WE’VE embarked on a sun-soaked voyage on the Mediterranean aboard Silversea’s newest jewel, Silver Ray. During our glorious seven-day cruise, we will anchor in three countries while exploring some of the most glamorous destinations in southern Europe.
This luxurious vessel, with a capacity of 728 guests, is the twin sister to the renowned Silver Nova and was launched last year to represent a revolutionary leap in cruise design.
Silver Ray
With its innovative asymmetrical layout, Silver Ray offers an expansive on-board experience, highlighted by a 45-foot swimming pool positioned to one side of Deck 10 and a hot tub on the Deck 11. The unique design choice creates ample space on deck for squishy sun loungers, shady cabanas and a stand-out poolside bar.
The panoramic glass-walled elevators allow light to flood in as we slip between the ship’s floors, while the decks’ glass panels on each floor offer unobstructed views of the breathtaking scenery and the cerulean blue sea. Silver Nova and Silver Ray are among the latest generation of sustainable ships, powered by a hybrid system of batteries and natural gas, and equipped to connect to shore power to minimise emissions while in port.
Silver Ray Pool Deck
Upon reaching our suite, we are warmly greeted by Rosie, our impeccably dressed Filipino butler. Her radiant smile and genuine welcome instantly makes us feel at home. Rosie (one of 34 expertly trained Silversea butlers on board) ensures our stay is seamless, assisting with the booking of complimentary inclusive excursions and confirming our reservations at the ship’s bookable restaurants.
Rosie also keeps our mini bar well-stocked with our favourite tipples and canapés, which we relish on our private veranda as the sun dips below the horizon every evening.
Silver Note
The suite is adorned in soft beige and turquoise hues, with ample storage and a walk-in closet, ensuring that our living space remains uncluttered and pristine. Our expansive marble bathroom is stocked with large refillable bottles of Silversea’s signature amenities, named after the extravagant on-board spa, Otium.
This sanctuary of wellness offers a wide spectrum of therapies, beauty treatments and tweakments. Our pre-breakfast morning routine commences with a treadmill session in the sea-facing fully equipped gym, followed by a chill-out in the steamy whirlpool.
The Marquee
Entertainment on cruise ships can often lean towards the predictable, but not on Silver Ray. We’re captivated by the talents of the affable Alfredo, the pianist who delights guests nightly with his repertoire of well-known melodies in Dolce Vita on Deck 5. The on-board cast of professional singers and dancers elevate our evenings in the two-storey Venetian theatre performing to a packed house.
Dining on the ship is a gastronomic event, with eight superb options to satisfy our every mood and palate. La Terrazza serves up a buffet breakfast and lunch, complemented by à la carte options, dining either indoors or alfresco on the deck. By night the venue transforms into a specialty Italian restaurant with a candlelit setting.
Our favourite spot for breakfast is The Marquee on Deck 10, where we relish a vitamin-packed juice and a light healthy meal while gazing out to sea. At night-time the restaurant transforms into an enchanting dimly-lit venue, serving sizzling steaks that we cook ourselves on lava rocks.
Dusk Bar
On our first evening, we enjoy evening drinks at the chic SALT Bar, where the mixologist crafts a unique cocktail for each voyage, after which we savour dinner at SALT Kitchen, where the daily menu reflects the culinary traditions of each port. SALT (an acronym for Sea And Land Taste) showcases dishes crafted from local recipes and ingredients, sourced by Silversea chefs who arrive ahead of the ship.
Atlantide offers an elevated dining experience with an international menu featuring delicacies, including Dover sole and Wagyu steak. Silver Note is a sultry dining venue with live jazz performances by a talented pianist and vocalist duo. The broad menu features a selection of delectable tapas-sized dishes that seem to flow endlessly from the dedicated kitchen.
On our final evening after dinner we head to the aft of the ship for a nightcap at the Dusk Bar, where we’re serenaded by the saxophonist, Chris. His soulful melodies are the perfect soundtrack to accompany us while sailing under the stars, reminiscing about our voyage and dreaming of our next Silversea adventure.
by Amanda Bernstein
Silversea’s seven-day voyage from Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia (Rome) on board Silver Ray from July 15-22, 2025, starts from £4,200 per person for door-to-door service (including private executive airport transfers, international flights, food and beverage on board, butler service and shore excursions).
Visit Silversea.com or call 0207 340 0700