Best Luxury Cruise Lines: Silversea Cruises
 Best Luxury Cruise Ships: Silversea Cruises Most experts place Silversea at the top of the luxury cruise line category, the best cruise line of its kind. Though other luxury lines might frown, it is hard to argue with Silversea's reputation. It used to be the most expensive cruise line in the world, but its prices today tend to be more competitive (on the luxury scale). But back then, Silversea became known as the line for people willing to pay any price for the very best, a reputation that has stuck. Another reason is its solid devotion to a concept Silversea rightfully claims as its own: allowing the guest to define his or her own experience. Silversea originated the concept of an onboard concierge who could arrange anything for you. Silversea's clientele conjured some very unusual requests, like "we want a private plane to fly us to this ancient ruin; we'll need a car and driver, and a hotel. Expect us back on the ship the next day." Thus the line concluded that such combinations of cruising and "experiences" were something its clientele wanted, and could afford. In truth, maybe the line tried a little too hard for a few years and struggled, but after some fine-tuning Silversea is back stronger than ever. And the concept of offering not a cruise but an experience remains a reality. The ships are two pairs of sisters; Silver Cloud and Silver Wind are the older and smaller, while Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper are the two newer but larger. The somewhat elusive nature of these names are appropriate, because when you are on a Silversea ship you feel like you are not in this world, you are somewhere it can't see you, while you observe your surroundings through a special lens. The "Personalized Voyages" program, introduced in 2003, allows voyagers to design their own itinerary and vacation experience by electing to embark and disembark on any days they choose. Guests can select voyages that are any length of five days or longer. Guests are charged a daily rate whether they book 5 days or 55 plus days dependent on the ports and the stateroom category chosen. All Silversea staterooms are suites, three-quarters with their own verandas, all gorgeously appointed. All gratuities and beverages, including select wines, champagnes and spirits, are included. As for how the line has changed in the last few years; the average age is now in the 50s, similar to other luxury lines, with the medium age on summer Mediterranean cruises dropping into the 30s and 40s. More of their cruises now offer extended port stays, including overnights in Venice, Rio de Janeiro and London, and multiple days in St. Petersburg, Buenos Aires and Hong Kong. Probably the most unique thing about the line is their unprecedented focus on multiple hotel night stays and overland excursions as a part of their cruises. These can be pre or post-cruise options, but in many cases these overnight excursions, involving plane lifts, private guides and overnight hotel stays are being offered in the middle of the cruise as a part of the package. New specialized dining options include the first-ever Relais & Chateaux wine-themed restaurant at sea. At night the Terrace Cafe restaurant becomes the "La Terrazza," an Italian-themed nighttime dining venue. This is the restaurant for guests who want a more relaxed dress code at dinner. There is also the new Viking Cooking School at Sea, for which the Viking company has designed and created special cooking equipment for Silversea's chefs and visiting culinary experts to conduct cooking classes and demonstrations on all their ships. A new "Wellness Program" fully integrates classes in nutrition and exercise, fitness activities, spa therapies and healthy dining options. The goal is to create the opportunity for a "complete rejuvenation of mind, body and soul while at sea." New onboard and shoreside enrichment programs involve famous chefs, politicians, writers, and explorers. Expanded Internet and WiFi capabilities, they have recently launched a service that allows guests to use their cell phones and PDA devices while at sea. Silversea Cruises at a Glance:
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