My Best Cruise Ever

When I took my first cruise back in 1990, it was a belated honeymoon aboard Premier Cruise Lines’ Big Red Boat (remember them?). More than three years after our wedding, we finally had the chance to celebrate, and I was immediately hooked.

Since then, I’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Azamara, Seabourn, and even a handful of river cruise lines. Each experience revealed to me something different about the way I like to travel. For years, I believed bigger was always better: more restaurants, bigger theaters, endless activities, and more passengers meant a better vacation.

That mindset began to change after sailing with Azamara in 2023. I discovered that I enjoyed the slower pace, personalized service, and intimate atmosphere of a smaller ship far more than I expected. Instead of feeling like one of thousands of passengers, I felt like a welcomed guest. That experience changed what I look for in a cruise and set the stage for why our best cruise yet aboard Silversea’s Silver Ray mattered so much.

Today, I’m less interested in how many people a ship can carry and more interested in how well it takes care of the people already onboard. Smaller ships appeal to me because they offer a more relaxed experience, fewer crowds, and better service. While the newest mega ships can carry more than 5,000 guests, they also lead to longer lines, crowded public spaces, and increased pressure on popular ports.

Our recent six-night voyage aboard Silver Ray confirmed that for me. Without question, it was the best cruise we’ve ever taken.

A Ship That Feels Luxurious Without Feeling Crowded

Silver Ray, launched in 2024, carries just 728 guests, creating an atmosphere that’s elegant without ever feeling busy. From the moment we stepped onboard, one of the first things Jeff and I noticed was how easy it was to get around the ship. We never found ourselves waiting in long lines, searching endlessly for a lounge chair, or planning our day around crowds.

With nearly one crew member for every guest, the service was exceptional from the moment we stepped onboard. Before long, crew members knew our names, remembered our favorite drinks, and greeted us with sincere smiles throughout the voyage.

It’s a level of hospitality that’s difficult to appreciate until you’ve experienced it firsthand.

The Upgrade That Changed Everything

Before sailing, we decided to try our luck with Silversea’s upgrade program by bidding for a Silver Suite.

To our surprise, we won!

I have to admit, this may have spoiled us for all future cruises.

Instead of a traditional veranda stateroom, we enjoyed a spacious suite with a separate living room and bedroom, abundant storage, and one feature I never realized I’d appreciate so much: our own butler (and Anthony quickly became our best friend that week).

At first, I wondered if having a butler would feel awkward or unnecessary. It turned out to be one of the trip’s highlights. Whether arranging dining reservations, delivering afternoon treats, or anticipating what we needed before we even asked, the service felt effortless rather than formal.

One moment still makes me smile. Jeff casually mentioned to our butler that every now and then he enjoyed a good bourbon over a large king cube of ice. That was it. No request, no special order, just a conversation.

The next afternoon, we returned to our suite to find two full, unopened bottles waiting for us above the minibar: Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve.

It perfectly captured the Silversea experience. Premium spirits were already included, so there was no extra charge or paperwork to sign. Our butler had simply listened, remembered, and quietly made it happen. That small gesture said more about Silversea’s approach to service than any brochure ever could.

I have to admit, experiences like that may have spoiled us for all future cruises. Now I’m not sure I can ever go back to a standard balcony cabin!

Looking Beyond the Cruise Fare

One thing I’ve learned after cruising on several different lines is that the advertised cruise fare rarely tells the whole story.

At first glance, a luxury cruise may seem significantly more expensive than sailing on a premium or mainstream cruise line. But once you start adding up everything that’s extra on many of those ships, the comparison changes quickly. Beverage packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and shore excursions can easily add hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to the cost of a cruise.

On our Silversea voyage, those expenses were largely already covered. Our fare included premium wines, champagne, cocktails, specialty dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and a selection of shore excursions. We never found ourselves debating whether a drink was worth ordering or whether another excursion would blow our budget. 

In fact, unless we chose to indulge in a spa treatment, shop onboard, or upgrade to a premium excursion, there was very little left to spend. As a result, the entire vacation felt more relaxing because we weren’t constantly thinking about how each decision would affect our onboard account.

For me, that’s the biggest advantage of luxury cruising. It delivers the service, space, and simplicity that matter most to me. When you compare the total vacation cost instead of just the initial cruise fare, luxury cruising often provides much better value than many travelers expect.

A Mediterranean Itinerary That Balances Sea and Shore

Our itinerary went from Monte Carlo to Barcelona, with stops in Marseille, Cartagena, Valencia, and Mallorca.

One of the things I appreciated most was that the cruise fit perfectly into a longer European vacation. We spent extra time exploring Monaco before we boarded and Barcelona after we disembarked, giving us the opportunity to experience two incredible cities beyond the cruise itself without being away from the office for too long.

Each port provided something unique, from the historic streets of Cartagena to the beautiful coastline of Mallorca and the incredible culinary traditions of Valencia.

Dining That Became Part of the Journey

Food has always been one of my favorite ways to experience a destination, and Silversea made every meal memorable.

Of course, the specialty restaurants were outstanding, but what impressed me most was that even the included dining venues consistently delivered impeccable service and beautifully prepared cuisine.

Some of our favorite experiences included dining at The Chef’s Table, participating in a S.A.L.T. Lab cooking class where we learned to prepare authentic Valencian paella, and enjoying an unforgettable Hennessy and Dom Pérignon luncheon.

What made the S.A.L.T. program especially memorable was how it connected our onboard experience with the destinations we visited. The day after preparing paella onboard, we took a shore excursion in Valencia that included another hands-on paella cooking class. Comparing recipes, techniques, and traditions gave us a much stronger appreciation for Spain’s most famous dish than simply ordering it in a restaurant ever could.

Those thoughtful experiences transformed the cruise from a sightseeing vacation into something much more immersive.

Smooth Sailing

One question I often hear from clients considering their first cruise is whether they’ll feel the ship moving.

During our June Mediterranean sailing, the water was remarkably calm. Most of the time, we barely noticed we were at sea. Whether it was the time of year, favorable weather, or Silver Ray’s impressive design, the voyage was incredibly comfortable.

If motion sickness has kept you from cruising, an itinerary like this may surprise you.

Why Smaller Ships Have Won Me Over

I still understand the appeal of the giant cruise ships. They feature endless entertainment, Broadway-style productions, water parks, and activities for every age.

But today, that’s no longer what I’m looking for because my priorities have changed.

• · I value exceptional service over endless choices.
• · I appreciate walking on board without fighting crowds.
• · I enjoy dining where the staff remembers my preferences.
• · And I love visiting destinations that aren’t overwhelmed by thousands of passengers arriving all at once.

Looking back, it’s funny how my definition of the perfect cruise has changed. Thirty-five years ago, I measured a cruise by the number of restaurants, shows, and activities onboard. Today, I measure it by the quality of service, the space to relax, and how connected I feel to the destinations. That is why smaller ships now fit me best.

For me, that’s exactly what Silversea delivered.

Would I Sail Silversea Again?

Without hesitation.

Silver Ray combined exceptional service, spacious accommodations, world-class dining, and an itinerary that featured some of my favorite Mediterranean destinations. It reminded me why I fell in love with cruising all those years ago while showing me just how much the luxury cruise experience has evolved.

After more than 35 years sailing on everything from contemporary mega ships to intimate luxury vessels and river cruises, I never expected to find myself saying this.

Our voyage aboard Silver Ray set a new standard.

Now the only challenge is deciding which Silversea itinerary to book next.

If you’ve been wondering whether a luxury cruise is worth the investment, I’d love to chat with you more about our experience and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your travel style. Sometimes the best cruise isn’t the biggest ship. It’s the one that makes you feel like every detail was designed with you in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruising with Silversea

Is Silversea worth the cost?

In my opinion, yes, especially if you compare the total cost of your vacation instead of just the initial cruise fare. On many mainstream and premium cruise lines, you’ll often pay extra for drink packages, specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and shore excursions. Those costs can add up quickly.

With Silversea, many of those amenities are already included, along with butler service in every suite and a far more personalized onboard experience. During our cruise, the only things we paid extra for were a few optional purchases, such as shopping onboard and spa services. We weren’t greeted with a surprising bill at the end of the voyage, and that peace of mind was part of what made the experience feel so effortless. Of course, inclusions vary by fare type and itinerary, so it’s always worth reviewing exactly what’s included before you book.

What is included on a Silversea cruise?

Most Silversea voyages include luxury suite accommodations, multiple dining venues, premium beverages, gratuities, room service, onboard entertainment, and butler service. Depending on your itinerary and fare, additional inclusions may also apply.

Is Silversea a good choice for first-time luxury cruisers?

Absolutely. If you’ve cruised on mainstream lines and are curious about luxury cruising, Silversea is an excellent introduction. The smaller ships, attentive crew, and relaxed atmosphere create a completely different experience while still offering plenty of dining and enrichment opportunities.

How many passengers sail on Silver Ray?

Silver Ray accommodates approximately 728 guests, creating a much more intimate atmosphere than today’s mega ships. The smaller size means easier embarkation and disembarkation, less crowded public spaces, and a more customized onboard experience.

What was your favorite part of the cruise?

Choosing just one is difficult, but if I had to, it would be the combination of outstanding service and the S.A.L.T. experiences. Learning to prepare authentic Valencian paella onboard and then comparing it with a cooking class in Valencia created one of the most memorable culinary experiences I’ve ever had while traveling.

Who should consider sailing with Silversea?

Silversea is ideal for travelers who appreciate exceptional service, fine dining, immersive destinations, and a relaxed onboard atmosphere. It’s especially well-suited for couples, experienced travelers, and anyone who values quality over quantity in their vacation experience.

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Shannon Lamarche is the founder of Premiere Luxury Travel and a Virtuoso advisor specializing in custom European vacations, luxury cruises, African safaris, and small-ship and river cruising. Having sailed on everything from contemporary mega ships to intimate luxury vessels, she combines firsthand experience with more than 20 years of travel-planning expertise to help clients find the cruise that best fits their travel style, not just the latest trend.