Silversea’s new, 728-passenger Silver Ray, the ultra-luxury line’s second Nova-class ship, is now sailing its inaugural voyage from Lisbon, Portugal, to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Three top travel industry leaders got a sneak peek at the ship prior to the inaugural and have provided Luxury Travel Advisor with their perspective about this 12th ship in the line's fleet.
Today, Silver Ray is calling at Valencia, Spain, prior to heading to Palma de Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. The ship will operate an inaugural season in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to the Americas in December 2024. So, if they choose to sail, what will guests see and experience aboard?
Asymmetrical Design, Expanses of Glass
“The ship itself is as one would expect of a new luxury cruise ship—beautiful and comfortable,” says Scott Koepf, chief strategy officer, Cruise Planners. “However, the real differentiator and home run is Deck 10. This asymmetrical outdoor deck with the pool on one side versus being in the middle is not only stunning but very functional. The indoor/outdoor dining venue that flows beautifully into the pool area space" is also a highlight, according to Koepf.
Another difference between a Nova-class ship and other vessels is a prolific use of glass—some 44,000 square feet of it. That's because the asymmetrical design approach allows for opening up many public spaces including the atrium, lounges and even the theater to views of the outside world.
Compared with a traditionally designed ship, "that asymmetry gives the ship an intimate feel that is unique,” says Jeff Tolkin, co-CEO, World Travel Holdings, parent company of Dream Vacations and CruiseOne. From his viewpoint, the main public decks (4, 5 and 10) have “a yacht-like feel” and are cozy and comfortable.”
Superb Spaces, Service and Suites
to check out the spaces and service on Silversea's new
Silver Ray. (Photo provided by Ken Heit, Luxury Cruise and Tour, a Frosch independent advisor)
Having previously sailed on sister ship Silver Nova in late 2023, “I thought Silversea had an amazing product there," responds Ken Heit, president, Luxury Cruise and Tour, Inc., and an independent travel advisor with Frosch. Now, citing beautiful new decor elements, “Silver Ray has taken all those great features from Nova and taken it to a new high level," he adds.
Favorite spaces? Heit is a big fan of the Nova-class' gym area, sauna, and steam room area, which he considers "very large for a small vessel.” From an accommodations standpoint, he also likes “the Veranda Suite layout with terrific use of space and balcony size."
If guests want a higher-end suite, what's to know? From Tolkin's perspective: "The Signature and Silver suites seem a better value than the Master suites. The difference in square footage doesn’t seem that perceptible.”
As an ultra-luxury ship, Silver Ray also delivers top-notch service, according to all three of our sources. Tolkin felt everyone from his suite's butler to the food service crew members “truly wanted to go out of their way to make our trip maximally enjoyable.”
Feedback on Dining
Dining choices abound on Silver Ray. For instance, Deck 10’s Grill serves healthy alternatives along with traditional favorites (such as pizza and burgers) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “The food, along with an ambiance that encompasses both covered and open areas made it our 'go-to place' to eat breakfast and lunch,” Tolkin emphasizes.
If clients go, what would he recommend to order? "Breakfast items worth noting are the pumpkin pancakes, the oatmeal jar served with apple and pear compote, and the acai bowl," says the WTH executive. "For lunch, the falafel wrap was delicious.”
As "with any luxury experience, expectations run high, especially when it comes to food and dining,” believes Koepf, who felt that the ship has both lovely venues and fine cuisine. His personal choice for the ship's most unique onboard dining experience is Silver Note. How so? He cites the superb tapas-style food, presentation and selections, as well as "the small nightclub ambiance with live piano and singing was unforgettable.
Simply put, Koepf says it was “one of the best dining experiences I have ever had on a ship.” Also mentioning Silver Note as "a lovely experience," Tolkin says that "it's very intimate and very nice for those looking for mellow music.” While on board, he also enjoyed fine dining at La Dame, but points out that "the $160 surcharge at La Dame is quite expensive, even though the meal was good.”
Both La Dame and Silver Note indulge gastronomically minded guests with unique bread offerings. “At La Dame it is a whole milk onion/garlic loaf that pulls gently apart,” Tolkin tells us, while “at Silver Note it’s a pesto loaf, accompanied by a quite interesting balsamic vinegar made into tiny balls and a powdered olive ‘oil.’”
Tolkin also liked La Terrazza and "special ordered" a delicious fresh pasta with peas, spinach, mushrooms and onions with a pesto sauce. He also suggests clients dine at the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) Kitchen.The latter is a specialty restaurant focused on locally sourced ingredients, dishes and recipes based on the ship’s specific sailing route.
S.A.L.T. Lab and Other Entertainment
Lab. (Photo provided by Scott Koepf, Cruise Planners)
Taking the S.A.L.T. concept a bit further is the S.A.L.T. Lab, Silver Ray's demonstration kitchen with individual cooking stations. Koepf and Tolkin took cooking classes there and enjoyed the experience.
“It’s a fabulous venue just for interactive cooking demonstrations,” Koepf explains. Reflecting S.A.L.T.’s local food-and-beverage concept, “we made pastries famous in Portugal,” the area of sailing, he says. How were they? “So yummy," Koepf responds.
As for onboard entertainment, Koepf tells us that he wasn’t able to experience a full production show on his preview cruise, given opening night introductions and the ship's official naming ceremony. “However, the theater had some wonderful features and the short teasers of the production team talent made me want to see more,” Koepf added.
Christening Ceremony in Lisbon
On June 12, Silver Ray was officially christened in Lisbon, Portugal. Executives who attended the festivities included Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea's parent company, and Bert Hernandez, participating in his first naming ceremony as Silversea’s president.
“It is fitting that we are celebrating Silver Ray's naming in the same year that Silversea celebrates 30 years of excellence, connecting our past with our future as we continue to lead in luxury travel and industry innovation,” Hernandez said. In its three-decade history, Silversea’s ultra-luxury ships have welcomed nearly 800,000 guests who've amassed roughly 13 million accumulated Venetian Society cruise days.
Godmother Dr. Josefina Olascoaga, a notable ocean scientist, christened Silver Ray. She and Alessandro Zanello, the ship’s captain, officially named the ship followed by a ceremonial champagne bottle break on the ship’s hull, a longstanding maritime tradition. The celebration also included a bagpipe performance—Royal Caribbean Group’s customary tradition—alongside live dance performances, and more.
“Welcoming Silver Ray to our global fleet represents that latest commitment from Royal Caribbean Group to continue building the Silversea brand and delivering the very best experiences in ultra-luxury and expedition travel,” said Liberty.
From Heit's perspective: "The ship is a great addition to the Silversea fleet.”
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