My first impression was space, carrying 596 guests with a crew capacity of 411, this is still a small ship. The sailing that I spent my four nights on was full, but not once did the ship feel busy, even the morning at sea, when all guests were on board. The corridors are wide and the public areas around the ship are spacious. You could be walking around and suddenly discover another little seating area tucked away outside where you can just relax, but in the true Silversea fashion a crew member will pop up and ask if you need anything.
My suite was on deck 6 port side and I had the beautiful view of Monte Carlo, where I started my cruise. Sitting on my balcony taking it all in, I was able to appreciate the 36 sq. m of space this suite has to offer. The suite has everything you might need and I also feel Silversea have listened to the feedback they have received and every suite grade now has a bath and walk-in shower.
If you are looking for some extra pampering, your Butler will organise your Otium Bathing Experience in your suite and this is included in the cost. Or, if you prefer you can have the Otium Balcony or Sleep Experience, whichever you choose, it's a treat that you will love and deserve.
You can continue with this new concept of Otium Experience in the Spa; spend time in the sauna, steam room and relaxation area, all included, where they offer a range of great treatments that you can book and enjoy.
I was also lucky to see one bedroom Silver Suite whilst on board, for people that like the extra space this is perfect, 73 sq. m of luxury, they are extremely popular and sell out quickly and I can see why.
Silver Dawn offers a range of dining experiences; unfortunately, I did not have enough time to try them all, but I love the fact that you have all this choice on a small ship. I really enjoyed the S.A.L.T Kitchen, Sea and Land Taste of local cuisine, I had a fabulous meal and popped into the S.A.L.T Bar for a cocktail beforehand.
While I'm talking about The S.A.L.T concept, I want to mention my cooking experiences in the S.A.L.T Lab, where I made Aioli, Bourride and Moroccan Salad with the chef host Erin Montgomery. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the cooking experience, Erin was so interesting to speak to and very inspirational, I could of happily stayed longer, again this experience was included in the cost.
As my time on board was ending, I decided to take my last dining experience at Hot Rocks (also known as The Grill during the day) outside on the pool deck, under heaters if it's a bit chilly. It's such good fun cooking meat / fish or both on lava stone at 400C. It was a perfect place to celebrate my birthday and a good fun evening being fussed over.
It's great we have such choice now in cruising, we all have likes and dislikes, but also little things that please us. I was pleased that Silver Dawn now has a self-service laundry on virtually every deck, you may not use it, but it's there if you want it. I also loved the Arts Café for a coffee and a treat, where you can sit inside or outside and relax or chat to guests and staff. The fact you have both a bath and separate shower in all grades of suites, as well as the pampering treats included in the cost regardless of suite grade, is a real treat!
