The Silver Cloud is one of the smallest luxury ships afloat with a maximum of 296 guests. There’s an undeniable sense of understated, intimate luxury. The feeling of being part of an exclusive club pervades, from pool deck to suite.
Suite ratings
| Room | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall size | (4.0) |
| Decor | (4.5) |
| Sitting area | (4.0) |
| Veranda | (4.5) |
| Cleanliness | (5.0) |
| Condition | (5.0) |
| Soundproofing | (0.0) |
| Bed comfort | (5.0) |
| Pillow options | (5.0) |
| Blanket options | (4.5) |
| Closet space | (4.5) |
| Bathroom | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bathroom size | (3.5) |
| Storage space | (3.0) |
| Lighting | (4.0) |
| Shower/bath | (5.0) |
| Water pressure | (4.5) |
| Products | (5.0) |
| Towels | (5.0) |
| Cleanliness | (5.0) |
| Condition | (5.0) |
The suite review
All accommodations aboard the Silversea ships are referred to as ‘suites’ owning to their generous size. The 2012 transformation of the Silver Cloud’s Midship Veranda Suites is impressive. A smart, modern decor now greats guests, while the suites retain many of the original groundbreaking features that travellers have come to know and love.
Each Silver Cloud Midship Veranda Suite features a small entry hall, off which is located the bathroom. The hall flows through to a sleeping area with queen-sized bed and vanity mirror beyond which is a sitting area with 3-seater lounge, coffee table and chairs. Adjacent to the sitting area is a wall mounted flat-panel TV, fully stocked mini-bar, ample shelving and a writing desk. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors lead out onto the famed teak veranda with two chairs and a small table.
The interior space of the Midship Veranda Suite measures a generous 22.5m² (246ft²). The veranda itself measures of 4.5m² (49ft²).
The Midship Veranda Suites received new bedding and leather bed heads during the 2012 refurbishment. Guests may choose a soft or firm mattress thanks to a clever flippable bed design. Other new additions to the Midship Veranda Suite include smart outdoor furniture, fresh carpets and wallpaper, and an upgraded marble bathroom.
The old bath-shower combos have been replace by rainwater showers in most Midship Veranda Suites. Indeed, almost all bathrooms onboard the Silver Cloud now feature rainwater showers. Guests who prefer a suite with bath may still request one at time of booking. Bathrooms consist of a single vanity, a rainwater shower and toilet. Storage space in the bathroom is somewhat limited. Guests may choose either hypo-allergenic, Ferragamo or Bvlgari bathroom products. Plush bathrobes and slippers are also supplied.
There’s plenty of storage space for clothing with a large walk-in wardrobe located next the bedroom (accessed via the entry hall), and as always on Silversea you won’t run out of hangers!
The power outlets in the Midship Veranda Suite are the two-pronged European standard, so be sure to bring adaptors should you need them. An iPod docking music player is available in all Midship Veranda Suites.
Meals can be served in-suite, restaurant-style, thanks to the ingenious convertible coffee table. It’s always a treat to have your butler serve breakfast in-suite while enjoying the views!
We recommends the Silver Cloud Midship Veranda Suite for size and location on the ship.
Dining review
The Silver Cloud offers 4 dining options (depending on the time of day). These include Le Champagne, The Restaurant, La Terrazza and The Grill.
All received a make-over during refurbishment, however one of the most outstanding new feature onboard the Silver Cloud is the remodelled Le Champagne. Gone are the soft beige hues, replaced by a contemporary palatte, dark leather clad booths and exquisite Venetian red glass chandeliers. Le Champagne is the only Wine Restaurant by Relais & Châteaux at sea. As you’d expect the menu remains outstanding and includes such favourites as caviar, gold leaf risotto and breast of forest pigeon with artichoke and morel ragout.
CruiseOyster recommend seeking the expert advice of the sommelière at Le Champagne when selecting wines. They will be happy to match wines to your various courses or help you select something special from the excellent connoisseur’s wine list.
Le Champagne has limited seating and remains very popular, so CruiseOyster advise you to make reservations prior to boarding to ensure you don’t miss out. You can do so via the Silversea website.
The Restaurant is located next to Le Champagne. It is the main dining venue onboard and while considerably larger than Le Champagne it manages to retain an intimate, club-like feel. Reservations are not required at The Restaurant, guests can dine when they like, with whom they like – from a romantic table for two by the window to a memorable party of 8 or more! The menu in The Restaurant changes daily and is largely French-inspired. The food presentation and quality is exceptional.
La Terrazza is the Silver Cloud’s signature Italian restaurant. It is located at the rear of the ship on deck 7. Weather permitting, guests can dine al fresco under the stars. La Terrazza celebrates the ‘slow food’ movement and embraces Silversea’s Italian heritage. The à la carte menu features authentic recipes and CruiseOyster recommends sampling the house made pasta.
When the sun goes down the pool deck is transformed into The Grill restaurant. The Grill is all about casual, relaxed dining. Pre-heated volcanic rocks are brought to the table allowing guests to cook steak, veal, lamb, pork or seafood to their liking. A selection of delicious sauces prepared by the Silver Cloud’s chefs make a great accompaniment. CruiseOyster recommend The Grill if you simply don’t feel like getting dressed up to dinner!
About the Author: Jason Kerr
