Silversea is regarded as offering the crème de la crème of cruising with its first-class service and intimate, luxurious ships. This family-owned company is proud of its Italian heritage and European style that have helped to build its reputation. Taking Silversea holidays isn’t a cheap option, but it does offer good value. Every cabin on the line’s ships is a suite and all tips are included in the price as are alcoholic drinks, whether you choose wine at dinner, a champagne cocktail in your cabin or a cocktail in the nightclub. Plus on each Silversea cruise, the suites are stocked with the passenger’s choice of free beverages.

The nature of Silversea holidays, with their sophisticated ambience and small-ship atmosphere ensures they attract their fair share of affluent cruisers who tend to be professionals or retired professionals who enjoy the culture ambience of this cruise line. There are four Silversea ships: Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, which both take 296 passengers, and were the first two ships in the fleet, followed by Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, which both accommodate 382 guests. These will soon be joined by the line’s first expedition ship, the Prince Albert II which will carry 132 passengers. Cruisers wanting to try Silversea cruise holidays can take their pick as the ships sail across the world covering the main cruising areas as well as going off the beaten track. Silversea’s new Personalised Voyages programme enables passengers to choose which ports they want to embark and disembark at, enabling them to choose the type of cruise they want.

Passengers on Silversea cruises can enjoy other added-value benefits in the price. These range from in-suite dining and 24-hour room service to free excursions, called Silversea Experiences, on some sailings which include dinner in the desert in Namibia or traditional folklore evenings. Some Silversea cruise holidays, dubbed “Enrichment Voyages” are themed around topics including culinary arts, gourmet, history and nature with specialist, and sometimes famous, speakers. They are also complemented with related private tours in the ports of call. As you would expect on any Silversea holidays, the cuisine is impressive with dishes in the main eating spot The Restaurant designed exclusively for Silversea by Relais & Chateaux. There are two other eateries to choose from, and in all dining venues free seating is the norm. Guests can also pamper themselves in the spa or tone up in the fitness centre while evening activities tend to gravitate around shows, concerts and live music.