Tried & Tested: Silver Ray, Silversea
The Silver Ray is Silversea's second new and somewhat larger Nova-class ship. Fresh out of the yard, she's now underway tempting potential seafarers (and fans of smaller Silversea cruises) with polish and spaciousness. LuxuryWise was able to test this radiant new maiden of the sea by joining her on a Mediterranean route from Venice to Dubrovnik.
As experienced by LuxuryWise's Senior Editor, Cathrin Lührs
The Ship
"I'm sorry, have we met?" That's what I keep asking myself when I step aboard the Silver Ray. I immediately have a sense of déjà vu, because it looks almost exactly like its sister, the Silver Nova. There are a few key and subtle differences, but more on that later. For now let's take it from the top. The second ship in Silversea's Nova Class is 244 meters (800ft.) long and has room for 728 passengers. Sounds like a lot in theory for Silversea, but in practice you don't feel it – seriously. During my cruise, the ship was almost fully booked but there were plenty of free seats everywhere – in the bars, common areas, and restaurants. So don't be afraid to recommend the new ships to Silversea aficionados. The passenger-space ratio is 78, and there are 1.3 crew members for every guest.
Like the Nova, the Ray is equipped with fuel cells for the most environmentally friendly operation possible. However, these are not yet in use and the ship runs on liquid natural gas (LNG), using shore power wherever she can. The Silver Ray's special design is also worth highlighting: suites are mainly located in the aft and forward areas, with the common areas in the middle. There are also visually interesting elements, such as the asymmetrical pool on deck 10, the multi-deck atrium, floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere, and the cleverly-placed elevators, which are located on the sides instead of in the middle of the ship. The bonus here is that the elevators always have an ocean view or a great overlook of the destination or port of call.
The Suites
The feel is pretty straightforward and welcoming as if to say, "make yourself at home." All suite categories have the same color palette and furniture style. Subtle beige tones, as well as the delicate green-blue splashes of color on the curtains and cushions would calm any guest. The bathroom is a stylish eye-catcher, finished in elegant light gray marble and equipped with a double washbasin and plenty of mirror space. I'm near-sighted so take note for your clients – there's no make-up mirror in the bathroom, but there is a small dressing table with a portable make-up mirror in the suite. They may not find it until later, like me.
My Superior Veranda Suite doesn't have a bathtub (others do, check the deck plan), but it does have a spacious shower with a bench. Nice! The standard bathroom amenities are Silversea's own brand, Otium, which come in large dispensers. Upon request, the Suite Attendant can also provide Bulgari or Sebamed, which come in small bottles. The Silver Suite (pictured) – the most popular suite category on board – always comes with a bathtub, and can also be booked with either one or two bedrooms. But you've gotta be quick: there are only 14 of them on the Ray.
If you want to take it up a notch from the Silver Suite, book the Master Suite (pictured), which has at least 67 square meters (721sq. ft.) – one bedroom, suitable for two. This category is currently available only on the Nova and the Ray. The six Master Suites are located at the corners on the stern and therefore have amazing views. Some of them can even be combined with Premium or Classic Veranda Suites. Unfortunately combos aren't possible with the two Otium Suites (the highest category), but there are options with the second highest, the Owner's Suite, both of which are located at midship on deck 8.
Whichever suite your clients are in, they'll have full control of the minibar! If you tell the butler what should be in it, he'll see to it and keep it well-stocked. Since every category has a balcony or terrace, clients will be able to enjoy their favorite drinks outside. For example, my suite has two chairs and a small table, but higher categories have sun loungers. Got the munchies? Then tell your clients its best to order the Otium Experience from the Otium menu. The butler or room service are available around the clock! With bellies full after a long day, clients can rest easy on the soft beds and rest their heads on their personal selection from the pillow menu. Noise is non-existent as the Silver Ray glides almost silently across the world's oceans.
The Differences
Obviously you've gotta parse out the differences between the Silver Ray and the Silver Nova, since they are basically identical. Now that I know both ships, the changes are pretty minimal. For example, I immediately noticed that the open area in front of the La Terrazza restaurant has changed. Instead of a lounge corner, there is now a kind of mini-gallery. This is because the number of artworks on board the Ray has expanded. Many of the works of art are photographs by the American photographer Steve McCurry, with whom Silversea has been collaborating for several years.
The other small difference is that at the top on deck 11, guests can now find various outdoor games. Whether it's tic-tac-toe or a game of chess, it helps keeps things light and breezy while your clients are enjoying a carefree voyage with family or fellow passengers.
Culinary Delights
No matter which restaurant you book for your clients, you can't go wrong with any of the nine options. If you count the Arts Café (pictured), that makes it ten. It's a special place for early birds like me, since it opens at 6:30am for the first round of lattes and outrageously delicious pastries. Stopping by several times a day, I notice that the snack selection changes. Points for freshness, and variety!
Most of the restaurants on board the Silver Ray are included in the cruise rate. These include the main restaurant Atlantide, La Terrazza, the eatery Marquee – which combines The Grill and the delicious Italian restaurant Spaccanapoli – the Silver Note and S.A.L.T. Kitchen. The latter two are where the special "Sea and Land Taste" menu is served, each adapted to the port of the day. With the exception of S.A.L.T. Kitchen, the F&B outlets should be reserved for the evening. If you've forgotten to do this, don't despair: there are about 15 percent more tables in the restaurants than there are guests on board. So there's always space and nobody has to go to bed hungry!
At the same time, if clients want to splurge (it's vacation after all!), they can spend however they like in the included restaurants. If the house wine doesn't appeal to them, they can order from the exquisite wine list. The ship's sommeliers know their stuff and will be happy to advise.
The French fine dining restaurant La Dame ($160 USD extra on Nova-class ships), evenings at the Japanese restaurant Kaiseki ($80 USD), and the Chef's Table are subject to additional charges. For $180 USD, clients get a very cool live cooking experience with several courses and matching wines and cocktails. Be sure to book super early though, especially for the Silver Note! To do so, bookings open on your "My Silversea" account 120 days before the beginning of your client's trip.
Let's alleviate your fears though, because clients who don't care about splurging won't dine any less royally. Every restaurant that focuses on a culinary region is very authentic and provides a wonderful sense of place. Good to know: At La Terrazza (pictured), the evening menu was changed with the launch of the Silver Ray. The selection is now smaller, but there is a new menu every three days. Don't like what's on the menu? Then clients can simply order something else from their heart's desire. And yes – whatever it is, it can almost always be done.
What the Industry Says
"The Silver Ray is a beautiful ship with a great interior design and excellent service. Overall, it's a great addition to the cruise market. Of the restaurants, I liked the S.A.L.T. Kitchen the best, the menu is very special. The barista in the Arts Café is very attentive: he knew what I wanted even by my second time. My butler was also great, I really appreciated the little details. And I slept very well, the bed in the suite is wonderfully comfortable!"
Alexandra Berger, Head of Cruise Purchasing at Eurotours, Kitzbühel (Austria)
"I was particularly impressed by the space on board the Silver Ray. The ship is so big and you can always find a free seat. Silversea has brought a very chic and modern new ship onto the market which also shines with excellent food. I also really like the fact that most of the excursions are already included, which stands out. And I have to say: all the excursions I went on were really great and had some wonderful impressions. The fine dining at La Dame was also a fantastic experience with great service and excellent food. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether the extra cost is justified, but I really enjoyed the evening."
Anja Hillebrand, Managing Director, TUI ReiseCenter Saarn, Mülheim
The Excursions
Here's an ace up your sleeve: Silversea includes one excursion per guest per port. It's strongly recommended that Shore Excursions be booked in advance under your own My Silversea account. Although there are two different departures for some excursions, the main rule is: first come, first served. If you forget to pre-book, your clients may still be in luck on board. In addition to the included Shore Excursions, passengers can book other ones with an additional fee. These include, for example, the S.A.L.T. programs or private driver services. Good to know: Silversea has recently introduced "The Essential" rate, which includes only the trip on the ship. Excursions in this case are all extra.
I was able to take part in three excursions on my trip. In Trieste, it was a bit sweaty and uncomfortable because a walking tour of "literature" and "coffee" through the pretty old town is a bit much at 33°C/91.4°F. Despite the heat, it was still quite rewarding to have Italian coffee in the oldest café in the city which, fittingly, is also a bookshop. I also explored Zadar in Croatia, which was charming thanks to the fun stories of our radiant city guide Vladka. On the island of Hvar (pictured) it was the "Scents & Sights" tour. We went by bus and unfortunately there wasn't much to it – the description sounded more promising.
The Common Areas
Yea, I know – 728 is a big number for capacity on a luxury cruise ship but seriously, there is plenty of space on board the Silver Ray. If clients love their time outside, they'll almost certainly find a free lounger on the pool deck, and bars are within easy reach. The next chance to find a free lounge group or a lounger is just a flight of stairs away on deck 11. It also happens to be my favorite spot with the infinity whirlpool dubbed The Cliff (pictured), from which clients can gaze upon the horizon and soak up the sea. For peace and quiet, be sure to point out the library, which can be accessed from the Observation Lounge on deck 10. It also has board games for sea days.
Outdoor games are also located on deck 11, and clients can pick a flavor based on their mood. Afterwards they can reward themselves with a cocktail, of course. And what a choice they have. Whether it's at the Dusk Bar (at the stern on deck 11, a cool spot when sailing out!), the Panorama Lounge (deck 5), the Dolce Vita Bar (deck 5), The Shelter (a champagne bar on deck 3), at the Silver Note with cool live music in the evening, or in the S.A.L.T. Bar, my personal favorite. Here, the cocktails change on every voyage and are created to match the route. But really, there's nothing the bartenders can't concoct. "Would I be able to get the Silver Nova's signature drink, the Celestial Nova?" The reply for which is, "Certainly, anything for you!" I try not to blush.
The Service
Courtesy and attentiveness are clear priorities on board the Silver Ray, especially in the restaurants. If clients want to spontaneously change tables at breakfast to eat with newly found friend, don't think they'll be allowed to carry their plates on their own. Anyone dependent on walking aids will of course be assisted at the buffet. The fine dining restaurant La Dame is worth the extra charge, even if only for the excellent service (pictured). Would that I could give the service a Michelin star!
As far as my suite is concerned, I would say that there is still room for improvement. Although I have rooming, there is no mention of the Pillow Menu or the nice Otium Experiences. I am offered help with unpacking my suitcase, which I gladly accept. My butler is finished in no time, stows the suitcase under the bed, and bids me farewell. It's a bit of a shame that he hasn't unpacked a lot of things, however. I search for some things for a long time until I finally look in the suitcase to find what I'm looking for. I'm sure there's a rationale, but it still leaves me with a few question marks.
One other critique I'd offer is that I requested Coca Cola for my minibar – everything else could be removed. Unfortunately, it took two days to fulfill this request, and that must be faster. Perhaps it's personal preference, but there's also no careful "tidying up" of personal belongings both in the bathroom and in the suite itself – everything was usually just as I had left it. Nevertheless, the butler/suite attendant duo also deserve some bonus points. When I arrived, I had two single beds. They immediately asked if they should make it into a double bed. Yes please! (And done.) After the first night, I had a handwritten note from my suite attendant who felt that my blanket was too warm for me. He changed it and asked if that was okay. Yes, definitely! Spot on for empathy.
In a Nutshell
It seems that the sister ship, the Silver Nova, has done some good preparatory work – the team on board the Silver Ray seems very well-coordinated, even though the ship has been sailing for only a few weeks. The product will be really well-rounded if Silversea can make a few tweaks to its attention to detail in the suites. Culinarily, the Silver Ray is at the top of its game and knows how to inspire a younger audience. Being summer, there are surprisingly many children on board, but this is also hardly noticeable given the space. The very international clientele is pleasant. The proportion of Europeans seems to be increasing, especially in the current Mediterranean cruise area. The voyages being almost fully booked demonstrates that the new ship size is absolutely no obstacle to bookings.
Trade Contacts: Alexander Boysen, Director of Sales Europe at Silversea Cruises