Silversea gets small-ship luxury right
Silver Shadow and Silver Discoverer known for their unique, diverse itineraries
I have just returned from a twoweek trip in Southeast Asia that took me from Singapore to Malaysia to Thailand and, finally, to exotic Myanmar.
Ordinarily, travelling to all these countries would be difficult to do on your own, but I had some help from Silversea and its luxurious, 382-guest Silver Shadow.
Silversea has a fantastic presence in Southeast Asia, with the Silver Shadow and her luxury expedition counterpart, Silver Discoverer, sailing in the region throughout the winter months this year.
Known for its unique and diverse itineraries, my 12-day journey aboard Silver Shadow was an amazing look at just how different these close-knit countries are.
Although Silver Shadow stopped in big-name ports like Phuket, Thailand, (with the equally-impressive ‘James Bond Island’) and colonial Penang, Malaysia, it was our threeday stay in Yangon, Myanmar, that made the greatest impression.
Here, Silversea offered guests a different selection of shore excursions every day that explored the city of Yangon, with its glittering Shwedagon Pagoda, along with regional towns like Bago and Thanlyin.
Because Silver Shadow had to dock in an industrial port outside the city, complimentary shuttles into the city were offered to guests.
A significant number of guests, however, chose to take advantage of Silversea’s Mid-Voyage Land Adventures: overland journeys to far-flung places that wouldn’t be accessible with just a standard day in port.
In Myanmar, guests were flown to the breathtaking ancient city of Bagan that boasts more than 2,000 pagodas and stupas that date back as far as the ninth century.
The benefits of small-ship luxury cruising are even more apparent in this part of the world. The heat and humidity sapped my energy, leaving me tired and hot when I arrived back at the ship.
But aboard Silver Shadow, you’re welcomed back on board with a refreshing towel and a cold drink — just one of a number of little details Silversea gets right every time I sail with them.
You can customize your Silversea cruise as much as you’d like, with the choice of three types of toiletries, nine different pillows, a complimentary mini-bar stocked to order and the gracious service of Silversea’s butlers. Some luxury lines make you spring for the biggest suite for this wonderful convenience, but not Silversea. Each guest on board is entitled to it.
I’ve been on more than 100 voyages, but this cruise was a real winner, with vibrant, diverse destinations that are as unique and welcoming as the elegant Silver Shadow.
Visit fromthedeckchair.com for our full report from Silver Shadow in Southeast Asia.