CRUISING: WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
A new world awaits on board the Silver Discoverer from Bali to Broome.
A new world awaits on board the Silver Discoverer from Bali to Broome.
What do a Komodo dragon, hammerhead shark and crocodile have in common? Other than being very dangerous, they’re all part of the adventure on a Bali to Broome Silversea Expedition.
Compared to the new superliners, where you can get lost on board, our cruise was an intimate experience with 96 crew and 120 fellow guests quickly becoming friends, following daily off-ship adventures and open-seat dining. Not surprisingly, the action and sociability of expedition cruising was infectious. Rest assured, if you prefer privacy, there’s plenty of seating options, including 24-hour in-suite menus.
Today, small luxury passenger ships regularly access remote, pristine locations, previously visited by basic ships or the most independent of private adventurers. Luxury in these far-flung destinations was not thought feasible by cruise lines. Silversea Cruises, Italian-based and internationally-acclaimed for their impeccable style and unrivalled offerings, were the first to jump into these new waters.
Our 10-day journey managed to blend zodiac action, endless adventure and extreme comfort with signature Silversea style and elegance. Toss into the equation fine cuisine, wine and exceptional service, then possibly heaven is a place on earth, or at least afloat.
With the help of large zodiacs and expert adventure specialist crew, Komodo dragons, polar bears, Galapagos iguanas and remote inaccessible tribes are now captured by the lenses of enthralled passengers. The luxurious offerings were already part of their experience so it wasn’t such a leap of faith from their acclaimed larger vessels to smaller ships, allowing access to places bigger ships cannot get to.
Our 10-day cruise started in the Balinese port of Benoa, with our personal butler unpacking the luggage in our sizable suite with private balcony. Following the obligatory safety briefing, we became acquainted with fellow passengers, the Silver Discoverer’s crew and on board facilities.
After drinks and the first of 10 spectacular sunsets, we retired early, enjoying a four-course dinner and wines in the