I recently returned from a voyage aboard the brand-new and highly anticipated luxury ship from Silversea, Silver Moon. This was my first trip following the pandemic... and what a way to get back into travel! I boarded in sunny Crete, sailing via various Greek and Cypriot destinations - including Rhodes and the lesser-known Amorgos - before disembarking in Athens.
A Striking Ship
Small, sleek and seriously striking, I was wowed from the moment I set eyes on the ship - and that's before I even stepped aboard! The design and décor are stunning, with plenty of natural light and a real sense of understated luxury. What really struck me was that, despite her relatively small size (she accommodates 596 passengers), Silver Moon was so spacious, and never once felt crowded. Everything you need and more can be found aboard; there are eight restaurants, four bars, a spa, fitness centre, beauty salon, casino, theatre, art café, pool deck, boutique and cookery lab - phew!
Much more like luxury hotel suites than cruise cabins, the suites all feature huge picture windows with stunning sea views. I stayed in a Veranda Suite, which was so spacious and beautifully designed, featuring a bedroom (with twin or king bed options), a huge marble bathroom with separate bath and shower, and a furnished veranda reached via floor-to-ceiling doors. All the amenities were of the highest quality - from the plush bathrobes to the Bulgari toiletries.
![Ship Interior]()
Ship Interior
Seamless Service
The service was easily a highlight of my voyage. Every single staff member I encountered was friendly, happy to assist and genuinely delighted to be back in the swing of cruising. Each suite includes the services of a dedicated butler, and mine was the lovely Antonio! So helpful yet always discreet, the butlers can do as little or as much as you'd like them to. They fill the (complimentary) mini bar with your preferred drinks daily, and can arrange any reservations, requests or services you may need. I also really recommend downloading the 'My Silversea' app before you travel. Here, you can personalise your cruise, whether by booking restaurants, highlighting your preferred wine variety and spirit labels, or exploring the range of excursions on offer. I also want to shout out Carlos, the lovely barman who went around the pool deck each afternoon with his cocktail trolley, creating exciting daily specials and classic favourites. My choice is always a strawberry daiquiri!
A Taste of the Destination
Absolutely everything I tasted aboard Silver Moon was sensational. It is the first ship to fully adopt Silversea's S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Taste) concept, which focuses on bringing the authentic taste of each destination to guests. Along with ever-changing menus (depending on the destination) in the S.A.L.T restaurant, there is a state-of-the-art cookery lab, where I learned to make a delicious bulgur wheat salad, tasty hummus and a local aubergine specialty.
The S.A.L.T concept also incorporates a programme of culinary-focused excursions, available at an additional cost - ranging from Myconian cheese making to Sri Lankan tea tasting, depending where in the world you are. I joined a wine tasting excursion at a stunning boutique vineyard amid Cyprus' Troodos Mountains - bliss. Whilst all of the ship's restaurants are exceptional, I particularly loved the super-cool jazz bar, Silver Note. I had the most amazing and artfully presented tasting plates here, and would really recommend going for dinner as well as drinks.
![S.A.L.T Lab]()
S.A.L.T Lab
Immersive Excursions and Inspiring Itineraries
Along with the culinary-themed excursions, there was a huge choice of complimentary itineraries and experiences in each destination. Whilst in Rhodes, I joined a genuinely fascinating tour, on which the amazing (!) guide walked and talked us through the history of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, showing us along the ancient city walls, cobbled streets and into a selection of museums.
Throughout 2022, 2023 and beyond, Silver Moon will be sailing to a variety of diverse destinations around the world, with voyages now on sale to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the USA and the Caribbean! Explore a selection of itineraries on our website, or get in touch with me or one of my lovely colleagues, and we'll be delighted to start planning your luxury cruise aboard Silver Moon!