Silverseas Northern European Cruise
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The Silverseas cruise line is home to some of the top luxury cruise ships in the world. Able to dock at small ports and sail to remote destinations, Silverseas ships are a great choice for a Northern European cruise. Our article explores Silverseas line of small luxury ships that sail a British Isles and Northern European cruise itinerary.
This article is based upon the experiences and impressions we gained while enjoying a Silverseas Northern European cruise. The 9-day itinerary made stops in London, Guernsey, Dublin, Belfast, Ullapool, Kirkwall, and Edinburgh.
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Silverseas Northern European Cruise Routes
The Silverseas cruise line offers an array of itineraries to Northern Europe and the British Isles. Destinations take in ancient cities rich in culture such as Oslo, Copenhagen, Portsmouth, and Bergen. In between these iconic ports there are excursions to Norwegian fjords, Icelandic glaciers, English harbors, Scottish highlands, and other natural wonders.
With a fleet of small ships ranging from around 350 to 700 passengers, Silverseas ships can dock at smaller ports where the larger ships cannot go. Able to sail into narrow inlets and shallow waters, small ships offer guests a more authentic natural experience. On a Northern Europe and British Isles cruise, Silverseas includes a number of 7-10 day itineraries that work well for working joes (many other cruise lines itineraries begin at 14 days).
Silverseas Cruise Ship Overview
What constitutes a luxury cruise? Uncrowded spaces, great service, top-notch amenities, exciting excursions, and an elegant atmosphere are all on the list.
Silverseas ships are known to have a higher ratio of space to passengers than most other cruise lines. On the Silverseas Silver Whisper, our 382 passenger ship never felt crowded. The ship had a relaxing sophisticated ambiance. Onboard there was a casino, spa, exercise room, pool, and theater to enjoy. All suites were ocean-view and each was assigned a personal butler. Most excursions in each port were included, as was alcohol and gratuities.
Lots of space + great service + lots to do + relaxing vibe + no nickel and dining = luxury cruise.
Silverseas Cruise Ship Staterooms
All Silverseas suites have ocean views (most have teak balconies). Cabin pricing varies according the size of your cabin. Guests can customize their accommodations with an array of optional amenities. Bedrooms and bathrooms are tastefully decorated. Included in the base fare are toiletries, mini-fridge with drinks, in-room movies on a large screen TV, wifi, room service, and butler service.
Silverseas Cruises Passenger Make Up
On our Northern European cruise there was a mix of nationalities with a majority of American and British passengers. English was the primary language spoken by passengers. Onboard we observed that there were many couples and small groups on board. There were a few teens and young adults (mostly traveling with family). Daily events were planned for solo travelers.
Silverseas Personalized Service
Each suite on a Silverseas cruise is assigned a personal butler and maid. On our cruise this duo kept our suite immaculately clean. Each day our refrigerator and toiletries were restocked. In addition, our butler made reservations and offered lots of great information about how to navigate different ship systems.
In general, staff throughout the ship was approachable and attentive (particularly in the dining rooms). The one area we wished staff had more experience in was in excursions (so as to advise passengers with more authority).
Silverseas Cruises Dress Code
Golf-club chic is the Silverseas dress code during the day with most passengers sporting tailored shorts/slacks, shirts, and dresses. Cover-ups are expected traveling to and from the pool and spa. After 6pm, shorts and flip flops are banned from all indoor common areas.
The dress code varies at night according to whether the evening has been designated at casual, informal, or formal. On casual nights men may wear open neck shirts and women wear pants or sundresses. On formal nights men should wear a jacket to dinner (no tie) and women should don pantsuits or dresses. On formal nights men should sport a jacket and tie or tuxedo to dinner, and women should wear a pantsuit or cocktail dress.
We enjoyed the casual and informal nights, but were less keen on the formal nights because of all the extra items we had to pack. For those that do now want to dress formally there are casual dining options (and room service) available each night.
Silverseas Cruise Ship Dining
On our Silverseas (Silver Whisper) cruise there were four main dining venues. There were three fine dining restaurants; The Restaurant (B, L, D), La Terrazza (B, L, D), and La Dame (dinner only with per person upcharge). In addition, there was poolside dining at The Grill (L, D). Reservations are recommended for meals at La Terrazza and La Dame. The food was top quality.
There is open-seating dining onboard (no set mealtimes; eat with who you like). The Grill restaurant is the designated casual restaurant each night (for those who don’t wish to dress for dinner). Room services is also available at all meals (included in fare).
It should also be mentioned that on Silverseas cruises all food and drinks (including most alcohol) at meals and in-between are included in the base fare. You can order drinks and snacks throughout the day in any bars or at any activity for no extra charge.
Silverseas Cruise Ship Excursions
On a Silverseas cruise, a full slate of high quality excursions is offered for each shore day. The calendar of excursions will likely include the port’s “must-see” sites as well as other cultural and heritage sites. Guides are most always local and well versed. There are complimentary transfers into town in most ports.
Our Silverseas cruise was advertised as having one free excursion in each port – similar to the program Viking Cruises run. However, on our cruise there were usually 5-8 free excursions to choose from (all except the very pricey “private” tours). This was a huge savings.
Silverseas Cruise Ship Entertainment
Most activities on a Silverseas cruise will take place during the day in the form of excursions or daily on-board activities such as card games, spa treatments, and featured lectures. After dinner, there are small groups of musicians playing in lounges around the ship. There is also a casino and a theater where small scale musical shows are produced.
Silverseas Cruises Cost
Silverseas cruises are known for their top luxury cruise ships and a high cost. Cruisers are offered two fares; the door to door fare that includes all transfers, flights, cabin, food and beverages, butler service, and shore excursions, or the port to port price which excludes transfers and flights.
While prices may seem higher than many other cruise lines, it is wise to consider the extras that Silverseas includes in its fares when comparing prices. On a Silverseas cruise (in addition to the above) all gratuities, most alcohol, complimentary transfers into port towns, mini-fridge restocking, and wifi is included. Combine this with free excursions, and the cost savings can be significant.
Silverseas Cruises Reservations
On a Silverseas cruise it is important to book activities in advance including shore excursions, spa treatments, specialty dining (La Dame and La Terraza). Reservations open in stages according to cabin class (more expensive rooms can book earlier). The easy to navigate “mysilverseas” app is used to make online reservations.
Overall Impression
When onboard, Randy and I appreciated the uncrowded, relaxed elegance of the Silver Whisper. We appreciated the long days we spent in port and the excellent guides for our excursions in England, Ireland, and Scotland. We could have done without the formal nights, and with a bit more excitement in the evening. However, overall, we highly recommend you consider the Silverseas cruise line for a British Isles and Northern European itinerary.
Happy cruising! Laura and Randy
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