There are milestones so memorable that they will probably be the subjects of many future conversations. And my maiden voyage on the Silver Spirit will definitely be on my list of talking points. I went with few expectations but left with a bag filled with unforgettable memories.

My partner and I arrived in Rome a day earlier so that we could have some time to explore the 2,700-year-old ancient city. The following day, we arranged for a land transfer to bring us from the hotel to the port at Civitavecchia, Italy, where we boarded the Silver Spirit for our 9-day Mediterranean trip.

Boarding Process

The ground crew was extremely friendly and they made the boarding process so seamless and smooth. Our first point of contact with a Silversea crew is Harvey, a Filipina working onboard of the Silver Spirit. He left a deep impression on my partner and me because he shares the same name as my partner. That pure coincidence started a chain of treasured memories with many more endearing Silver Spirit crew.

Before we could check into our suite, we were invited to have our lunch at the La Terrazza restaurant. Located on deck 7, La Terrazza is an Italian restaurant with a Tuscany-inspired interior decoration.

Suites

After lunch, we were brought to our Veranda suite on deck 6. The suite is extremely spacious. In addition to the bedroom, every suite has a walk-in closet, living room and its own private veranda (most of them). The bathroom has a shower area and bathtub. The refrigerator is replenished daily and all the drinks are complimentary. Although the suite is luxurious, I feel that it’s rather dated and out-of-style especially with its mahogany and beige colour palate. Having said that, I love the indulgence of sleeping on premium Pratesi linens and using Bulgari or Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries. And of course, a butler to attend to all my needs.

Facilities and Public Areas

The Silver Spirit has no shortage of facilities. Most travellers would understand the frustration of paying for exorbitantly priced laundry services. But on the Silver Spirit, every deck has a washing machine and dryer. This complimentary service definitely helps mere mortals (like me) who prefer to do our own washing.

Sporty travellers would be pleased to know that there is a compact but well-equipped gym. For those seeking inner peace, there are yoga classes. These classes are conducted either in the yoga room or the outdoor deck besides the gym. There is even a small swimming pool with three Jacuzzi tubs on deck 9.

The show lounge on deck 5 has nightly live performances. There is also a casino for those who are adventurous to try their luck. For the shopaholics, there is a well-stocked duty-free store onboard. Not to mention a beauty salon and spa for those individuals who want to pamper themselves with beauty and wellness treatments.

Restaurants and Bars  

Silver Spirit has many bars and lounges for those who enjoy relaxing to some lounge music and a drink or two. But the real treat for me is the wide selection of food and beverage outlets onboard. There are the Seishin Restaurant (Japanese), The Restaurant (international), La Terraza (Italian), Le Champagne (French), Pool Bar & Grill (grilled food and pizza), and Stars Supper Club (seasonal delicacies). Personally, I prefer Seichin Restaurant and The Restaurant for their exquisite food. I didn’t have the chance to dine at Le Champagne because it was fully booked. My advice is to make a reservation once you are onboard.  This is because this French restaurant is very popular.  The same advice applies to Seishin.

Crew and other services

During the trip, I got to know two young chaps, Enrico and Emanuele. These talented gentlemen work for Preludio, an Italian shoe company. They make lady sandals decorated with beautiful beads. Every pair of sandals is customised to the owner’s preference. And the footwear is ready for collection on the same day.

Despite all these exceptional facilities, the cruise provider cannot guarantee that you will not have seasick. It was unfortunate that we encountered terrible weather and choppy sea when we were sailing from Livorno (Florence) Italy to Nice, France. I literally puked my way from Italy to France. It was during this personal crisis that I got to know some of the best crew onboard.

Ms Edlet, the housekeeping staff for my suite, had no complaint when she had to clean up the mess in my bathroom when I failed to throw up in the toilet bowl. Together with another engineering crew, Edlet and him removed the unpleasant mess. She was even kind enough to offer me some advice on dealing with motion sickness.

Of course, there is the husband-and-wife team, Jojo and Maria (I hope I got the name right), who served us at The Restaurant and La Terraza. They are so attentive throughout every meal service. Of course, there are Harvey and Francis. Both of them work at the Pool Bar & Grill. These diligent gentlemen are genuine and sincere in their work. They too, served us at the other restaurants too. Of course, the group of ladies (Catherine, Faith and gang) at the Seishin Restaurant who served us with so much passion (and the food kept coming). And finally, Rizza, who charmed us every night with her sultry voice, at the pool deck. These remarkable and deserving individuals put in so much effort to ensure that their guests truly have a memorable time.

Thank you guys. And I hope to see you soon.

Silver Spirit
www.silversea.com/ships/silver-spirit/