Up to this point in my travel life, I had not considered myself a cruiser. I have traveled on smaller craft like Sea Dream, A&K Nile cruising, and Orient Express Road to Mandalay, but I was never interested in cruising on larger ships.
I have to say, I was most pleasantly surprised with Silversea. All my expectations went out the window. No boatload of geriatrics with walkers, no endless buffet food, no seasickness, no tacky folks in shorts and gold chains, and tons of ways to get in strenuous exercise.
This cruise was full of young and young at heart, delightful, interesting, sophisticated, well traveled people. The nationality make up was around 30% Australians( I never met an Australian that was not delightfully funny and loads of fun), 30% British and 30% Americans. Excursions offered each day were fun, could be strenuous, and extremely interesting. Usually no more than 20 people, daily excursions really helped one learn about the destination in depth. And Silversea started each destination with lectures on the destination’s history and points of interest the afternoon before. Archaeology, historical culture, religion, and art history were examined.
The cabin was huge: Two televisions built into the twin mirrored walls -one in the living room, and one in the bedroom. We also enjoyed a large bathroom with tubs and separate showers, floor to ceiling windows and a roomy verandah with wicker lounge chairs. And most importantly we had a very large closet. Another surprise was the amount of storage space- drawers everywhere.
The ship offers 5 restaurants: my favorites were the Japanese and the French. I was shocked at the fine quality of the food and wines were imported from the region or you could delve into the serious bottles on the enormous wine list offerings.
It really comes down to the people you meet and the people you travel with;
I found Silversea engaging, interesting and tremendously fun, ships ahoy!
Venice was our first stop; the ship was docked overnight right next to the city.
We had 2 days to see that most amazing, romantic, mysterious, gorgeous city. I visited the brand new Aman Grand Canal and it lives up to the Aman tradition. Stunning, serene and most elegant. Opened just 3 months ago, it is located on the western part of the city near the Rialto Bridge. It was a private palace and the public rooms are jaw dropping
A 16th century Palazzo: Palazzo Papadapol, Aman has waved their magic wand and brought comfort and peacefulness to a garden property right on the Grand Canal.
And her darling husband, David. We are on an excursion in Dubrovnik, tasting Ston Oysters.
I had the distinct privilege of cruising on the Silver Spirit down the Dalmatian Coast-Venice Italy to Athens Greece.
Our routing took us to Zadar and Dubrovnik Croatia, Kotor Montenegro, Corfu Greece, Chania on Crete, Nafplia and ending in Athens, Greece.
Every detail to make clients comfortable is carefully planned with meticulous preparation.
Food specialties from all over the world are reflected in their fine dining: La Champagne for French, Terrazzo for Italian, and Japanese offerings at Seishi.
Silversea offers Butler service, Champagne and fresh fruit, Pratesi Italian bed linens and down duvets. Italian marble bath, walk-in closet,flat screen TV’s in both the bedroom and living room with movies, and satellite news programming. We had a choice between Ferragamo or Bulgari hypoallergenic bath amenities. Our mini bar was stocked with all our favorite beverages- for me- champagne. Yay!
We are welcomed with a tented area including a sofa and water station at the deck entrance each day upon returning from an intruiging excursion.
Our Butler, Sanjay Kumar is the perfect attendant. I had a bit of a cold and upon returning one afternoon, he had placed cut fruit on the coffee table, and boxes of tissues all over the suite. Always standing there with a beautiful smile, we are happy with Sanjay.
Silver Spirit’s capacity is 540 people. It is considered a smaller ship and we have a much easier time docking closer to the destination than the larger ships which have to moor in the bay.
4000 talented travel consultants, suppliers and press converge in Las Vegas one week each year to connect, learn and enhance their clients’ travel experience. The energy and passion for this travel connection is immense. Classes are offered by the top travel experts in the business- highlighted by Helen Nodland, and the always delightful Ann Scully. An active network called VAST offers an all day exposition to better learn about the latest and greatest offerings in the active travel industry.
We meet hotel General Managers, heads of hotel marketing, destination management companies, tour operators, safari operators, airline representatives, destination wedding suppliers, and sales directors from all over the world – 396 meetings over a four day period. We meet before the general meetings, at specialized luncheons, cocktail parties and dinners, in addition to the 396 presentations. By the time the week is over, I can say I am thoroughly ensconced in travel information. I came home energized, inspired, armed with the best information and fabulous new connections to enable me to make my clients dreams come true.
Drinks on the Verandah, while the children run on the greens with no shoes- late afternoon. Sun is about to set.
Feeling that grass between your toes is unforgettable.
Since it’s inception in 1928, Sea Island Cloister has welcomed generations of families for their summer fun. Chock full of the usual activities: beach play, beach club games, beach walking, biking, crabbing, sailing, boating, windsurfing, fishing, sea kayaking, incredible spa experiences, horseback riding on the beach, skeet shooting, falconry, the Cloister has maintained the fun but raised it to a new level of elegance. Bingo at the Cloister has taken on a new luster. I think there were at least 400 people participating- ages 5-95. Dueling pianos on Friday is not to be missed- like a piano bar on steroids.
Sea Island has never looked more beautiful with it’s Spanish Moss draping the trees. There is a special sense of place on Sea Island and my family will have the memorable experiences growing up there that I had. A wonderful, peaceful, gorgeous, elegant place, like no other.
Image courtesy of Sea Island Cloister
I had the privilege of visiting the recently opened hotel, Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton. Built as a Residence in 1842 for one of Bridgehampton’s prominent citizens, Topping Rose House has emerged from restoration as a delightful travel alternative in the Hamptons. Contemporary design by French designer Champalimaud, Topping Rose combines old house elements with new contemporary event spaces and cottages. Event space capacity is around 200 people. The 22 rooms and cottages are cleanly designed, relaxing, bright and cheerful. Service is spot on, with a young enthusiastic staff, ready to please.
The highlight to me is the Tom Colicchio restaurant. Mr. Colicchio’s philosophy of seasonal farm to table offerings are always an amazing experience. The goat cheese ravioli appetizer and spiced lobster entree were our favorites. Exceptional wine list and seasonal vegetables from a plethora of local sources make this a must return spot!
Pan Fried Kabeljou
We had a ball!!
Fresh squeezed orange juice, coca tea, selection of local fruits and cheeses- wow!
Emerging from 7 years of loving restoration, Orient Express has again brought to life another historic 300 year old palace/ convent. I think it is what Orient Express does best. They bring out the most important reflection of culture in beautiful structures around the world and turn them into fabulous settings for guests to enjoy in delightful luxury. Hotels such as Palacio Nazarenas’ sister Hotel Monasterio in Cusco, Peru.
Hotel Caruso, Vila San Michele, Hotel Splendido and Splendido Mare , and Hotel Cipriani in Italy. Grand Hotel Timeo, and Villa San Andrea in Sicily, La Residencia in Spain to name a few. Their attention is just as focused on their iconic trains: the Royal Scotsman in Scotland, the Venice- Simplon Orient Express in Eastern Europe, the Eastern & Orient Express in Singapore, and the Hiram Bingham in Peru. And then there are their cruise ships: starting with Road to Mandalay- I could go on and on.
With our Butler, Barnaby and the darling Ximena behind the desk.
Orient- Express Regional Director of Sales, Asia Pacific
Our resident photographer
Notice the steepness of the terraces at MP
So excited to be there!!
This side plunges straight down.
We arrived at Machu Picchu at 1230P and for the next 4 and 1/2 hours, explored the ruins. What a photo op!
After our divine day at the site we visited Orient Express’s Sanctuary Lodge- located at the entrance of MP. When the crowds are gone you have the site to yourself.
We were treated to High Tea at Sanctuary Lodge -yum- before our amazing return trip back to Cusco on the Hiram Bingham. Met with trays of pink champagne, we thought the lunch trip was fun until we had the unforgettable experience of more singing, dancing dinner and drinks on our return. A very happy tired group tucked into bed that night at the gorgeous Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco- brand new sister hotel to the iconic Monasterio Hotel.
More about the hotels next!!
Astounding vistas
Fabulous, glamorous Molori in Malaria Free Madikwe Reserve, South Africa
Image courtesy of Molori
Stunning Lodge!!
Seen in an arrangement at Molori, Madikwe South Africa
Dispatches from the Road 