Silversea Cruises,

Rating:

The ship truly sets the standard for service and ultra luxury cruising. Sailing on the Silver Shadow is somewhat like visiting a private mansion where every need is anticipated, yet one's privacy is respected. Upon embarkation, guests are greeted with a flute of chilled Moet & Chandon champagne, the official Champagne of Silversea Cruises. It is surprising how quickly staff members address guests by name and learn personal preferences.

The second night out, as I entered The Bar, I was offered a Cosmopolitan...what I had ordered the first evening! In addition to a staff with a seeming obsession for detail, the Silver Shadow offers only suites, and all-inclusive fares. Roundtrip airfare with transfers and a restful stay in a deluxe hotel before departure is included, along with all wines (except the occasional rare wine which is available for a bit more), spirits and beverages during the cruise (including all the Moet & Chandon you can stand!) No gratuities are expected.

Space and privacy are a priority on the Silver Shadow. At 28,000 tons, The Silver Shadow offers accommodations to a select group of only 382 guests. Variety and sophistication are reflected in every aspect of the Silver Shadow experience.

Entertainment ranges from classical recitals to Cirque De Sol type shows. As a prelude to themed diners in the Terrace Café, a wine and champagne tasting is held in Le Champagne, an exclusive wine tasting room that celebrates Moet & Chandon and its heritage.

The Humidor by Davidoff, a brand synonymous with fine cigars, is a handsome cigar bar. It provides a traditional English smoking club atmosphere where guests may enjoy a cigar and after dinner cognac. The Bvlgari trademark boutique on board showcases pricey watches and contemporary jewelry for sale, but even better is the selection of plush, richly scented Bvlgari soaps, lotions and shampoos stocked in the bath of every suite.

Each suite features a marbled bath with a full size tub, double sinks and a separate shower. A large walk-in closet, Frette linens, plush robe and slippers, along with a bar stocked with the beverages of your choice are standard on the Silver Shadow. It just does not get better than this!

Silversea has established an exclusive partnership with Relais & Chateaux, a prestigious association of international hotels and restaurants in 43 countries. As a result, their acclaimed chefs join Silversea's award winning chefs to offer cooking demonstrations, tours of local markets and present Le Collection du Monde, a selection of signature dishes featured on select sailings. Itineraries are far reaching and include some of the most exotic ports of call in the world.

Dining in The Restaurant is a sumptuous affair. Offering open seating, this dining venue is truly one of the finest on land or sea. Fine wines are poured into European crystal. Polished Christofle silverware is laid on crisp linens. With an elegant atmosphere, the European wait-staff are polished and attentive...in fact one evening our waiter was so attentive to a woman in our party who was wearing a rather revealingly low cut evening dress that some of the men at the table received the salad course twice. It was an anomaly, over which we all enjoyed a good laugh. Needless to say, our female companion did not dress quite so evocatively for the remainder of the voyage.

Executive Chef, Martial Poilbout oversees a galley staff that continued to enthrall us with magnificent preparations and presentation. Some of the Relais & Chateaux inspired selections included Roasted Wild Boar with Fig Chutney and Saffron Apples, Stuffed Chicken Breast with Foie Gras and Chilled Celery-Pistachio Sauce and Crispy Maine Lobster and Porcini Mushroom Parcels.

Rather than an alternative restaurant with a single style of cuisine, The Terrace Café features a different cuisine each night running the gamut from traditional French to Indian. It is a good idea to check what the selections are before making dinner plans or you might end up eating a cuisine that is not your favorite. Exquisite buffet breakfasts and lunches are served here during the day along with the option of full service in The Restaurant.

The price for a cruise on the Silver Shadow is right at the top of the cruise pyramid. At that level, The Silver Shadow attracts sophisticated, well-traveled individuals from all over the world who can afford the best. If you can, it is the way to go! For more information about the Silver Shadow and Silversea Cruises log onto their web site at www.silversea.com.