Our Full Review of Silversea’s Silver Ray
Silversea’s Silver Ray represents the pinnacle of modern, ultra-luxury cruising. To capture the full breadth of her Mediterranean charm, our team experienced her in two distinct acts. Claire first boarded in Barcelona, charting a stylish course to Ibiza and testing the ship’s world-class amenities along the way. The journey then continued to Gibraltar, where Jane and Julie climbed aboard to take over the mantle. Together, their combined insights offer a complete, unfiltered look at life aboard the Silver Ray.
The Silver Ray is the second evolution class Silversea ship, after the Silver Nova was completed in 2023. Nova is the first ship in the company’s new Evolution-class, and designed with the intent of environmentally friendly cruising. It is the first hybrid luxury cruise ship, powered by a combination of liquefied natural gas (LNG), fuel cell system, and electric batteries, enabling it to be emissions free when in port.
Silversea’s Silver Ray (debuted June 2024) is a revolutionary 728-guest, ultra-luxury vessel featuring an innovative, asymmetrical design with extensive glass for unparalleled sea views. As a top-tier Nova-class ship, she offers exceptional space-to-guest ratios, 10 dining venues, and a modern “boutique hotel” vibe with high-end, personalised service. A brand new design of ship, light, airy with an abundance of light throughout the ship.
Our Accommodation
All suites are spacious with butler service, designed with high-quality, modern materials, including tea and coffee making facilities. Walk in wardrobe and large showers (unless you have a bath when the shower is considerably smaller).
Design
The ship is remarkably bright, featuring a groundbreaking horizontal layout. When you initially embark you notice how light, airy and spacious it feels but at the same time intimate and elegant. Outside the “beach club” style pool is offset to one side and with a glass balustrade around the entire deck it allows look out towards the sea creating a very open feeling of space. The entire ship is understated elegance with exquisite use of marble, glass and curated art.
Dining & Service
With 10 dining options (including La Dame and S.A.L.T. Kitchen) and nearly one staff member per guest, dining is exceptional and service is proactive. We were lucky to dine in most of the restaurants.
The Marquee
The Marquee is an outdoor bistro style Mediterranean restaurant placed so you can see both sides of the ship, it is more like a small village square on the ocean.
They serve healthy breakfast options and light lunches. In the evening it becomes The Grill (Hot Rocks) where you can cook your own choice of food, prawns, steak or enjoy delicious pizza.
La Terrazza
A fabulous buffet style for breakfast and lunch. Offering a range of both hot and cold dishes, toasted sandwiches and delightful desserts. For dinner it becomes a elegant Italian restaurant offering homemade pasta and seafood dishes.
SALT (Sea and Land Taste) Bar/Kitchen/Lab
A wonderful combination of three experiences all celebrating the local cuisine. Whilst onboard we had pre dinner drinks in the S.A.L.T. Bar – cocktails based on locally sourced ingredients, wines and spirits. We then dined in the S.A.L.T. Kitchen again with a menu based on local delicacies and recipes.
The following morning we visited the S.A.L.T. Lab which gave us the opportunity to have a cookery lesson from one of the Silversea chefs on how to make Paella as were in Valencia that day. Great fun and we were able to eat our creations!
Kaiseki
Lunch time dining at the Kaiseki Japanese restaurant was a good choice as there is an extra cost for this venue in the evening.
An amazing array of different sushi dishes to choose from and very attentive waiters to help with making the best choices for you.
Atlantide
One of the more formal restaurants onboard offering a more international menu. Good for breakfast as well if you prefer a more leisurely experience and impeccable service.
Arts Café
Arts Café is the ‘hub’ of the ship. Always available for lite bites for breakfast, morning coffee, light lunches or afternoon tea the Arts café is located in the main reception area. There are comfortable seating areas here perfect for a drink after some time ashore. Alongside is the reception desk, future cruise consultants desk and dinner reservations desk all conveniently placed for any ‘admin’ you need to attend to.
Panorama Lounge
A lively area at the back of the ship where the ships resident band play and a delightful outdoor seating area with its own circular faux firepit.
Dusk Bar
An outdoor bar at the back of the ship. Perfect for an early evening sail away with plenty of sheltered secluded seating and magnificent views of where you have just visited for the day.
Venetian Lounge
Beautifully appointed 2 tier theatre with an impressive stage that showcases Silversea’s excellent repertoire of entertainment.
Expert Take on the Experience
We feel the ship gives you a modern take on luxury and elegance that breaks away from traditional, crowded ship stereotypes, offering a more intimate, “chic hotel” vibe. The ship’s unique layout allows for incredible, unobstructed panoramic views from both public spaces and suites.
There is always the opportunity to have a cosy corner for yourself but equally you can be part of a more lively scene. The ship’s crew are extremely attentive offering some of the best service at sea.
If you would like any information on the Silver Ray please contact Claire, Jane or Julie.
For more information or to book any Silversea cruise contact Deluxe Cruises on +44 (0)1202 767926 or email us.