SILVER WHISPER ShipTour

Page 1 2 3 Click on pictures to see them full-size. Close new window to return. Observation Lounge The Spa	The number of public areas for a ship that carries only 388 passengers is downright stunning, and we continue our tour of SILVER WHISPER with a look at some of the lounge and bar areas. We start on top of the ship, where, all the way forward on deck 10 you will find the exquisite Observation Lounge. With a dark blue carpet, white chairs and extensive wood paneling, the room looks a little dull, but I guess the equally dull Dutch weather didn't help much to brighten it up. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround the room and offer nice views over land and sea, while a large "control panel" in the middle of the Observation Lounge lets you watch course and speed. There are other little touches here: a small writing area is set to starboard side, jigsaw fans will find their puzzle corner here, and there is also a tiny self-service (!) bar. You can brew your own cup of coffee here and eat a sandwich or two (from a very appetizing plate that is refreshed often). What a great idea, and so befitting a ship of this caliber.


	Observation Lounge	Observation Lounge	Panorama Lounge
	Next door to the Observation Lounge is The Spa, operated by Mandara. Although not overly large, it features all the usual treatments in an Indonesian setting that complements the "far eastern" image of Mandara very well. Naturally, The Spa also features full workout and aerobics rooms. Spa treatments are not included in the cruise fare and are very popular; they should be booked as early in the cruise as possible. All the way aft on deck 8 is the Panorama Lounge, the ship's night club. Grouped around a very large circular wooden dance floor are groups of comfortable chairs and a large and quite beautiful bar counter. For anyone wanting to swirl around the dance floor, this is the place to be at night!

Panorama Lounge Pool Deck Show Lounge The Bar	The look of the Panorama Lounge is rather cool though, with its neutral walls, eggshell white and moss green furniture. Daylight streams in through large windows on the aft side of the room which overlooks a teak deck. It is interesting to see that Silversea has opted for the "vertical lay-out" of their ship with suite accommodation forward and all public rooms aft. The advantage is that your sleeping quarters will always be quiet, but going from bar to lounge to restaurant does include some stair climbing (or elevator standing). When we walk forward from the Panorama Lounge, we pass a small Library and Internet Café on starboard side, Further forward is the sheltered Pool Deck, featuring a nicely-sized swimming pool with twin Jacuzzis and showers. Naturally there is teak decking everywhere, and lounge chairs are padded. A small bar makes sure that no one walks away thirsty.

	Promenade Deck	Passageway	Show Lounge
	On we go to deck 6 and SILVER WHISPER's show lounge. Most public rooms are connected to the main stairtower by means of a wide passageway that features glass cases full of art objects. While certainly very stylish, the lack of windows in these and other areas make the ship feel rather "closed in". But, I suppose the sea view from any of the suites makes up for that. Silversea is known for its high-class entertainment, and all four ships in the fleet offer dedicated double-decked show lounges - which is rather unique given their low passenger capacity. The Show Lounge on SILVER WHISPER is done in a fin-du-siècle style that seems to be plucked directly from the movie "Moulin Rouge". Lots of plush reds and gold's adorn this wonderful room, that offers perfect sightlines from just about every seat.

	Show Lounge	The Bar	The Bar
	Last but not least is a gem of a room located on the base of the Show Lounge. Simply called "The Bar", this is perhaps my favorite of all SILVER WHISPER's public rooms. With deep red carpeting, red and gold furniture, well-chose artwork and a beautiful bar this little room breathes atmosphere and must be perfect for that one drink before the show starts. This brings us to the end of our SILVER WHISPER tour. While certainly not everyone's cup of tea, Silversea has managed to design a ship that feels intimate and inviting. As mentioned before, my time on board was very limited so I did not get a feel for service and food. But by judging the ship's interiors, I think Silversea is safe in naming themselves "The Ultimate Luxury"!

ß previous page