A Suite We Could Live In
The Silver Spirit is an all-suite ship, carrying a maximum of 540 passengers. The 742 square-foot Silver Suite on Deck 10 featured an expansive deck with access through two sliding glass doors, a dining area, sitting area, separate bedroom, walk-in closet, and large bathroom with separate tub and shower, vanity area, and a private privy. The feature we liked best? That's a tough call, but the heavy wooden sliding doors that closed off the bedroom from the living area blocked both sound and light, making them perfect for afternoon naps after a day of touring.
And then there was the bathroom!
No claustrophobic cruise ship bath here! The shower was a delightful size and richly appointed with both a rain shower overhead and a typical European adjustable wall-mounted hand-held showerhead. We loved the double sinks and the private privy that had entrances from both the bathroom and the suite entrance hall.
We tried both of the amenity choices offered-- one by Ferragamo and one by Bvlgari. We loved the Tuscan Soul by Ferragamo so much that we find ourselves still dreaming of the fragrance.
Personalized Attention to Detail
It seemed that every detail was attended to long before we set foot aboard the ship. From the luggage tags to the stationary in the suite, we were made to feel like we were honored guests, not just paying passengers. It took us a few days to realize the full extent of this personalized effort, but by day three, everyone we encountered seemed to magically know not only our names but what wine we preferred.
Spoiled by the Butler
We have sailed in suites on other cruise lines that included butler service, but there was simply no comparison with the attention we got from Jerry, our butler on the Silver Spirit. He was efficient, friendly but not intrusive, and seemed to truly care about making our cruise more enjoyable. He helped with last minute dinner reservations in the specialty dining venues, kept the mini-bar stocked perfectly to our liking, delivered breakfast and dinner in the suite several times, and was always quick to ask if we had everything we needed. But those are the things to be expected from cruise ship butlers.
Here are the things Jerry did that went above and beyond:
- Cleaned every pair of reading glasses and sunglasses we left out. Every time we left them out.
- Brought a bowl of parmesan cheese cubes (not just the standard cheese plate) when I asked for some with our champagne.
- Ran a bubble bath for us after a long day of sightseeing, without us needing to ask.
- Offered popcorn and snacks when we mentioned we were staying in the suite for a movie afternoon.
- Restored Gary's evening shoes to a state they had not been in in years.
- Brought me bedtime decaf black tea every evening, something he had to scour the ship for the first time I asked.
The Best Cruise Meal We Ever Had
That is a big statement. Gary and I have been cruising since 1986, and trust me when I say that there have been some spectacular meals. And this cruise was no slouch when it came to food in all venues.
I especially loved a dessert in the main dining room the first night. It consisted of chocolate-covered liqueur-soaked cream puffs in a mascarpone sauce. I am still dreaming of it.
But it was a casual dinner on the pool deck, which is converted each evening into something fondly called "Hot Rocks" that won us over. Here is how it works: you order your proteins and then your waiter brings you a searing-hot stone to cook it on.
There is laughter all around as each diner dons a bib and gets down to the "work" of cooking their own steaks and seafood. It was such a delightful meal that we enjoyed it twice during our cruise. Just how much better can dinner be than a fabulous steak, baked potato, vegetable skewer, than when it comes with a sunset view of the Mediterranean? Even the apple pie for dessert was spectacular!
Our cruise aboard Silver Spirit began and ended in Istanbul. It was an itinerary well balanced between exploring ancient cities and enjoying the slow pace of the Greek Islands. You can read what we thought about Istanbul and Athens here. Or Read about how a Columbia Sportswear dress saved me on formal night.
Would we do the same trip again? Absolutely. There was far more to see and do than we had time for. The one thing I would have changed was adding the post cruise trip Silversea offered to Cappadocia.
Would we sail with Silversea again? There is no question that the answer is YES! And let's just say that every cruise we take in the future will be held to a much higher standard.
Silversea provided a media package in order for us to experience Silversea Cruises first hand. Please read our complete travel policy here.
