Silversea Cruises
A small expedition-style ship that is built for discovery cruises
The Ship. Silver Discoverer is liked by couples and solo travelers who seek nature and wildlife up close and personal, but in highly comfortable surroundings, and who wouldn’t dream of cruising aboard anything larger.
The ship has quite a smart, chic, mega-yacht-like profile, with a flared bow, square stern, and twin funnels that sweep up from each of the ship’s sides. Designed in Holland and built in Japan, it tried to copy the SeaDream small ship/ultra-yacht concept, originally for the Japanese market. Operated by Japan’s Showa Line, it wasn’t suited to Japan’s often choppy seas, so, after 10 years, it was sold to Clipper Cruise Line and managed by International Shipping Partners. In 2013 it was purchased by Silversea Cruises and renamed following a substantial refit and refurbishment program.
There are expansive areas outdoors for its size, and these are excellent for viewing nature and wildlife. A small swimming pool is just a ‘dip’ pool, but there is a wide teakwood outdoor jogging track. Snorkeling equipment is available, as is a fleet of 12 Zodiacs for shore landings, and a glass-bottom boat for marine-life exploration.
Inside, nothing jars the senses, as the interior design concept is balanced. The ambience is warm and intimate. There are, however, several pillars throughout the public areas, which spoil the decor and sight lines. The ship concentrates on exploring regions such as Australia’s Kimberley, the Russian Far East, and the Bering Sea area.
Accommodation. There are several cabin categories, and the all-outside cabins are tastefully furnished with blond wood cabinetry, twin- or queen-size beds, living area with sofa, personal safe, minibar/refrigerator, TV and three-sided mirror. Some cabins have private balconies; but these are very small, with awkward door handles. All bathrooms have shower enclosures; note that the toilet seats are extremely high.
There is one suite, which is the size of two cabins. It provides more room, of course, than a standard cabin, with a lounge area, and more storage space.
Dining. The dining room has large ocean-view picture windows. It is quite warm and inviting, and all passengers eat in a single seating. The cuisine includes fresh foods from local ports where possible.
Entertainment. There is no entertainment as such, although evening recaps, dinner and after-dinner conversation with fellow passengers in the ship’s lounge/bar really is the entertainment.
Spa/Fitness. There is a tiny beauty salon, and an adjacent massage/body-treatment room. A small fitness room is located on a different deck.