At first glance, Silversea’s Silver Shadow brings a European beach holiday to mind, with warm woods gracing the deck, highlighted with crisp whites throughout the ship and sparkling blue water in the onboard pool. However, unlike a trip to the French Riviera, this exclusive all-suite vessel features fewer people (388 guests to be exact), yet plenty of places to explore and indulge in excellent food and drink while taking in the natural beauty of the sea.
The ship leaves from a handful of ports, including the United Kingdom, Iceland, Canada, Japan, Barbados, Australia and the United States. The length of trip depends on the destinations, with voyages lasting up to 40 days from Sydney to Hong Kong, or the world tour cruise, which runs 132 days from San Francisco to Australia to Asia and back again. When not at sea, expect a gambit of shore experiences, like ziplining in the rainforest, riding horses on beaches and visiting local villages.
From relaxing on the refined pool deck and lounge chairs to having a cocktail in the modern Arts Cafe to indulging in a treatment at the Zagara Beauty Spa, you’ll find much to enjoy aboard this luxury liner.
- One of the top accommodations onboard, the Owner's Suite features one or two bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms (complete with a bathtub), a living room, a dining area and a veranda overlooking the water. The equally elegant Royal and Grand suites come with the same options, but their location at the ship’s bow lends the bedroom a pleasing curve. But even if you don’t snag one of these top-tier choices, rest assured you will have spacious accommodations on the all-suite ship.
- With only 388 guests on board for each voyage and 300 staff members, this vessel boasts both a high crew-to-guest and space-to-guest ratio at sea. As an added perk, every passenger receives butler service.
- Silver Shadow’s pool temperature changes in accordance with the weather — on warmer days, the pool offers a refreshing respite, and on cooler days, the water is heated. For extra warmth, take a dip in the bubbling whirlpool, and when you emerge, you’ll find a fluffy towel awaits.
- Like the ship itself, Zagara Beauty Spa exudes nautical elegance. Add another chance for onboard relaxation with treatments like customizable facials, massages and body wraps. The spa also is outfitted with men’s and women’s saunas and steam rooms for use before or after a treatment.
- Find well-executed Italian fare at La Terrazza, where the buffalo mozzarella hails from Naples, organic balsamic vinegar and olive oil come from Umbria, the cured ham is sourced out of Parma and all the pasta is made daily, right on board. Come by any time for breakfast or lunch, but make sure to secure a reservation for dinner.
- Sip on fine wines and French cuisine in the gold-tinged La Dame, one of the restaurants on the ship. Expect white-glove service amid handmade crystal Lalique panels and elevated plates of classic French food. To dine here, make sure to secure a reservation in advance.
- For the best view, look for a table by the window in The Restaurant, the ship’s primary dining area. Of course, any table provides the opportunity to enjoy the ship’s contemporary, international cuisine and the company of fellow travelers, thanks to the ship’s unique open seating plan.
- Visit the card room for onboard games and tournaments or try your luck at the casino with a bit of roulette, blackjack and slot machines. Novices can go to a champagne reception at the start of the journey to learn all about the games offered.
- Dine alfresco at The Grill, a casual spot on the ship to cook your meat atop a volcanic rock grill. This aspect of the restaurant is only available for dinner, but during the day you can enjoy The Grill’s salad bar and excellent burger.
- For a glass of fine cognac and a cigar, head to the Connoisseur's Corner and experience the best of the seven seas. Choose from a cozy leather chair inside the ship or a cool wicker chair on the patio, overlooking the water.
