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I've experienced my fair share of cruises, but my recent voyage aboard Silversea's Silver Shadow stands out as something truly special, particularly as I was able to enjoy the voyage with my mother. From the moment we stepped into our elegant suite to the somewhat emotional farewell at the end, it was an unforgettable journey of attentive service, exquisite cuisine, and precious moments with my mom.
Embarking a few days into the voyage in Halifax, Canada, my mother and I settled into our haven for the next 12 days: a beautiful Superior Veranda Suite on deck 9. The luxurious teak-floored balcony, with its stunning ocean views, became our favorite breezy lookout (along with the peaceful Observation Deck / library on deck 10), and the stateroom itself was our comfortable and elegant private sanctuary aboard the 388-passenger Silver Shadow. From our vantage point, we enjoyed watching the bustling ports of Boston and New York City as we made our way down the eastern seaboard and on to the turquoise paradise of Bermuda, then ending in Fort Lauderdale. We also had several days at sea, which I personally love for relaxation.
Our Beautiful Suite
Some features of the stateroom especially stand out, and are worth highlighting: a walk-in closet with drawers and plenty of hanging space, a spacious full bathroom with large bathtub, glassed-in shower, double sinks (!), and shiny granite countertops and floors, elegant living area with a couch and two chairs, end tables, and a coffee/dining table. My bed on the Silver Shadow was absolutely dreamy (a "just right" mattress and pillows), and I enjoyed some of my best sleep ever. The Bulgari toiletries were the icing on the cake. I will forever equate the delicate Bulgari “Green Tea” scent with this heavenly voyage.
Dining Delights
Our easy-going mornings began with breathtaking ocean views and the gentle clinking of china as we savored leisurely breakfasts in the main dining room (The Restaurant). Freshly baked, flaky pastries, steaming hot coffee, perfectly cooked soft-boiled eggs, and the sweetest grilled peaches drizzled in honey that became our daily indulgence – perfection. Each morning we tackled the daily trivia quiz over hot coffee and breakfast, sharpening our minds for the afternoon team trivia in the Panorama Lounge, led by our lively cruise director, Martin.
For lunch, La Terrazza became our favorite dining spot, a vibrant, light-filled restaurant that featured an elegant international buffet. Most evenings we spent at The Restaurant because we enjoyed the ever-changing menu and exceptional service. But one is really spoiled for choice as regards dining on the Silver Shadow, from the intimate La Dame (French), to La Terrazza’s evening Italian menus, to The Grill. The head bartender charmingly prepared some special cocktails for us to try after dinner, and shared his secret for the best after-dinner cordial: Bailey’s on ice with a float of Chambord. It was so delicious!
Shore Experiences: Bermuda
Beyond the delectable meals and onboard enjoyment, the Silver Shadow offered an excellent selection of shore experiences. Our favorite was a small group (six people) excursion to St. George's in Bermuda, where we were fascinated by the charming cobblestone streets, historic churchyard dating back to the 1600s, and pretty harbor.
My mother and I also took the opportunity to independently experience the iconic Lili Bermuda perfume factory in St. George’s. It was fun to learn the history of this brand and see the rooms where the scents are created. We left with not only treasured souvenirs (my favorite is Lili Bermuda’s “South Water” eau de toilette), but also a newfound appreciation for the art of perfumery.
World Class Service
No description of this Silversea voyage would be complete without mention of our wonderful butler and stateroom attendant. They made the voyage extra special, adding a truly personal touch and an unparalleled level of service. From the chilled champagne awaiting us on arrival to the in-suite breakfast with mimosas on a breezy morning, their attentiveness made us feel pampered. Even the small gestures, like finding our sunglasses meticulously cleaned and placed on the vanity with a Silversea polishing cloth, spoke volumes about the exceptional service on board.
Onboard Highlights
For me, a further highlight of the voyage was found in the captivating onboard lectures. From stories of cloak-and-dagger World War II intelligence operations, to behind-the-scenes tales from the Cuban Missile Crisis, to the intricacies of world diplomacy, these expert talks sparked lively discussions with fellow guests and really enriched the overall experience.
Throughout the voyage, the onboard ambiance struck a perfect balance. While undeniably luxurious, it never felt stuffy. Evenings offered a delightful mix of formal, country club casual, and informal settings, catering to every mood and occasion, depending on the day’s suggested attire or one’s choice of venue. It was a pleasure to mingle with fellow guests, and we especially enjoyed our afternoon trivia team. We paired up with two Australian couples, and between the six of us, we had most topics pretty well covered!
Farewell, until we sail again
As the Silver Shadow sailed towards Fort Lauderdale for debarkation, a bittersweet pang settled in. The cruise had been a little slice of heaven, and a wonderful way to reconnect with my mother. Shared experiences, laughter, and the comforting presence of the sea (including some exciting high waves one night that rocked us to sleep) made for a precious, unforgettable time together. Silversea's Silver Shadow exceeded every expectation, offering not just luxury, but an unparalleled level of service, thoughtful touches, and genuine warmth. To my discerning travelers, I say this: set sail on a Silversea luxury cruise, and prepare to be swept away by a luxuriously comfortable and inspiring experience that will perfectly set the mood for…what else? A future voyage.
Reach out to me today and let's get you onboard your ideal luxury voyage, with all the details taken care of for a stress-free planning, booking, and travel experience, right from day one.
P.S. Don't miss the grilled peaches at breakfast!