On Location: “Whispered luxury” aboard Silversea’s new expedition ship Silver Ray

Silversea showcases such a unique design with its 728-passenger Silver Ray—its second expedition ship of the new Nova class—that it will surprise and delight your clients, especially if they are looking for a ship that’s different.

PAX attended the ship’s shakedown cruise and naming ceremony from June 8-13, 2024. The event included senior executives such as Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and new Silversea president Bert Hernandez, in addition to 550 friendly, attentive crew.

“We are focused on destination delivery and itinerary development; culinary innovation and quality; and unbelievably personalized, consistent service that is there to delight and wow,” Hernandez said. “With this ship we also wanted to create something bold, with a view to being beautiful, special, iconic and that would stand out.”

Three major design features will captivate your clients. For starters, the ship has a unique asymmetrical design. There’s an abundance of outdoor space dedicated to providing shade. And an enormous amount of exterior glass is used for windows and walls—about 4,000 square metres (43,055 square feet)—that brings lots of natural light and great views inside.

The asymmetrical design is most noticeable on the pool deck because the pool is set to one side rather than in the middle. At first glance, it seems weird, but within a few seconds it’s wonderful.

That’s because this brave pool move provides an infinity-style view. “We wanted to create more open outdoor space that would bring the guest visually closer to the sea and destination,” said Hernandez.

“I was also keen at creating a profile that makes us stand out in a sea of white ships—something unique and different that allows everyone to recognize it.”

With Silver Ray, the ship’s funnel is on the opposite side of the pool and farther back for a cool profile (as well as for weight and balance due to the pool). There is also an infinity hot tub to enjoy.

The asymmetrical design carries through to the aft, where one side is indoors and the other is outdoors for the La Terrazza restaurant.

There’s also an abundance of shaded areas on the pool deck and deck 11 above so guests can enjoy being outdoors for longer on sumptuous furnishings.

The ship also features so much glass that rays of sunshine stream through to the interior. Two glass elevators are situated on each side of the ship’s perimeter for panoramic views, rather than tucked inside the middle of hallways like most ships.

Eight dining venues

Silver Ray has eight dining venues and sailing on it is as much of a gastronomic journey as it is a cruise.

Enjoy the signature Sea and Land Taste (SALT) Chef’s Table and SALT Lab, Silver Note (tapas), outdoor Marquee (includes the grill and Spaccanapoli), Atlantide (European) and indoor/outdoor La Terrazza (Italian). Specialty dining is at Kaiseki (Asian) and La Dame (French).

S.A.L.T. offers an enjoyable way for guests to be immersed into a destination’s local cuisine with a curated menu of samples paired with local wines.

There are also cooking demonstrations and shore excursions that complement these restaurants by letting guests visit local markets with a chef.

“In La Dame, we also have a two-star Michelin chef that has created an unbelievable menu and we should probably do a better job of marketing that,” noted Hernandez.

The Marquee features the famous 450F Hot Rocks cooking done at the table in front of guests.

Be sure to remind your clients to ask about portion sizes at restaurants as some are only two to four bites—and order doubles if they like.

Bars and lounges for mingling

There are many bars and lounges, such as Panorama, Observatory, Venetian and Dolce Vita lounges, as well as Silver Note, Arts Café, SALT Bar, Connoisseur’s Corner and the Shelter bar.

Each one has a unique atmosphere and decor and several include musicians and space to dance. Some venues are also designed to encourage guests to mingle, such as the Arts Café and Shelter, near the three-storey glass atrium.

That’s entertainment

Like many small luxury ships, the entertainment is not extravagant.

But it’s high-quality when it comes to dancers, singers, musicians, comedians and more.

The two-storey design of the theatre makes shows even more enjoyable. There is also a small casino, spa and gym.

All cabins have balconies

There are about 363 staterooms—all cabins have balconies—offered in 13 categories and all include butler service.

Butlers assist your clients by unpacking and packing their clothes, managing laundry, delivering and laying out stateroom dining, booking restaurants and shore excursions, running errands and more. There’s a butler button on the telephone that makes getting service quick and easy.

Suite sizes range from 304 sq. ft. (29 m²) to 1,324 sq. ft. (123 m²) and a few at the aft corners have 270-degree views.

The decor is subtle, whispered luxury in soothing greys and blues. Furniture is brilliantly designed to maximize storage space, including a deep laundry basket drawer.

Beds feature luxurious mattresses, soft linens and a selection of pillows. Walk-in closets offer more storage and a unique opening that cuts a corner off makes entry smoother. A shawl/blanket is available.

Some couches have a matching footstool that turns it into an L-shaped design, so even in the smallest stateroom two people can stretch out at the same time.

White marble bathrooms feature wide sinks and plenty of shelves, as well as a wide low cubby for used towels rather than leaving them on the floor. Showers have both handheld and rainforest-style showerheads.

Toiletries are by Otium and shower caps, loofah, cotton swabs and makeup remover towelettes are included.

Plenty of plug types are available for personal devices, but if your clients need more than two U.S. plugs, they should bring an adaptor for European plugs. Each stateroom has an iPad for information.

Try not to book your clients in a cabin on deck nine mid-ship because it’s below the pool deck and, like many ships, loud outdoor music might be heard with this proximity—unless of course your clients are at the party and it won't matter!

“As we celebrate 30 wonderful years, it’s fitting that we’re launching such an innovative ship in this milestone year that connects our past as a pioneer in luxury travel and industry innovation with our future as the leader in ultra-luxury and expedition travel,” said Hernandez.

Silver Ray will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to the Americas in Dec. 2024.

Diane Tierney has been on 91 cruises to 54 countries and has 138,000 followers on Instagram @Cruiseguru.

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