Silver Whisper

The 2001-built MS Silver Whisper cruise ship is the fourth vessel in the Silversea fleet, preceded by Silver Cloud (1994), Silver Wind (1995), and the sistership Silver Shadow (2000).

The vessel (IMO number 9192179) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 308322000) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Silversea Cruises is a Monaco-based privately owned cruise company and top luxury travel brand. It was established in 1994 as a joint venture between V-Ships Monaco (fka Vlasov Group) and the Lefebvre family of Rome Italy. In 2018, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd acquired two-thirds of the company. Silversea now operates a fleet of smaller boutique cruise vessels with passenger capacity between 100 and 700 guests. The company’s business model focuses on yacht-like vessels in the industry’s 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 500-passenger ship Silver Whisper and her sistership Silver Shadow accommodate slightly more guests than earlier Silversea vessels. As a result, they offer a few additional amenities, including an Internet center, poolside grill, and cigar bar. However, the overall experience remains relaxing, pampering, and elegantly casual. Additional conveniences such as complimentary laundry facilities and free shuttle buses in ports of call help make the cruise experience effortless.

Silver Whisper passengers represent an interesting mix—geographically diverse and typically aged from their mid-30s and older, coming from Europe, the Far East, and North America. Like her sistership Shadow, Silver Whisper has one of the industry’s highest space-to-passenger ratios—74—providing more space per guest than most cruise ships. Another notable metric is the passenger-to-crew ratio, which on Silver Whisper is approximately 1.31 to 1.

Silver Whisper's 2016 refurbishment resulted in refreshed suites, including dark marble floors in the bathrooms. Sun Deck received new furniture (premium sun loungers) and a newly tiled swimming pool. The Restaurant and La Terrazza were upgraded with new furniture, hardwood parquet flooring, and carpeting. Two new satellite antennas were installed to improve Internet speeds. On-demand movies and interactive HDTVs were also added to all cabins.

Decks and Cabins

Silver Whisper staterooms (194 total, in 12 categories) are all suites and include 4 connecting cabins and 2 wheelchair-accessible units. Outside suites range in size from 290 to 1435 ft2 (27 to 133 m2), and approximately 80% of all accommodations feature step-out balconies. Standard suites (Vista and Veranda) include sitting areas, a large table, writing desk, video players, and walk-in closets. The marble bathrooms feature separate shower and bathtub. The two Owner’s Suites are very spacious and feature a living room, large plasma-screen TV, bar, dining and powder rooms, and one or two bedrooms (with Jacuzzi bathrooms).

The ship has 10 decks, of which 8 are passenger-accessible and 6 contain cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Dinner onboard Silver Whisper is the culinary highlight of each day at sea. The Restaurant offers a six-course menu with a variety of choices, including vegetarian entrées and “CruiseLite” menus (low fat, low cholesterol, low sodium). An additional option is themed dining events at La Terrazza. Occasionally, the restaurant hosts special dinners throughout each voyage, featuring one of 16 six-course menus ranging from French, Asian, and Italian cuisine to all-seafood selections. The Terrace Cafe’s chef works with a sommelier to pair dishes with appropriate wines. Reservations are required because these events are limited to 50 guests.

For breakfast, Silver Whisper guests can choose from light options served in the Panorama and Observation Lounges or enjoy the buffet at Terrace Cafe. The Restaurant is also open for a more formal breakfast service. Terrace Cafe continues the buffet theme for lunch, while the Restaurant offers more formal menus. Poolside Grill provides an ultra-casual option with grilled chicken, burgers, fries, and salads.

Room service offers a comprehensive 24-hour menu, and during meal times guests can order directly from the Restaurant’s menu. The Whisper staff provides efficient and prompt service—upon request, meals can be served course-by-course or all at once. Silver Whisper gratuities are included in the cruise fare, and additional tipping is not encouraged.

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

• The Restaurant (open-seating dining room offering top-quality gourmet cuisine; features Mediterranean-themed dishes and a standard menu with daily specials; all three meals are waiter-served and à la carte)
• Le Champagne (20-seat French cuisine specialty restaurant offering signature dishes by Relais & Chateaux; dinner only; reservations required)
• La Terrazza (Terrace Cafe; complimentary buffet-style restaurant offering indoor seating and an alfresco terrace; wine is complimentary; also hosts Afternoon Tea service; in the evening between 7:00 and 9:30 pm it transforms into an Italian specialty restaurant with an à la carte menu, reservations required)
• Pool Bar & Pool Grill (serves the pool deck area with fast food and drinks during the day; in the evening the outdoor area becomes an al fresco dining venue featuring seafood and steakhouse-style selections, plus vegetarian and healthy options)
• The Grill (offers gourmet dining under the stars with signature dishes including lava-rock grilled meat, seafood, Mediterranean vegetables, baked potatoes, and salads; wines are complimentary except premium selections from the Connoisseur’s Wine List; features the line’s interactive dining concept “Black Rock Grill Experience,” allowing guests to cook their own meat and seafood)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

One of the busiest spots on the Silver Whisper cruise ship is the Internet Center, which contains five computers, and each passenger receives a pre-assigned onboard email address. An adjacent library offers a selection of bestsellers and videos and provides two additional terminals. Silver Whisper also features a fully equipped Medical Center.

The Whisper’s Mandara Spa offers South Pacific–inspired treatments. Silversea Cruises does not allow spa therapists to engage in aggressive product sales at the end of treatments. Silver Whisper spa services include traditional facials, massages, and a variety of unique therapies. The “Indonesian Natural Facial” uses ingredients from seasonal vegetables and fruits, while the “Ultimate Indulgence” treatment features two therapists providing a simultaneous massage for one guest. Treatments are typically priced higher than on many other cruise lines because they often last significantly longer. Spa facilities include steam rooms, sauna, and a full-service beauty salon. An adjacent fitness center offers treadmills, weight machines, and an exercise room, with daily instructor-led fitness classes. Outdoors there is a swimming pool (large enough for exercise) with two whirlpools. Additional recreational facilities include a jogging track, shuffleboard, golf cage, and ping-pong tables.

Additional amenities include two launderettes, a Medical Center/Infirmary, complimentary 24-hour room service, and Internet/WiFi access.

Follows the complete list of Silver Whisper 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 (both offer duty-free shopping: luxury jewelry and watches, branded perfumes, fashion items, designer handbags, photo/video accessories, Silversea merchandise, special-occasion gifts, and convenience goods)
• The Bar (lounge with comfortable seating offering live music performances, a large dance floor, and complimentary cocktails)
• Show Lounge (formerly Venetian Lounge—the ship’s main theater for live music and show productions; daily enrichment programs include trivia games, dance classes, language lessons, lectures, and media presentations)
• Conference Room (hosts meetings and conferences; located adjacent to the Card Room and Internet Cafe)
• The Swimming Pool (saltwater pool heated during cooler itineraries; the sunbathing area features teak chaise loungers, two whirlpools, and table tennis)
• Connoisseur’s Corner (formerly Humidor—the ship’s smoking lounge furnished with leather armchairs and offering premium cognacs, vintage wines, and fine cigars)
• Panorama Lounge (served by its own bar; features live music, dancing, Continental breakfast, and Afternoon Tea)
• Observation Lounge (with 270-degree panoramic views and a radar screen; serves early-morning coffee and light breakfast)
• The Library (with audio listening stations and on-demand movies)
• The Spa at Silversea (features treatment rooms and therapies including body wraps, massages, and facials, plus sauna and steam rooms)
• Beauty Salon (offers hairstyling, manicures, and pedicures)
• Fitness Centre (equipped with treadmills, stationary bikes, weight machines, and elliptical trainers)
• Power Walking/Jogging Track, Golf Cage, paddle tennis, and golf putting green

Itineraries

Silver Whisper’s itinerary program includes luxury World Cruises and Baltic Sea voyages departing from the UK, Denmark, and Sweden. The ship also operates Canada/New England cruises from New York and Montreal, and sails Caribbean itineraries departing from Fort Lauderdale, with Transatlantic repositioning crossings.

In 2020, the ship started the world’s first Around The World voyage visiting all seven continents. The 140-day itinerary (January 6 through May 25, 2020, from Fort Lauderdale Florida to Amsterdam Holland) included 62 ports in 32 countries. Read more in the ship's Wiki section.

Silversea’s “flight and cruise” package deals (under 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-night stays at landmark or boutique hotels and private transfers (airport–hotel and hotel–pier).

Silver Whisper cruise ship was built in Italy in 2001. The vessel’s hull was constructed at the Visentini shipyard near Trieste, while final outfitting took place at the T. Marotti shipyard in Genoa.

Silversea Whisper has an “older” identical sistership – Silver Shadow, launched in 2000. The ship’s Godmother is Marzia Lefebvre D'Ovidio, wife of Silversea Cruises' Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre D'Ovidio. Mrs. Lefebvre smashed a Salmanazar (9-liter bottle) of Moet & Chandon champagne against the ship’s bow during the grand ceremony held on the morning of June 18 in Genoa Italy. On July 2, 2001, the vessel began her maiden voyage between two capital city ports – Civitavecchia/Rome and London England.

Silversea ships Whisper and Shadow are known for their industry-leading space-to-guest ratio of 74, offering more space per guest than most mainstream or luxury cruise ships. Like all Silversea vessels, Shadow and Whisper also have an excellent guest-to-crew ratio of 1.3. All officers and crew members are European-trained.

(August 9, 2008 accident) The ship reportedly experienced a power failure at around 7 a.m., which affected the propulsion system. At the time, she was near the port of Lisbon Portugal. The problem was resolved later in the afternoon.

Silver Whisper refurbishment 2018 review

In 2018, the ship entered drydock at Freeport Bahamas (December 8–19). The refurbishment works included:

• Redesign and redecoration of all public areas to match the interior decor of fleetmate Silver Muse.
• New carpeting installed in hallways, the theater, main dining room restaurant, casino, conference room, and main bar lounge.
• La Dame Restaurant received new curtains and floor polishing.
• Lounge renovations (La Terrazza, Observation Lounge, and Panorama Lounge).
• The Casino and Conference Room received new curtains and chairs.
• Zagara Spa received new furniture and equipment.
• The Gym was fitted with the latest technology equipment.
• (Deck 5) Nine Terrace Suite cabins were refitted and recategorized as Veranda Suites.
• All cabins were upgraded with 40-inch HDTVs (interactive system, on-demand movies, Internet). All cabin bathrooms were updated with newly polished granite countertops.
• Additional storage space was allocated for new zodiacs (large-capacity inflatable motorboats used for passenger tendering and landings in remote areas). A new lifting crane for deploying the boats was installed.

The works also included general maintenance, upgrades to public areas, and complete renovation of all staterooms. The Atrium Lobby (Deck 5 midship) was completely redesigned, and the Atrium Arts Cafe was added (replacing the old Lobby Bar). Connoisseur's Club (the former cigar lounge) was moved from Deck 7 to Deck 8 (aft-starboard, replacing the Library) with an added outdoor smoking-allowed terrace. The Casino was relocated from Deck 5 (midship portside) to Deck 8 (aft-starboard, replacing the Internet Cafe), and its size was reduced. The Library was relocated from Deck 8 (aft-starboard) to Deck 10 forward (Observation Library Lounge). The Internet Cafe (Deck 8 aft-portside) was integrated into the Observation Lounge (Deck 10).

Silver Whisper refurbishment 2016 review

Below is a list of changes made during the December 2016 drydock (in Freeport Bahamas).

• All cruise suites were renovated with dark marble floors in the bathrooms. All staterooms were upgraded with smart HDTVs (infotainment system) offering in-cabin Internet and movies-on-demand. Interior cabin upgrades also included new furniture, upholstery, and carpeting.
• On Lido Deck 8, the swimming pool was re-tiled.
• Sun Deck 9 was refurnished with new sun loungers and received new high-quality teak decking.
• The Restaurant (main dining room on Deck 4) and La Terrazza (buffet restaurant on Deck 7) both received new furniture, carpeting, and flooring (hardwood parquet).
• New satellite equipment was installed to provide faster Internet speeds.
• The Jogging Track (Deck 9) was updated with a new synthetic turf surface.
• Renovations were also completed in Connoisseur's Corner (Deck 7), Panorama Lounge (Deck 8), and the Spa & Beauty Salon (Deck 10).
• The Observation Lounge (Deck 10) received new wood paneling, a new marble-topped bar, and new wood display cases.

The 2016 drydock renovations were part of Silversea's USD 170 million fleetwide refurbishment program.

Silversea World Cruise 2022 Silver Whisper

Silver Whisper's Tale of Tales World Cruise (2022) visited a total of 62 destinations (ports and islands) in 30 different countries across 6 continents and featured Arctic-to-Antarctic navigation (between 65° North and 65° South). The list of “Tale Tellers” (renowned guest lecturers) contracted for the voyage included Nicholas Crane (former President of the Royal Geographical Society), Pico Iyer (writer), Monica Hanna (archaeologist), Eamonn Gearon (historian), Steve McCurry (photographer), Asma Khan (celebrity chef, restaurateur, author), and Christina Franco (polar explorer).

The next table shows the 138-day “Tale of Tales World Cruise” itinerary with ports of call and times.

Full-segment "World Cruise 2022" prices started from USD 82700 (EUR 70360) per person with double occupancy.

Silversea World Cruise 2021 Silver Whisper

Silver Whisper's 150-day world cruise (themed "The Finest World Tour 2021") starts from Fort Lauderdale (January 7) and ends in NYC (June 6). The voyage visits 54 ports/destinations in 34 different countries on 6 continents.

"The Finest World Tour" 2021 cruise itinerary

Full-segment "World Cruise 2020" prices ranged from EUR 55,000 pp (USD 62,000 / Vista Suite), EUR 69,000 pp (Veranda Suite), EUR 131,000 pp (Medallion Suite), EUR 168,000 pp (Silver Suite), EUR 169,000 pp (Royal Suite), EUR 171,000 pp (Grand Suite), up to EUR 205,000 pp (USD 240,000 / Owner Suite / GBP 380,000 per booking).

Also in 2021, on the fleetmate Silver Cloud Silversea introduced the company's first "Expedition World Cruise". The cruise starts from Ushuaia (Argentina) on January 30, 2021, and ends in Tromso (Norway) on July 16, 2021. The 167-day itinerary includes 107 ports/destinations in 30 different countries.

Silversea World Cruise 2020 Silver Whisper

On March 12, 2018, Silversea opened for booking Silver Whisper's 140-day World Cruise 2020 (Legends of Cruising). The itinerary visits 62 ports in 32 countries and is the world's first "Around The World" voyage visiting all the 7 continents. The itinerary starts on January 6, 2020, from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) and ends in Amsterdam (Holland) on May 25, 2020.

Silversea World Cruise 2018 Silver Whisper

Silversea's World Cruise 2018 on Silver Whisper was a 121-day westbound itinerary from USA (Los Angeles to Civitavecchia-Rome, departure Jan 6, 2018). The itinerary (named "La Grande Bellezza") visited 60 ports in 21 countries and includes a total of 17 overnight port stays plus 13 late-night port stays. Among the visited destinations were Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Oman), Suez Canal, Europe-Mediterranean (Egypt, Greece, Italy. Smaller itinerary segments were also available.

Silver Whisper World Cruise 2018 booked passengers received as bonus amenities Bon Voyage reception and Los Angeles overnight hotel stay (Jan 5), included airfare (Business Class tickets and airport-hotel-ship transfer), USD 4000 per cabin OBC (onboard credit), complimentary services (baggage valet, laundry, dry cleaning), unlimited Wi-Fi, special gifts.

Full World Cruise 2018 prices started at USD 58000 pp (Vista Suite) up to USD 182000 pp (Owner Suite).