Silver Cloud

The 1994-built MS Silver Cloud cruise ship is the first and oldest vessel owned by Silversea, with sistership Silver Wind (1995) also in the fleet. In October 2017, the ship joined the Silversea Expeditions fleet and began a new itinerary program featuring polar cruises to Antarctica and Arctic destinations.

The vessel (IMO number 8903923) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 309027000) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Silversea Cruises is a Monaco-based privately owned cruise company and ultra-luxury travel brand. It was established in 1994 as a joint venture between V-Ships Monaco (formerly Vlasov Group) and the Lefebvre family of Rome Italy. In 2018, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd acquired a two-thirds stake in the company. Silversea now operates a fleet of smaller boutique cruise vessels with passenger capacity ranging between 100 and 700 guests. The company specializes in yacht-style ships in the ultra-luxury all-suite category. Silversea's all-inclusive fares include beverages (including selected wines), gratuities (tipping is not expected), travel insurance, port charges, and one or more shore excursions per voyage.

The 300-passenger Silver Cloud underwent a stem-to-stern refurbishment in October 2012 during a Sicily drydock. All public spaces and suites (except the theatre and the gym) were renovated with new carpets, decor, and furniture, creating a more contemporary appearance. The refit introduced updated design elements and enhanced luxury features that continue to attract travelers worldwide. Despite her relatively small size, the ship offers spacious accommodations and delivers an experience comparable to that of much larger cruise vessels.

In 2017, MS Silver Cloud underwent a major drydock refit and refurbishment (August–September) before joining the Silversea Expeditions fleet. The ship's capacity was reduced from 362 to 260 passengers on non-polar cruises. On polar itineraries (Arctic and Antarctic voyages), the maximum capacity is limited to 200 passengers.

Decks and Cabins

Silver Cloud staterooms (151 total in 7 categories) are all suites, including 15 connecting and 2 wheelchair-accessible cabins. All suites feature ocean views, and 75% include private balconies. Suite sizes range from 240 ft2 to more than 1300 ft2. The smallest category is the Vista Suite, which features a large picture window instead of a balcony. Veranda Suites are similar in layout but include a 55 ft2 balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Midship Veranda Suites are considered among the best-located accommodations for a smoother sailing experience.

The three Silver Suites offer 541 ft2 of space with a larger veranda and separate living and dining areas. The 827 ft2 Owner's Suite features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a 95 ft2 private balcony. The two Royal Suites offer approximately 200 ft2 additional living space compared to the Owner's Suite. The largest accommodations are the two Grand Suites, offering 1340 ft2 of space with three private verandas and panoramic ocean views.

Beds can be configured as either queen or twin beds, and guests may choose from a pillow menu. All suites feature direct-dial phones, binoculars, safes, iHome alarm clocks, and LCD TVs with satellite reception and DVD players. Even the Vista Suites include walk-in closets with ample storage space. Silver Suites and higher categories feature CD players. Owner's, Royal, and Grand Suites also include full-size whirlpool bathtubs and guest powder rooms. Upon arrival, a dedicated butler offers guests a choice of Bvlgari, Neutrogena, or Acqua di Parma bath products.

The vessel has 9 decks, of which 7 are passenger-accessible and 4 contain cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

MS Silver Cloud offers high-end service and gourmet dining in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. The ship has one of the highest space-to-passenger ratios in the cruise industry. Many crew members have sailed with Silversea for years, creating a highly personalized onboard experience where guests are often recognized by name. Another key advantage is that Silver Cloud fares are fully all-inclusive, covering all food, wines, spirits, and gratuities. Additional tipping is discouraged, although some guests may still offer gratuities for exceptional service.

Follows the complete list of Silver Cloud restaurants and food bars.

• The Restaurant (open-seating main dining room offering gourmet cuisine with Mediterranean-inspired menus and daily specials; all meals are waiter-served and a la carte)
• Le Champagne (20-seat French specialty restaurant offering signature dishes from Relais & Chateaux; dinner-only and reservations required)
• La Terrazza (Terrace Cafe buffet-style restaurant offering indoor seating and an alfresco terrace; wine is complimentary and Afternoon Tea is served; in the evening between 7:00 and 9:30 pm it transforms into an Italian specialty restaurant with an a la carte menu and reservations required)
• Pool Bar & Pool Grill (serves the pool deck area with light meals and drinks during the day; in the evening the outdoor area becomes an alfresco dining venue featuring seafood, steaks, vegetarian, and healthy options)
• The Grill (offers gourmet dining under the stars with signature lava-rock grilled meats, seafood, Mediterranean vegetables, baked potatoes, and salads; wines are complimentary except for premium selections from the Connoisseur’s Wine List; The Grill features Silversea's interactive dining concept “Black Rock Grill Experience”, allowing guests to cook meats and seafood on heated volcanic stone plates at their table)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Silver Cloud offers a variety of onboard activities, including language lessons, lectures, bridge, and dance classes. Evening entertainment features "The Artists of Silversea" performing a wide repertoire from Beatles songs to opera. The Bar lounge is a popular gathering place for socializing and dancing. Guests can also try their luck at the small onboard casino. The ship features an Internet cafe (100 minutes cost USD 45, while 1000 minutes cost USD 250). The well-stocked library offers books, DVDs, and newspapers. Complimentary transportation in town is provided in select ports, along with occasional complimentary shoreside events.

Silver Cloud features two whirlpool hot tubs and a saltwater swimming pool, along with ample deck space for sunbathing. Above the pool deck are the jogging track and a fitness center equipped with elliptical machines, free weights, treadmills, and yoga mats. A variety of fitness classes are offered daily. For relaxation, the ship offers a full-service hair salon and spa with nail services and nine treatment rooms. Treatments include Swedish and hot stone massages, anti-aging facials, and reflexology. Each changing room also features a steam bath and sauna.

Additional amenities include a launderette, medical center, complimentary 24-hour room service, and Internet/WiFi access.

Follows the complete list of Silver Cloud lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• The Casino (with slot machines and gaming tables, served by The Bar)
• Boutique shops (duty-free shopping offering luxury jewelry and watches, perfumes, fashion, designer handbags, photo/video accessories, Silversea logo merchandise, special gifts, and convenience items)
• The Bar (lounge with comfortable seating, live music performances, dance floor, and complimentary cocktails)
• Show Lounge (formerly Venetian Lounge – ship's theater for live music and stage productions; enrichment programs include trivia games, dance classes, language lessons, lectures, and presentations)
• Conference Room (for meetings and conferences, located next to the Card Room and Internet Cafe)
• The Swimming Pool (saltwater pool heated during cooler climates; sun deck area with teak loungers, two whirlpools, and table tennis)
• Connoisseur’s Corner (formerly Humidor – cigar lounge with leather armchairs offering premium cognacs, vintage wines, and fine cigars)
• Panorama Lounge (served by its own bar, offering live music, dancing, Continental breakfast, and Afternoon Tea)
• The Library (with audio listening stations and on-demand movies)
• The Spa at Silversea (treatment rooms offering body wraps, massages, facials, plus sauna and steam rooms)
• Beauty Salon (full-service hair styling, manicures, and pedicures)
• Fitness Centre (equipped with treadmills, stationary bikes, weight machines, and elliptical trainers)
• Power Walking/Jogging Track, Golf Cage, paddle tennis court, and putting green
• The ship carries a fleet of 18 Zodiacs (large inflatable expedition boats) used for landings and shore exploration.
• Photo Studio (starboard on Deck 5) is a dedicated onboard photography venue developed in partnership with Galardi Media Network (Switzerland). The studio features advanced equipment including PC and Mac computers, high-resolution printers (free of charge for creating postcards or framed prints), and touchscreen interfaces. Workshops are led by professional photographers and include access to equipment such as 6 HP Envy 27 computers, 6 iMac 27 computers, 4 Loupedeck consoles (for Adobe Lightroom), 2 DNP photo printers, 2 Epson plotters, 3 Samsung 55-inch 4K screens, and 1 Samsung 65-inch 4K screen. Private 20-minute photography lessons are also available.

In 2018, Silversea introduced the "My Photo Academy" photography classes on Antarctica cruises aboard Silver Cloud. These classes are part of the company's onboard enrichment program, The Academy, and are held in the Photo Studio. Passengers can improve their photography skills by learning how to capture and edit photos like professionals. Topics include social media sharing (Facebook and Instagram), photography basics, and software training using Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop.

The photography classes are offered both as group sessions and private lessons. The Academy program features themed workshops designed for both beginners and experienced photographers.

Itineraries

Since 2017, Silver Cloud has operated cruises to Antarctic and Arctic destinations as part of the Silversea Expeditions program, with roundtrip departures from homeport Ushuaia (Argentina). During the Northern Hemisphere summer season, the ship is deployed in Northern Europe, operating voyages from Arctic Norway to the Norwegian Fjords and Svalbard Islands.

On polar cruises, the ship's maximum passenger capacity is reduced from 260 to 200.

Before joining the Silversea Expeditions fleet in 2017, Silver Cloud operated primarily Caribbean itineraries with departures from Fort Lauderdale, Bridgetown (Barbados), and San Juan (Puerto Rico). During the summer season, the ship sailed in Europe on Mediterranean voyages departing from Rome, Venice, Barcelona, Athens, and Istanbul, with Transatlantic repositioning crossings. The ship also occasionally operated South Africa itineraries with roundtrip departures from Cape Town.

Silversea's "flight and cruise" package deals (through the company's "Silver Sky" program) include the luxury cruise fare, discounted round-trip airfare (Economy Class), and airport-pier-airport transfers.

Silversea's "hotel and cruise" package, "Silver Shore Simply Hotel", offers overnight stays in 5-star luxury hotels with optional transfers or upgrades. The upgraded cruise and hotel package ("Silver Shore Grande Hotel") includes 1–3 nights at landmark hotels or boutique properties and provides private transfers (airport-hotel and hotel-pier).

Silver Cloud's hull was constructed at the Visentini shipyard (near Trieste Italy), while the superstructure and final outfitting were completed at the T. Marotti shipyard (Genoa Italy). The vessel has a twin sistership – Silver Wind (1995-built).

Silver Cloud's Maiden Voyage departed on April 2, 1994, from Civitavecchia-Rome. The inaugural cruise (Mediterranean itinerary) visited destinations in Italy, France, and Spain. Following the European season, the ship was repositioned across the North Atlantic to North America (Canada and the USA), and later operated in the Caribbean and South America.

Silver Cloud is a luxury cruise ship operated with all-inclusive fares. The vessel has one of the best space-to-guest ratios in the industry (56.8) and also features an excellent guest-to-crew ratio (1.3). All officers and crew members are European-trained.

The ship entered service at the same time the Monaco-headquartered Silversea cruise company, owned by the Lefebvre family (Rome Italy), was established.

In August 2016, during the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, the vessel was chartered as a hotel ship (listed capacity 296 guests) for the USA's two basketball teams. For the 2016 Olympics' VIP guests (organizers, committee members, sponsors, sports federations, and corporate representatives), the hotel ship charter was NCL's Norwegian Getaway (capacity 4000 passengers).

Silver Cloud's current Master is Captain Kosta Doroshenko.

Silver Cloud refurbishments review

After the drydock refurbishment in August–September 2017, Silver Cloud was transferred to Silversea Expeditions, joining Silver Discoverer, Silver Explorer/Heritage Discoverer, and Silver Galapagos.

As a luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud's maximum passenger capacity was reduced to 260 guests. When operating on Arctic and Antarctic itineraries, the ship carries a maximum of 200 passengers.

The hull was strengthened with ice-class capabilities for operations primarily in polar waters. The vessel was also equipped with a fleet of 18 Zodiacs (inflatable boats) for close-to-shore exploration. The expedition team operates with a ratio of one team member for every 12 Silversea passengers.

Follows the list of deck plan changes made during the vessel's 2012 drydock refurbishment – a three-week refit completed in Palermo Sicily.

• (Deck 4) The Le Champagne (French restaurant) dining venue was enhanced with a new entrance hall, LED-backlit wine cellar, updated flooring, new fabrics, and a revised seating layout.
• (Deck 5) The Bar lounge received an updated color palette.
• (Deck 7 port side) The Owner's Suite was upgraded with a new wet room featuring a rainforest shower separate from the bathtub.
• (Deck 7) The La Terrazza buffet restaurant was upgraded with additional two-seat tables and new wall banquettes.
• (Deck 7) The Spa complex and Beauty Salon were renovated.
• (Deck 8) Panorama Lounge received new furniture, carpeting, curtains, and a refurbished dance floor with new wooden flooring.
• (Deck 8) The Grill (interactive gourmet dining concept) was introduced, and the pool deck was fitted with new outdoor furniture. Grill Bar was upgraded to "Hot Rocks" (steakhouse and seafood menu).
• (Deck 9) The jogging track received new synthetic turf.
• (Deck 9) Observation Lounge replaced the former Fitness Center, while the gym was relocated to Deck 6 (starboard).
• Interior décor was renovated throughout all cabins, public areas, and dining venues.
• All suites were updated with new fabrics for sofas and chairs, new balcony furniture, carpeting, curtains, headboards, and custom-made deluxe mattresses designed exclusively for Silversea.
• A new suite category (Medallion Suite) was introduced.
• All suites with bathtubs were upgraded with glass-enclosed rainforest showers with seating.
• The lobby area (Deck 5) received a refreshed color palette along with additional upgrades, including new carpeting and artwork throughout staircases and public areas.

Silversea Expedition World Cruise 2022 Silver Cloud

In 2022, Silversea scheduled a 167-day World Cruise for Silver Cloud themed "THE UNCHARTED WORLD TOUR". The voyage itinerary included destinations in South America, Antarctica, Australia and New Zealand, Southeast Asia, India, the Arabian Gulf, a Suez Canal transit, and Europe (Mediterranean, Atlantic coast, UK, and Arctic).

The unique itinerary included a total of 107 ports across 30 countries. Silversea Silver Cloud cruise deals included Business Class flights, a charter flight (Santiago to Ushuaia), private transfers (airport-hotel and ship-airport), group transfers (hotel-ship), USD 2000 per person onboard credit (OBC), expedition gear gifts, complimentary laundry, free medical services, unlimited Wi-Fi Internet, and a visa package (for USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and Germany residents).

World Voyage 2022 was also available for booking in smaller itinerary segments.

• 22-days from Valparaiso to Papeete ($24420 pp)
• 12-days from Papeete to Lautoka ($15095 pp)
• 14-days from Lautoka to Cairns ($17915 pp)
• 22-days from Cairns to Singapore Cairns $21475 pp)
• 16-days from Singapore to Cochin ($13250 pp)
• 19-days from Cochin to Athens ($11900 pp)
• 14-days from Athens to Lisbon ($14970 pp)
• 17-days from Lisbon to Reykjavik ($13620 pp)
• 13-days from Reykjavik to Tromso ($20000 pp)

Silversea Expedition World Cruise 2021 (CANCELED)

For Silver Cloud, Silversea planned the company's first "Expedition World Cruise" (themed as "Uncharted World Tour"). The 169-day itinerary included 107 ports and destinations in 30 different countries. The cruise was scheduled to start from Ushuaia (Argentina) on January 30, 2021, and end in Tromso (Norway) on July 18, 2021. Prices started from ~USD 103,000. The 2-Bedroom Owner's Suite was initially priced nearly USD 1 million (for the entire voyage).

However, due to the COVID crisis, this voyage was canceled.

Also in 2021, the fleetmate Silver Whisper was planned to start from Fort Lauderdale Florida (January 7, 2021, departure) the "Finest World Tour 2021". The 150-day itinerary visited 54 ports/destinations in 34 different countries, ending in NYC New York.

Inaugural Antarctic itineraries 2018

The following table shows the ship's Inaugural Antarctica cruise (2018) from Argentina - 10-day roundtrip from Ushuaia. Prices started from ~USD 18500 pp (with double occupancy).

Next table shows ship's Inaugural Arctic cruise (2018) from Norway - 12-day from Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen Island, Arctic Norway) to Kristiansund. Prices started from ~USD 11900 pp.