Name: Silver Whisper
Brand: Silversea
Availability: InStock

At a glance

Silver Whisper is a small-size cruise ship operated by Silversea, in service since 2001. It carries 382 guests and 302 crew (1.3 guests per crew member) at 28,258 gross tons. It ties with 1 other ship as the 7th largest of 12 Silversea ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for dining (10/10) and lowest for party (0/10). It is rated 5 out of 5 by Cruiseable, 5 out of 5 by Stern's, 4.5 out of 5 by Berlitz, 4.5 out of 5 by Conde Nast and 4.5 out of 5 by Cruise Critic. It has 58 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $3,400 to $14,600. 41 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable: 5 / 5
Stern's: 5 / 5
Berlitz: 4.5 / 5
Conde Nast: 4.5 / 5
Cruise Critic: 4.5 / 5

Guests: 382
Crew: 302
Gross tons: 28,258
Decks: 10
Length: 610 ft
Beam: 82 ft
Maiden voyage: 2001
Launched: 2001
Refurbished: 2018
Space ratio: 1.3; Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew: 1.3
Speed (mph): 24
IMO: 9192179

Bliss scores

What Silver Whisper is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

Active 8.0
Adventure and nature 6.0
Cultural 9.0
Dining 10.0
Entertainment 8.5
Family friendly 2.0
Party 0.0
Romantic 9.0
Spa and fitness 8.0
Staterooms 9.0

Our review

Silver Whisper: Exploring exotic ports in style & comfort

Competing in the ultra-luxury segment alongside lines like Seabourn, Crystal and Regent Seven Seas, Silversea is a small privately owned line with a strong Italian influence and heritage. The focus is on offering a comfortable, stylish and personal approach to cruising with an emphasis on food and service.

The Silver Whisper is a small ship carrying just under 400 guests with a high crew-to-passenger ratio who try to ensure that they get to know and pre-empt the needs of their guests. It attracts guests who are very interested in the destinations and ports of call but want to travel in luxury while doing it.

Cruising on the Silver Whisper I discovered that small ship cruising did not mean doing without facilities and activities. There is everything you need, including choice of restaurants, a fitness centre, shops, spa, pool and quiet spots to hide away in. The ship is also able to dock in towns inaccessible to bigger ships, for example in St. Petersburg and Helsinki we were right in the city while the big ships were some miles away in commercial ports without the scenery of the city.

All-inclusive that means all-inclusive

The pool deck on Silver Whisper features teak lounge chairs in the shade and sun, multiple bubbling whirlpools and a pool. Red Dog / Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

The fares are all-inclusive which means hardly ever having to get your card out and constantly thinking about the bill you are stacking up. There is no drive to get you to spend on board either and so there is no constant flow promotional leaflets with inches of gold, photograph and portrait offers, cocktail of the day, drinks packages or art auctions. Even the tours are discreetly promoted, with listings of what they are and proper historical and cultural talks on destinations by an expert, not the tour team promoting the tours.

The venues and ship is quieter as there are less people. The pool was never crowded, there were always seats in the show lounge and the tours only had up to 25 people on them, which meant more attention by the tour guides, and loads of room on the bus. Getting on and off the ship was easy with no lines or crowds and was fast once docked. Even on disembarkation day.

There are very few children, as this is not a ship with the facilities that would keep kids and teens entertained.

The luxury touches are subtle but plenty such as the huge range of choice of ways you can have your eggs cooked, the luxury brand names in toiletries, linen, coffee and types of beef and the loungers around the pool are plusher and more comfortable than any I have ever lolled about on. There was concierge service open at every port who could help direct you and give specific tips. They even knew off by heart the exact bus numbers and stops for buses to obscure local beaches when we had a craving for some beach time.

Who will like sailing on Silver Whisper

Cruise guests looking to combine adventure travel with luxury will enjoy a cruise on Silver Whisper. The itineraries and routes are designed to take guests off the beaten path as well as some of the iconic and important ports, and so attract a more adventurous traveler for whom the destination is as important as the way they travel.

The average age is 50s, 60s and 70s in line with the luxury nature and price of the line and are mostly couples. Compared to some of the other ultra-luxury lines they are more focused, in my view, on the ports and so are more adventurous and less concerned with getting dressed up for meals. The overall atmosphere is more relaxed and informal.

The guests are likely to be from many regions but are primarily from the United States. The line operates as an English-speaking line and so guests need to be comfortable in this environment.

Where Silver Whisper sails

Silver Whisper's wide-ranging destinations include the Caribbean, Antarctica, Middle East, Cape Town, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada, South Seas, Asia and Australia. From May to August the ship also features Inside Passage voyages to Alaska.

Read the full review

Dining on Silver Whisper

The Restaurant

The main dining room, The Restaurant serves up contemporary, international cuisine. Menus feature regional specialties unique to the destinations guests visit on their cruise. For example, roasted Chilean sea bass is served while cruising the Chilean fjords, and Indian chicken korma, while en route to Mumbai. The Restaurant on board this cruise ship offers open-seating dining, which means there are no assigned times and no assigned tables. You are free to dine when, where and with whom you please.

La Terrazza

Italian food that embraces the principles of the Slow Food movement, using fresh, sustainable and local ingredients For example, La Terrazza uses buffalo mozzarella from Naples, organic balsamic vinegar and olive oil from Umbria, and air-dried ham out of Parma. The Emilia-Romagna region also produces Silversea’s 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano, while the pasta is made daily right on board. La Terrazza is open for casual, buffet-style breakfast and lunch with indoor or al fresco dining on the outdoor terrace. During the evening, the restaurant transforms into an à la carte traditional Italian restaurant which is the only time you need to make a booking.

Le Champagne

The only Wine Restaurant by Relais & Chateaux at sea can be found aboard the ships of Silversea including the Silver Whisper. Indulge in an evening where fine wines are complemented by a set tasting menu of regionally inspired dishes in an intimate, elegant setting. Reservations are necessary for dinner. The experience requires a per-guest, reservation fee of $40.

Pool Bar & Grill

Casual and convenient. Poolside menu options feature healthy CruiseLite selections and light fare for lunch and dinner including grilled meats and fresh-from-the-oven pizza. At night, the top deck of the Pool Bar & Grill is transformed into The Grill, an intimate al fresco eatery featuring a fun, interactive Black Rock Grill experience. A preheated volcanic rock is brought to your table, allowing you to cook such delicacies as steak, veal, pork, lamb, salmon, fish or prawns exactly to your liking right at your own table. Reservations are required for dinner.

Entertainment

Boutiques: Featuring designer collections and duty-free shopping, the onboard Boutiques offer a selection of jewelery, fashions, perfumes and Silversea logo items. Toiletries and convenience items are also available for purchase.
Card Room/Conference Room: Bridge games and tournaments take place most days in the Card Room. On days at sea, newcomers to the game can learn how to play. Should your group require a conference or meeting space, Silversea is pleased to provide a tailor-made experience, in which audiovisual equipment is available and complimentary.
Casino: Roulette, blackjack and slot machines are available. It is a small room with limited options.
Library: The Library has a good selection of hardcover books, magazines, reference materials and newspapers, as well as audio listening stations. Movies are also available and can be viewed on your in-suite entertainment center.

Get a complimentary drink, listen to elegant music and mingle with friends in the Panorama Lounge onboard Silver Whisper. Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Bars & lounges

Aboard the Silver Whisper, guests will find a wide selection of entertainment ranging from production shows to classical music concerts in The Show Lounge; piano recitals, jazz and cabaret in The Bar; and local performers and folkloric shows that truly complement the wines, cuisine and cultures experienced on your voyage.

The Bar: Live music and a dance floor.
Connoisseur's Corner: The Connoisseur's Corner offers cognacs along with a premium selection of cigars for purchase.
Observation Lounge: A quiet retreat above the bow of the ship invites you to settle in to a comfortable seat and enjoy a beverage while watching the ever-changing view. The Observation Lounge also offers a radar screen, astronomical maps, binoculars, reference books and board games.
Panorama Lounge: The Panorama Lounge is specially designed to provide an uninterrupted view of the day's destination from the comfort of the ship's interior. This is an ideal place to unwind, enjoy afternoon tea, listen to the pianist and watch the setting sun.
Pool Deck: Guest can enjoy teak chaise lounges arranged in the sun or shade and bubbling whirlpools on the pool deck. The pool water is refreshing in warmer climates, and heated for cooler weather.
Internet Café: Headphones, digital camera media readers, and complimentary black and white laser printing are also available.
Show Lounge: Every seat in this multi-tiered venue enjoys a clear view of the stage. The singers on board provide production shows most evenings along with guest classical soloists to local cultural entertainment and feature films.

Spa & fitness

Beauty Salon: A full range of salon services is available for both men and women including hairstyling, manicures and pedicures.
Fitness Center: The small fitness center is equipped with free weights, weight machines, state-of-the-art treadmills, elliptical trainers, and recumbent and upright bicycles. Classes in aerobics, yoga, Pilates and circuit training are led by the onboard fitness trainer and are complimentary.
The Spa at Silversea: Relax your body and mind in this soothing sanctuary. Indulge in a wide range of invigorating therapies including facials, body wraps and massages.

Disclosure

Gary Bembridge sailed on Silver Whisper on a press/blogger trip as a guest of Silversea. See Cruiseable's Ethics & disclosure policy.

Your take

How about you? Have you sailed on Silver Whisper? How was it? We'd love to see your photos and hear about your experience!

Updated from an earlier review.

Interested in a cruise on this ship?

For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on Silver Whisper, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773.

SEE ALL SILVER WHISPER SAILINGS

On board highlights

Music & dancing Bar Lounge
Spa treatments Spa at Silversea
Cocktails with a view Observation Lounge

Dining

Where to eat on Silver Whisper

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 2

On a Silversea shore excursion to Kusadasi and the ruins of Ephesus, Turkey.
Wine tasting on a Silversea shore excursion.

Dining 7

The main dining room on Silver Whisper is sure to please with its sophisticated cuisine and attentive service.
Marble, silver and crystal fixtures combine with romantic candlelight in Silversea’s main restaurant, making for a memorable dining experience.
Enjoy fine dining in a picturesque setting aboard a Silversea sailing. You choose when, where and with whom to eat.
Crystal, silver and candlelight will be your companions as you enjoy elegant dining in The Restaurant.
Enjoy a singular meal at Le Champagne on board your Silversea cruise. It's the only wine restaurant by Relais & Châteaux at sea.
A server prepares a table setting at Le Champagne, the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant at sea, on five Silversea ships.
Head to La Terrazza on your Silversea cruise for authentic Italian cuisine prepared with flair and passion.

On board 12

If you're a cigar smoker, the Humidor by Davidoff Cigar Club on Silver Whisper is a great place to lounge.
The plush theater aboard Silver Whisper is big enough for Broadway-style shows. Performances take place daily.
The Connoisseur’s Corner on board Silver Whisper is the perfect place to sample premium Cognacs or smoke a cigar.
Silversea's spiffy Lampadina bar is a great place to kick back and linger over a cocktail.
After you get settled in, you can find a guest relations specialist in the main lobby to provide service or assistance 24 hours a day.
Head to Silversea's reception lobby if you have a question or need assistance 24/7.
Keep in shape with a regimen to fit your lifestyle on a Silversea cruise.
Head to the spa on your Silversea sailing for a stress-relieving massage.
Nothing wrong with sending loved ones an email, or keeping abreast of the news, during your Silversea sailing.
A butler on a Silversea sailing pours champagne on a guest's veranda.
An attendant and passenger on the Pool Deck of Silver Whisper.
Get centered during a series of wellness routines on your Silversea sailing.

Ship exteriors 1

On Silver Whisper, you'll be able to take advantages of such amenities as a full spa, a wellness shop and boutique shopping.

Staterooms 11

Silversea's Vista Suite offers a sitting area with plenty of space for relaxing and a writing desk if the mood strikes you.
Silversea's Medallion Suite offers guests a spacious room with a teak veranda, living room and luxurious bathroom area.
The Owner's Suite appeals to those who want the most luxurious stateroom aboard Silver Whisper. It offers a large teak veranda, living room, separate dining area and bar, and a well-appointed bathroom.
Press your toes against the fine marble in the Veranda Suite bathroom aboard Silver Whisper, equipped with a full size bath and separate tub.
The extravagent Grand Suite aboard Silver Whisper offers a large living room with sitting area and plenty of room to spread out.
The Grand Suite aboard Silver Whisper has a spacious bedroom that features a queen size bed (or twin beds), sitting area and vanity table with hair dryer.
Silversea offers guests in-suite dining from its renowned restaurant 24 hours a day.
Stretch out in Silver Whisper's Veranda Suite, which features a teak veranda, sitting area and queen bed or twins.
Five hundred square feet of luxury will surround you in the Medallion Suite aboard Silver Whisper.
The Owner's Suite on Silver Whisper is stylishly appointed. It's available as a single bedroom or as a two-bedroom configuration when adjoined with a Vista Suite.
The Grand Suite on decks 6, 7 and 8 aboard the Silver Whisper holds up to four guests.

More photos 11

Silver Whisper explores an exotic route with its trademark ambience. Guests enjoy amenities usually found only on larger ships.
The Silver Suite aboard Silver Whisper rewards you with an extra room to spread out, a teak veranda with fine patio furniture and a luxurious marbled bathroom.
Mingle with other guests in the Panorama Lounge onboard Silver Whisper.
Head to Silver Whisper's bar lounge for music, a dance floor, complimentary cocktails and a place to mix and mingle.
Get a complimentary drink, listen to elegant music and mingle with friends in the Panorama Lounge onboard Silver Whisper.
The Grand Suite aboard Silver Whisper has a spacious bedroom that features a queen size bed (or twin beds), sitting area and vanity table with hair dryer.
The pool deck on Silver Whisper features teak lounge chairs in the shade and sun, multiple bubbling whirlpools and a pool.
Enjoy fine dining and attentive service while dining on a Silversea cruise.
Enjoy an elegant evening at Le Champagne on board your Silversea cruise. It's the only wine restaurant by Relais & Châteaux at sea.
Enjoy a quiet board game, a complimentary drink, and a look at the radar screen in the Observation Lounge on board Silver Whisper.
Relax, rejuvenate, and renew yourself at the Spa at Silversea. Enjoy a facial, body wrap or massage.