Ocean elegance onboard Silversea's Silver Ray

Silversea’s fleet of eight elegant Ocean Ships each feature a maximum of 350 suites, all offering ocean views, most with a private teak-floored verandah, and every single one with their own personal butler, ensuring that sailing with Silversea is the ultimate in relaxing luxury. Emily, Assistant Manager at our Felixstowe branch, stepped onboard Silver Ray in Naples to experience Silversea’s All-Inclusive Exclusivity for herself.

Silver Ray is Silversea’s second Nova Class ship, joining the fleet in the summer of 2024. Named after a ray of light, she features a pioneering design and exceptional use of glass to ensure maximum open views all around the ship, from the expansive public areas to the luxury suites. “Silver Ray felt very stylish and modern as I stepped onboard,” says Emily, “Check in was nice and easy, then a butler greeted me and took me to my cabin.”

Silversea’s aspiration is that your suite should feel like a high seas home away from home. “I had a Superior Veranda Suite,” confirms Emily, “The bed was amazing, and they even offer a pillow menu! It had a large bathroom with a double sink, a double walk-in rainfall shower and a great walk-in wardrobe. Floor to ceiling glass doors open on to a private veranda for amazing views and sunsets, plus I loved being able to watch a movie – you can adjust the room lighting to cinema mode, and this was a great way to wind down after dinner before bed. Every suite comes with a personal butler so if you ever need anything you can just call him, which is fantastic if you ever need a late-night drink or snack!”

Silversea ships are small on passenger numbers, and big on luxurious amenities. “The pool was amazing,” says Emily, “It was positioned to the side of the deck and the area felt spacious and calm. I spent a lot of time on the top deck, near the pool – there are lots of places to sit and read a book. There was a well-equipped gym with a separate fitness room, and if the instructor wasn’t in the gym, you could select a workout video to do by yourself. The spa was also very relaxing and had plenty of consultation rooms.”

S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) is Silversea’s unique programme of ‘Culture Through Cuisine.’ As the ship sails, S.A.L.T.  reflects the flavours of the region, whether that’s through the local specialities served in S.A.L.T.  Kitchen, the themed cocktails served in S.A.L.T. Bar, culinary shore excursions with S.A.L.T. Ashore, or a talk or demonstration like the one enjoyed by Emily, “We had a cooking class at the S.A.L.T Lab and had a chef guide us through making a specialty dish of the region.”

There is an array of specialty restaurants onboard, including French & Japanese – several are included but some carry a cover charge. “I really enjoyed dining in the Marquee for most of the meals,” says Emily, “They served breakfast, lunch and dinner - one evening we had surf and turf and we cooked it ourselves on an individual grill so we could have it just how we liked! My favourite dish of the trip was the cheese and spinach quesadilla at breakfast!”

Emily had wondered if ultra luxury cruising might feel a little formal, but her fears were totally unfounded, “I have never felt so at ease on a ship. The staff were very attentive – nothing was too much trouble, and they were always happy to help. The ship had a real personal feel - they knew me by name, remembered my preferences and I didn’t have to queue once for a drink.”

Emily was onboard for four nights, “We boarded in Naples, went to St Tropez for the day and disembarked in Marseille,” she confirms. “We went to Herculaneum in Naples which was really interesting.” Herculaneum is an archaeological site featuring the preserved remains of a Roman town, buried under 16 metres of ash & mud when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. This is the same eruption that buried Pompeii, but Herculaneum is a more compact, less crowded and better-preserved site to explore for a fascinating glimpse into life in Roman times.  

“I really loved walking around St Tropez too,” says Emily, “Last time I visited it was in the rain in November! St Tropez is beautiful and has a lovely harbour to explore.”

With ships small enough to visit exclusive ports, yet with spacious facilities onboard for every wish to be catered for, Silversea really does deliver their promise of the most beautiful destinations in the comfort you deserve. “I would recommend Silversea to couples and single travellers of any age.” confirms Emily. “I expected it to be luxurious, but Silversea definitely exceeded my expectations, I felt so comfortable and really looked after, from start to finish.”

You can find Emily in our Felixstowe shop, and if you’ve been inspired for your next cruise adventure contact your local branch.