Travel & Leisure


Silver Wind, an exceptional cruise

Euripide wrote «the sea can wash away all evils». What could be more inspiring than the clarity of water to gently prod childhood memories of beatitudes gone hazy! All year round, Luxe-magazine will be reviewing, just for you, exceptional giants of the sea, where every single day holds promises of new adventures. So let us start cruising! One shining example of perpetuating the fine art of good living on all of the oceans of the world is the Silver Wind vessel launched by the Silversea cruise company, owner of one of the most remarkable Italian fleets. So time to put up anchor in Las Palmas, for an 18-day cruise that will take you all the way to South Africa, Cape Town to be more precise.
A total makeover for Silver Wind

Silver Wind has been completely renovated to the tune of 25 million dollars: new spa (5 treatment cabins), a fitness centre, the total renovation of suites and common areas, without neglecting to mention an « Observation Lounge ». Nothing was left to chance for Silversea guests, who most often are regulars, to offer even more luxury comfort in the deluxe category. Unrivalled cruising comfort is ensured by 148 suites, including 16 ranging in size from 50 and 122 m², most of them with teakwood terraces. A staff of 212, at your service, who cannot do enough for you. Champagne overflowing, small snacks at any time, night and day, afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, a casino, shows, Bulgari products, Frette linens, Wifi Internet, what more could you ask for ? All on board, for the dream trip of the year !

Welcome on board

As you step onto the cruise ship, you can’t help but be impressed with the quality of the service : a hostess welcomes you, takes your luggage and gives you your « sesame » card to access your suite, while you are offered a glass of Champaign and a luncheon at the Terrazza.
All is organized like clockwork for your full convenience. A housekeeper assigned to your cabin, takes your luggage and shows you to your suite.
The totally redesigned decor offers a classic but warm atmosphere : a soft big-size bed, a living room corner overlooking your own terrace where you can have breakfast plus a marble bathroom with a bathtub.


No day is alike

Spend your day at your own pace and to your own fancy. Start the day with a royal buffet breakfast at the Terrazza or in your suite, for ultimate convenience, so that even the most die-hard sportsmen present will be ready to dedicate themselves fully to their favourite pastime. A cruise is not meant for idle day dreaming, but for action!
For insatiable gourmet connoisseurs, a VIP breakfast au champagne, is awaiting you in the « Champagne ».
Every morning, you will find a new activity schedule. The most difficult part is making up your mind amongst the excursions, parlour games, conferences, cooking classes, language classes, jogging, pilates, dancing, everything goes!

Gourmet food, at any time

At the GrillPool, you can snack on hamburgers, salads or even hot dishes, in swimwear.
Gourmet connoisseurs can have lunch at the Terrazza with a new luncheon theme every day.
At tea time, meet up at the Panorama Lounge. Tea, coffee, scones, cake, little fruit pies, a real tea, up to British standards, is served.
After a busy day, recharge your batteries in the calm of your suite, to get ready for dinner. A drink at the bar, to the sounds of jazz music, will get you into an evening mood and cheer.
The icing on the cake is perhaps a « champagne » dinner with your choice of two gourmet menus, imagined by Jacques Thorel, served with different wines. Chef and owner of a Relais gourmand in Brittany ( Relais & Châteaux), he has been working as a consultant, to draw up new menus au Champagne every year, along with an assortment of 40 dishes for gourmet dining, called «the world collection » which can be sampled at « The restaurant ».  If you are looking for peace and quite, why not have your meal in your suite.

The evening is just getting underway

For connoisseurs of fine cigars, try The Humidor, the ideal place to end the evening with fine liqueurs.
Quick, you can get in a few thrills at the Casino, before enjoying a show on bridge 5.
On these floating palaces, everything is designed to enjoy the pleasure of every instant, without having to worry about getting out your pocket books or paying a tip. The price is high, but justified with all included (transfers, port taxes, tips for staff, meals and as many drinks as your heart desires...).
Avril 2009
By Katya PELLEGRINO
Reservation Tapis rouge
+33 1 42 56 55 00
www.tapis-rouge.fr