Silver Explorer
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
From the North Cape and the Antarctic Peninsula to the exotic South Pacific and Caribbean, Silver Explorer roams the world in search of adventure off the beaten path.Read More
In a departure from their usual custom of building new ships, Silversea acquired an older purpose-built expedition ship with an ice-strengthened hull and totally transformed it for soft-adventure expedition cruising in luxurious style. Designed for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations, including both polar regions, passengers onboard find not only eight Zodiac boats to whisk them on adventurous excursions, but also many special amenities usually found only on larger ships, including a spacious library with an Internet café, a boutique for shopping, a full-service spa, beauty salon, fitness center, sauna, and two top-deck whirlpools. Unique among expedition vessels, the Silver Explorer even features the Connoisseur’s Corner, where the finest cigars and cognacs can be enjoyed.
Although there is live evening entertainment, the primary focus aboard is on the destinations and learning about the regions visited. Presentations led by the Expedition Team and guest experts are always well attended.
Silversea’s luxurious Silver Explorer is an expedition vessel that is dispatched to explore the more inaccessible locations in such destinations as Alaska and the South Pacific. The yachtlike vessel has a shallow draft and carries eight inflatable Zodiac landing craft. While cabins have the same style as those on a full-size Silversea ship, they are generally smaller, and fewer have balconies. Given the ship’s size, there are significantly fewer dining options.
In 2018 Royal Caribbean International purchased a large stake in Silversea Cruises, adding a new luxury option to their portfolio. Intimate ships with spacious suites, exclusive amenities, and unparalleled hospitality are the hallmarks of the line. Every suite is assigned a butler, so you can expect even the most unusual requests to be fulfilled. In addition, your all-inclusive air-and-sea fares can be customized to include not just round-trip airfare but all transfers, porterage, and deluxe pre-cruise accommodations as well.
Personalization is a Silversea maxim. Their ships offer more activities than other comparably sized luxury vessels. Take part in those that interest you, or opt instead for a good book and any number of quiet spots to read or snooze in the shade.
Silversea’s third generation of ships introduced even more luxurious features when the 36,000-ton Silver Spirit launched late in 2010 and the 40,700-ton Silver Muse entered service in 2017. Silversea’s fleet of exploration ships are the top choice for luxurious soft adventure expedition cruising, includingSilver Galapagos that sails exclusively in the Galápagos Islands.
- 5 passenger decks
- dining room
- Wi-Fi
- safe
- refrigerator
- gym
- hot tubs
- sauna
- spa
- steam room
- 2 bars
- library
- dry cleaning
- laundry service
- Internet terminal
- no kids under 1
- no-smoking cabins
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
All suites and staterooms include champagne upon arrival, refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European-designer bath amenities, down duvets, fine bed linens, premium mattresses, a selection from a pillow menu, personalized stationery, TV, hair dryer, and plush robes and slippers. Expedition binoculars and an umbrella are provided for use onboard. In addition to daily service and nightly turndown, butler service is available in all accommodations categories. Unlimited complimentary Internet service per day is available with Owner’s, Grand, Silver, and Medallion suites and two hours of international telephone service per voyage, as well as afternoon canapés, are perks offered to Owner’s and Grand suites. Fourteen pairs of suites have interconnecting doors.
When compared with the rest of the luxury fleet, Silver Explorer’s accommodations can be disappointing. Only three suite categories—Owner’s, Grand, and Medallion—have real balconies. Silver and Veranda suites have French balconies that offer fresh air, but not a seating area.
There are no accommodations designed for wheelchair accessibility.
Food & Drink
The main dining room, simply named The Restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All meals are open seating, which allows you to dine when and with whom you wish. Menus feature classical and modern cuisine with an international flair. Low-calorie, low-carb, vegetarian, and vegan options are also available. The outdoor Grill, a casual bar and grill, offers a range of lunch favorites and lighter fare served on the open deck. Room service is available around the clock.
Entertainment
Adventure- and destination-oriented, the nightlife aboard Silver Explorer is amiable and social, but organized entertainment is limited. Passengers gather for drinks and socializing, either in the clubby Connoisseur’s Corner where smoking is permitted, or while a pianist or other entertainers perform in the Panorama Lounge for listening and dancing.
Spa & Fitness
The small spa, with a single treatment room, is operated by Steiner Leisure. Despite its size there is a full menu of treatments including exotic-sounding massages, facials, and body wraps. A steam room and sauna are complimentary to all.