SilverSea Silver Cloud
To get you into the right frame of mind to sail with Silversea , your documents arrive in a silver box with the Silversea logo prominently "engraved" on the top. When you open the box, you will find all of the onboard cruise and itinerary details you need to appropriately plan for your upcoming voyage . Most impressive however, are the gorgeous black calf-skin leather document case and luggage tag. Such a beautiful presentation sets the mood for what is yet to come onboard a Silversea vessel.
Sailing on the 294-passenger Silver Cloud is a most luxurious experience, and one that would make just about any incentive winner absolutely delighted. In the elite category of six star cruising, Silversea Cruises certainly takes the cake. As the most all-inclusive product at sea, this product compares in quality only to Radisson, Seabourn, Sea Dream and Crystal. Each has a feature or specialty that sets them apart from the others - but I would have to say that Silversea is the most all-encompassing of the bunch.
Provided on every Silversea cruise is unlimited beverages including an extensive wine selection, unlimited bottles of Moet and Chandon champagne, caviar, 24-hour in-suite dining, replenished fruit bowl and mini bar in each suite, Bvlgari bathroom amenities, Godiva chocolates at turndown on selected evenings and Frette linens both in the suites and in the dining rooms. It could not possibly be more elegant.
Dining on the Silver Cloud is always a culinary delight. The menus are artfully created and executed, with each item beautifully seasoned and presented. Enjoy breakfast in your suite, or in the Terrace Café, or in the Main Dining Room. Any way you choose, the selections are endless. Lunch is served in the same venues, but add a poolside grill to the mix. And dinners can be formal or casual depending on the evening. Elegant six course meals are offered in the Dining Room. On selected evenings, the Veranda Café serves themed menus from around the world for intimate groups of passengers. At least one night per cruise, the pool deck becomes an outdoor buffet bistro with a multitude of barbecue, salad, side dish and dessert stations. But of course, no Silver Cloud crew member will ever let you carry the plate to your table - and they are there to bring you all the fine wine and all other beverages you desire.
The staterooms on the Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper are nothing less than perfect. They are all suites, mostly with verandas - and are expertly equipped. With walk-in closets, there is enough room for anything you manage to pack. Bathrooms have full bathtubs and large mirrors - and as I mentioned above, Bvlgari amenties that are "to die for." I would have to say Silversea wins the award for best cruise line bathroom amenties. And speaking of awards, I would have to give them one for the most luxurious beds too. With soft and scrumptious Frette linens, down pillows and unbelievably comfortable mattresses - these accommodations are hard to beat. I would add down duvets too - but that is about the only thing these beds are missing. Each suite has a sitting area with a couch, chairs and a cocktail table that rises and opens full-size for a four-passenger dining experience.
The public space on the ship is designed with the incentive market in mind. The Venetian Lounge accommodates the entire passenger compliment for shows, meetings and presentations. The Panorama Lounge is the perfect spot for afternoon tea or a cocktail party. The pool deck has enough space for everyone to gather for a meal, party or just for lounging around on a day at sea. There is an intimate bar for pre and post dinner cocktails that leads into a very adequate casino for a ship of this size. The Spa facilities should be larger, and from what I understand, they are going to be improved in an upcoming dry dock. There are many maintenance items that will be taken care during that time as well. Soft goods will all be replaced and facilities will be upgraded. The ship will be out of service beginning this November, through April 2004. When she comes back into service, the Silver Cloud will look as good as new!
Bottom line is this: You can't go wrong with Silversea. With competitive rates, flexible itineraries and pure decadence - your guests will come back raving about one of the best incentives they have ever experienced.
For more information on the Silver Cloud and the rest of the Silversea's fleet, visit www.silversea.com
