Silver Wind

The 1995-built MS Silver Wind cruise ship is the second-oldest vessel owned by Silversea Cruises. Her sister ship and fleetmate is Silver Cloud (1994).

The vessel (IMO number 8903935) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 308814000) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Silversea 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 two-thirds of the company. Silversea now operates a fleet of boutique cruise vessels with passenger capacity ranging from 100 to 700 guests. The company’s business model focuses on yacht-like vessels in the ultra-luxury all-suite category. Silversea’s all-inclusive fares include beverages (including selected wines), gratuities (tipping is not required), travel insurance, port charges, and one or more shore excursions per voyage.

The 300-passenger Silver Wind is a relatively small ship, and it only takes a few minutes to become familiar with the onboard layout. The friendly atmosphere and Silversea Cruises’ all-inclusive drinks policy contribute to a sociable onboard environment, particularly for solo travelers. However, if your ideal cruise includes large casinos, poolside games, and extensive entertainment activities, Silver Wind may not be the best choice.

During the October 2016 drydock refurbishment, all staterooms were refreshed and their bathrooms upgraded with dark emperor marble floors. The sundeck received new loungers, and the swimming pool was re-tiled. The Restaurant and La Terrazza received new furniture along with hardwood parquet or carpet flooring. Two new satellite antennas were installed to provide faster Internet speeds. On-demand movies and smart HDTVs were added to all cabins, and the pool deck received new teak decking for a more yacht-like atmosphere.

After the 2020–2021 drydock (part of Silversea’s “Project Invictus” fleet renovation program), the vessel received an ice-class classification. The refurbishment (completed at Remontowa Shipyard in Gdansk Poland) also included installing advanced equipment for polar navigation (Arctic and Antarctic operations), 16 Zodiacs (motorized boats for coastal cruising and shore landings), 14 sea kayaks, and upgrades to all staterooms and public bathrooms. The wellness complex, Atrium, Lobby, La Terrazza, La Dame, Main Bar, Pool Bar, Observation Lounge, and Panorama Lounge were completely renovated. The Casino was replaced with a Photo Studio, and a Mudroom (expedition gear storage room) was added. The swimming pool received a new water-heating system. An Expedition Team of 28 specialists was also added to support expedition voyages.

Decks and Cabins

Silver Wind staterooms (148 total, in 8 categories) include 143 suites (all-suite accommodations), of which 15 are connecting suites and 2 are wheelchair-accessible. The suites include a mix of balcony, oceanview, and “super” suites (with additional amenities). Cabin sizes range from 22 m2 / 240 ft2 (Vista Suites) to 55 m2 / 590 ft2 (Owner’s Suites, plus an 8 m2 / 90 ft2 terrace).

The vessel has 9 decks, of which 6 are passenger-accessible and 5 contain cabins.

All suites feature standard amenities including fully stocked minibars (drinks included in the cruise fare), smart HDTVs, DVD players, marble bathrooms with full-size bathtubs and showers, hairdryers, a choice of Acqua di Parma or Bulgari toiletries, slippers, bathrobes, personalized stationery, and a pillow menu. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with Pommery Champagne, flowers, and fresh fruit. Guests in top-suite categories also receive additional perks such as butler service, complimentary laundry, and espresso machines. The highest-category suites include separate dining and sitting areas, a second TV, and bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs. Owner’s Suites also feature guest toilets.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Dining onboard Silver Wind is widely regarded as exceptional. The main dining venue, The Restaurant, serves breakfast (8:00–9:30 am), lunch (12:30–2:00 pm), and dinner (7:30–9:30 pm). All meals are served with open seating, allowing guests to dine whenever they wish and with whomever they choose. Ladies are traditionally escorted to their tables by the maitre d’ or waitstaff.

Additional breakfast options include the early-risers buffet in the Panorama Lounge (6:30 am) and morning coffee service in the Observation Lounge (6:30–10:00 am). Continental breakfast is also available at the Pool Grill (8:30–10:30 am), while La Terrazza offers a breakfast buffet (8:00–10:00 am) and lunch service (12:00–2:00 pm). Silversea’s all-inclusive fares include gratuities, meaning no additional tipping is expected.

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

• The Restaurant (open-seating dining room offering gourmet cuisine, Mediterranean-inspired menus, and daily specials; all three meals are waiter-served and a la carte)
• Le Champagne (20-seat French specialty restaurant serving signature dishes created in partnership with Relais & Châteaux; dinner only; reservations required)
• La Terrazza (complimentary buffet-style restaurant offering indoor seating and an alfresco terrace; complimentary wines; Afternoon Tea service; transforms each evening into an Italian specialty restaurant with reservations and an a la carte menu)
• Pool Bar & Pool Grill (serves the pool deck with fast food and drinks during the day; in the evening the area transforms into an al fresco dining venue offering seafood, steakhouse specialties, vegetarian dishes, and healthy options)
• The Grill (outdoor gourmet dining venue offering the signature “Black Rock Grill Experience,” allowing guests to cook their own meat and seafood on heated lava stones; wines are complimentary except for premium selections from the Connoisseur’s Wine List)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Silver Wind offers a relaxing onboard atmosphere with a variety of entertainment options. The ship also specializes in adventurous itineraries around the world, attracting guests from many different countries.

Despite the ship’s small size, the onboard spa offers a full range of treatments including facials, massages, body wraps, and detox programs. Spa treatments are premium-priced—for example, a 75-minute hot stone massage costs approximately USD 210, a 100-minute body scrub costs USD 178, and the Sole Delight pedicure costs USD 84. Discounts are available when booking multiple treatments. Separate male and female changing areas each include a steam room and sauna. Adjacent to the spa is a small fitness center equipped with four treadmills, two cross-trainers, two stationary bikes, and free weights. A daily fitness program includes complimentary yoga and Pilates classes, and complimentary bottled water is available.

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

Follows the complete list of Silver Wind 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 including luxury jewelry and watches, perfumes, fashion, designer handbags, photo/video accessories, Silversea-branded merchandise, and gifts)
• The Bar (lounge with comfortable seating, live music performances, dance floor, and complimentary cocktails)
• Parisian Show Lounge (formerly Venetian Lounge – the ship’s 288-seat theater hosting live music and stage productions, along with enrichment activities such as trivia games, dance classes, language lessons, lectures, and presentations)
• Conference Room (used for group meetings and conferences, located adjacent to the Card Room and Internet Cafe)
• The Swimming Pool (saltwater pool heated during cooler-weather cruises, surrounded by teak chaise loungers, two whirlpools, and table tennis)
• Connoisseur’s Corner (formerly Humidor – smoking lounge with leather armchairs offering cognacs, vintage wines, and premium cigars)
• Panorama Lounge (with its own bar; hosts live music, dancing, Continental breakfast, and Afternoon Tea)
• Observation Lounge (offering 270-degree panoramic views and a radar screen display; serves early breakfast and coffee)
• The Library (with audio listening stations and on-demand movies)
• The Spa at Silversea (treatment rooms offering massages, body wraps, facials, and other spa therapies, along with sauna and steam rooms)
• Beauty Salon (hairstyling, manicures, pedicures)
• Fitness Centre (treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical trainer, and weight equipment)
• Power Walking/Jogging Track, Golf Cage, paddle tennis, and golf putting green

Itineraries

Silver Wind’s itinerary program includes Mediterranean and Caribbean voyages (including Transatlantic repositioning crossings), as well as South America, Arctic, and Antarctic expedition cruises.

After the major refit in Poland, Silver Wind’s maiden voyage was scheduled for November 20, 2021 (a 22-day itinerary from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia). However, the inaugural Antarctic season (2021–2022) was canceled and rescheduled for 2022–2023.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, Silversea suspended Silver Wind operations for more than two years (March 2020 through May 2022). The ship resumed service after 27 months on May 28, 2022, with a 14-day Mediterranean itinerary from Piraeus-Athens to Lisbon. The ship’s 2022 schedule included voyages from Europe to Iceland and Greenland, the Canadian Arctic, the Northwest Passage cruise (24 days from Greenland to Alaska via Northern Canada / Kangerlussuaq to Nome, Aug 24 – Sept 17), Antarctica (including Elephant Island in South Shetland), and the UK territories of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands (2022–2023 season, departing from Puerto Williams Chile).

Silversea’s “flight and cruise” package deals (under the “Silver Sky” program) include the luxury cruise fare, discounted round-trip Economy Class airfare, and airport–pier–airport transfers.

Silversea’s “hotel and cruise” package (“Silver Shore Simply Hotel”) offers overnight stays at 5-star luxury hotels with optional transfers and upgrades. The upgraded cruise-and-hotel package (“Silver Shore Grande Hotel”) includes 1–3-night stays at landmark or boutique hotels along with private transfers (airport–hotel and hotel–pier).

Silver Wind cruise ship was built in Italy in 1995. The hull was constructed at the Visentini shipyard near Trieste, while final outfitting was completed at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa.

Silversea Wind's maiden voyage began on April 2, 1995. The vessel has a sister ship, Silver Cloud, which entered service in 1994. Both ships share an identical design. The shipowner, Silversea Cruises, was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Monaco. The luxury cruise line is owned by the Italian Lefebvre family. In the mid-1990s, many industry observers doubted that a niche company like Silversea could succeed in a market dominated by mass-market cruise products. However, Silversea proved successful and gradually expanded its fleet with larger vessels over the years.

Silver Wind has one of the highest space-to-guest ratios among both mass-market and luxury cruise vessels, with a score of 58.4. The ship also has an excellent guest-to-crew ratio of 1.3. All officers and crew members are European-trained.

Silver Wind refurbishment 2020-2021 review

A second drydock (as part of Silversea's "Project Invictus" fleet upgrade program) was scheduled for 2020–2021 (August through July), after which the vessel received an ice-class classification.

Changes after the 2020–2021 refurbishment (completed at Remontowa Shipyard in Gdansk Poland) included the installation of the latest technology for polar navigation (Arctic and Antarctic operations), with the hull strengthened by additional steel plating. Other upgrades included an enhanced Theater Lounge, 16 new Zodiacs (motorized landing boats), 14 new sea kayaks, upgrades to all staterooms, and full renovations of the wellness complex (Spa & Salon), Atrium, Lobby Reception, La Terrazza, La Dame, Main Bar, Pool Bar, Observation Lounge, Panorama Lounge, and all public bathrooms.

The Casino was replaced by a Photo Studio, and a Mudroom (expedition gear storage room) was added. The swimming pool was upgraded with a new water-heating system.

Technical upgrades included a new wastewater/sewage treatment plant, advanced food-waste treatment equipment, and fuel-efficient boilers.

The ship's passenger capacity was reduced from 296 to 274.

Silver Wind refurbishment 2018 review

In 2018, the ship entered drydock at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport Bahamas (November 26 – December 9) for a planned redesign of all public areas to match the interior decor of fleetmate Silver Muse. The project included new carpeting throughout the vessel, refurbished corridors and hallways, and renovations of staterooms and lounges.

The list of modernized venues included the Dining Room Restaurant, Show Lounge, Library, and the Card and Conference Room. All staterooms were upgraded, and balcony floors were enhanced. Outdoor decks were renovated and their furniture replaced.

Silver Wind refurbishment 2016 review

Below is a review of the ship's deck plan changes following the October 2016 drydock refurbishment (in Freeport, Bahamas):

• All cruise suites were renovated with dark marble bathroom floors. All staterooms were upgraded with an interactive TV system offering in-cabin Internet access and movies on demand. Interior upgrades also included new furniture, upholstery, and carpets.
• On Lido Deck 8, the swimming pool was re-tiled.
• Sun Deck 9 was refurbished with new sun loungers and fitted with new high-quality teak decking.
• The Restaurant (main dining room on Deck 4) and La Terrazza (buffet restaurant on Deck 7) received new furniture, carpeting, and hardwood parquet flooring.
• New satellite equipment (including two new satellite antennas) was installed to provide faster Internet speeds.
• The jogging track (Deck 9) was upgraded with new synthetic turf covering.
• Additional renovations were carried out at Connoisseur's Corner (Deck 7), Panorama Lounge (Deck 8), and the Spa & Beauty Salon (Deck 10).
• The Observation Lounge (Deck 10) was redesigned with 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.

Silver Wind refurbishment 2013 review

The following list summarizes the changes made during the ship's November 2013 drydock refurbishment in Palermo Sicily (Italy). The renovation was completed in two weeks.

• (Deck 4) The Le Champagne (French restaurant) dining experience was enhanced with a new entrance hall, LED-backlit wine cellar, new flooring and fabrics, and a redesigned seating layout.
• (Deck 5) The Bar Lounge received new furniture, and the color scheme was changed to brown and beige. The awning covering over the outdoor seating area was also repaired.
• (Deck 7) The La Terrazza buffet restaurant was upgraded with additional two-seat tables, new wall banquettes, and a redesigned buffet area.
• (Deck 8) Panorama Lounge carpets were replaced, and the dance floor was refurbished.
• (Deck 8) The pool deck was renovated with new tiling and outdoor furniture.
• (Deck 9) The Spa Centre was relocated from Deck 7 to Deck 9 and upgraded with new services.

All stateroom décor was updated. Public deck areas were refurbished, including renovated woodwork and polished teak surfaces.

All suites were upgraded with new carpeting, upholstery, curtains, headboards, and new deluxe mattresses (custom-made exclusively for Silversea).

All suites equipped with bathtubs were upgraded with glass-enclosed rainforest showers with built-in seating.