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Silver Cloud, Silversea's inaugural ship (introduced in 1994), had undergone wear and tear until the luxury cruise line bestowed upon it a substantial renovation and reintroduced it in November 2017 as Silver Cloud Expedition. It's now the latest -- and most captivating -- addition to Silversea's rapidly expanding fleet of expedition vessels, and stands out as a prominent star among all expedition ships, not limited to those of Silversea.
Silversea invested over $40 million to transform the lavish yacht into an ice-class vessel prepared for Polar Regions. The shipyard enhancements included significant steel reinforcement, installation of new sonars for underwater detection, and installation of polar temperature-resistant windows. All suites (except bathrooms), the spa, and most public areas underwent remodeling to reflect the modern Italian design of Silversea's 2017 flagship, Silver Muse. Previously, there were only three Silver Suites; now there are 12. Silver Cloud Expedition proudly introduces Silversea's first expedition ship to feature a photography studio for classes and picture-printing.
Throughout the ship, new black-and-white photographs celebrate early polar explorers, such as the iconic Ernest Shackleton, showcasing their challenging expeditions -- inviting passengers to draw parallels with their own travel experiences.
Silver Cloud Expedition accommodates 200 passengers on polar cruises and 254 passengers elsewhere. On polar expeditions, there is a higher ratio of crew to passengers. With 22 expedition experts -- many holding Ph.D. specialties ranging from marine biology to ornithology -- on board, passengers have abundant opportunities for engaging conversations.
The expedition team is highly knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate. (During our recent voyage, our leader had participated in approximately 156 Antarctic expeditions over 18 years.) With 16 Zodiacs and 10 kayaks onboard, nearly all passengers can explore simultaneously. (On non-polar itineraries, 20 expedition experts accompany passengers.)
Yet, Silver Cloud's most distinctive allure lies in its ability to offer what other expedition ships, including Silversea's own Silver Discoverer and Silver Explorer, cannot -- the lavish amenities of a luxury yacht.
Eighty percent of the all-suite accommodations feature verandas. All passengers benefit from white-gloved butlers, who are available to prepare a nightly martini in-suite at 6 p.m., and return at 7:30 p.m. to serve a sumptuous dinner course by course.
However, why confine oneself to the suite? With five upscale dining options, an outdoor heated pool and two whirlpools, a spa offering diverse treatments (including crystal sound bath healing), a comprehensive fitness center, a photo studio, boutiques, and bars, Silver Cloud Expedition satisfies the desires of both traditional luxury cruisers and adventure-seekers alike.
During the day, casual attire, including jeans, is the norm, with attire other than jeans and shorts preferred for evening wear. Silversea provides detailed expedition packing recommendations on its website, with the option to purchase online for delivery to your home or suite. All passengers on polar expeditions receive complimentary parkas, backpacks, an expedition hat, and even a Silver Cloud Expedition sew-on patch. While boots are available for borrowing, not all sizes may be available; it's advisable to bring your own if possible, especially if planning other expeditions involving wet landings.
In the evenings, men typically opt for button-down shirts and slacks, while women wear pants outfits -- though some passengers may choose to remain casually attired. For formal occasions such as the captain's party, men may wear a sports jacket and occasionally a tie. Some passengers also opt for more formal attire when dining at La Dame by Relais & Chateaux.
Cruises include gratuities for housekeeping and restaurant staff, shore excursions, meals (excluding La Dame), snacks, beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), a certain amount of Wi-Fi, use of the laundry room, and the aforementioned parkas and backpacks on polar expeditions. Additional costs may be incurred for spa and beauty salon services (gratuities for these services are also not included in the cruise fare), cigars, laundry service, premium wines and spirits, and internet use beyond the complimentary allowances. The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar.
In Polar Regions, 22 expedition team members lead complimentary shore excursions. A Ph.D. crowd (many from Ivy League backgrounds), these passionate seasoned experts accompany all tours. Polar excursions are conducted mostly by Zodiac, usually one outing each morning and afternoon. (However, expeditions are subject to Mother Nature, so passengers should be prepared for Zodiac times to change or be postponed.) Each Zodiac group (about 12 per Zodiac) has its own expedition leader. Passengers are briefed the night prior to excursions. Safety lessons, like how to behave when encountering wildlife, are taught, repeated and strictly enforced. Zodiac handlers are excellent at helping passengers in and out of boats. With 10 kayaks onboard, passengers can also join these expeditions. A kayaking expert leads trips among the ice floes or to shore -- another way to explore the continent.
Passengers revel in nature-oriented outdoor activities, like guided hikes on islands, visiting gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguin colonies, spotting Weddell and southern elephant seals, and birds like snow and cape petrels. A geologist leads tours highlighting the volcanic elements of islands. On Goudier, a former research station, there's a museum, gift shop and post office; you can send a postcard while penguins roam outside. On kayak or Zodiac expeditions, passengers admire sculpted icebergs and calving glaciers, look for crabeater and other seals resting on ice floes, see more birdlife and perhaps, spot a minke or other whales. Visiting one of the many Antarctic research stations -- and setting foot on the Antarctic mainland -- is a major highlight. On some cruises, a few hearty passengers opt for a polar plunge -- jumping into icy waters garbed only in bathing suits or T-shirts and shorts, if they dare.
In regions outside Antarctica and the Arctic, all excursions are still complementary and tours, led by expedition experts, possess an adventurous bent. Itineraries usually showcase less-visited locales and remote islands. For example, a Dublin-to-London spring cruise might visit Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, and offer Zodiac tours to St. Kilda, Scotland, the westernmost landmass in the United Kingdom. A hike combining birding and history in the Shetland Islands, and nature walks along the rugged coastline of Berwickshire provide viewing points for watching thousands of nesting guillemots, kittiwakes and razorbills. Such non-polar cruises also offer less-rugged outings, such as touring castles and cathedrals.
If anxious about capturing bucket-list sights, know that an expert photographer also accompanies outings, and often offers passenger tips. They also shoot stills and film, and present an edited version for sale on the last night. They're usually amazing souvenirs.
Silver Cloud Expedition doesn't offer scheduled daytime activities other than enrichment activities. In the evenings, two singers/pianists (both good) perform in Dolce Vita and Panorama Lounge. Depending on the crowd, a late-night DJ might spin tunes in the Panorama Lounge.
New to Silversea expedition ships, the Photo Studio offers a dedicated studio manager, individual and group classes at both amateur and pro level, use of editing software for both Mac and PC users and a high-quality printer for passenger use.
Expedition team members present impassioned lectures with slides or film in the Explorer Lounge during the day that are streamed to suites. These engrossing lectures are never snoozers; passengers listen attentively and ask questions. There's usually just one lecture daily as passengers are mostly out exploring.
Even in polar regions, bars and lounges stay busy, particularly pre-dinner. More active passengers head to the Panorama Lounge post-dining for a relaxing cocktail, conversation and even some dancing. Naturally, sea days mean busier bars than on shore excursion days.
Dolce Vita (Deck 5): Dolce Vita is the go-to bar for passengers meeting up pre-dinner. The lounge features a granite bar with taupe bar stools, and small groupings of couches and chairs with teal accents. Soft lighting, sea views and a standards-crooning pianist up the intimate ambiance. Some passengers twirl around the tiny dance floor.
Explorer Lounge (Deck 6): The redone Explorer Lounge feels glamorous. It features a giant curtained stage, and leather chairs and banquettes with cocktail rounds for a more theater-like, rather than lecture-room, vibe. New AV equipment includes a giant screen flanked by two smaller screens. Passengers come for lectures, pre-dinner expedition recaps, next-day briefings and the captain's welcome and farewell parties. Servers offer cocktails and prosecco, and sometimes, high-end canapes.
Panorama Lounge (Deck 8): Come for early riser breakfasts or pre- or post-dinner cocktails. The bar's buzziest after dinner, when a pianist sings and plays or the DJ spin tunes. Some passengers dance. When the weather's nice, cruisers often sit outdoors.
Connoisseurs Corner (Deck 8): Primarily a post-dinner hangout, this spot oozes a men's club vibe, with oversized leather chairs and fine bottles of spirits on display. You'll find mainly men sipping Scotch, puffing on Davidoff or other cigars and schmoozing.
Tor's Observation Lounge (Deck 9): Curl up with your iPad or a book pulled from the shelves -- they're filled with travel tomes -- at this stunning new lounge. Black leather chairs with black-and-white striped fabric, and black-and-white carpet with pops of red, are modern-Italian-gorgeous. Big windows provide mesmerizing ocean views. This lounge's one design flaw is that access is only from outdoors; if the weather is inclement with high winds (particularly possible in polar climes), outdoor decks are closed and the lounge is unreachable.
Pool Bar (Deck 8): Hop on a wooden stool at the teak bar or grab a seat at a table. (Some tables are for smokers.) Name brands, such as Grey Goose, Bombay Gin, Mount Gay rum and The Glenlivet single malt, fill bar shelves. The bartender makes a mean espresso or cappuccino, too. In nice weather, waiters also take orders from passengers lounging poolside.
Silver Cloud Expedition's pool deck -- a rarity in the expedition realm -- is located on Deck 8. The teak deck features one heated pool, two whirlpools and two rinse-off showers. There are rattan-like dark brown cushioned chaises for two, and dark blue chaise lounges.
One deck up on Deck 9, a jogging track circles the deck with an open view onto the pool below; 10 laps equal a mile. In jogging weather, water bottles and towels are available. No Ping-Pong or shuffleboard are offered.
There's a 24-hour staffed reception desk, expedition desk and a cruise consultant's table on Deck 6. Pebbled leather couches, marble flooring and murals of globes embellish the area.
Wi-Fi packages are standard fleetwide. Grand, Royal, Owner, Silver and Medallion Suite passengers receive unlimited premium (fastest speed) access. However, only one device at a time can be connected to a suite account. For all other suite categories, each passenger receives one hour of standard access per day. Packages reset automatically daily at midnight and unused minutes do not carry over as credits to be used on the next day. The offer is not cumulative. Passengers must pay for additional access.
Below on Deck 5, the Shops of Silversea boutiques provide retail therapy. One offers a mix of clothing, books and regional mementos (think stuffed penguins and Antarctica caps), designer perfume and watches like Citizen. The second boutique showcases sparkly jewellery like golden pearls and tanzanite necklaces from brands like Gucci and Bulgari.
In the Deck 7 library, cabinets teem with travel and expedition books, newspapers, current magazines and novels by popular authors like David Baldacci. Grab reading material and sink into a tufted taupe leather chair that's so buttery soft, you'll wish you had one at home.
Clinic hours for the Deck 3 medical centre are from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., and 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. daily. Medical assistance is also available by appointment, or as needed, 24 hours.
A self-service launderette on Deck 4 features three complimentary washing machines with a wall-hung soap dispenser, three dryers, an ironing board, iron and sink.
The new Zagara Spa on Deck 7 uses Elemis products and offers amazing treatments for a small ship. Think 12 different facial therapies, from blemish control to pro-collagen age defy. An Elemis Thousand Flower Detox Wrap is among five polish-and-wraps, and nine different massages -- like freestyle deep tissue and coconut poultice massage – also tempt.
When arriving for a treatment, passengers first visit the candlelit mood room. After trying various aromatherapy scents, passengers and therapists converse and pick the aromatherapy, music and mood lighting for the treatment room.
Small changing rooms feature marble sinks and soft hand towels. Thick bathrobes and Silversea-monogrammed slippers await. The shower features shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Men and women have their own sauna and steam rooms.
The spa's elegant beauty salon sports marble counters, light wood cabinetry and creamy-hued buttery leather chairs. Count four chairs for shampoos and hairstyling, one manicure table and a pedicure chair with a built-in water bath. Elemis, Wella Professionals colours and CND shellac are featured.
This salon does plenty beyond the usual -- low-lighting hair, teeth-whitening, makeup applications and Brazilian bikini waxing. Male-specific treatments include back and chest waxing, sports manicures and speed shaves.
The fitness centre is separate from the spa on Deck 6. The gym was doubled in size from the ship's original layout and has all-new TechnoGym equipment. Expect free weights, weight machines, two treadmills, two elliptical trainers, one full-body workout machine and one each recumbent and upright bicycles. Machines offer built-in TV screens and headphone jacks. There are also two benches, a barre, free weights (in kilograms), medicine ball, scale, mats -- even a TechnoGym mat with suggested stretches and stretch-times in Italian (with pictures, thank goodness). Towels feel newer and softer than suite towels. The fitness trainer leads complimentary classes in yoga, Pilates, circuit training and aerobics, but charges for personal training or body composition analysis.
Even if you're sailing to distant corners of the globe, expect refined modern European cuisine, particularly emphasizing Italian dishes in line with the ship's heritage. While icebergs may drift outside, the kitchen boasts delicacies like caviar. Chefs regularly feature premium ingredients such as lobster and prime cuts of meat, ensuring a luxurious dining experience.
All tables come preset with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Moreover, vegetarian, sugar-free, and gluten-free options are readily available. For any other dietary preferences or restrictions, please inform Silversea in advance, ideally 60 days prior to departure. The attentive servers ensure a pleasant dining experience, even during buffet service.
Meals are served in an open seating arrangement, with ample tables for two. The complimentary wine selection, though reasonably priced, is carefully curated to complement the menu offerings. All restaurants, except for La Dame, are inclusive.
The Restaurant (Deck 4): Decorated with warm teak and brass accents, The Restaurant can accommodate all passengers simultaneously. Optimal tables offer panoramic ocean views. The Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with lunch being particularly popular on sea days. Guests often enjoy multi-course meals, tailored to their preferences.
Breakfast features a variety of options, including freshly baked pastries, fluffy omelets, and British specialties like English bacon. Lunch favorites include daily specials reflecting the crew's diverse backgrounds, alongside salads and pastas. Dessert menus offer indulgent treats, including wellness options like chocolate coconut brownies.
Dinner selections include mesclun salads, hearty soups, and entrees like Maine lobster tail or grilled duck breast. Pasta dishes like cannelloni with spinach and bechamel are consistently satisfying. Dessert choices range from elaborate cakes to gelato or a custom cheese plate.
Complimentary wines highlight regions visited by the ship, ensuring a thematic pairing with the cuisine. The Connoisseur's Wine List features premium selections for enthusiasts.
La Dame (Deck 4): La Dame exclusively serves dinner, offering a lavish six-course meal paired with fine wines. Despite its higher cost, the restaurant's intimate ambiance and exquisite dishes make it a popular choice among guests. Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.
La Dame boasts elegant decor with dark wood and luxurious leather chairs. Signature dishes like lobster tail with truffled leeks or Limousin beef with truffle-infused jus highlight the culinary experience. The Grand Marnier souffle is a standout dessert, served with flair by attentive servers.
La Terrazza (Deck 7): A favorite among Silversea passengers, La Terrazza offers buffet breakfast and lunch, as well as reservations-only Italian dinners. The restaurant's scenic views and extensive menu options ensure a delightful dining experience.
Breakfast includes made-to-order dishes alongside a variety of freshly prepared selections. Lunch features a diverse buffet with options like salads, cold cuts, and gourmet pizzas. Afternoon tea service offers a selection of teas and traditional accompaniments.
In the evening, La Terrazza transforms into a sit-down Italian restaurant, offering a menu of regional specialties. Family-style platters and homemade pastas showcase the flavors of Italy, while the sommelier ensures perfect wine pairings.
The Grill (Deck 8): Dining at The Grill offers a yacht-like experience, with poolside service and a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy lunchtime favorites like mezze plates and gourmet burgers, as well as cook-your-own-dinner evenings featuring grilled steaks and apple pie.
Room Service: Ensuite dining is available 24/7, with a menu that replicates offerings from The Restaurant. Guests can enjoy personalized service, with butlers delivering meals to their preferred location on the ship.
All accommodations on Silver Cloud Expedition are suites. The new design is lighter and cheerier -- with creamy-beige furnishings accented by blue and silver tones. So much is new after the 2017 refurbishment: leather headboards, carpeting, bright lighting, and cabinetry with modern metal pulls and black-and-white expedition photographs. Silversea keyrings/flashlights are placed bedside. Turn-down Domori (Italian) chocolate squares are delivered nightly.
Multiple outlets (110 and 220 volt) and USB ports were installed on desks and by bedside tables. The untouched marble-and-granite bathrooms require updating; they feature spacious glass showers and ample storage but could benefit from brighter lighting and softer, thicker towels.
Comfortable beds are made with silky Pratesi linens and duvets and can convert from twin to queen. Guests can choose from nine pillow selections, including firm, down-alternative, body pillow, and buckwheat.
The one-sink brown-and-white marble bathroom is small but adequate, particularly with the living area vanity setup. Shelves line the mirror's right side, with two more beneath the sink. The counter includes a lightly scented, unlabeled diffuser and a small jar of cotton swabs and cotton balls. The spacious shower features a sliding-glass door, built-in marble seat, shelves, two shower heads, and a clothesline. The bathroom door has robe hooks. These bathrooms are found in all accommodations except for Royal, Grand, and Owner's Suites. In the latter three suites, bathrooms include showers, separate tubs, and bidets.
Each suite enjoys butler service. Butlers introduce themselves on embarkation day and offer Bulgari toiletries, including soap (facial and shower), shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. Hypoallergenic Sebamed, or Sicilian brand Ortigia, are alternatives.
Butlers stock bars with preferred bottles of wine or spirits. Butlers also fetch sundries for sale, including toothbrushes and aspirin.
Provide your butler with laundry by 9 a.m. for same-day service. Neatly folded undergarments are returned wrapped in tissue paper. Clothes on hangers come bundled in a Silversea-embossed plastic bag.
