WHY SILVERSEA REMAINS THE BEST

Ever since it's spectacular inception in 1994, Silversea has been seen as the absolute benchmark for defining true luxury cruising. That year's debut of the all suite, all inclusive Silver Cloud did not so much raise the bar on contemporary cruising as catapult it into the stratosphere. With champagne on tap and caviar available around the clock, it became the 'go to' line for people seeking the absolute best in everything, from food to fine accommodations. 

That first ship was soon followed by a small, highly styled clique of equally exotic siblings. While each one brought some exotic new twists to the fold, all remained true to the central, over-riding ethos of Silversea; offer the absolute best of everything in surroundings of spectacular, subtly understated luxury, in an environment where space and grace went hand in hand. That same gold standard is what the line continues to aim at to this day.

Take the suites; each comes complete with a marble lined bathroom and Bulgari toiletries as standard. The beds are dream destinations in their own right and, naturally, there is a pillow menu. Sitting areas are expansive, with ample storage space and at least one large, plasma screen TV. And ninety per cent of these suites come complete with a furnished balcony, giving you a matchless view of the world at any time of the day or night. It is no exaggeration to say that these suites are so compellig that you could spend the entire cruise cosseted in one, without ever setting foot outside of the room.

These rooms typify the Silversea mantra of opulence and exclusivity. Food is truly gourmet quality, cooked to order and served open seating, both indoors and out. The ships are a unique combination fo space and grace. Lines for anything on a Silversea ship are complete anathema. And you'll find none of the forced, often frantic attempts at audeicne participation that is typical of life on many of the mega resort ships of today. There's not a flow rider or a rock climbing wall anywhere in sight.

A Silversea cruise feels like gently applied healing balm. There is no one point where you suddenly feel the real world slippig astern; rather, it's a series of spectacular, understated moments that build like a muffled roll of drums, until you suddenly realise the sheer, unfettered bliss of being on one of these wonderful ships. They are ships with a proud heritage, ships without a peer, and ships that are sailed with a great deal of love, style and pride. Simply gorgeous.