Silversea announces 2011 Itineraries, yipes time’s flying

Silver Spirit Set to Embark on 119-Day Inaugural World Cruise (Ft. Lauderdale, FL — November 23, 2009)

Silversea Cruises released its 2011 schedule at www.silversea.com

And reservations are open.

In 2011, the company’s five swank all-suite ships, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and the new Silver Spirit, will feture 170 diverse itineraries, visiting over 335 ports in more than 100 countries and island destinations. From the pristine wilderness of Alaska and the amazing pyramids of Egypt to the ancient castles of Dublin and the sleek yachts of Monte Carlo, Silversea will present a vibrant collection of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Highlights include Silver Spirit’s 119-day Inaugural World Cruise and seven new Silversea destinations: Brindisi, Italy; San Sebastian on the Canary Island of La Gomera; Ballycastle, Northern Ireland; St. Helier on the British Isle of Jersey; Matarani, Peru; Cooktown in Queensland, Australia; and South Australia’s Port Lincoln. “It’s always our goal to provide unique and enriching travel experiences,” said Kenneth Watson, Silversea’s chief operating officer. “Our 2011 schedule has been carefully designed to offer a broad range of travel choices, including multiple-day calls and overnight stays showcasing traditional must-see destinations, as well as myriad opportunities to explore the world’s most exotic regions.” SILVER CLOUD The 296-guest Silver Cloud starts the year with a series of Caribbean voyages and two crossings of the Panama Canal before spending a month in the Mediterranean. Silver Cloud then travels northward to summer in Iceland, Scandinavia, Britain and Ireland. An overnight visit to remote Archangel, Russia, is one of the season’s highlights. Autumn in the Mediterranean precedes a stylish return to the warm Caribbean waters and explorations in the Amazon.

 SILVER WIND 2011 itineraries aboard the 298-guest Silver Wind begin in fascinating Dubai, visit India and exotic Oman, slip into the seductive Seychelles and trace Africa’s coastline from Mombasa to Cape Town to Morocco. Mediterranean destinations, including the Holy Land, and a Black Sea cruise fill the idyllic days of spring and summer, followed by two more cruises to the Holy Land and an encore of Arabian ports and Seychelles islands to close out the year. SILVER SHADOW As the 382-guest Silver Shadow opens the year with explorations of Oceania, spectacular New Zealand fjords and a first-ever, 30-day circumnavigation of Australia are among the season’s highlights, followed by extraordinary Far East wonders during spring. Alaska cruises fill the entire summer season before a return to China, Japan and Vietnam. Popular holiday sailings in Australia and New Zealand are again on the calendar for 2011.

SILVER WHISPER  the 382-guest small luxury liner kicks off 2011  in the majestic Chilean fjords, setting the tone for a year of spectacular experiences in South America, the Caribbean and Northern Europe. Fulfilling the requests of Silversea’s valued guests, itineraries include three days in St. Petersburg, Norwegian fjord cruising, and fall foliage season in Canada and New England. The year concludes as it began with Caribbean and South America voyages.

SILVER SPIRIT  this 540 passenger beauty will embark on a 119-day  Inaugural World Cruise spanning from Los Angeles to Southampton. This epic journey takes in the tranquillity of French Polynesia, Australia’s untamed landscapes, the unique customs and cultures of Asia, Egyptian wonders and favorite Mediterranean ports from Italy and Monaco to Spain and Portugal. Throughout summer, special Mediterranean sailings focus on the Greek isles or the flavors of Italy. Exclusively for Formula One racing enthusiasts, Voyage 5112 overnights in Monte Carlo during the Grand Prix. Late autumn months are celebrated beneath the warmth of a Caribbean sun. Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper — and launching in December, Silver Spirit — all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.

HAL Sends Flagship ms Rotterdam to Alaska in 2010

Yipes,  cruise lines are already promoting Alaska voyages and we’re not even into the new year.  I’ve done about a dozen cruises to our last frontier and recommend it to everyone. And I do mean “all.”

The first time we sailed to Alaska, my husband Richard and I and a good friend (who had his own cabin) it was during what I refer to as my “bimbo with brains” day, today I might say my Sarah Palin time, although I don’t think I was ever that…… (you fill in the blank). The ship was nice but old and none of the bells and whistles of today’s vessels. In fact we only had port holes, today I won’t board a ship unless I have a guaranteed balcony.

Anyhow, I just partied on for 10 days oblivious to the fantastic scenery, flora, fauna, elk, tundra or basically anything off the ship. In fact Richard and our friend Bob got off the ship to explore the ports while I got massages and worked out. Then a little older and wiser I sailed again, this time on the maiden voyage of the super luxe Crystal Harmony and while the ship was first in class at the time and one of the most amazing luxury liners to ever sail the seas, I was able to concentrate on the scenery and shore excursions. Okay it wasn’t easy leaving the spa or hot tub.

Anyhow I discovered Alaska in all it’s glory and it is God’s country, pristine, amazingly beautiful. While it’s impossible to fill you in on all the ships heading north to Alaska next year, Holland American just announced that it’s flagship ms Rotterdam–complete with staterooms that sport balconies or what the company calls “lanais” will be making 18 cruises to the area from Seattle starting May 15-September 11. The voyages highlight the inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay –North America’s largest tidewater glacier. According to a recent press release: Under Holland America’s $525-million Signature of Excellence program, the Rotterdam gains 39 new lanai staterooms, created by replacing existing stateroom windows (on Lower Promenade Deck 6) with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. The ship also adds 23 new spa staterooms, featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities, on its Verandah Deck. All staterooms and bathrooms will receive complete new décor and furnishings. Public areas will host the Retreat, a resort pool feature; the Showroom at Sea, a glamorous nightclub; and Mix, a new concept with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Canaletto, Holland America Line’s popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, will also be added to the ship. Cruise-only fares start at US $649, per person, double occupancy, for a seven-day Alaskan Explorer cruise on the Rotterdam. 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com. # # # our last frontier and recommend it to everyone. And I do mean “all.” The first time we sailed from Vancouver to Alaska, my husband Richard and I and a good friend (who had his own  cabin) it was during what I refer to as my “bimbo with brains” day, today I might say my Sarah Palin time, although I don’t think I was ever that…… (you fill in the blank). The ship was nice but old and none of the bells and whistles of today’s vessels. In fact we only had port holes, today I won’t board a ship unless I have a guaranteed balcony. Anyhow, I just partied on for 10 days oblivious to the fantastic scenery, flora, fauna, elk, tundra or basically anything off the ship. In fact Richard and our friend Bob got off the ship to explore the ports while I got massages and worked out. Then a little older and wiser I sailed again, this time on the maiden voyage of the super luxe Crystal Harmony and while the ship was first in class at the time and one of the most amazing luxury liners to ever sail the seas, I was able to concentrate on the scenery and shore excursions. Okay it wasn’t easy leaving the spa or hot tub. Anyhow I discovered Alaska in all it’s glory and it is God’s country, pristine, amazingly beautiful. While it’s impossible to fill you in on all the ships heading north to Alaska next year, Holland American just announced that it’s flagship ms Rotterdam–complete with staterooms that sport balconies or what the company calls “lanais” will be making 18 cruises to the area from Seattle starting May 15-September 11. The voyages highlight the inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay –North America’s largest tidewater glacier. According to a recent press release: Under Holland America’s $525-million Signature of Excellence program, the Rotterdam gains 39 new lanai staterooms, created by replacing existing stateroom windows (on Lower Promenade Deck 6) with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. The ship also adds 23 new spa staterooms, featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities, on its Verandah Deck. All staterooms and bathrooms will receive complete new décor and furnishings. Public areas will host the Retreat, a resort pool feature; the Showroom at Sea, a glamorous nightclub; and Mix, a new concept with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Canaletto, Holland America Line’s popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, will also be added to the ship. Cruise-only fares start at US $649, per person, double occupancy, for a seven-day Alaskan Explorer cruise on the Rotterdam. 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com

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Silverseas New Spirit On Schedule for December 23 Debut

Photos compliments of Silversea Cruises

It’s so exciting, a brand new member of the tiny Silversea Cruises fleet is about to set sail and I can’t wait. I love this cruise line, it’s simply one of the best afloat with seamless service, scrumptious cuisine, upscale, but not stuff ambiance, all-inclusive rates and suite-size staterooms that engulf you in the lap of luxury.
The 540-passenger Silver Spirit makes her bow on a “Holiday Spirit” voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon. .
The new vessels will feature two new dining options for a total of six venues in addition to in-suite service, which includes dinner served course by course.
What Makes Her Special let me count the ways:
* Exceptional attention to details. * Open seating  dining. *Artfully prepared meals made from the finest quality fresh ingredients by master chefs with a taste for innovation. *Complimentary wines, spirits and sodas and the comfort of an extensive stock of additional rare vintages, the perfect complement to the meal is always at hand.
* THE RESTAURANT Situated midship on Deck 4, dishing out sumptuous culinary fare in an atmosphere of elegance. It is elegant but not at all stuffy – the perfect stage for a dining experience guests want to savor. Open most of the day, The Restaurant serves open-seating breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features contemporary international cuisine, complemented by La Collection du Monde, signature dishes created by Relais & Châteaux in partnership with Silversea’s own master chefs.
*LA TERRAZZA The far aft location of La Terrazza on Deck 7 allows for 180-degree views of the horizon. It is open for casual, buffet-style breakfast and lunch with indoor/outdoor seating available. For dinner, La Terrazza offers an authentic a la carte experience with only the finest elements of Italian cooking, melding together fresh and flavorful ingredients — in the finest Slow Food tradition. Reservations are required for dinner.
* LE CHAMPAGNE for savoring outstanding champagnes and wines paired to perfection with regional fares in the intimate atmosphere of Le Champagne, situated aft of The Restaurant on Deck 4. This innovative Wine Restaurant by Relais & Châteaux features some of the world’s rarest vintages, carefully chosen to highlight a most memorable and exclusive culinary experience. There is a fee to dine and reservations may be made on board.
*SEISHIN new to the fleet, the dining venue takes its name from the Japanese word for “spirit,” this intimate restaurant specializing in Asian fusion cuisine is situated aft of The Restaurant on Deck 4. Seishin features a large, round chef’s table as its centerpiece. Guests at surrounding tables can watch the chef at work sculpting fresh sushi and sashimi. The varied menu ranges from exquisite bento (boxed meal) lunches and a la carte specialties of seafood salad, lobster and Kobe beef to a nine-course degustation dinner. There is a fee to dine and reservations may be made on board.
* STARS SUPPER CLUB also new, the Art Deco-inspired decor of this dining venue elegantly recalls the supper clubs of the 1930s. Located just forward of La Terrazza on Deck 7, Stars Supper Club offers a modern twist with trendsetting menus showcasing regional and seasonal delicacies to be enjoyed in a succession of small courses. Guests can arrive early for cocktails and stay late as the mood is transformed by live music, dancing and nightclub-style entertainment. Reservations are required for dinner.
*POOL GRILL On Deck 9 adjacent to the pool area is the Pool Grill. In addition to a medley of salads, sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs offered for lunch in a casual outdoor setting, the Pool Grill on Silver Spirit will introduce a wellness breakfast designed to complement morning poolside fitness classes. Here guests can start the day energized with a menu of light and delicious fares — from nutrition-packed fresh fruit smoothies and organic cereals to egg-white omelettes and spinach and artichoke frittatas. Also set to debut at the Pool Grill is a unique cooking concept for dinner that lets guests cook healthy fare on their own heated volcanic rock plate.
SUPER SPA  where I’ve had some of the best treatments on land or sea (on her sister ships of course, obviously I haven’t yet done the Spirit, but hope to.

*24-HOUR IN-SUITE DINING Complimentary 24-hour room service is available on all Silversea voyages.  Let me tell  you, my husband and I enjoyed this amenity many times of her sister ships and it’s simply divine. We always began with champagne on the veranda (there’s complimentary bottles in the mini fridge) and then maybe a first course out there and then move into the suite and watch a movie while finishing the meal. (Videos are free of charge). You get to order straight from the  Restaurant menu and  are served in courses ona beautifully set table of  fine china, linens and accessories as enjoyed in The Restaurant.

A  luxury cruise trendsetter Silversea raised the bar when they entered service and began spoiling passengers such as we with unheard of exemplory service, cuisine and amenities. 
Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper — and launching in December, Silver Spirit — all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.
In addition to the large, inviting pool, passengers can get all the exerc ise needed to work off the mega calories in the fine fitness room or in special workout classes led by some of the best trainers around.  I am a spa snob, spa expert and can unabashedly aver that I’ve taken some of the best Pilates Classes, aerobics and Yoga sessions on Silversea ships (and I go regularly to the Golden Door, the top spa in the world). Also, there is no nickle and diming on this line like runs rampant on many other ships.

Yes it cost more but it’s well worth the all-inclusive fare that includes gratuities, hard and soft drinks, and much more. For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent. For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com

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