Silver Dawn launched in 2022 and was the first to feature the brand’s top-tier Otium spa. Otium wellness services are also available in-suite – that could be a massage, butler-drawn bath or a “food and chill” evening.

Silver Muse and Silver Moon (596 passengers)

Built in 2020, Moon introduced Silversea’s immersive culinary programme, Salt. Three dedicated venues include the Salt Kitchen, Salt Lab and Salt Bar, where dinners, demonstrations and drinks are tailored to regionally inspired menus. A signature French restaurant, the Japanese Kaiseki and Asian-inspired Indochine are among the eight restaurants.

Guests enjoying the jacuzzi on Silver Muse’s pool deck - Luca Locatelli

Built in 2017, Silver Muse shares the same restaurants as Moon, and both ships have the Zagara spa and beauty salon and a casino. Shows and films are held in the Venetian Lounge.

Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper (392 passengers)

The décor and layout of these two ships is classic rather than stylish. However, both offer a more intimate atmosphere and the same attention to detail when it comes to dining and service. Both ships have four restaurants, a show lounge, a card room, a library and a spa. Whisper was built in 2001 and last refurbished in 2024; Shadow was built in 2000 and last refurbished in 2019.

Silver Spirit (608 passengers)

Silver Spirit made headlines in 2018 when she was “stretched” at a shipyard in Palermo. She left the yard 49ft longer, following a complex lengthening and extensive refurbishment. The result was roomier public areas and suites, an enlarged pool deck and a refreshed dining offering. The ship has an Arts Café, Observation Library, Zagara Spa and the chic Dolce Vita lounge.

Expedition

Silver Endeavour (220 passengers)

Purpose-built for the polar regions, Silver Endeavour launched in 2022. She carries kayaks, zodiacs and a remote camera system that can capture high-quality images from over three miles away. Spread over eight decks, the all-suite ship has multiple restaurants, bars and lounges; a spa; a two-storey solarium with a pool and whirlpool; and several indoor and outdoor observation areas.

Silversea’s expedition cruises travel to remote destinations including Antarctica - SuperBloom House ProductionsAdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5jekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9jekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe

Silver Wind (274 passengers)

Refurbished in 2021 with an ice-strengthened hull, Silver Wind is a crossover ship, visiting polar and non-polar destinations. The nine-deck ship carries 24 zodiacs and has a show lounge, fitness centre and spa, observation library and jogging track. Her décor is more traditional.

Silver Cloud (254 passengers on non-polar cruises; 200 in polar regions)

Silver Cloud underwent a $40 million refurbishment and conversion to an ice-class ship in 2017. She carries 20 zodiacs and 10 kayaks and sails with a large team of expedition experts. The ship has four restaurants and a photo studio, and photography masterclasses are offered.

Silver Origin (100 passengers)

A stylish ship with sleek yacht lines, Origin was built for the Galápagos. Passengers travel with a team of Ecuadorian guides and a fleet of eight zodiacs. All suites have balconies and butler service, and an in-suite water purification system. The meeting point for zodiacs, the “Basecamp”, doubles as an information source for the islands.

Expert tips for travelling with Silversea

4. Loyalty scheme

Membership of the Venetian Society commences with the first voyage. Members accumulate Venetian Society Days on each voyage (one VS day per day sailed).

5. Access for guests with disabilities

Suites can accommodate wheelchairs, scooters and other equipment. Dining and bar venues and other public areas offer wheelchair seating. Wheelchair accessible excursions are offered mainly in Europe and the US, and low-activity tours are available at almost every port. The “View Deck Plan” tab on each ship page indicates accessible suites (silversea.com).

Silversea: our ratings, out of five

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