Out on the ocean and rivers of the world are over 300 cruise ships of all sizes and quality, offering experiences that will hopefully become a lasting memory in the traveller’s journey of life. Every so often a new ship is launched that surpasses all expectations and becomes the benchmark for others to follow. Such it is with the introduction of the new Silversea Flagship, Silver Muse, delivered to the company in April 2017 this ship has raised the bar in luxury travel.
From the moment of stepping on board you become aware of the understated luxury, an elegance that is not often found on ships. White gloved staff waiting to welcome you and assist with hand baggage to your suite.
All suites on this ship have balconies and I was allocated a Classic Veranda Suite on deck 6 which although the entry level, was exceptional in size and quality. Marbled bathroom with large shower sporting two separate sprays within a glass cabinet, a full size bath to relax in, Bulgari toiletries of shampoo, shower gel, body moisturiser and hair conditioner adds to the luxuriating experience. A walk in wardrobe area with large hanging rail, bathrobes, slippers, electronic safe concealed in the large drawer unit, also home to that all important hairdryer, shoe cleaning pads, sewing kit, laundry bags and even a bag to put your shoes in should you require your butler to have them cleaned. Yes, that’s correct, your very own butler who will look after your every need. There is even an umbrella. Entering the bedroom area, the large intake of breath can be forgiven as you gaze upon the 390 sq. ft. area with a 65 sq. ft. balcony. Large king size bed adorned with crisp white pillows and sheets, contrasting cushions and throw overs. Vanity table, writing desk, large settee, arm chair, vanity stool all in pastels that blend so well. Television, yes, both of them, 42” inset within the large wall mirrors, one opposite the bed the other in the living area. The designers have thought of everything, built in USB sockets to charge mobile devices, sockets that will accept every known type of domestic plug thus eliminating the need to pack adapters and a small penlight smaller than a memory stick. Exit onto the balcony, relax in one of the comfortable chairs, feet up on a footstall, dream and let the world pass by.
Dining has always been an important element in cruising, and in this department Silver Muse excels with no less than 8 different restaurants, each with its own personality. There is no main restaurant but who needs one with such a choice. Deck 4 is dedicated to restaurants.
Kaiseki, a small Japanese restaurant dominated by the Sushi Bar in the centre delighting guests with its choice.
Indochine with black marble tables, white leather banquettes and leather chairs in contrasting green look stunning. The food is Asian, inspired by spices and flavours brought to Europe by the explorer Marco Polo. Enjoy a drink at the restaurants bar whilst awaiting your table.
Atlantide, one of the larger restaurants serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu that will appeal to European guests. Kippers on the breakfast menu, fish and meat lunchtime whilst dinner, think large steaks, sea bass and the like with a recommended desert of Ferrero Rocher chocolate cheesecake.
La Dame is the ships smart classic French restaurant dominated by a large glass enclosed wine rack containing some of the regions wine areas better offerings. The menu as to be expected is superb.
Silver Note on deck 7 is something different, a music club where musicians play jazz and the blues, or a singer preforms with piano accompaniment whilst you sample and enjoy tapas style dishes featuring Peruvian cuisine. Set in intimate surroundings this venue is a must.
La Terreazza also on deck 7 is the breakfast buffet restaurant with its al fresco area. The breakfast menu is vast so select carefully to ensure you find all your favourites plus 6 different fruit juices and 4 types of milk. The restaurant also opens for lunch but in the evening, transforms to an informal restaurant featuring Italian cuisine.
The Grill/Hot Rocks up on deck 10 is situated around the pool and this eatery is fun. It’s all about cooking your own steaks, pork chops, fish and shell fish on hot volcanic rocks. On the side choose between salad, jacket potato, sweet potato fries, onion rings and a multitude of others. As a desert try the Lime and Vanilla cheesecake. If it all goes wrong there is only one person to blame, you.
Spaccanapoli on deck 11 serves fresh cooked Pizza from late morning until late evening. An open air setting overlooking the pool this is definitely and area for warmer climes.
Finally, there is Arts Café on deck 8, serving all day tea, coffee, sandwiches and at 4pm, that very British tradition, afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam.
After all that eating there’s a possibility clothes may appear to become a tighter fit so to combat this there’s the jogging track, 8 times round the pool and funnel is 1 mile. The gymnasium, situated on deck 4 within the Zagara Spa area is equipped with the latest running machines and multi gyms to tone the body. After all that hard work enjoy a massage by one of the masseuses and then relax in the sauna or steam room.
The Venetian Lounge is the main entertainment lounge and feels light, airy and spacious with concealed pale blue ceiling and wall lighting contrasting with comfortable two tone pastel coloured seating, and good sight lines, this is a most enjoyable venue from which to take in the various acts and shows.
Located about the ship are comfortable lounges, the largest being La Dolce Vita with its own bar and grand piano for evening entertainment, Connoisseur’s Corner a small lounge, offering fine whiskey and cognac as well as a selection of cigars. It’s the only indoor venue that permits smoking of cigars and cigarettes. Visit the casino for a flutter or just watch others, browse the shops or indulge in a Rubber of Bridge in the card room. Deck 10 is home to swimming pool, Jacuzzis and sun loungers with invitingly thick mattresses and rolled individual towels whilst deck 11 is home to the Shuffleboard court.
The vast majority of suites are housed within the forward part of the ship away from the entertainment venues, restaurants etc. resulting in very few suites having any chance of noise intruding to them. 3 of the suites have been specifically designed for wheel chair users. This is a ship for the discerning traveller, someone who wants luxury that few others can offer. Carrying less than 600 passengers attended by over 400 staff one word comes to mind ‘Pampered’ and I am sure you will be.
