HAS ANYONE TOLD YOU ABOUT FUTURE ONBOARD CRUISE CREDITS?

Did you know while you are onboard your cruise vacation you can put a small refundable deposit down for your next sailing and receive up to $200 per stateroom of onboard credit?   It’s a way most of the cruise lines say thank you.

Guests that know they want to sail to the many incredible destinations or merely sit on their balcony and watch the sun set over the ocean, have a great advantage over those not in the know.  Depending on the cruise line, the deposit holds for years or forever until you decide where and when you want to sail. But it does also hold the opportunity to receive onboard credit of up to $200 depending on the length of your vacation.

Now YOU are in the know!  While on your cruise, stop by the cruise lines specialty desk (or ask at guest relations desk) to sign up for this WIN WIN opportunity.  You will thank yourselves when you board your next cruise!

Margie Settler – margie@osotravel.com

Cruise Editor with Top Cruise Club

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I LOVE to go to the spa for a massage aboard cruise ships! Now that’s real pampering. But I don’t love when I can’t get an appointment when I want it, which usually is one of the days at sea. Prime times fill up fast and it’s first come, first served. So, as soon as I board, I make a bee line for the Spa and make my reservations. Take my advice – you will be thankful!

–Maria F. Baltimore, MD

Many first time cruisers ask “What exactly is there to do onboard the ship, especially during days at sea?” It may come as a surprise to those who have never cruised, but there are many things to do while sailing. Cruise lines make sure there are enough activities to accommodate the thousands of passengers. If they didn’t then there would be bored passengers, and who would want to cruise again if their vacation was boring? Exactly – no one.

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Where do I begin?  Alas, I was one of the few privileged to be invited on board the Silversea’s Silver Shadow last week.  You see, whereas most guests arrive for a journey beyond the realm of excellence, I was there to experience the fine cuisine for a luncheon and tour of the ship.  Within the first 5 seconds, I knew I had gone to heaven.  Upon walking into the lobby where live classical music was my welcoming aboard, I knew instantly on the 6^th second that I had to figure out how I could possibly become a permanent stowaway!!!

The Silversea’s Silver Shadow offers only the finest of everything one could dream of before they die.  As Silversea’s states, “Silversea’s impeccable standards apply to every detail of your voyage”. With only 382 guests and 295 in staff, there is 1 staff member to every 1.3 guests.  If I was about to sneeze, there is no question a staff member would have a tissue ready to hand me before the “a-choo” even happened.

Silversea’s Silver Shadow is an experience that one can use every adjective and still not give due justice.  Not only are the finer things in life the norm, but the lifestyle on board is incomparable to any other cruise experience.  The exceptional personalized service and attention given to every guest, over sized all-suite accommodations, world class five star cuisine,  remote ports-of-call, level of hospitality, elegance in décor and choices of whatever your heart desires …….sheer luxury!!

The Silver Shadow has an array of offerings that would make anyone think seriously about living permanently on board.  It partners with only 5 star companies to give exclusivities one would think can be experienced only at the grandest of hotels around the world.   Relais & Chateaux creates the menus for dining. As part of the Culinary Arts Voyages, R & C member chefs are on board preparing the signature dishes of La Collection du Monde.  “The Humidor” by “Davidoff” offers the finest cigars, exceptional cognacs, fine Armagnac, Grappa and rare vintage ports all in a stately wood detailed setting with oversized leather chairs.  ”The Bar”, where guests congregate prior to and post dining, offers hot and cold hors d’oeuvres… DIVINE!!! Acqua Di Parma offers exquisite fragrances, soaps, lotions and shampoos… all complimentary in your suite. The Italian Factory decorates the walls with the most sought after artwork from around the world. Selected pieces are available for purchase.  Lavazza, with more then 100 years of experience, offers the finest coffee for your pleasure. Loro Piana, in business for 6 generations, is known throughout the world as the ultimate in Italian luxury cashmere. Known for the selection of knitwear, sportswear and elegant accessories for both men and women, it is now in stores on board the Silver Shadow.  For those wanting another bauble, H. Stern Jewelers offers unique jewels for the discerning guests on board the Silver Shadow.

Of course you could stay in your luxurious suite and have your meals served 24 hours a day.  You will be served on the finest linen, with crystal and fine china elegantly set up for your pleasure. Depending on the time of day, selections as close as possible to those offered in the “Restaurant”, (main dining room) are served as elegantly.

In all of the dining venues, alcoholic beverages and wines are included with all meals.  The complimentary wines are selected by the head wine sommelier and are all of the highest quality. If for some reason, you want to upgrade to a specific wine, you can request to see the Epicurean Wine List. A charge may be added to your account but rest assured, the selection of wines offered complimentary, will satisfy even the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur.

Dining options include The Restaurant, which is actually the main dining room. There is open seating with your choice of dining alone or with whomever you wish to be with.  Classical and modern French Cuisine served with the finest ingredients make you wonder how you could ever go back home to your local restaurant. There are evenings where the orchestra provides music for dancing. Signatures dishes are created exclusively in partnership with Relais & Chateaux.

Le Champagne, which is the ONLY Wine restaurant at sea (created by Relais & Chateaux) is a one of a kind experience on board the Silver Shadow. An extraordinary six course dining experience along with the world’s most distinguished wines from well known wine regions is what makes this a once in a lifetime must. There is a cover charge per guest which is added to your shipboard account. Tip: Take advantage of this experience not at the $50 surcharge, the $200 one is worth every penny. It will be a memorable one with no limits on any vintage.

La Terrazza is al fresco dining for breakfast, lunch or by reservation dinner with the best selections of Italian cuisine.

Poolside there is the Grill offering American Cuisine. Also available is Cruise Lite dining for those desiring low carb meals, vegetarian courses or special requests.

There are so many fine touches that one could get use to very easily. Piano recitals, jazz and cabaret evenings in “The Bar,” folkloric shows that complement the wines and cultures experienced on your voyage to the remote ports of call.  Each evening “The Bar” and the “Panoramic Lounge” offer dancing to every style of dancing imaginable. If you want ballroom, you’ve got it. If you prefer rock and roll, your wish is their command!   There are wonderful show time productions as well as musical concerts in the Show Lounge. There are Moonlight Movies shown on the pool deck and of course a Casino for those that like to dabble in the excitement of chance.  Spa and fitness is another way to indulge in high end luxury with more variations on unique spa treatments then I can count. Let’s see…. hmm, an Indian Scalp Massage, the Ultimate Indulgence with two therapists working in unison on your beloved body and a Balinese Bliss for Two. If you stood on your head I am quite sure someone would massage your toes!  The Fitness Center has an aquaswim pool where guests can actually swim against the tide!  What is absolutely the most rewarding of all are the regionally specific lectures by noted historians, ambassadors, state leaders, authors and geographers. Wine experts along with guest chefs are part of the Culinary Arts and Wine Series on special cruises.  Are you ready to book your voyage?  Can I go as your luggage?

There are Golf Voyages on the Silver Shadow with privileged access to world-class golf courses. No need to bring your golf clubs as Silversea’s provides the finest Nike clubs.  These are professional guided optional group excursions that include VIP tee times, carts, caddies where available, green fees and transfers. Private lessons are also offered with the state of the art “V1″ digital coaching system.

Customized shore excursions for guests that would prefer to create their own agenda are not a problem for the professionals that coordinate this all for you.

I can go on but if I have peaked your interests, feel free to contact me or one of the Member Concierges at Top Cruise Club for the in-depth all inclusive amenities.

The Accommodations… GOODNESS, GRACIOUS, GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!!!!

ALL SUITES!! YIKES!! ALL WALK-IN CLOSETS!!  YIKES AGAIN!! ALL HAVE SITTING AREAS AND WRITING DESKS WITH PERSONALIZED STATIONARY!! ALL TOGETHER NOW… YIKES!!!  80% HAVE FURNISHED TEAK VERANDAS…ALL HAVE VERANDAS WITH ONLY 8 VISTA STATEROOMS SHARING A COMMON BALCONY.  FOR THE LADIES, GREAT LIGHTING AND FULL LENGTH MIRRORS IN ALL STATE ROOMS ARE STANDARD.  MARBLED BATHROOMS WITH BATHTUBS ARE ALSO STANDARD IN ALL STATE ROOMS.  EUROPEAN BATH AMENITIES SUCH AS BVLGARI AND FRETTE ARE NOT UNCOMMON.

I could go on but I need to go to sleep before the sun rises!

I will tell you this: The smallest stateroom is 287 square feet, twice the size of a balcony cabin on the mega ships.  Next is 345 sq. ft. with a 60 sq. ft. veranda. Then we have 521 sq. ft. with an 81 sq. ft. veranda. Oh my, the next is a mere 653 to 701 sq. ft. with verandas ranging in size from 107 sq. ft. to 123 sq. ft. The Royal Suite is 1,312 sq. ft with the veranda 170-176 sq. ft. Then there is the Grand Suite ranging from 1,286 to 1, 435 sq. ft with the veranda coming in at 163-176 sq. ft. Last we have the Owners Suite at 1, 264 sq. ft. with a 280 sq. ft. verandah. Did you hear me? 280 square foot veranda!!!  With a number of suite categories including complimentary butler and laundry service throughout the voyage. Along with that comes a multiple controlled TV/DVD/VCR with complimentary in suite movie channels and DVD’S, Bang & Olufsen or Nakamuchi 3-Cd stereo, Plasma TV, Jacuzzi etc. Didn’t I say in the beginning it is not so outlandish to think about living permanently on board this ship? P.S. If you pack me in your suitcase, I’ll let you know that the best suites are on deck seven and they go fast!

Gratuities included, I would imagine you realize this is a given. Transportation into the remote towns is complimentary in most ports. Forgot to bring your eye glasses into the dining room?  Extra pairs are at your service before you finish asking your devoted waiter.

Okay, I am now thoroughly depressed that all I had was lunch and a ship tour while those of you that are going to book this ship ( 60% of the international guests that cruise with  Silversea’s rebooks their next cruise while on board) will actually experience this glorious gold star of excellence, The Silversea’s Silver Shadow.  Think of me once in a while… PLEASE!!!

Below is a brief glimpse of what you will experience when on board the magnificent Silver Shadow.

Margery Settler – Top Cruise Club – Cruise Editor

Margery Settler – Top Cruise Club – Cruise Editor