Silver Ray

Imelda McCarthy on 19 July 2024
Last month I was given the amazing opportunity to spend 4 nights onboard Silversea’s newest ship, Silver Ray with some of my Travel Counsellor colleagues from Ireland & the UK. Silver Ray was launched on 15th June and is Silversea’s second Nova Class Ship. The ships carries 728 passengers and 544 crew and delivers a new way of luxury cruising.

We flew to Athens and spent one night there before embarking on our adventure at Piraeus Port. The ship is truly a masterpiece of luxury and sophistication, redefining what it means to travel in style. From the moment I stepped onboard, I was immersed in an atmosphere of elegance and comfort. Our suite was spacious and very well appointed with plush bedding, lovely décor and private verandas where we could take in the amazing views. We had our own butler who ensured that our needs were met, with great attention to detail. Your butler assists with unpacking, dining reservations, and even preparing a relaxing bath/shower!

Dining onboard was a culinary delight boasting several world-class restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. From exquisite Mediterranean cuisine to international gourmet dishes, every meal was a celebration of flavours. One of the stand-out restaurants for me was The Marquee, an al fresco dining venue. It is a blend of 2 Silversea dining concepts: The Grill and Spaccanapoli. There is a relaxed but elegant atmosphere with breath-taking ocean views. It was really special to dine under the stars and feel the sea breeze. As with all Silversea dining venues, the service was exceptional, making us feel pampered and well-care-for. S.A.L.T Kitchen was also amazing. The S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Taste) Kitchen focuses on regional cuisine from the destinations visited during the voyage so the menu changes to reflect local flavours and ingredients.

We also had the opportunity to join a cooking demonstration at the S.A.L.T. Lab where the one of the chefs showcased a local recipe and culinary techniques. It was a most enjoyable experience and we learnt a few tips which I will be incorporating in my own cooking at home. Our itinerary took us Santorini first. We were tendered here. The short boat trip brought us to Fira (accessible by cable car). While it was busy, we only queued for half an hour to get to the top. Santorini is famous for it’s whitewashed buildings and blue domed churches and it did not disappoint. We took a short taxi drive to Oia and spent some time exploring the narrow streets and marvelling at the breath-taking views.

We then had a day at sea where we had time to relax in the beautiful surroundings and spend some time lounging by the pool. The pool deck is beautifully designed with comfortable loungers, a pool bar and attentive service. It was the perfect spot to relax, read a book, or simply soak up the sun.

Our next stop was Corfu, an island with a rich tapestry of history influenced by Venetian, French & British rule. We spent some time exploring the streets of Corfu’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the perfect place to indulge in some shopping, there is a great selection of shops here.

The final destination on our itinerary was Kotor in Montenegro. We set our alarms so we could enjoy the scenery as we sailed into the port. It was well worth the early start, the journey from the open sea into this stunning fjord-like bay was definitely a highlight for me. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular revealing towering cliffs and verdant hillsides dotted with charming villages.

The voyage with Silversea was not just an opportunity to see beautiful places, but to do so in the lap of luxury, was an incredible experience. If you are interested in a cruise on Silversea, please do not hesitate to contact me!