Silver Cloud

They say that every cloud has a silver lining - but when it comes to the Silver Cloud, everything is sparkling.

Launched in 1994, the Silver Cloud was the first vessel in the Silversea Cruises fleet. The company was one of the first niche businesses in the cruise market. Although sceptics didn't believe that such an organisation could survive the fierce competition, more than 15 years later, the firm is now thriving and has a fleet of six magnificent liners.

The Silver Cloud may seem tiny compared to some of the mass-market cruise ships out there, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in many other ways.

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For example, the ship has been carefully designed to be truly luxurious, without being overly extravagant. Guests on the liner will enjoy the sense of spaciousness, while also benefiting from delicious cuisine, amazing service and plenty of intimate spots to relax and have a quiet conversation.

Plus, its compact size means that the Silver Cloud can visit smaller ports and navigate canals and locks that other cruise ships are simply too big for. This means that passengers on the Silver Cloud can visit some unusual and less-travelled places.

Like all of the ships in the Silversea fleet, the Silver Cloud travels to a huge range of destinations - including the US, Scandinavia, South America, Africa, the Caribbean, the British Isles and Europe. Just some of the popular ports of call are Southampton, Civitavecchia, Lisbon, San Diego, Edinburgh, Bridgetown and Fort Lauderdale.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 315
Year entered service: 1994
Beam (ship width): 70.62 feet
Draught (ship depth): 17.6 feet
Length: 514.4 feet
Tonnage: 16,927
Crew: 210
Maximum speed: 20 knots
Number of passenger decks: 6
Number of lifts: 4
Number of swimming pools: 1
Number of cabins: 148

Food, cuisine and dining

The main dining room on the Silver Cloud is simply called The Restaurant. It is an elegant and chic space decorated in rich tones and plush fabrics. Crisp white table linens and beautifully folded napkins will grace your table at every meal - not to mention the fine china, beautiful silverware and attentive service.

Fare is produced by skilled chefs and the menus have been created by Relais & Chateaux, a world-renowned collection of gourmet restaurants and fine hotels.

All meals are offered on an open seating basis and there are no set meal times, so guests can feel free to eat when they feel like it.

Another dining option is La Terrazza, a casual venue that serves lunch and breakfast buffets and an a la carte dinner. All food is inspired by authentic Italian recipes and the greatest care has been taken to ensure ingredients are fresh and sustainable.

Other options include Le Champagne, a wine restaurant that serves a six-course set tasting menu, with items specifically chosen to complement the vintages being served. It is the only restaurant where you'll pay a cover fee, but it's well worth the expense. There's also the Pool Bar & Grill and room service is available 24 hours a day.

On-board entertainment and activities

Traditional cruise activities like bingo, shuffleboard, games, quizzes and gambling are all available on the Silver Cloud, while the Show Lounge hosts nightly cabaret, comedy and concerts. Live music - and even some dancing - can also be found in other locations like The Bar and the Panorama Lounge.

If you enjoy shopping, then the Boutiques will give you a chance for some retail therapy. Goods include clothing, jewellery, cosmetics and perfumes.

Connoisseur's Corner is a warm and sophisticated space with a very affluent atmosphere. There's also a library and internet cafe, while various lectures about ports of call are also available.

Spas and fitness facilities

The Spa at Silversea is a gorgeous space where you can enjoy various therapies or relax in the thermal suite. Treatment options include massages, facials and body wraps.

For those who prefer working out their tension with a bit of exercise, the Fitness Centre features a number of cardio and resistance machines and the floor-to ceiling windows afford fantastic views, giving the room a sense of spaciousness. Exercise classes, consultations and personal training can also be provided.

Alternatively, head above deck for a swim in the pool or a few laps around the jogging track.

Cabins

All of the 148 rooms on the Silver Cloud are designated as suites and they all have outside views - and most have private balconies.

Of course, this doesn't mean that all the accommodation is the same. In fact, there are seven different price grades, giving guests plenty of choice.

The most extravagant room is the Owner's Suite, which is probably better described as an apartment. It can be arranged with one or two bedrooms, depending on your requirements.

If you're looking for a low-cost luxury cruise deal, the best choice might be a Vista Suite. As the smallest rooms on the vessel, they're by no means tiny and at around 240 square feet, they're significantly larger than the industry standard. Most can accommodate up to three guests.

All rooms have private bathrooms and large flat-screen televisions, as well as walk-in closets, personal safes and mini bars. In addition, canapes are also served to your room every night - the perfect accompaniment to pre-dinner cocktails.