Singapore’s grand plan to become the cruise hub of Asia is attracting a lot of interest from major cruise lines, but for me, my heart will always align with Silversea, it was after all my first love!
Singapore has a beautiful harbor to sail into and out of, and the new cruise terminal in Marina South will be stunning. Keppel Harbor, where Silversea is currently docked, is also a stunning location and scene of our departure on Silver Shadow Voyage 3208, Singapore to Singapore.
The wonderful thing about Silversea is that each time you board it’s like coming home, they never forget you, and this voyage was no different. The affable cruise director David met us on the gangway with a genuine welcome back, followed by a glass of champagne, before going directly to our cabin. I love the verandah suites, spacious with a walk in closet, bathroom with shower and a full size tub, but my favorite spot to sit, read and dream is the verandah. On days at sea there is no better place to quiet your mind, its hypnotic to watch the sea roll by, and at night there is nothing more soothing than the gentle lap of the water against the hull of the ship.
Each suite is serviced by your very own butler, about the only time you can get away with having a strange man come to your room and a good looking one at that! Your personal butler will take care of all your needs, unpack your suitcase, press your clothes, polish your shoes, deliver your bathroom amenities, fill your mini bar with your beverage of choice and set up your room service as required. Better than having a wife! Each day we were treated to a fresh bottle of Champagne and canapés, our clothes were pressed and ready for the evening activities, but best of all we were always greeted by name with a radiant smile. One of the true gems onboard is the service staff, all genuinely friendly and skilled in personal attention to detail.
For us, this trip was a nostalgic 7 day voyage to familiar ports of call, Phuket, Penang, Belawan, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and then back to Singapore with one day entirely at sea. The days at sea are my favorite, these days give you the opportunity to explore the ship’s treasures, maybe a massage at the spa, afternoon tea at leisure, attend the enrichment program or throw yourself into the many activities available throughout the day. Most guests laze by the pool with a good book or sit by the bar with the cocktail of the day… all very hedonistic.
Like all beautiful woman, by night the ship dons her elegant finery. With a range of dining options you are spoilt for choice, we tried them all! You decide where and when you want to dine, alfresco with a hot rock BBQ by the pool, authentic Italian in La Terrazza, International cuisine in The Restaurant, or a six course degustation menu in the Le Champagne. You can have an intimate table for two or make new lifelong friends at a table for 4, 10, or more. The guest list is truly international and I promise you, you will leave with a list of contacts you will vow to cruise with once again!
No reservations required for the after dinner shows. The Show lounge features full scale sophisticated performances, enrichment lectures, classical soloists and feature film nights, a variety of entertainment. The young, classically trained singers from the U.S entertained us nightly with an amazing repertoire. You can also dance the night away in the Panorama Bar, or sing along with the cabaret in the Observation bar before heading to the casino to try your luck. The poolside buffet was a memorable evening under the stars, exquisite food, entertainment and dancing on deck.
The Silversea fleet is small and intimate, inspired by European luxury with highly personalized care. The staff to guest ratio is nearly one to one, creating a stylish ambience onboard. On our final day we were reluctant to leave, we had made so many new friends and they too did not want to leave the camaraderie and comfort of their new found home. Once we disembarked, reality set in, as we trawled along the slow moving taxi queue, I amused myself by planning ahead. Where would my next voyage of discovery on Silversea take me? It is after all the journey and not the destination that really matters, I can hardly wait!
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