Luxury to the Ends of the Earth

Silversea Cruises’ newest ship also was its very first. The Silver Cloud joined the fledgling line in 1994, but now has been reborn as an ice-class expedition ship after a $40 million refit.

However, it still maintains its traditional luxury pedigree and so can comfortably sail in the Caribbean or Mediterranean.

Company executives call Silver Cloud—which entered service in Antarctica in early December—a “hybrid” or a “cross-over” ship that will ably handle whatever Mother Nature dishes out.

The renovation provided a reinforced hull, underwater sonar to detect unseen items below the waterline, ice-class windows and portholes resistant to polar temperatures, new heating and air-conditioning systems, and an inflatable platform to make it easier for passengers to board the vessel’s 16 motorized Zodiac rafts.

The interior was also upgraded—all furniture and carpets were replaced with softer colors like cream, light green and taupe with rust accents to make it reminiscent of the new Silver Muse. The line added more of the popular Silver Suites as well.

“Ninety-five percent of the ship was touched in the most recent renovation,” said Brad Ball, Silversea’s director of public relations-the Americas.

In addition, names of public areas were changed to match those on Silver Muse so they are consistent across the fleet. The ship has capacity for 254 guests but will carry only 200 in polar waters, giving it the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the fleet—more than one crew member per 0.92 passenger. (It’s one to 1.14 in non-polar regions.)

Fanciest and Most Common Accommodations

The largest accommodation is the Grand Suite, at 1,019 square feet—or 1,314 square feet if connected to the adjacent Veranda Suite for an additional bedroom. It features two teak verandas (one overlooking the bow), a dining area, living room and a marble bathroom with full tub and separate shower.

The most common category is the Veranda/Veranda Deluxe Suites. They measure 295 square feet and include a walk-in closet and a marble bathroom with shower (some have shower-tub combinations). Some Veranda Suites accommodate three people. The Deluxe Veranda suites have the same layout and furnishings but are in preferred central locations.

What's Included

Virtually everything is included in the fare—all meals, beverages, butler service, stocked refrigerator and bar setup according to passenger preferences, gratuities, one hour of Wi-Fi per day in Vista, Veranda and Veranda Deluxe suites, and unlimited Wi-Fi in the higher category suites.

Expedition voyages include guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities led by the Expeditions Team. A backpack and stainless-steel water bottle are provided on all expeditions, while a complimentary parka is included for guests on polar voyages.

READ MORE: Silver Cloud Makes Inaugural Expedition to Antarctica

What's for Dinner?

The ship has four restaurants, which should be familiar to agents who book Silversea.

They include the gourmet La Dame by Relais & Châteaux, which requires reservations and a $60 cover charge; The Restaurant, which has open seating; La Terrazza, the Italian eatery that is a casual buffet for breakfast and lunch but has waiter service for dinner; and The Grill, a casual outdoor spot for lunch.

Reservations are recommended for dinner at The Grill, where guests who can cook their meat or seafood on a 400-degree volcanic rock.

Who Goes on This Ship?

Silversea’s target market is Baby Boomers, who are “moving away from materialism to experiential travel,” said Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s chief marketing officer.

Baby Boomers control about 68-percent of the disposable income in the U.S., she said, and stand to inherit $15 trillion in 20 years. Muckermann also said 48-percent of guests are non-American, so the ship appeals to clients who appreciate an international atmosphere.

Mark Conroy, managing director-the Americas, said about half of Silversea Expedition passengers are new to cruising: “They come on Silversea Expeditions because it’s a great way to get to a certain destination. Then they try other places, like the Med. It’s a great opportunity to create new customers for both [Silversea and agents] because they come back time and time again.”

Insider Booking Tip

The Owner’s Suite isn’t the largest suite on—it’s 587 square feet or 827 square feet when connected to the Vista Suite next door—but it's well situated.

“The Grand Suite is the biggest on the ship, but the Owner’s Suite is in a better location,” Ball said. “People love the Owner’s Suite because it’s mid-deck at midship."

Key Selling Points

It’s not an inexpensive cruise—bookings overall average $15,000 to $20,000, according to Conroy—but virtually everything’s included. The ship explores some rugged places but offers creature comforts back on board—butlers, Pratesi bed linens, perfectly mixed martinis and gourmet food.

Tally up the total cost on Silversea and compare it to that of other lines to see how they compare.