Silver Cloud
Silver Cloud / Silversea
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Pool Deck
Pool Deck / Silversea
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On deck
On deck / Silversea
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Chicken with potatoes and asparagus
Chicken with potatoes and asparagus / Silversea
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Cruise Silversea Cruises

Silver Cloud

Our Ship Review
Silversea Cruises
Cruise Line
by Peter Knego
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

The oldest and smallest non-expedition ship in the ultra luxe Silversea Cruises fleet, the 296-guest Silver Cloud launched in 1994. The all-suite cruiser has an intimacy and charm that has earned it a fiercely loyal following over the years. Nice touches include wide central passageways spanning each deck, a central stair tower that looks like a double helix, numerous intimate nooks and crannies, and open terraces that overlook the ship’s wake. Silversea’s top-notch cuisine and white-glove service with European flair are ranked among the very best at sea. Note: Silversea recently announced plans to convert Silver Cloud to an ice-class expedition ship in 2017.

What We Love

The Food: Dining on this ship is a leisurely, elegant affair, with open seating. Choices include the Continental-style main restaurant with its fine linens, silver, and crystal settings or the Italian-themed La Terrazza that boasts an al fresco terrace. There is also the extra-tariff Relais & Châteaux-certified Le Champagne, featuring a set wine-pairing menu.

Interesting Lectures: On each cruise, illustrious speakers from television personalities to scientists to former heads of state cover an extraordinary range of topics.

Every Room Has a View: All suites on the Silver Cloud are outside, ranging from 240-square-foot Vista Suites with picture windows to a lavish 827-square-foot Owner’s Suite.

Best Known For

Nonpareil Service: The crew numbers 222, meaning there is an outstanding 1.3 guest-to-service ratio, one of the highest on the seven seas.

Culture-Rich Itineraries: Silver Cloud is a bona fide globe-trotter with a wide range of cruises calling at lesser-known Mediterranean hamlets and a season spent cruising African waters.

Who It's Best For

Savvy Travelers With a Big Budget: This is a ship for those who want to immerse themselves in luxury and savor culture with like-minded guests.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

It’s an Older Ship: Some deck areas and public spaces need sprucing up, and the staterooms situated far forward are not recommended for those with wobbly sea legs, especially on long ocean voyages.