Review: Silver Dawn

What is the line? Silversea

Name of ship? Silver Dawn

Passenger occupancy? 596

Itinerary? Roundtrip Lisbon

Few ships shimmer brighter than Silver Dawn, with its you’ve arrived vibe, white gloved-butler pampering, and a novel spa concept celebrating indulgence both within the spa walls and in-suite. 

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for? 

Silversea lures diehard devotees for its all-inclusive luxury cruises. Among the draws, all-suite accommodations, a sophisticated design reflecting its Italian heritage, tux-clad butlers for all passengers, complimentary alcohol and fine caviar, and diversified stylish restaurants. Silversea offers six ultra-luxury ocean liners (with its seventh, new-class Silver Nova, debuting August 2023), four polar expedition ships, and Origin, a Galápagos-dedicated small expedition vessel. Passengers are primarily 55+, although expeditions can skew younger. With itineraries traversing all seven continents, Silversea draws well-heeled, well-traveled passengers, primarily from the United States, with a notable amount from the UK and Europe. 

Tell us about the ship in general 

Launched in April 2022, the 596-passenger Silver Dawn envelopes passengers in luxury and beauty. The swank line’s latest and greatest new innovation, Otium spa, debuted on this ship. Wherever I went, I saw passengers sipping cocktails and champagne, nibbling caviar, schmoozing by the pool -  generally acting, well, joyous. Here’s one reason: The attentive crew find ways to make you happier than you thought you already were. I was only half-joking about chaining myself to the bed at departure time.  

Who is onboard? 

As a traveler who spends much time in the UK and Europe, I really enjoy meeting passengers and making friends with those living outside the United States. That’s a big Silversea advantage. Sailing Silver Dawn felt so worldly. On my cruise, I met a bunch of Brits and practiced French. Well-off passengers, mostly over 55-years-old and traveling as couples or a friends group, were friendly and open to conversations in lounges or the whirlpool. No one overdressed, sticking to casually elegant looks except when the dress code required more formal attire. Solo cruisers could meet up nightly for hosted cocktails. I often saw several eating dinner together. 

 Describe the cabins 

I unpacked in one of 34 Silver Suites, a one-bedroom with a long entry foyer, living room, dining area and sizable veranda. It felt like a smart European apartment, decorated in neutral hues with pops of orange and blue. All suites are equally gorgeous, really different size variations on one elegant residential-inspired theme with stunning marble baths. The 242 Veranda Suites are the largest category and popular. Those living especially large bunk in Royal, Grand or Owner Suites, one-to-two bedroom accommodations with even larger verandas. Silver Suites and up receive more perks such as an illy espresso-maker or complimentary laundry; the higher the category, the more amenities. That said, stay in an entry level veranda-free Vista Suite, and experience indulgence in every important way – enjoy butler service, bathe in a stall shower or soaking tub. 

Tell us about the crew 

Once you’ve experienced Silver Dawn – or other Silversea ship - butlers, you may find sailing without them lacking. Butlers take the time to learn you - the little things, like wanting breakfast eggs, scrambled well with chives only served in-suite at 8 a.m., or a daily gin martini delivered precisely at six p.m. on the veranda. They whisk away laundry, switch shore excursions and find last-minute dining reservations without breaking a sweat. Quite simply, they make cruising smooth as silk, providing a glimpse of what rarified life is like. They may wear tuxedos and white gloves and strike a formal tone, but their polished presentation never feels stiff. Such service works for this ship, and makes Silversea stand out from Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn, comparable luxury lines. The entire crew strikes that fairly formal tone (except for servers in outdoor eateries)yet you can feel the underlying warmth.

What food and drink options are available on board? 

With eight dining choices, eating well and lavishly are de rigueur. Expect a “dine-around” menu for ordering anytime, anywhere, and 24-hour room service including dinner served in courses. Only two restaurants are fee-based (La Dame and Kaiseki) and all require evening reservations except alfresco pizzeria Spaccanapoli, S.A.L.T. Kitchen and three-meal-a-day Atlantide. The 76-seat La Dame’s reservations are the hardest to score; book far in advance for a swoon-worthy French six-course extravaganza awash in delicacies like foie gras, lobster and aged beef. Despite its main-dining status, Atlantide still feels special, with intricate menus starring primo beef and seafood. (Order the Indian food specials; native chefs ensure they’re authentic.) I think everyone loves lively La Terrazza, with its peerless charcuterie board, pillowy focaccia and hand-fashioned daily pastas. (The lasagna and duck ragout pappardelle are fabulous.) 

Kaiseki’s really popular for complimentary lunchtime sushi. Come nighttime, chefs up the game, preparing exquisite sashimi and modern Japanese takes on classics like surf and turf that would be equally at home in a chic Manhattan bistro. Silver Note delivers tapas with a cool jazz or blues club scene. (I preferred dropping by later for the excellent entertainment.) S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) Kitchen dishes up cuisine reflecting the sailing region. This restaurant, relatively new to Silversea, is a solid hit for good reason. Cooks don’t gussy up local dishes, keeping the soul in plates like Portuguese pan-fried salt cod on my cruise. 

At the poolside Grill, passengers sizzle steaks and fish over hot rocks; many love it simply for its casual under-the-stars vibe. I saw passengers stop walking the jogging track, drawn by the wafting aroma of Neapolitan pizza at Spaccanapoli. My favorite hangout was all-day Arts Café, for frothy pre-workout morning cappuccinos, flaky afternoon scones and evening appetizers such as salmon mousse topped with salmon roe. 

Most notably, sustainable top-drawer caviar, presented with all the proper accoutrements, is available complimentary, anytime, anywhere. I made it a nightly fest, gleefully washed down with champagne. The tiny S.A.L.T. Bar, showcasing mixologist concoctions evoking the region, seemed the buzziest. So much so, I never got in. I chilled at Dolce Vita, an expansive people-watching lounge where the bartender stirred perfect martinis and lemon drops.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

Beeline it to Silversea’s next-gen spa Otium, especially if reclining post-treatment, sipping champagne and nibbling house-made treats like marshmallows and dark chocolate truffles, makes you grin. (Those sweets were so good, I stuffed extra in my bathrobe pockets for later.) Modeled after the ancient Roman elite class’s lifestyle, Otium emphasizes indulgence as much as pampering treatments.

Ancient Roman-style art evokes a slightly decadent ambiance, and every room is softly lit. Before a treatment, your butler presents a spa robe in-suite for the upcoming visit. New lengthier Med-inspired treatments like facials and massages rule, with 100-minutes proving popular. Post-massage, I was so relaxed, I pushed the elevator button for the wrong floor. Medi-spa services are also available. All passengers can enjoy the steam rooms and saunas of Otium Thermal Suite complimentarily. 

Otium indulgence extends to suites, too. Rest and renewal is a big part of the Otium philosophy; new beds showcase specially designed Otium mattresses and crisp Italian linens. I did sleep deeply each night. Butlers draw (battery-powered) candlelit aromatherapy baths post-treatment and present a wooden tray with champagne and a handmade macaron. I loved the Otium comfort-food room service menu, with treats like truffled popcorn and foie gras burger on brioche, among several selections.

Activities and entertainment 

The pool with its two whirlpools is the main hangout. (There’s another hot tub at the ship rear on Deck 10.) Passengers mostly moved between the pool, Pool Bar, loungers and the Grill. Team trivia drew a steady bunch and as did some S.A.L.T. lectures. The Deck 11 jogging track attracted more walkers than runners, cruisers often pausing to soak up the view. Serious workouts take place in the Fitness Centre, a good-sized, well-equipped venue.    

S.A.L.T. Lab books 24 students per hands-on cooking class for exploring regional recipes.  I thought our recipes were simple, fashioning chick pea and salted cod salad, and scrambled eggs with salt cod and crisp potatoes, yet our Portuguese instructor fascinated by explaining her culinary culture.

The casino may not be the buzziest real estate, but the Venetian Lounge draws evening crowds. Like most small-ship luxury lines, Silversea eschews big productions; instead, it showcases the Voices of Silversea, a few singers who perform together or solo. I preferred guest artists, a violinist or pianist, perhaps. 

I usually avoid production shows like the plague, but ex-Broadway cruise director Vicki Van Tassel put on one that was hysterical. I laughed until I cried. Her act felt like one performed in a Manhattan club for cool kids – so edgy for Silversea. 

How was the experience for families? 

Silver Dawn is typical Silversea; children are rarely seen onboard; if sailing, they lean older and well-behaved. (The minimum age to sail is six months.) Christmas and Easter promise some kid activities run by a youth counselor.  

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out? 

My cruise was a short introductory itinerary, roundtrip Lisbon, visiting Portimão. Med sails are Silversea strong suits, so expect many such sails plying this popular sea. 

My S.A.L.T. excursion was knockout. These outings highlight local chefs and tastemakers, cuisine and wine. In Portomão, we boarded a small bus to Maria do Mar, a hole-in-the-wall tin fish market/restaurant, where a chef prepares flavor bombs like sardines, anchovies and mackerel on grilled bread. We devoured everything, quaffing much Portuguese white wine (vinho verde) to cheer our insider-y afternoon. 

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

I didn’t notice any, but I see that Silver Nova, the first of a new ship class debuting in August 2023, leans hard into green initiatives with advanced hybrid technology utilizing fuel cells and promise zero port emissions. 

Anything we missed?

Not really. Silver Dawn delivers such a complete package, the ultimate luxury experience, equally balanced in all departments.

Why is the cruise is worth booking?

Silver Dawn delivers most everything a luxury cruiser desires, from sumptuous suites and  choice-filled fine dining, to a next-gen pampering-aplenty spa. Besides, this line intimately knows the Med like few others; if you explore the S.A.L.T. program, so soon shall you.