TRIED & TESTED_CRUISE

Even though it has 596 passengers aboard, the luxury boat retains a small ship intimacy. By Sue Wallace

We review Silversea’s Silver Muse

ilversea’s newest flagship, the sleek Silver Muse, lives up to all the hype – it’s ultra-luxurious, revels in sophisticated decor, boasts striking artwork and has space galore. From the moment our designated butler, Vikram, pops the cork on the welcome champagne in our veranda balcony suite, we know we are in for something special. Vikram returns soon after with a choice of bathroom amenities displayed on a silver tray – Bvlgari or Ortigia or both?

Dining is an adventure with stand-outs including the chic La Dame where the escargots, lamb and Grand Marnier souffle are magnifique – a US$60 fee applies.

Kaiseki is great for lunch with superb sashimi and sushi and a different menu at night that attracts a surcharge. At the elegant Alantide, the lobster is excellent, and you can cook your own steak on a hot lava stone at Hot Rocks Cafe.

Indochine takes diners on a mouth-watering Asian discovery and Silver Note has a club atmosphere and is the home of jazz. My favourite is La Terrazza where we sit under a blanket of stars with a gentle breeze and dine on a superb Italian feast with antipasto, pasta, veal cooked to perfection, refreshing sorbet and an indulgent tiramisu as the grand finale.

For the best coffee and delibar snacks, the Arts Café wins while showcasing an eclectic sculpture display that prompts animated conversation.

The pool deck is where the action is on sunny days and Spaccanapoli Cafe serves the tastiest pizza and gelato deckside. There’s also 24-hour room service if you get peckish.

The Daily Chronicles lists the activities from sunrise to sunset each day. Fancy table tennis, cards, trivia, golf putting or dance classes? They’re all options.

Kickstart the evening with a cocktail or finish with a nightcap at Panorama or Dolce Vita lounges and see a show at the slick Venetian Lounge. The Zagara Beauty

Spa offers indulgent treatments and there’s a small library stocked with books.

My suite is my haven with its mirror television, large marble bathroom and a veranda that’s perfect for ocean gazing – heavenly.

Dining is an adventure with stand-outs including the chic La Dame.