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June 28, 2024

Recently, we were introduced to the Nova class, and it had already impressed us with its innovations and incredible features that make this project truly unique. What stands out once again, in particular, is the spaciousness available to passengers, the wide range of dining options, and the service provided by an unmatched crew.

The construction of Silver Ray was an engineering feat involving some of the brightest minds in shipbuilding. Built by one of the world’s leading shipyards, the vessel’s design incorporates cutting-edge materials and technologies. The ship’s hull, crafted from advanced lightweight alloys, ensures both durability and reduced fuel consumption. The sleek, hydrodynamic design minimizes resistance, allowing for smoother and faster sailing.

At the heart of Silver Ray’s engineering marvel is its propulsion system. The vessel is powered by a hybrid engine combining traditional diesel power with advanced liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology. This system significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making Silver Ray one of the most eco-friendly ships in its class. Additionally, it is equipped with an advanced azimuth thruster, ensuring unparalleled maneuverability and navigation precision.

Highlights aboard are plentiful, and innovations are evident from many perspectives. Even the well-known strengths of Silversea Cruises have been enhanced and perfected, imparting a sense of deeply enriched project. The S.A.L.T. concept plays a pivotal role aboard Silver Ray, offering a range of diverse opportunities to truly immerse oneself in the culinary traditions of the places visited during cruise itineraries. In addition to the S.A.L.T. Kitchen restaurant, which offers a different menu each evening dedicated to port visits, other venues that offer memorable experiences and allow guests to fully engage with the project include the S.A.L.T. Lab and S.A.L.T. Bar, located at the bow of Deck 10. Here, guests can discover the best regional cocktails and learn from chefs how to prepare the most characteristic dishes of the places visited.

The originality of the ship is evident in every single environment, both from an engineering and a livability perspective. Walking aboard, one is struck by the beauty of each space, the comfort of the accommodations, and the sophistication bestowed upon every detail. This is the true surprise aboard Silver Ray: the feeling that nothing is left to chance or has not been the subject of meticulous selection of materials, colors, and design elements. Silver Ray offers a wide range of services that truly allow guests to spend entire days on board discovering new environments and engaging in various activities. The Otium Spa is an oasis waiting to be explored, featuring areas dedicated to treatments, hair and body care, and relaxation with a constant view of the horizon, never losing sight of the marvels of the sea.

The Venetian Lounge, an essential feature aboard the Silversea fleet, has become a true two-level theater on this class of ships, perfect for hosting the best theatrical performances for truly unforgettable evenings. Even the casino, small yet complete and functional, offers an option for evening entertainment, situated near splendid shops where one can stroll among displays reminiscent of prestigious international locations. The range of other venues, from Dolce Vita to Panorama Lounge, offers alternatives that are not easy to choose from after a good dinner in one of the many onboard restaurants.

The open spaces on Silver Ray are remarkably vast relative to the number of guests on board. Here, it is truly impossible not to find one’s ideal spot for enjoying the sun and relaxing in the open air. Whether at the central pool intentionally moved to the starboard side of the ship, to enjoy a spectacular view of the sea and swim while overlooking the sea or the heart of the city where the ship docks. These same sensations can be experienced on the upper deck, immersed in a Jacuzzi literally suspended over the sea. These elements leave indelible memories of one’s experience aboard Silver Ray and truly set it apart within the Luxury segment.

Another touch of class is the Orangerie, also on Deck 10. A shaded area with beautiful seating where a large orange tree reproduction stands in the center, while real oranges can be tasted fresh at each table. The Marquee, located amidships, serves all meals from breakfast to dinner, and besides being a small architectural jewel, offers one of the most comprehensive gastronomic proposals. From the excellent breakfast served while breathing in the sea breeze, to the informal and tasty lunch, to the grill offerings, with characteristic lava stones on which to cook meats and fish according to one’s tastes. Not to mention the excellent pizza, available for almost 12 hours a day, its aroma spreading throughout much of the area, making temptations ever-present. The Dusk Bar, on beautiful summer evenings, is the most beautiful thing a ship can offer for enjoying a sunset aperitif. Here, often a saxophonist creates the perfect atmosphere to breathe in the sea air and taste something different to drink.

The pulsating heart of the ship is undoubtedly the Arts Café, animated throughout the day with excellent coffee and different snacks depending on the time. Here, there is an atmosphere of friendliness and familiarity among guests, an ideal meeting place amidst colorful bar furnishings, large books dedicated to art and design, and attentive concierge and reception service. Describing all the spaces aboard Silver Ray would indeed be challenging, but we cannot help but share some impressions that truly struck us. The Shelter Bar, for example, is a haven of peace reserved for lovers of fine cocktails and live music, often performed by a skilled violinist. The Dolce Vita is ideal for the aperitif hour, or while waiting for the evening show, or even for staying up late at night, enjoying pleasant conversations to the music of the piano. For those who are not ready to retire for the night, as tradition on Silversea ships, the Panorama Lounge is the ideal place, located aft with a beautiful outdoor area, perfectly… asymmetrical!

Personally, I was enchanted by the beauty of La Terrazza Restaurant, with its secluded corners and a buffet area layout that is particularly elegant. But even the area dedicated to some libraries before the Panorama Lounge is of great elegance, curated with true aesthetic taste that is uncommon aboard cruise ships. The Connoisseur’s Corner is not only a smoking area. It is a bright venue furnished with leather sofas and themed decorations, also featuring its own outdoor area.

Another space from which we would never want to part is the Observatory Lounge, located at the bow of Deck 10, where one can immerse oneself in reading a book with coffee, or challenge friends with board games provided. Everything, naturally, with a breathtaking view of the bow, especially enjoyable during days at sea. Here, you will find a hidden treasure: the stunning Library, accessible behind the Lounge, which with a starry ceiling houses a collection of truly enviable books, along with seating where one can retreat to read in silence or browse through the splendid volumes stored there.

Returning for the second time aboard the Nova class, we discovered many more details of this exciting project. The refinement of details and care for specifics are not appreciated quickly but are savored gradually while living aboard the ship. The fundamental concepts, in our opinion, include an unparalleled range of dining options, especially considering the number of guests. But also the variety of venues and entertainment options, which have contributed to renewing Silversea Cruises‘ cruise philosophy, generally based on service quality but with limited onboard spaces. All this is offered with customer attention that seems further improved. From restaurants to butlers, from bar waiters to officers, the meticulousness with which it is ensured that guests are comfortable and have more than they expect is truly remarkable.

We knew about the Nova class project and were enthusiastic about it. Now we know that Silver Ray represents one of the ships with the best service at sea and with a design that is currently hard to match across the global cruise panorama.

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Gabriele Bassi

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