Seabourn Spirit
Seabourn Cruise Line
Maximum Passengers: 212 | |
This liner is probably best suited to couples; passengers are mainly over 50 and the majority American. A perfectly formed luxury, boutique ship it has the capacity to carry 212 passengers and 160 crew spread over its 6 decks. If you are looking for excellent levels of service to compliment an elegant and sophisticated cruise then this is the ship for you. With extensive itineraries throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, Egypt and China the choice is yours. There is also a special “Wonders of the World” option which covers a wide variety of destinations in one holiday that may not be on other itineraries. The ship was built in Germany and began its seagoing life in 1989. It cost £25 million and weighs in at just under 10k tons (134m long, 19m wide). Stylish interiors create a high -class ambience onboard and despite the small size of the ship there are good sized public rooms on offer. The stability rating is good and the onboard currency is the US dollar. This comprises of 106 suites, all of which are outside cabins. The 9 price categories are dependent on location and size of cabin (smallest 25.7sq.m – largest 53.4 sq.m). 6 suites have a verandah; while 6 come with private balcony and 36 have French balconies (only 27c.m wide!). There are no single occupancy suites available.
There are 3 lifts onboard, while only 4 cabins have wheelchair access. Standards of accommodation is excellent and all suites come equipped with separate living space, flat screen TV, Bose wave radio, DVD player, fresh fruit & flowers, fridge, mini-bar, personal safe, bathrobe, hairdryer, slippers and toiletries. 24-hour room service and course-by-course dining is available (dining hours only). | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The restaurant has the capacity to hold 215 passengers and adheres to an open dining policy. Stylish silverware adorns the tables with caviar always available on request. High quality and artistically presented food is available from an extensive menu, with many items cooked to order. Breakfast is served up to 11.a.m, with buffet lunches and casual dinners also on offer.
Veranda Café: (seats 90, 40 outdoor) Casual breakfast and lunch buffets. Transforms in the evening into Restaurant 2 offering stylish casual dining bistro food. .
Sky Bar/Sky Grill: (seats 150) open air dining & music – wide selection of grilled cuisine. .
Afternoon Tea: Try an array of rare, herbal and world teas to accompany sandwiches, pastries and other sweets. . Occasional cabaret and singing acts perform in the Amundsen Lounge (cap 215).
If you prefer a classical performance or night club act then try The Horizon Lounge, with most people heading for The Club for dancing and piano music. Or why not try the casino for slot machines, Blackjack and roulette. More sedate activities include a card room and library.
The highlight of onboard facilities has to be the retractable sports arena, which allows passengers to participate in seawater sports. (free use of all equipment). Work up a sweat in the exercise room, gym, or have a go at aerobics, Pilates and yoga. Splash out in the outdoor pool or 3 Jacuzzis then relax in the spa, sauna, steam rooms and beauty salon. The fare for cruising aboard the Seabourn Spirit includes a wide variety of services and amenities. The company policy for gratuities onboard states that it “...is neither required nor expected.” (Please note this does not extend to shore excursions, which are run by local operators.) All drinks (such as table wine) are included, however extra charges are made for orders from the extensive wine list. There is a self-service launderette on Deck four or you can use the same day laundry and dry cleaning service if ordered before 9 a.m. (extra charges are made for this service.) If you have special dietary requirements you must contact the Special Services Dept at least one month prior to sailing.
The cruise fare does not include port charges, fuel supplement charges or insurance, shore excursions and extra travel arrangements, satellite radio- telephone calls or faxes, some beverages, treatments in the beauty salon, massage or spa, or items from the gift shop.
Passengers purchasing air fares through Seabourn will receive all-inclusive transfers (airport to ship & vice versa.) Pre or post stay hotel packages are available and includes, all transfers (hotel to ship & vice versa), full American breakfast, all taxes and service charges, porterage and services of a Seabourn rep. For an extra charge a personal valet luggage service will organize collection of your luggage from home to ship. Silver Shadow
Silversea Cruises
Maximum Passengers: 400 | |
A luxury, small ship, Silver Shadow spans 7 passenger decks and has the capacity to carry between 388 and 400 passengers to 295 crew. If you hanker after a touch of class then this is the cruise for you. It caters for the well travelled who enjoy stylish comfort and excellent levels of service. You will typically find couples on this cruise (usually over 50’s) with the majority of passengers hailing from America. You can choose from a varied list of itineraries – most of the Caribbean is covered including cruises in the East, West and South of the region. Or why not go for Central America and head off down the Panama Canal to take in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico. Other destinations include Hawaii, Alaska and South East Asia. You can also opt for the Mediterranean or a transatlantic route. Built in Italy for £75 million, this ship entered service in 2000. Weighing in at just over 28k tons, it measures 186m in length and 24.8m in width. You will find a generous amount of deck space to relax and sunbathe in for a small ship. A feeling of luxury and sophistication is reflected in the décor, with comfortable public rooms. The CDC hygiene rating is 96. The onboard currency is the US dollar. This is an all-suite ship and has a total of 194 cabins, all of which have an outside view. The smallest cabin measures 26.6 sq.m; the largest is 133.3 sq.m. In total 157 cabins come with a private balcony. There are no single occupancy cabins onboard. Only 2 cabins have wheelchair access; however there are 5 lifts to aid movement between decks.
You can choose from 8 individual price categories. Owner’s, Grand and Royal suites come with butler service, personal safe, complimentary laundry service and Lavazza expresso maker. All cabins come equipped with marble bathrooms and bathtub, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, complimentary toiletries, twice daily turn down service, personal safe, TV and telephone along with complimentary fresh fruit and flowers. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The Restaurant is the main dining venue and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and operates an open seating policy. Here you can enjoy fine French cuisine, along with specially prepared signature dishes. There is also a low carb and “Cruise Lite” menu to choose from if you are watching your waistline.
Other dining experiences onboard include:
Le Champagne - a more intimate, exclusive venue (reservations are taken). Enjoy fine signature dishes coupled with wine especially chosen to compliment each meal.
La Terrazza - outdoor/indoor venue. Serves breakfast and lunch. In the evening this venue offers different dishes from around the world.
Pool Grille – poolside venue. Serves lunch and offers grilled and fast food options.
24-hour room service – you can order food in your cabin at any time of day. You can also order off The Restaurant menu in dining hours. The Showlounge is home to a variety of different acts to keep you entertained each evening. Here you can enjoy an in-house production show or perhaps sit back, relax and listen to a classical music concert. The Bar puts on piano recitals, cabaret acts and jazz music. Or if you prefer to dance the night away live music can be found in the Panorama Lounge and The Bar. If you enjoy cigars and a good cognac, armagnac, grappa or port then head for The Humidor. If you are in a romantic mood you can watch a film under the stars out on deck (on certain evenings). There is also a good programme of guest speakers to enhance your experience of certain ports of call. Wine experts and guest chefs are also on hand on certain voyages.
There is one outdoor pool, two whirlpools and fitness room onboard. Fancy a gamble? Take your pick from a casino or play the slot machines. To escape it all and lose yourself in a good book relax in the library. If a bit of pampering is the order of the day the Mandara Spa has it all. Try a massage, facial or treat your feet to a pedicure. To round off your trip you can shop to your heart’s content in the boutique. Silversea Cruises offer all-inclusive fares that cover round-trip airfares, all transfers, port tax and a pre-cruise hotel stay. Or you can purchase a cruise only fare. The ticket includes onboard gratuities, complimentary champagne, spirits and some wines (vintage wines cost extra), along with one shore excursion on certain cruises. On arrival you will receive a chilled bottle of Pommery in your cabin along with a complimentary drinks cabinet that is replenished daily. Cold canapés and hor d’ oeuvres are served for you to enjoy daily with pre-dinner cocktails. There is also a shuttle service (roundtrip) from pier to town centre to use free of charge in each port of call.
Your cruise only fare does not include port charges, airfare, optional hotel stay over, government taxes, optional shore excursions, fuel and security surcharges, transfers and luggage handling, laundry, gift shop purchases, cigarettes, cigars and any services of a personal nature (e.g. spa treatments, massage, gambling).
Insurance has historically been included in the fare, however this has now changed and you will be expected to purchase insurance cover separately. Special dietary requirements can be catered for, however please note that you will have to inform the company in writing 75 days prior to sailing. Silver Cloud
Silversea Cruises
Maximum Passengers: 315 | |
This luxury, small ship, covering 6 passenger decks, can carry between 296 and 315 passengers along with 210 crew. The attention to detail and levels of service are both excellent. Suitable for mature couples (particularly over 50’s) who enjoy refined surroundings and elegant cruising. You will find a mix of nationalities aboard, however the majority of passengers will be North American. Sail away to Northern Europe, taking in Norway and Denmark, or if you prefer warmer climes try other parts of the Mediterranean such as Italy, France and Croatia. For a more exotic destination try an African cruise with visits to Egypt and Jordan, or pick up that samba beat and head for South America to sample the delights of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. Entering service in 1994 this ship was built in Italy for £62.5 million. Weighing in at just under 17k tons, it measures 155m long and 21m wide. This vessel benefits from a well thought out and spacious interior. An ‘announcement free’ environment onboard combine with stylish fixtures and fittings (i.e. cut crystal/fine linen/teak furniture) to create a luxurious experience. This is an all suite ship and has 148 in total, all with an outside view. Ranging from 22sq.m to 122 sq.m in size, 110 have a private balcony. There are 7 individual price categories to choose from. The Grand/Rossellini/Owner’s/ Royal Suites all come with butler service. All suites are elegantly furnished and feature marble bathtub, TV/DVD, floor-to-ceiling windows giving ocean views, fresh fruit & flowers, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer and dressing table. Royal/Grand/Owner’s Suites also come with personal safe, expresso maker and complimentary valet/laundry service for the duration of your stay.
Only 2 cabins have wheelchair access and there are 4 lifts onboard. There are no single occupancy cabins available. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The main restaurant onboard is aptly named The Restaurant! Recent improvements are reflected in the high quality cuisine on offer, as they serve only a la carte food from the menu. Table wine is included (if you want to enjoy something a bit special you can always purchase a bottle from the “connoisseur” wine list).
Other dining options include:
Saletta: (seats 24) an intimate venue serving high quality Italian cuisine. :
Terrace Café: For informal feasting try the self-service breakfast and lunch buffet. :
La Terrazza: Indoor/Outdoor Café serving snacks and drinks. :
Pool Grille: informal al fresco dining. :
24- hour room service. Spanning 2 decks, the hub of activity for entertainment onboard is The Showlounge. From cabaret acts, production shows, live band music to classical music evenings this is the place to take it all in. If you prefer to dance the night away, enjoy a cabaret act or enjoy some piano or jazz music then head for The Bar. Dancing is also the order of the day in the Panorama Lounge. If fine cognacs, cigars, armagnac, grappa or port are more your thing then try the Champagne Room. Or for something a bit different head out on deck and enjoy a Moonlight Movie.
There is plenty of opportunity to pamper yourself in the beauty salon, 2 Jacuzzis, steam and sauna rooms and the Mandara Spa. Or why not have a go at Yoga, Pilates and meditation. If you are looking for something more strenuous do a few laps in the outdoor pool, have a game of pool volleyball or take in an aerobics class. A casino with slot machines awaits anyone who feels like taking a gamble and there is also a well-stocked book and DVD library onboard. If none of that appeals there is always the boutique shops to have a browse around. Silversea Cruises offer all-inclusive fares that cover round trip airfares, port tax, all transfers, pre-cruise hotel stay, gratuities, all onboard beverages, (wines/champagne/
spirits) plus one shore excursion on certain voyages. In your cabin you will receive a bottle of chilled Pommery on arrival and a complimentary drinks cabinet that is replenished daily. Cold canapés and hor d’oeuvres are also served with pre-dinner cocktails (no extra charge). A complimentary (roundtrip) shuttle service from pier to town centre is also available.
Insurance has historically been included in the fare, however this has now changed and you will be expected to purchase insurance cover separately. The fare does not include the onboard selection of vintage wines, massages and other such personal services. Special dietary requirements are catered for, but you need to put it in writing 75 days prior to sailing.
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