Sister ship to Silver Wind, Silver Sea Silver Spirit. Photo by Gary Crow
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA--Expedition cruising has become such a sought-after segment of the cruise industry that at least six of the 20 new ships joining the industry's fleet in 2021 are designated as expedition ships, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). For most, the idea of an expedition cruise usually includes such far-flung destinations as Antarctica, the Arctic, or the Galapagos. Those adventurous locales are not everyone's cup of tea.
But what if you could experience small-ship expedition luxury with excursions led by expert guides included in the fare without traveling to distant lands? Silver Sea is proposing that very idea with a fall 2022 sailing of the newly-refurbished Silver Wind from Vancouver to San Diego.
Itinerary
The ship departs Vancouver on October 5, bound for its first port of call in Victoria, where you can enjoy your choice from among four included adventures. Among the options are whale watching and a wine tour. Day 3 will find you berthed in Seattle, where the city is yours to explore from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm. The ships' guides are available for five included excursions, or you are free to explore on your own. Day 4 is spent relaxing at sea, giving you time to enjoy the ship, with its nearly one-to-one crew-to-passenger ratio. Day 5 finds you in Portland, with yet another five options for excursions, including more wineries, or for the more adventurous, cycling. The ship overnights in Portland, giving you yet another day to explore.
Day 7 is another day to catch your breath and enjoy the sights of the sea as it cruises south along the coast. Days 8 and 9 are all about San Francisco. Options for excursions include chocolate making, wine tasting, or exploring iconic sights like Alcatraz Island. Overnight, the ship moves to Monterey where you can spend Day 10 eating, hiking, or sampling the region's fine wines. Day 11 gives you one last sea day to enjoy before arriving in San Diego for departure.
The cost
Onboard the all-suite ship, the smallest suites are around 240 square feet with prices beginning around the $8,000 per person mark. Verandah and Deluxe Verandah suites are still available and currently list for $9,300 and $10,800 respectively. The mid-sized suites are sold out and are in waitlist status, leaving only the Owner's Suite for a modest $26,640 per person.
What's included?
The fare includes round-trip economy class airfare, one night's hotel pre-cruise, all transfers, guided land and sea tours, enrichment lectures, butler service in every suite, unlimited Wi-fi, beverages, including champagne, throughout the ship and in your suite, ensuite dining, as well as gratuities.
In-suite dining and room service from your butler is part of the Silver Sea experience. Photo by Gary Crow
More about the ship
During your cruise, you'll have the choice of four dining venues onboard, including the famous outdoor "hot rocks" eatery, The Grill, where you cook your own meal on a sizzling slab of hot stone. Choose from fine cuts of meat and poultry or seafood, accompanied with a potato and a skewer of fresh veggies to roast along with your entrée.
The ship also features a spa, shopping area, a card room, and casino, as well as a theater for shows and presentations, so basically, all you would expect from any cruise ship, except this one carries only 274 passengers and 239 crew members. Therein lies the luxury. You'll never feel crowded or hurried on a Silver Sea cruise.
Silver Wind underwent a full refurbishment in 2018 but is spending the summer of 2021 having additional improvements made, including strengthening her hull to ice-class.
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