Are you a inquisitive person? I have a constant desire to discover new things, to be surprised and inspired. As such, Silversea Cruises' exclusive range of cruises of a different kind is a godsend. I was curious to see what awaited me.
It is clear at first sight that the Silversea Shadow has nothing to do with the floating ocean giants that spitthousands of passengers ashore in the major ports. Rather, it is the exclusive little sister, a fine luxury hotel at sea which will take me from Hong Kong to Singapore via Vietnam. The Silversea luxury cruise line focuses its fleet on the smaller cruise liners and for good reason: firstly, the ships offer a pleasant and private environment with exclusive service and one crew member for nearly every guest. Secondly, the size and manoeuvrability of the vessels allows the ships to dock directly at the piers at the destinations rather than have to anchor far off the coast. If you value individuality and intimacy when travelling, you are in the right hands. On board, I was taken by my personal butler to my booked suite which was pleasantly spacious but for my taste could have been more luxurious and design-orientated. I indulged in a first glass of champagne and some welcome delicacies. After a subsequent tour I drew my first conclusions: the Silversea Shadow has a diverse range of offers given its size. In addition to the cabins there are four restaurants, a casino, splendid panoramic and observation lounges, fine designer boutiques, a library, the Card Room and Connoisseur's Corner. A spa, beauty salon, fitness centre, numerous decks and an outdoor pool also await guests. In addition, the Shadow features a modern and fully equipped conference facility and a show lounge that is as generous as it is cosy.
A maritime journey can be a remarkably enjoyable experience, although sometimes the word 'exciting' would be perhaps more applicable. That was the case for this voyage which in addition to gorgeous sunny days also featured days with rough seas, which one doesn't notice nearly as much on ships larger the Shadow. The route included fantastic destinations: Ha Long Bay, Chan May, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City – each an experience in itself. We were able to gain irreplaceable snapshot impressions of each port of call, despite the short stops. The distinctively rocky coast of the South China Sea, the lights of the port cities, the scent of exotic spices and the always smiling, friendly people merged into memorable experiences that I can warmly recommend to anyone.
A top-class programme was provided for those who preferred to stay aboard and for during our days at sea.The Silversea's art collection has culture fans in raptures: the works by Chagall, Rockwell, Dali and Wang ZhiWu presented by art director and curator Rami Ron are not just eye candy, they can also be purchased. Equally exciting and enriching for me was getting to know my fellow travellers. The well-mixed age range of the guests, with many aged around 40, made for an excellent atmosphere and stimulating discussions. One thing we all had in common was a desire for an upscale travel experience – which of course included the food.
The all-inclusive service on my Silversea cruise meant my physical well-being was taken care of. The breakfast buffet was adequate, although a few pleasant surprises would have been welcome. There are several options for lunch and dinner: 'The Restaurant' offers varied continental cuisine in good quality, La Terrazza reflects the origin of the Silversea family of companies with an excellent variety of Italian dishes that leave little to be desired – except perhaps the daily pasta offering, which could have been more al dente. The grill restaurant on deck 8 is a highlight on the Shadow. The excellent cuts of meat we cooked at our table on a hot stone to delicate butter-smooth perfection left us ecstatic. But it gets even better: the Le Champagne restaurant, which can be visited for a surcharge, is the world's only Relais & Chateaux restaurant on the high seas and offers a particularly high-quality setting for evening dinner at just a few tables. Meeting Jason Atherton, the former head chef at the renowned Spanish restaurant el bulli, was a pleasant surprise. As a special guest on the Shadow, the British celebrity chef allowed us to share in his culinary art at various live shows. The complimentary drinks selection was of a high standard at all of the restaurants, but not luxurious. For example, Heidsieck Monopole Champagne and Italian DOC wines are offered. Luxury wines are served on request and at an additional cost. The favourable pricing encourages you to enjoy them. The range of cocktails at the bar is also diverse.
At the end of the journey I disembarked feeling content. Even though I had not experienced the ultimate in luxury, it was a pleasant voyage with a harmonious package and an enriching new experience.
