Silversea Announces Lineup of Culinary and Wine Enriched Voyages

With the importance of food in Italian culture you would expect dining to be a high priority at Silversea. And it most assuredly is. Moreover, gastronomic excellence is a given, thanks to our recipes that reflect heritage and revamp tradition. No matter where you dine, destination influence is readily apparent in the great diversity and freshness of your selections. And every ship also features an array of dining venues. The main dining room, The Restaurant, is an open-seating venue where you can dine whenever you please, and where impromptu dinners with new-found friends is a matter of course. After all, with our worldly crowd of international travellers, socialising is one of the things people love most about our luxury cruise ships. Per guest reservation fee for specialty restaurants. Please visit MySilversea to make your reservations.

Instantly recalling images of the sea in all her watery majesty, the Atlantides are the seven nymph daughters of Atlas. Creative muses, known for their wisdom and beauty, the sisters were granted immortality in the form of stars and can be seen today in the constellation of Taurus. Pivotal to Silver Muse dining experience, this elegant bar and grill incorporates the best that the sea has to offer. Created to temper your taste buds, designer dishes such as royal crab, blue lobster and Verbena infused red snapper in a sea salt crust are showcased alongside the best steaks offshore.

Indochine

Evoking a sense of exotic mystery, the Asian-accented Indochine embarks you on an exquisite journey of culinary discovery. Unlock the hidden treasures of the spice markets of Mumbai, whet your appetite with the exoticism of Thailand and temper your taste buds with the cuisine of Vietnam. Elegant and exquisite dishes bursting with Asian essence awaken your gastronomic senses and immerse you in an expansive tapestry of the palate. Savour the fusion of flavours of a vast continent that defies definition — in a stylish restaurant that pays homage to its delectable cuisine.

2024 Luxurious Brands and Ships

The most luxurious brands and ships of 2024!

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady (Photo: Virgin Voyages)

Cruise Critic has released its highlighting the best in cruising and cruise travel as selected by Cruise Critic’s international editorial team.

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady claimed top honors this year as Best New Ship. The line’s first vessel, Scarlet Lady, charmed Cruise Critic’s editors enough that the vessel was awarded Best New Ship in 2021. Now, sister-ship Resilient Lady, which has just arrived Down Under for the season, sweeps to victory for the line once again.

Other winners in the Ocean Cruises category included Disney Cruise Line as Best for Families; Celebrity Cruises for Best Cabins; MSC Cruises for Best Nightlife; Holland America Line for Best Service and Carnival Cruise Line for Best Value for Money.

“This was a banner year for the cruise industry,” said Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic. “On Cruise Critic, we saw demand for cruises surpass pre-pandemic times, and a number of lines reported ships sailing at over 100% capacity. Cruising has always been a high-value vacation, but with costs of land- and air-based travel through the roof, the true value of a cruise really hit home this year.

“The value of a cruise doesn’t stop with mainstream sailings. From the fare inclusions on river and luxury sailings, to those on expedition sailings to farther-flung destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos, you’d be hard-pressed to find a land-based vacation that delivers the experience and value that a cruise offers,” McDaniel said.

Cruise Critic has been releasing its highly anticipated Editors’ Picks Awards for 15 years. This year’s awards are the most thorough to date, naming winners across four key areas – Ocean, River, Luxury and Expedition.

This Year’s Awards Saw the Return of Best Ship Refurbishment

Crew assemble to welcome the first guests onboard Carnival Venezia

Main Atrium on Carnival Venezia (Photo: Adam Coulter)

Cruise Critic also brought back a heralded category in 2023: Best Ship Refurbishment, which went to the gorgeously decorated Carnival Venezia. The former Costa Venezia was refitted prior to entering service with Carnival Cruise Line, leaving it with a fascinating blend of Italian-style interior décor courtesy of the line’s longtime design guru Joe Farcus, along with a blend of Carnival favorites tweaked ever-so slightly.

Port Miami was named best North American Homeport thanks to an abundance of innovation and investment that has come out of the new and improved terminal structure and growing improvements to the passenger experience.

Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editors’ Picks Awards Include New Categories, a Return of Awards for River Cruises

American Serenade docked in Paducah, KY (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editors’ Picks Awards is noteworthy for the return of the River Cruise awards for the first time since the global health pandemic shut down travel three years ago. In that category, river cruising giant Viking took top honors as the Best River Cruise Line, while the Best New River Cruise Ship was awarded, for the first time, to an American river cruise ship – American Cruise Lines’ American Serenade.

Other winners in the River Category included AmaWaterways for Best for Active Cruisers, Avalon for Best Cabins, Riverside for Dining and Tauck for Enrichment.

Silversea Scoops Best Luxury Cruise Line

Silver Nova sails under a blue sky. (Photo: Silversea)

In the Luxury Cruise category, Silversea Cruises was named Best Luxury Cruise Line, thanks to its tireless dedication to service, its modern fleet, and continually innovative offerings. Its Silver Nova was Cruise Critic’s pick for Best New Luxury Ship, while Oceania snapped up Best Dining. The luxury category even held a bit of nostalgia, as restarted (and beloved) brand Crystal took two categories: Best Service and Best for Solo Travelers.

(Credit: Scenic Cruises)

Finally, the Expedition Cruise market continues to expand and mature at a rapid pace. Some of the most hotly deliberated categories were found here, but Cruise Critic’s editors came to consensus: Scenic Eclipse II was named

Best New Expedition Ship, while Quark, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking and UnCruise Adventures, among others, walked away with honors this year.

One thing that was apparent for the entire editorial team in selecting this year’s winners was how close many of these categories were for the ships and lines in the running. Few were easy choices – and that’s good for cruisers. With cruise lines of all shapes and sizes delivering stellar experiences across the oceans and rivers of the world, it’s never been a better time to take a cruise.

The Full 2023 Cruise Critic Editor’s Picks Awards List

Best New Ship: Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady
Best Ship Refurbishment: Carnival Venezia
Best Cabins: Celebrity Cruises
Best Dining: Virgin Voyages
Best Entertainment: Virgin Voyages
Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line
Best Innovation/Tech: Princess Cruises
Best for LGBTQ+ Travelers: Virgin Voyages
Best Nightlife: MSC Cruises
Best Service: Holland America Line
Best for Solo Travelers: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Spa: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Specialty Dining: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
Best Suite Complex: MSC Cruises
Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise Line
Best App: Royal Caribbean International
Best North American Homeport: Miami

Luxury Category

Best Luxury Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises
Best New Luxury Ship: Silver Nova
Best Cabins: Viking Cruises
Best Dining: Oceania
Best Enrichment: Windstar Cruises
Best Itineraries: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best Service: Crystal
Best Shore Excursions: Oceania Cruises
Best for Solo Travelers: Crystal
Best Spa: Viking Cruises
Best Value for Money: Emerald Yacht Cruises

Expedition Category

Best New Expedition Ship: Scenic Eclipse II
Best for Adventure: Quark Expeditions
Best Cabins: Seabourn Cruise Line
Best Dining: Scenic
Best for Light Expedition: Viking Cruises
Best for Luxury: Silversea Expeditions
Best Science Offerings: Hurtigruten
Best Service: Silversea Expeditions
Best Spa: Viking Cruises
Best Value for Money: Atlas
Best in Alaska: UnCruise Adventures
Best in Antarctica: Scenic
Best in the Arctic: Ponant Cruises
Best in the Galapagos: Lindblad Expeditions

River Category

Best River Cruise Line: Viking Cruises
Best New River Cruise Ship: American Cruise Lines’ American Serenade
Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways
Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways
Best Dining: Riverside Luxury Cruises
Best Enrichment: Tauck River Cruising
Best for Families: Adventures by Disney/AmaWaterways
Best for First-Timers: Viking Cruises
Best for Luxury: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best Service: Viking Cruises
Best for Solo Travelers: Avalon Waterways
Best Value for Money: Emerald River Cruises

Antarctica Cruises, 2024

Trade in your sunscreen and sandals for icebergs and adventures when you head for the untouched beauty of the White Continent. With less crowded ports, unprecedented expeditions, and the natural beauty of icy waters and wildlife, Antarctica is quickly becoming a top cruise destination. Check out the top three luxury liners that will sail you to the South Pole.

Silversea Cruises: Silver Cloud

silversea butler use — Credit: Silversea

With the highest space-to-guest and crew-to-guest ratios in expedition cruising, Silver Cloud offers unprecedented comfort to travelers looking to explore Antarctica and beyond. Upon arrival, guests are met by Silversea’s attentive staff and a flute of champagne as they are escorted to their suite by their butler. Onboard, guests enjoy four world-class restaurants. At The Grill, guests dine under the moonlit sky and have the opportunity to cook their food on sourced volcanic rock right at the table. Aside from adventure and aperitifs, the ship boasts the serene Zagara Spa, industry-leading service (be met with a towel as you emerge from the pool), and – unique to Silver Cloud – a state-of-the-art photo studio where budding photographers can transform prints from their cameras.

Abercrombie & Kent’s Le Lyrial

Antarctica, Le Lyrial Cruise Ship — Credit: Ambercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent’s newest charter ship from Ponant is an expeditioner’s dream. Aside from the sleek style and sophistication of the ship itself, and of course the balcony staterooms and suites, the real distinction of traveling on an A&K charter of Le Lyrial is the award-winning team of experts. Akin to an education at sea, A&K’s expeditions are led by the most experienced marine biologists, ornithologists and geologists, along with a shipboard historian who shares tales from Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. When you’re done exploring, your private butler will tend to your every need, from cocktails on your balcony to arranging for your personal hairstylist.

Quark Expeditions

Antarctica for Quark — Credit: Quark Expeditions

Set for sail in 2024Quark Expeditions unveiled its newest ship in polar explorations. Cutting edge technology, advanced safety measures and a vastly experienced expedition team are just a few reasons to set your sights on this ship. Think of it as a 5-star hotel on the sea. Leaving no stone unturned, guests will have access to dual helicopters, indoor / outdoor dining, spa and fitness, and a rapid Zodiac.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ice-strengthened ship and an icebreaker ship?

An ice-strengthened ship is a ship made of steel. These ships are made to get through the ice at Antarctica and the Arctic. Nowadays, most of the ships that cruise to Antarctica and the Arctic are ice-strengthened ships. Ortelius and Plancius Read more »

What kind of clothing should I take during my expedition cruise?

We require you to bring a waterproof jacket and pants (minimum 15,000mm rating) for Zodiac cruises to shore. You will also need high rubber boots for trips on Rembrandt van Rijn. Apart from that, our advice is to take warm, windproof, waterproof Read more »

You must be in good general health, and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible on shore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship i

Read more »

21 photos of Oceanwide Expeditions
About Oceanwide Expeditions

Passionate

Taking you closer to the heart of the polar regions has been our driving passion at Oceanwide Expeditions for over twenty years. Our knowledgeable cruise leaders, committed staff, and thoroughly outfitted vessels are our way of expressing what we care about most: making your cruise to the Arctic and Antarctic truly unforgettable. When you sail with us, you experience a part of the world that is unlike any other. Mountainous glaciers, snow-swept shores, whales and polar bears and vast colonies of penguins make up this world, and they are all part of the surreal ecosystem you can watch unfold before you on your future Oceanwide expedition.

Adventurous

Providing you a travel experience that inspires (and is inspired by) you, that’s what taking you closer to the heart of the polar regions means to us. We get you away from the vessel and into the action as fast as possible: up to two landings per day in the morning and afternoon, with a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs ready to shuttle you past the ice floes and onto the shore. We keep our programs flexible so that you get the most out of whatever surprises nature has in mind. When you sail with us, the cruise is just the tip of the iceberg.

Pioneering

So what exactly is beneath the tip of that iceberg? The pioneering spirit, which all travelers to the polar regions (regardless of age and background) have in common. Guiding our expeditions with passion, tapping into the desire for inspiration and beauty, and always taking you closer to the heart of the Arctic and Antarctic – at Oceanwide Expeditions, that is our promise to you.

Show all polar cruises.

Be the First to Experience Silversea’s Groundbreaking Expedition World Cruise 2022

If you’re the type of person that likes to get in on “firsts,” then you’re going to jump at the chance circumnavigate the far corners of the globe, on one spectacular vacation. Silversea’s Cruises just launched its First Ever Expedition World Cruise 2021. You’ll be able to book this once in a lifetime experience, sailing to 107 dazzling destinations.

This experience of a lifetime affords guests such intimate and privileged access to exclusive events like a private dinner at Robert Louis Stevenson’s former home in Apia, Samoa Islands, a night at the illustrious China Club where you will enjoy a spectacular dinner on the 52^nd floor of Singapore’s Capital tower and a bespoke banquet on the walkway of London’s most famous landmark, the Tower Bridge. More than simply pulling into port and embarking on an excursion, Silversea’s has dreamt up the most illustrious experiences meant to enhance the voyage, and elevate the senses.

Curated to bring the beauty of the world to you, the Uncharted World Tour departs from Ushuaia, Argentina on January 30, 2021. The prestigious ice-class ship, Silver Cloud, will spend over 167 days at sea, covering 30 countries across six continents. If you’re familiar with the Silversea’s fleet, you’re aware of the unprecedented service and accommodations that lie ahead. Your home away from home boasts a serious interlude of exceptional epicurean fare, around the clock butler service for suite guests, and customized suite amenities from toiletries down to personalized stationery. Let your personal butler take pampering to the next level by chilling your preferred beverage, polishing your shoes, organizing and in-suite cocktail party and drawing a scented whirlpool bath. And that’s just on the ship. What lies ahead is a cultural mélange beyond the imagination.

Explore the frozen continent of Antarctica, spend two days on Easter Island in French Polynesia and meet the descendants of the Bounty Mutineers in Pitcairn. Zodiacs allow for on water exploration of Australia’s Kimberley region. Come face to face with orangutans in their natural surroundings in Malaysia’s Borneo and experience a behind the scenes exploration of Luxor, Egypt before turning back the clock with the historical highlights of Greece, Albania, Tunisia, and Spain. But that is just the beginning. You will visit the ancient monastery of Mont St. Michel and all that the United Kingdom has to offer, concluding your trip by traveling deeper into Northern Europe’s impressive landscapes of Iceland, Svalbard and Norway’s North Cape.

What does a trip of a lifetime cost? While Silver Cloud’s two-bedroom Owners Suite comes in at roughly $404,000 per person, the ships vista suites begin at $99,000 per person. The price includes business class air and charter flights from Santiago to Ushuaia as well as your expedition gear (commemorative World Cruise Polar exploration parka, a waterproof backpack, and various other items of clothing and accessories). delivered directly to their suites. But, can you really put a price on a journey around the world?

“The Expedition World Cruise 2021 has been specially crafted to unlock the world’s most amazing deep travel experiences for our guests,” says Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s Senior Vice President Expeditions and Destination Experiences. And that it does.

Silversea’s Newest Ship to Sail the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands, may be the ultimate bucket list destination for many travelers. However, to lessen environmental stress to the islands, the government highly regulates tourism and boats. Enter Silver Origin, Silversea’s first ever destination-specific ship that will unleash meaningful travel experiences for guests in the Galapagos Islands starting in summer 2020. “Silver Origin will elevate our industry-leading offering in the Galapagos Islands, unlocking meaningful experiences for guests, as they travel in ultimate luxury,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s CEO.

Silver Origin will be one of the most environmentally-friendly cruise ships ever built, thanks to state-of-the-art technology and solutions designed specifically for sailing the Galapagos Islands.

Silver Origin will see the highest crew-to-guest ratio (1:1.16) and the highest ratio of qualified guides per guest (1:10) in the Galapagos Islands. This will extend to the in-suite experience, as Silver Origin will be the only ship in the Galapagos Islands to offer butler service to all suites.

The same level of understated elegance evident throughout the Silversea fleet carries over to this intimate ship. But it’s the unique regional materials and bright, colorful motifs, borrowed from the Galapagos’ natural environment, that sets Silver Origin apart from its sister ships. Here’s an inside look into Silversea’s newest build.

Basecamp

The perfect space for socializing and the site of educational activities on board, Basecamp just may be one of Silver Origin’s most innovative areas. Basecamp features a large, interactive digital wall — through which guests will be able to access destination-related content, including pictures, videos, excursion previews, and scientific presentations.

Explore Lounge

An elegant hideaway for guests showcasing incredible views of the destination, Explore Lounge is the ideal place for guests to relax with a book from the library’s destination-focused collection.

Suites

Silver Origin will feature eight different suite categories — the largest of which, the Owner’s Suite, will feature panoramic views. Guests in every suite will enjoy the use of a private balcony, while specific suite categories even feature an innovative Horizon Balcony, which easily converts to enclose the terrace with a floor-to-ceiling window. Plus, a first for Silversea, selected suite categories will incorporate an ocean-view bathtub, as well as an ocean-view shower that is accessible from the balcony.

Dining

Expert local chefs will take guests on a journey of culinary discovery with fresh local ingredients and regional wines in Silver Origin’s two dining venues. Plus, there will be a focus on authentic Ecuadorian flavors.

With so many firsts, Silver Origin is leading the way on the exploration of the Galapagos. There’s no better time to set off for an idyllic adventure than with the launch of this innovative new ship.

Silversea Announces Summer 2022 & Winter 2022 Itineraries

Silversea Cruises has opened bookings for 191 new voyages, which will set sail between summer 2020 and winter 2021. With…

Silversea Cruises has opened bookings for 191 new voyages, which will set sail between summer 2020 and winter 2021. With unprecedented variety and incorporating the launch of Silver Moon, the new collection of itineraries will take guests to 572 destinations in 84 countries and promises to unlock an innumerable range of deep travel experiences in all seven continents. While the pre-sale for Silversea’s Venetian Society members enabled past guests to make reservations before all others, bookings for the new itineraries will open to the general public on October 1, 2018.

A highlight of the new itinerary collection, Silversea’s Silver Moon will set sail on her inaugural voyage on August 6, 2020: the ship will depart Trieste, Italy, for Civitavecchia on an 11-day cruise. The sister ship of Silversea’s flagship, Silver Muse, Silver Moon will benefit from a number of onboard enhancements. One of five Silversea ships in the region in the summer of 2020, she will cruise in the Mediterranean for her maiden season, until November, when she will cross the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale.

From the ships in each region to the choice of itineraries on offer, Silversea’s guests will enjoy a more diverse range of options than ever before. As well as five ships and 54 voyages in the Mediterranean – including a 37-day, 28-port grand voyage – guests will be able to choose from four ships and 29 voyages in Northern Europe; three ships and 21 voyages in Alaska and the Russian Far East; and two ships and 10 voyages in the Arctic, among voyages in many other regions.

The new collection of itineraries will incorporate a polar program, comprising 10 itineraries and 83 destinations in the Arctic and 11 itineraries and 26 destinations in Antarctica, including East Antarctica and the Ross Sea. Unprecedented voyages to New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands and Australia’s Macquarie Island (all UNESCO World Heritage Sites) will enable guests to view vast colonies of penguins and thousands of seals; visits to Churchill and Hudson Bay in Manitoba, Canada, will take guests to the ‘polar bear capital of the world’ and the home of world’s largest beluga whale population, respectively; and concurrent crossings of both the Northwest and Northeast Passages on Silver Cloud and Silver Explorer, respectively, will unlock unique, life-defining experiences with true expedition cruising.

Silversea will bolster its already strong reputation as a destination-driven travel brand by enhancing its offering in a number of incredible destinations. In Iceland, for example, the cruise line will offer more immersive experiences on both classic and expedition voyages, with spectacular new itineraries. Departing June 29 from Reykjavik, Silver Wind will circumnavigate the island on a nine-day voyage. Other sample itineraries in Iceland include London to Reykjavik via Ireland and Reykjavik to London via Norway. As in 2019, the cruise line’s flagship, Silver Muse, will spend a full summer deployed in Alaska in 2020. Silversea will return to the Canary Islands on two voyages departing April 16 and September 25, 2020, and Istanbul on two different itineraries, departing May 30 and August 2, 2020. Moreover, the cruise line will make maiden calls in El Hierro, Spain; Fishguard, Wales; Nordfjordeid, Norway; Siglufjörður, Iceland; Durres, Albania; Klaksvik, Faroe Islands; and Patreksfjordur, Iceland.

For the first time, Silversea guests will enjoy free economy-class air and transfers included as standard on all newly released voyages, simplifying the travel experience and enabling guests to discover the world with ease. Exceptions and market-specific conditions may apply.

“We are extremely happy to open pre-sale exclusively to our valued Venetian Society members for our pioneering new itineraries,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The variety of experiences on offer is unprecedented and unmatched; we are pushing the boundaries of ultra-luxury cruising for the benefit of our guests, enabling them to enjoy rare and authentic moments in the most fascinating corners of the world. With the launch of Silver Moon, our guests will experience the very best of Silversea’s industry-leading hospitality.”

Silversea Cruises, www.silversea.com