Review: Stepping on board Silverseas' Silver Ray

_Location: Silver Ray, the second ship in Silversea’s Nova class, began its maiden season in Lisbon in June. The ship is currently sailing in the Mediterranean before repositioning across the Atlantic to South America and the Caribbean in December.

 

At the end of the season, it will complete a 71-day Grand Voyage across the region, before returning to the Mediterranean in April next year.

 

_{First impressions:} I immediately noticed the ship’s understated, contemporary design, which creates an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. The buzzy Arts Café sits at the heart of the ship, along with a concierge desk and reception.

 

As we headed to our suite, glass elevators located on the outside of the vessel allowed us to enjoy expansive views of Lisbon’s rooftops.

 

The openness of the ship, which follows an asymmetric design identical to sister ship Silver Nova, means there are plenty of spots for watching the world go by, including from our private balcony, a feature of every suite.

 

We were warmly welcomed by our butler - glass of bubbles in hand - who assured us he would only be ‘seconds away’ should we need him for anything. This impeccable service continued throughout our sailing.

 

_{The facts:} Silver Ray has 364 suites across 13 category types. There are 64 Classic Veranda Suites – the lead-in offering. The most premium and spacious options are the six Master Suites, two Grand Suites, two Owner’s Suites and two Otium Suites.

 

The latter are located at the stern of the ship and feature a whirlpool bath on the balcony. The culinary offering is extensive; all nine restaurants have a different vibe, ranging from casual alfresco dining at The Marquee to intimate and formal at the Salt Lab Chef’s Table – both exclusive to Nova-class ships.

 

At the Chef’s Table, an 11-course tasting menu is served to 18 guests, and a local chef from the port is invited on board to add their own regional dish to the innovative menu.

 

Silver Note is a must-visit – the food was divine, but it was the soothing ambience and jazz singer that really made the evening. There are also eight bars and lounges.

 

The Shelter champagne bar has an intimate, elegant feel, with a violinist playing every night, while the main bar, Dolce Vita, is the perfect spot to sip a drink before heading to the Venetian Lounge for the evening’s entertainment. Meanwhile, the Otium Spa has eight treatment rooms, a sauna and an indoor pool.

 

_{Ideal for:} First-time cruisers. Since Silversea launched its Nova class, it has been attracting more new-to-cruise guests due to the ships’ contemporary design, which emanates a luxury hotel vibe.

 

In addition, Silver Ray’s Mediterranean sailings are the perfect opportunity for clients to tap into cruising without stepping too far out of their comfort zone in terms of destination.

 

_Explore: As Silversea develops its land-based offering, the line has added exciting excursions. We enjoyed a tasting journey across Lisbon, sampling local delicacies while admiring the beautiful architecture and learning about its history.

 

In addition to exploring the destination at the cruise port, many excursions allow guests to travel farther afield, such as cove-hopping on a yacht or embarking on a private transfer to discover a hidden gem.

 

If your clients prefer to plan their own itinerary, they can hire a car. On board, foodies should take part in an interactive cooking class at the Salt Lab, where they will learn to prepare local recipes with professional chefs.

 

_Wow: The wide range of entertainment really brought the ship to life in the evenings. Each night offered something uniquely memorable, from a swing band or comedy show in the grand, sophisticated Venetian Lounge to a live band playing 1980s classics late into the evening by the pool.

 

For guests who prefer something a little less lively, head to the open-air Dusk Bar on deck 10, where a pianist plays while attentive bar staff cater to your every need.

 

_{Book it:} Silversea’s 12-day trip from Athens (Piraeus) to Civitavecchia (Rome) on board Silver Ray from October 31 to November 12 costs from £14,400 per person.

 

The price includes private executive airport transfers, round-trip flights, food and beverages on board, butler service and shore excursions.
silversea.com