Silversea Cruises’ Silver Wind's new look and feel will have passengers oohing, aahing and perhaps even sweating a little as they work out in a totally redesigned fitness center.
Last
November, the luxury cruise line company gave its second oldest ship a
$20-plus million refurbishment, outfitting her with new upholstery,
room amenities, eight new suites, a larger spa and an Observation
Lounge on her top deck.
The Wind, which was added to the fleet in January of 1995 as a twin to Silversea's first ship, The Silver Cloud, was last revamped in 2001. The vessel can accommodate 298 guests, has 149 oceanview suites, ranging in size
from 240 to 1,314 square feet, and 80 percent of the suites feature
private verandas.
"The upgrades and expansion of Silver Wind
represent far more than a routine scheduled replacement of carpet and
window treatments," said Ball via e-mail. "When you look at all the
changes together, this is not only a refurbished ship—it feels like a
new ship, while maintaining the high quality of Silversea."
The
decor embodies a "sophisticated contemporary style that is warm and
inviting with touches of natural cherry wood, russet and golden tones."
New and Improved
A
centerpiece of the project was the addition of an Observation Lounge
(capable of seating 60 guests), spa, beauty salon and fitness center on
the forward section of Deck 9. As a result, the ship's exterior
appearance has been altered, with floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap
around the new space. A new two-floor, glass-enclosed elevator was also
installed connecting Decks 8 and 9.
One of the premier locations aboard, The Wind's
new spa, which encompasses the beauty salon and fitness center,
features four massage rooms, a body treatment room, dry sauna and steam
sauna. The fitness center includes a bodybuilding room and separate
aerobics room, both with panoramic ocean views. Walkers and runners can
enjoy an outdoor track around the exterior of Deck 9. Take the glass
elevator down one floor to Deck 8 to soak in one of two hot tubs or the
outdoor pool, or lounge in the sun.
All of the ship's
pre-existing dining and lounging areas were included in the
refurbishment. Guests can expect new carpeting, upholstery and paneling
in The Restaurant, The Bar, The Show Lounge, La Terrazza and the
Panorama Lounge. Clients will enjoy the Italian-themed La Terrazza
restaurant on Deck 7. Breakfast and lunch in La Terrazza are served
buffet-style, while reservations are needed for dinner. For a more
intimate meal, clients might enjoy the wine-themed Le Champagne
restaurant, where they can enjoy fine wines with a course-by-course
tasting. Le Champagne is the only restaurant aboard where a surcharge
is required.
Tip: Ask housekeeping to stock your mini fridge
with your favorite drinks. Remember: Everything is free so don't be shy
about splurging.
"We're delighted with the results of this major renovation," says Amerigo Perasso, Silversea's president and CEO. “Silver Wind
has a refreshed look and feel, yet the ship retains her elegance and
charm throughout. The company has made an important investment to bring
this vessel in line with the style and design themes that are planned
for our new ship, Silver Spirit, currently under
construction. With these enhancements, our guests are sure to enjoy a
renewed sense of luxury and comfort aboard Silver Wind.”
The 540-passenger Silver Spirit is scheduled for completion in December.
For more information on Silversea Cruises, travel agents can call 1-877-215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.
Agent Speak
Barbara Stein ([email protected], 1-800-881-7690), a travel agent with Post Haste Travel, an affiliate of Virtuoso, had been a passenger on the Silver Wind
prior to the refurbishments and believes Silversea clients should be
aware of the renovation as well as the luxury atmosphere of a Silversea
cruise.
"Because of Silversea's reputation as one of the most
luxurious cruise lines, I think clients should be aware that there is a
relaxed, warm, friendly atmosphere aboard their ships, that service is
extraordinary and that the size and passenger/crew ratio is so
favorable that one wants for nothing," said Stein via e-mail. "I think
the variety in dining is an attractive feature for potential
passengers, from the Terrazza to Le Champagne. Despite the small size
of the ship, which, incidentally, is a major PLUS for getting into more
remote and exotic ports, Silversea has very good entertainment with an
exceptional on-board cast. Perhaps they are lacking somewhat in
providing a variety of additional entertainers, but there is always an
evening activity to provide entertainment.
"Even though one
might, by reputation, consider Silversea as elitist, it is nothing of
the sort. All passengers are made to feel comfortable," added Stein.
As
for criticisms, Stein said it’s hard to find any, though commented that
"the bathrooms are relatively small with little storage space, although
the suites have a great deal of storage space in total."
Silversea's
international atmosphere "is an enriching experience in itself," said
Stein, and "perhaps one differentiation from the other luxury cruise
lines."