Silver Dawn is Officially named in Lisbon, Portugal.
Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, officially named its 10th ship, Silver Dawn, at a formal ceremony and gala dinner hosted in Lisbon on 31st March. Gaynor Galbraith Neill, Managing Director of Cruise Vacations (the officially appointed General Sales Agents for Silversea in Southern Africa), joined esteemed guests, company executives and dignitaries to celebrate this milestone. Here she reviews her experience onboard Silversea Cruises’ 10th ship and third new-build to debut for the company in the past nine months.
The art of balance
Having recently stepped off this spectacular new ship, I think it is completely fair to say that Silversea Cruises, long established as the pioneers of luxury cruise travel, have once again perfectly defined the luxury experience on the latest addition to the fleet, Silver Dawn. While the term luxury remains subjective, it is defined in the dictionary as a “state of great comfort”, and this “state” is what Silversea so perfectly deliver. Not ostentatious, just further perfection of their own description “Whispered Luxury”.
It is all about quality in every aspect of life on board, and ashore. Silversea continue to provide a multi-sensory experience which extends from the personalised service of the friendly and attentive crew and team of butlers, to the beautiful eclectic artworks throughout the ship. World-renowned culinary experiences in no-less than eight restaurants and spacious suite accommodation. And, now debuting on Silver Dawn, the OTIVM Spa and Wellness programme. Silversea continue to innovate and this has led to them creating the perfect balance between connecting the onboard ‘boutique’ sailing experience with the destinations which they visit. At the end of the day that’s what it is all about, exploring and experiencing the world, consciously, connectively, and in great comfort.
Culinary art
Having visited the Silver Moon in September 2021 shortly after her launch, I raved about all of the incredible facilities and culinary experiences but also all the small touches and subtle amenities that enhanced the overall experience (you can read that review here Silver Moon Review). These are all repeated on Silver Dawn, including the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) culinary programme. But, what I was most intrigued to experience was the debut of the OTIVM Wellness programme.
View an introduction to S.A.L.T. here
Expect culinary excellence on board Silver Dawn
The Original Art of Comfort
OTIVM which (according to Chief Operating Officer Ms Barbara Muckerman) should be pronounced ‘O’ (as in orange) – OTIUM, is grounded in the philosophies of ancient Roman traditions. Moving away from the view that wellness is mostly about the likes of exercise, meditation and restrictive healthy eating, OTIVM embraces the idea that indulgence and comfort have a huge role to play when it comes to leisure and relaxation. Well, I’m all for that, so I wanted to find out a bit more. From my brief experience onboard the Silver Dawn, I got a chance to partake in some of these indulgences.
The re-imagined Spa
With the heart of the programme in the re-imagined Spa, lavish treatments take a holistic and multi-sensory approach. Treatments include choices of scents and oils, beautiful massage therapies, a relaxation area, steam room and sauna complemented by gourmet snacks, chocolates and champagne.
In-Suite experiences
The programme extends to incredible in-suite experiences, especially designed mattresses, a pillow menu, movie night with truffle popcorn, an in-suite ‘comfort food’ menu, to a beautiful scented bath drawn on your behalf by your Butler complete with candlelight, classical music, champagne, macaron and caviar. I indulged myself with the ‘cool weather’ balcony experience on my private veranda. Wrapped in a cashmere blanket while my Butler prepared a ‘tipsy’ hot chocolate which I enjoyed with some designer chocolates, my feet up and breathing in the sea air – so yes, I get it! Somehow Silversea Cruises have found a way to enhance your overall experience on-board and OTIVM is it!
A glimpse at some of the Otium experiences
In the words of Italian designer and entrepreneur Diego Della Valle, “Italian style is a natural attitude. The Silversea experience is pure style, clearly staying true to their Italian heritage.
All suite accommodation and fully inclusive, Silver Dawn will be sailing in the Mediterranean until November 2022 when she will then position to the Caribbean for a season before returning to the Med in April 2023. Bookings for this incredible ship are available through Cruise Vacations.
Silver Dawn: Launched 2022 | 40 700 Grt | 596 Guests | 411 Crew
Cruise Vacations are the South African General Sales Agents for Silversea Cruises in Southern Africa, handling the reservations, marketing and sales for guests from this region. Cruise Vacations work alongside client’s travel agents and are also able to recommend agents to assist clients with ancillary arrangements, visas, flights and most importantly travel protocols. gaynor@cruise-vacations.co.za 011 5140564
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