Silverseas Mediterranean Cruise Review: 10 Night Travel Itinerary Venice to Athens
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Silverseas 10-night Venice to Athens travel itinerary is packed with ports that are full of ancient treasures, forts, and maze-like alleys built for escaping marauding pirates. The journey takes place on a luxurious vessel that can anchor in small harbors or dock cityside - giving travelers more time for amazing onshore experiences. All the while, your adventure is set against the vivid blues of the Mediterranean's Adriatic and Aegean Seas.
This Working Joe Travel cruise review includes essential considerations for your cruise planning such as accommodations, excursions, dining, and entertainment. We hope you find this travel guide useful in deciding if this Silverseas Mediterranean cruise is right for you.
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CRUISE REVIEW
OVERALL IMPRESSION
The Silverseas cruise line confidently sets a tone of relaxed elegance on this Mediterranean cruise. Ship accommodations, dining, and public spaces are stylish and spacious. Guests have long periods of time in port. There is a minimum of waiting in line for any activity. Guides and transportation are top notch. The dress code and service culture result in a feeling of formality onboard. If you enjoy the atmosphere of an all-inclusive resort, well-dressed guests, having a personalized butler, and a low-key nightlife this cruise is for you.
SHIP OVERVIEW
The Silverseas Silver Whisper 382 passenger ship never felt crowded. Lounges, decks, and outdoor spaces were designed to compliment the scenery. The ship is categorized as a small, ocean-going vessel. Onboard rocking was minimal on a September cruise of the Mediterranean Sea.
ACCOMMODATIONS
All accommodations are suites (most have balconies). The size of your suite and its associated amenities are dependent upon price. Rooms are tastefully decorated with a sleeping and lounging areas, and a large screen TV. Bathrooms generally have double sinks, separate shower areas, and walk-in closets. Free wifi, room service, butler and maid service are included.
PASSENGER MAKE-UP
There is a mixture of nationalities onboard (many Americans). English is the primary language spoken. Many passengers travel as couples or in small groups. There are few children. Passengers are likely to be successful professionals or affluent retirees. There are hosted onboard events for solo travelers.
SERVICE
Crew members are well-trained, abundant, and approachable. Every suite has a dedicated maid and personal butler. Pre-sailing your choices for bath products, pillows, and the mini-fridge are ascertained. These are ready upon arrival. Servers in dining areas keep the atmosphere formal, but are welcoming. Silverseas no tipping policy makes for a relaxed onboard experience. There is great attention to cleanliness and your comfort.
DRESS CODE
During the day tailored shorts/slacks, shirts, and dresses are the norm (think golf clothing chic).
In the evening, Silverseas adheres to a stricter dress code deemed either casual, informal, or formal. On casual nights men don open neck shirts, and women wear slacks or sundresses. On informal nights, gents are expected to be in jackets (no tie), and ladies in dresses or pantsuits. On formal nights men wear suits or tuxedos, and women wear formal gowns or cocktail dresses.
A daily newsletter informs guests of the day's attire. Casual dining options and room service are available each night. However, guests are asked not to wander about the ship without in/formal attire after 6pm. Shorts and flip flops are banned from indoor common areas after 6pm on all days.
DINING
There are four restaurants: The Restaurant (B, L, D); La Terrazza (B, L, D); The Grill (L, D); and La Dame (dinner only with per person upcharge). The food and service are exceptional; the ambience refined. The are plentiful two- and four-person tables available so you never have to sit with others (unless you want to). Reservations are required for specialty restaurants. Alfresco dining at the poolside Grill is casual every night. Room service with full butler service is also an option (and a treat) with any meal.
EXCURSIONS
Silverseas offers a number of excursions at each port for an added charge. Excursions tend to range from 4-8 hours and cost in the $99-150 range. Personalized excursions at a higher cost are available. Transportation is clean and comfortable. Tour guides are high quality. There are usually 'lower' activity options and 'higher' activity options such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and four-wheeling available. On many days the ship is in port for 8-12 hours giving passengers the opportunity to schedule their own onshore adventures. Note: Beginning in 2021 Silverseas is offering at least one free excursion per port.
ENTERTAINMENT
The onboard entertainment is low key. Most evenings, there are quartets playing in lounges and common areas. There is a small theater where an onboard cast stages (mostly) musical shows. The ship offers a daily activities schedule, library, and featured lectures. There is a small casino and onboard boutique shopping. Many guests make use of a fitness room and spa (separate charges for spa treatments).
COST
When researching cruises, you will likely see Silverseas cruises referred to as 'pricey.' However, before making any decisions based on cost, we recommend doing a side-by-side comparison of Silverseas costs next to other lines you are considering.
Included in the Silverseas base fare is economy airfare, gratuities, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and mini-fridge restocking. In addition, there is free butler service, room service, wifi, transfers, and transportation to/from ports of call. Also, beginning in 2021, one free shore excursion per port is included. When taking into consideration all of the inclusions as well as the spaciousness of the ship and quality of service, we consider Silverseas a good value for your dollar.
RESERVATIONS
Guests have the opportunity to reserve excursions (separate charge), spa treatments (separate charge), and specialty restaurants (included, except for La Dame) prior to setting sail. Reservations open in stages and more expensive accommodations receive first access. However, we booked into one of the least expensive suites and had no difficulty securing any reservations we desired.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 1: Embarkation Venice, Italy
Check-in, unpack, and have lunch. Then, walk from the pier to Piazza San Marco where you can explore St. Mark's Cathedral and The Doge's Palace. If time permits, trek through some of the city's maze-like alleys. Treat yourself to a gondola ride before returning to the ship.
Day 2: Koper, Slovenia
In the morning, take an excursion into the Slovenian country-side. In the afternoon, explore the architecture of Old Town on foot. The ship docks within walking distance of the city.
Day 3: Hvar, Croatia
Tender a short distance across the harbor into port. Take an excursion to explore the sunny island of Hvar. Later in the day, discover Hvar Town with its gorgeous yachts, Venetian style architecture, hilltop fortress, and well-preserved city walls.
Day 4: Day at Sea
Enjoy all the ship has to offer.
Day 5: Kalamata, Greece
Popular excursion at this port include journeying to mountain villages, a monastery, and the city of Sparta. Another favorite is a trip to Olympia, Greece to view the birthplace of the Olympic games.
Day 6: Santorini, Greece
You will have all day and evening to explore Santorini's cliff-side villages and blue domes. First time travelers may wish to take an overview tour. There are black and red stone beaches to visit. For some, the bucket list 'must-do' is the spectacular Fira to Oia hike. Sunset at Oia Castle is another highlight.
Day 7: Mykonos, Greece
Begin the day by visiting some of the island's stunning beaches. Later, explore Old Town. See Little Venice and the Kato Myli ridge of windmills. Get lost in the town's medieval quarter with its whitewashed buildings and brilliant blue and red domes and doors.
Day 8: Kusadasi, Turkey
Don't miss the excursion to the ruined city of Ephesus and the Library of Celsus (photo above), a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, in the port of Kusadasi explore Turkish markets, rug galleries, and the harbor.
Day 9: Chios, Greece
Explore the beaches, villages, and historical sites on the island where Homer is said to be born.
Day 10: Nafplion, Greece
Nearby historical sites include Mycenae, Corinth, and Epidaurus. Or, spend the day in the charming city of Nafplion. Its old town is a blend of Greek, Turkish, and Venetian architecture. The imposing Palamidi fortress is fun to explore. Then, shop the flower-lined plazas.
Day 11: Disembark in Athens, Greece
Pack up and head home (or enjoy a post-cruise extension in the city of Athens).
Ya Soo! (Goodbye) Laura and Randy
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