Day 1
After an early departure from Heathrow Terminal 5 on British Airways, I arrived in Naples and was very excited to board Silversea’s ship the Silver Ray. My transfer from Naples airport took less than 30 minutes to Pier 5 Terminal Napoli port where I boarded this beautiful ship. She looked magnificent docked against the port! It was a speeding check-in and a porter helped with my luggage to my Classic Veranda Suite. Here I met my personal butler Titto who showed me around the suite and helped with unpacking and explained various electrical gadgets around the suite.
The Silver Ray is the latest edition to Silversea and was launched in 2024. The Silver Ray is a luxury cruise ship, the second in Silversea’s NOVA-class fleet. It’s known for its luxurious and spacious design with a focus on high space-to-guest ratio. Offering unique views and maximising space throughout the ship. It accommodates 728 guests. The Silver Ray offers a range of dining offers, including eight restaurants, four bars and lounges, a spa and fitness centre.
We headed for lunch to the Marquee. The “The Grill and Spaccanapoli” is a beautiful open air restaurant with lots of lunch choices available from pizza to burgers, and plenty of Salad options too. My choice the Caesar chicken salad was delicious! We had the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the ship and make use of the facilities before pre-drinks in the “Dusk Bar” and at the “Silver Note”.
The Silver Note was a fantastic experience with delicate tapas style dishes with a gourmet twist whilst sat relaxing listening to jazz band and soul singers playing live within the restaurant.
Day 2. – Naples
After enjoying a scrumptious breakfast in my private suite delivered by my very own butler, I headed to the Arts Cafe to meet team leader Donatella and the rest of the group. We boarded a comfortable coach that swiftly swept us away to the world-frozen-in-time – Herculaneum!
Gasping at the sight of the mighty Mount Vesuvius on our way. This city was untouched by time, preserved under a deluge of mud and offers a spectacular view of standing structures, resplendent marble floors, stunning mosaics and beautiful paintings. We had a leisurely three-hour walking tour while immersing yourself in its historic charm. One or the many fascinating excursions offered from the Silversea all-inclusive package for all customers.
After boarding the ship back at Pier 5 we had the rest of the day at leisure before meeting for pre-drinks at Dolce Vita Bar followed by dinner at The Grill. We set sail late from Naples with a sail away cocktail party on top deck. Next stop after a day at sea to St Tropez!
Day 3. – Sea Day
I enjoyed another breakfast in the veranda of my suite, delivered by Titto. We met with Donnatella for a guided tour of the Silver Ray. The ship is delightful and a favourite part of mine is the Arts Cafe. It is a central hub for the ship where you have access to early teas, coffees, pastries for breakfast and the changes to light lunched followed by afternoon teas! Here is also reception, booking desk and onboard shops.
Silver Ray has eight dining venues onboard where you can experience Japanese, French, Mediterranean and Italian cuisines. We met and ate frequently at the Marquee restaurant that covered Spaccanapoli and The Grill to Hot Rocks dining in the evening. We had a taster of the Opium Spa areas where guests can use the gym, steam room, sauna and plunge pool. The beauty room area smelt divine, and optional spa treatments were available of every choice.
After lunch today was Silversea’s immersive culinary experience concept at S.A.L.T. with an interactive cooking class in the S.A.L.T. Lab! We had hands on experience of local recipes in a professional kitchen. We were delighted with our Italian dishes, which tasted delicious. The evening had formal dress code, and we were invited to meet the captain for pre-dinner drinks. Afterwards, we enjoyed the live west end show ‘35mm Blockbuster’ with soundtracks of some of the world’s biggest movies at the Venetian Lounge which was just out of this world.
Every evening you receive a delivery to your suite: ‘The Chronicles’ which is a daily ship magazine. This details your next destination, weather updates, any excursions available and the dress code for next evening, and so much more useful information. It also shows a full daily activity programme from Spanish lessons to cookery classes, and destination lectures.
Day 4. - Saint Tropez
After breakfast with the group, we boarded a tender boat to Saint Tropez port. A glitzy glamorous coastal resort that needs no introduction, Saint Tropez is the French Riviere hotspot of choice for A-listers and flotillas of gleaming yachts. Its famous bars offer views of the port along the front, and big-named brands labels glimmer in the shops. We had a wander around at leisure for several hours, soaking up the atmosphere and looking at the multi-millionaire super yachts along the front. Oh, to be rich and famous!
We caught the tender back to the ship for lunch and spent the afternoon at leisure. After a staying around the pool and soaking up the sun, we met for our last dinner and nights at Atlantide restaurant. The ship departed late for our next stop to Marseille, arriving in the early hours on Day 5, here we disembarked for our flight back to Heathrow.
My journey of Silversea on the Silver Ray was an experience I shall never forget. The class, food and overall service on the ship was outstanding and one I shall never forget. Here’s to my next Silversea cruise!
