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February 23, 2021

Silver Wind, a small unit owned by Silversea Cruises, began service is 1995 but, thanks to an extensive refit, it is a ship that today offers warm hospitality and plenty of comfort.

The size of “just” 17,235 tons and 156 meters in length makes the ship seem similar to a large yacht where you will immediately feel at home in the cozy spaces furnished in a classic, elegant style. The ship has 7 passenger decks, 4 restaurants, 5 bars/lounges, 1 swimming pool and 2 Jacuzzis. The Silver Wind can accommodate up to 296 passengers in exterior suites of various categories, 82% of which have a private balcony. The majority of cabins are located from the center of the ship up to the aft, with the stern being reserved for common areas.

There are 8 cabin categories and they all feature a living area with a sofa, extendible small table, TV and desk, a dressing room with a safe and various useful objects (bathrobe, slippers, umbrella, sewing kit, shoe shine kit), a large bathroom in marble with a bathtub, a vanity area with a stool and double mirror, a large double bed which can be separated into two single beds with Pratesi sheets and a pillow menu, a “media center” that is compatible with iPhones and an alarm clock, a free minibar, binoculars and butler service.

The most prestigious of the suites are the Grand Suites, Royal Suites and the Owner’s Suite, all which can be enlarged thanks to the possibility of adjoining a Veranda Suite. On deck 7 there are four Medallion Suites. These categories feature whirlpool baths, newspapers in various languages, two hours of phone calls included per cruise, free laundry service, finger food in the afternoon, a Illy coffee machine, double TV, dinner at the officers’ table and a free dinner at the Le Champagne restaurant. The Veranda Suites are large cabins with balconies. The Vista Suites instead have a large rectangular window and some have a sofa that converts to make a third bed. All the accommodations have one hour of free internet included per day, per person.

On deck 4 there is the self-service laundry area in the cabin corridor, and some other areas that are available to passengers. The internet center, next to the library, offers internet and the possibility to print out documents. Beyond books, the library offers a selection of magazines, a large atlas and a large selection of DVDs in English.

On the stern of deck 4 is the main restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner without the need for a reservation or seating time. If your requested table is not available, you’ll be taken to an area where you can enjoy an aperitif and the maître d’ will advise you as soon as your table is ready. Not far away you’ll find the elegant Le Champagne restaurant, where you can dine for a fee, managed in collaboration with Relais & Chateau. So many courses for a dinner of decisive character, an experience that is not to be missed during your cruise. The restaurant seats only 20 people and offers an exploration of gourmet French cuisine.

On the stern of deck 5 you will find other services and a lounge. The Casino on the left side of the ship is small but has 15 slot machines and three game tables (1 roulette, 1 blackjack, 1 poker). Next are two stores that face each other, next to the Casino is a jewelry shop with prestigious brands and the other shop offers souvenirs, clothing and useful items.

At the very back of the Silver Wind you will find The Bar Lounge featuring live music, dancing on a large dancefloor and plenty of liveliness until late at night. At the center of the ship is the Venetian Lounge, the onboard theater, spread over two levels. Here you can see various types of performances as well as films which are shown in the afternoon. This is also the location where conferences, dance lessons and presentations of every kind are held.

On deck 6 at the center of the ship is the top floor of the Venetian Lounge and a little further forward the Atrium where you will find the Reception, Shore Concierge (Excursion and Ports of Call Information) as well as the Cruise Consultant desk where you can choose your next Silversea Cruises itinerary. On the same level there is also the Conference Room and a Card Room open to the public 24 hours a day.

On deck 7, at the back of the ship, there is the Terrace Café, the buffet restaurant onboard the Silver Wind. It has both inside seating as well as seating outside on the stern terrace. There aren’t very many seats available here, but the maître d’ is always very willing to try to help you find what you are looking for. The waiters are also very helpful, bringing you dishes from the buffet or that you have seen on display. Pizza is always available here and is made to order just for you.

During afternoons there is also a Tea Time, with a selection of truly delicious sweet and savory dishes brought to the table. You can choose your tea of preference from a fun menu that, together with the descriptions, contains the leaves of the tea types offered in small transparent boxes. In the evening the buffet becomes an Italian restaurant which is free and requires a reservation. Every two or three nights the Italian region from which the dishes are inspired changes. The wine is free and changes often and is always professionally served by the sommelier staff.

Going up one deck you reach the Lido deck of the Silver Wind. It’s a limited but very elegant space that is well laid out. Beside the swimming pool are two Jacuzzis and all around these are the sun loungers with high-quality mattresses and towels that are constantly supplied and changed out by the staff.

The Pool Bar will serve you your favorite cocktail directly at your sun lounger or even while in the Jacuzzi. The Pool Grill offers simple and fast dishes for lunch, from a menu that includes salads, fish of the day, grilled meats and a selection of sandwiches. In the evening it transforms into a Steakhouse that is free and requires a reservation and offers meat and fish dishes served directly at the table on the lava stone they are cooked on. A fantastic experience as well as great food.

In the stern area of the ship, after going past the elevators, there is the Panorama Lounge & Bar, a place to have an aperitif or an after-dinner drink as well as the place to participate in quiz games or afternoon conversation. In one corner is the Connoisseur’s Corner, a room dedicated to cigars and fine spirits. The Panorama Lounge has its own outside area over the wake, with comfortable armchairs and small tables to sip a nice glass of wine while enjoying the outside sea air.

On deck 9, at the front of the ship, is one of the most charming and silent areas onboard the Silver Wind: the Observation Lounge. From the windows you can enjoy a 270° panoramic view over the bow of the ship. In the Lounge there are books, atlases, board games and a refreshment stand that is always open with espresso coffee and regular and herbal teas.

Also on deck 9 is the small Spa that offers four treatment rooms, two small saunas (separate for men and women) and a steam bath. Also offered are various types of beauty treatments, some of which can be done as a couple. The Beauty Salon, located next to the Spa, offers manicures, pedicures, and beard trimming for men. The Fitness center is made up of a small weight room with a view of the sea, and a large room with machines of various types like exercise bikes and treadmills. A third area is reserved for private lessons, exercise classes, Pilates and other activities.

Externally, the activities continue with the jogging path, a ping pong table, a minigolf. Other areas are reserved for Solarium with sunbeds overlooking the underlying Lido.

The size and style of cruises offered on the Silver Wind ensures an exceptional experience where everything seems to revolve around you and your desires. The staff is helpful and friendly, the areas are refined and comfortable and the cabins are large and welcoming. The cozy and intimate ambiance gives you the feeling of being fully connected to the sea and experiencing a journey together with the other passengers, whom you will quickly get to know and be able to share this magical experience with.

Information, advice and Reviews of the Silver Wind  on Cruising Journal, with opinions, a Complete Photo Album and special cruise offers.

Gabriele Bassi

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