Written by Chloe Hambidge

September was a busy month for our team as I also stepped onboard the elegant luxury of Silverseas Silver Spirit with my family- and it did not disappoint. As soon as we touched down on Silverseas plush carpets, a weight was lifted of our shoulders. Greeted with a smile and a warm hand towel, allow the days hardship to be swept under the carpet as the interiors onboard are a signal to take a breath of fresh air; relaxation is definitely on its way.

Silver Spirit is one of the older models on Silverseas fleet, but in no means less luxurious. These vessels age like fine wine, especially after a full refurbishment the ship stood high and mighty, proud to display Silverseas renowned and famous standards of servie and relentlessly delivering a home from home atmosphere with an extra flare. Refurbed and augmented in 2018, Spirit is the largest of Silverseas fleet and holds a momentous delight of facilities from a variety of dining options and all- suite accommodation. As part of my journey on this delightful gem I voyaged the peace of the Aegean Sea from Athens to Istanbul, it truly was an experience for the books and the highlights of my trip comes in bucketloads, but stay tuned and indulge in my Silversea induced coma of perfection.

My pleasure started in the Silver Suite and its extravagance is something hinted at in the name. It’s interiors is like something from a movie or in some cases a maze (especially after a few evening drinks). In all its movie star wonder this room holds an apartment feel with its marvellous size, a walk in wardrobe spanning the length of the bedroom, a front room attached to a welcoming living room area with its own TV, a mini bar and a coffee machine, a dining table ready for room service wonder and so much more. Silversea has equipped this room to be brimming with all your possible needs, whatever it is, whether its waiting for you on the counter top or a short call to your very own personal butler. Your wish is their command. The homeliness of these rooms is unwavering with modern interiors and warm colourings. The bed truly takes a good night sleep to a whole new level as you sink into its comforts after a long day of bathing or exploring (or both- after all the world is your oyster) and fall victim to a fluffy hug from your cosy quilts. I was blown away walking into the bathroom, or other words where the magic happens. Surrounded by marble and overhead lighting I felt like I was on an extravagant runway into rejuvenation. From a double vanity making the perfect makeup station to a jacuzzi bath, this room truly is yours to revel in. The walk in shower rains over you, washing away the days warmth, and do that in lavish style with complementary Bvlgari amenities leaving you smelling of blooming flowers. That aroma always destined to transport you to your delightful days onboard Silversea whenever it’s smelt. Or to continue your evening of pure bliss, much like we did, venture onto your panoramic balcony and allow your butler to bring you some much needed beverages as you put your feet up to either watch the sunset splattering’s of orange across the horizon or a carpet of stars unrolling before you. Both accompanied with the peaceful pleasure of the lapping and ongoing seas. Lose sight of land and worries with the Silver Suite and its attentive service, you could leave the room for an hour and pop back for a forgotten pair of sunglasses and the room with be transformed once again into its predicted perfection. The attention to detail making you feel like royalty. Allow yourself to be well and truly looked after, and take my word for it, it will be a holiday like no other.

A few facilities that stuck out for me onboard are just what makes Silversea go the extra mile. I fell in love with the tranquility of the Arts Café which can only be described as a gentle retreat away from ship life. It’s definitely something to be cherished and utilized with its quiet cove atmosphere and smiley staff preparing your afternoon tea wants, its truly a hideaway of reflection. Whether you fancy fresh smoothies or a slice of cake, this café holds any of your peckish needs. Treat yourself to mid-sailing sweet pastries or vibrantly juicy fruit surrounded by books, creative art, and the panoramic ocean that you onlook as you leave it behind. Sit outside and revel in some Vitamin D or recline inside in buttery soft velvet chairs and escape into a book or indulge in your own thoughts, but either way, you can’t escape the arts café plush charm.

Of course, in predictable manner, I must applaud all the cuisine on board. Silversea is a treasure trove for delicious food. From fine French cuisine, delicate and mouthwatering Asian options to relaxed yet mesmerizing Italian dishes crafted by chefs who’s creative abilities hold no bounds. With Silversea being of Italian heritage, food is something they hold dear- and in that department, we were truly spoiled. No matter where you dine, dishes stay true to region, paying homage to culture and flavours creating a perfect dish offering great diversity and freshness. But the true creativity is left in your hands, with a variety of offerings leaving you spoilt for choice, but not to worry, they have a dedicated wine connoisseurs equipped to create a match made in heaven. I was amazed by the tantalizing flavour of Atlantide and their capabilities to bring you an explosion of flavour from starter to dessert- my personal favourites was the gorgeous beef fillet which you can have with a whole world of options, this dish followed a seafood platter which was so fresh and tasty I couldn’t wait to devour what else Atlantides chefs had in store. My expectations were matched at La Terrazza with spell bounding Italian dishes cooked to perfection, my reluctance to order anything but the lamp chops is evidence of that. Despite all these luxury tones, I have to give a special shoutout to the more chilled atmosphere of Spaccanapoli, which provided freshly made pizzas which I promise you will devour in seconds. I indulged in this renowned Silversea specialty by the pool with Istanbul embellishing the city scape. Silversea will never fail to leave a tantalizing treat on the palate.

Despite Silverseas array of eye opening destination, sometimes nothing can beat a pool day, and after all that’s what holidays are all about. With relaxation embodying you and a whirlwind of facilities at your disposal, redefine your ideals of luxury adventure. As I lounged in the Turkish sun with the end of my holiday looming in the distance, I embraced the spectacle of boats gently chuffing past on their Bosphorus daily journey, with a modernised broad walk decorated with lavish rooftop bars and hotels. From the glorious pool deck, glance across the sparkling waters and the emerald green trees surrounding the Blue Mosque and its many turrets, standing high to represent the beauty this religious hub has to offer. All these delights erupting before your eyes from the comfort of Silverseas grand standing, allow culture to come to you on these exciting days of rest, and allow the dedicated team to do the rest.