Silversea’s Silver Cloud Really Breaks the Ice Between Expedition and Luxury
I really feel like this ship offers the perfect mix of luxurious comfort with up-to-date, high tech expedition equipment and suits the discerning client. We were greeted with a glass champagne and enjoyed a most interesting talk delivered by Silver Cloud’s chief explorer guide. I learnt all about a typical expedition day and soon was hooked – an explorer cruise is definitely on the top of my bucket list now!
Clients need to be in good health and fairly fit as boundaries of the more mature guests are being pushed by early morning starts with 2 landings each day. Each shore trip takes around 90 minutes and is made in one of the 18 brand new Zodiacs (sturdy, heavy duty and extremely safe rubber boats), in a small group each with their own specialist guide. Embarkation to the Zodiac is made easy by a foldout platform with a steady walkway and staff assistance. However, we were told, that ‘you do get wet’ and that correct clothing is essential. Cruisers are being briefed before dinner about the following day’s adventure. They can attend enrichment lectures by marine biologists, geologists, zoological experts, historians etc.
The specific expedition itinerary is always adapted to wildlife sightings and there are no pre-set port visits like on a ‘regular cruise’. The chief explorer guide will make announcements in the middle of the night should he spot blue whales for example, so that passengers don’t miss out on these special sightings. When in Arctica, the landings will always be checked (by drones) and cleared from bears first to ensure clients are totally safe.
‘Dine with Experts’ dinners are very popular, where passengers can dine with the expedition guides.
Correct clothing is of outmost importance, with merino thermals, waterproof parkas and boots being available for hire or purchase. Silversea provide a clothing online order option, so guests are prepared when they arrive on board.
Silver Cloud’s three most iconic expeditions are to Antarctica, the Arctica and Galapagos. Photographers and film crews on board provide the all-important footage to take home at the end of the cruise.
The Silver Cloud offers four superlative restaurants and delicious food, a casino, a theatre mainly for onboard activities and lectures, a spa and sauna, a gym, exquisite bars as well as a large, heated outdoor pool and heated jacuzzis.
With just over 100 spacious and well-equipped staterooms, 80% come with veranda for whale watching from the comfort of your cabin. This ship offers a very intimate atmosphere with excellent service. Some of the superior suites even come with their large bathtubs which is a special feature when on a cruise.
In short, I was very impressed with this luxurious expedition cruise ship and would love you to experience one of these unique, once-in-a-lifetime voyages. If you have got any questions or would like to find out more about any specific itinerary, please do get in touch with me for more expert advice and to book your dream cruise.
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T: 01992 877 390 E: uli.williams@travelcounsellors.com