Tour the
"New" Silver Wind
A fresh breeze at
sea
 |
|
Silver
Wind
|
February
2009
—
Here at
Cruise Diva, we like to take a fresh look at cruise ships when
they've been substantially upgraded. If you haven't sailed on Silver
Wind lately, you will be surprised and pleased with her
enhancements.
Launched in
1995, Silver Wind personified luxury and understated Italian style. Yet,
even one of the world's loveliest and most exclusive cruise ships
needs an occasional makeover and when Silver Wind received a multi-million-dollar
renovation in Genoa, Italy, the ship emerged
from her drydock refreshed and rejuvenated.
As our taxi approached
Silver
Wind, her changes
were apparent even before boarding.
Instead of the line’s stylized “S” logo, the funnel now sports the
Silversea name spelled out and her
profile reveals the structural addition forward on the top deck that
houses the spa, fitness center, and Observation Lounge.
Fresh
Décor & Enhanced Accommodations
During
her renovation, not only were suites outfitted with new bedding and
artwork, but all carpeting, upholstery, and drapes were replaced. A
new bold color scheme successfully blends tones of gold, burgundy,
rust and a mossy green to create a comfortable personal environment
in the Verandah Suite pictured here.
New wood cabinetry and flat-screen televisions complete the
revitalization in the main living spaces.
Bathrooms have also
been re-done with
a combination of marble
and stone trimmed with warm wood accents,
vessel style sinks, and wood flooring. The one thing left unchanged
is the choice of toiletries. Those who love Bvlgari products won’t
be disappointed.
In addition to décor
refurbishments, moving the spa to Deck 9 provided space for a second
Owner’s Suite with a connecting Vista Suite on Deck 7, as well as
the addition of a Medallion Suite (photo right).
However, the name "Medallion Suite" is something
of a puzzle. At 678
square feet, it is larger than
one-bedroom Owner’s Suites
and Silver
Suites, which are more spacious on Silver Wind's larger ships. The
Medallion Suite's
living room is large enough to seat a dozen for cocktails and four
can comfortably enjoy meals at the dining room table. A separate
bedroom, walk-in closet and dressing table, guest powder room, and
massive bathroom complete the suite. While three large picture
windows offer expansive sea views, there is no balcony. Yet, for one
of the largest suites on board (and the largest bathroom), it's
right in the middle in terms of fare categories and a bargain for
passengers who require space, but not necessarily outdoors.
To
complete the accommodations upgrades, four additional Medallion Suites
with balconies were added to Deck
8. At 470 square feet, the newly added suites have drapes
instead of a door separating the bedroom from the living area.
 |
| A Quiet
Corner in The Bar |
Public Rooms
Retaining the integrity of the
ship was important to Silversea, but the 90s era pastel look has
vanished. In its place are warmer natural colors accented by jewel
tones that lend the ship a stylish boutique hotel vibe. Interesting
artwork graces passageways and public spaces.
Lounges and restaurants remain familiar spaces with fresh new looks.
Carpeting, upholstery, drapes, and flooring have been replaced for a
more sophisticated appearance. The Panorama Lounge has gained a
podium where continental breakfast is set up every morning. Stained
glass art treatments adorn The Bar. The Restaurant retains its domed
ceiling, but returning guests will notice new wood floors,
banquettes, window treatments, and artwork. Flow is improved In La Terrazza with a subtle reconfiguration of the buffet’s dining area.
An outdoor sail-covered area aft protects diners from the elements.
Pool Deck, Fitness
Center & Spa
The most dramatic changes to
Silver Wind
are found on her upper decks, where centrally located stairs between
Decks 8 and 9 were replaced with a spiral staircase and a glass
enclosed elevator located on each side of the pool that serves only
two those
decks. In addition, a permanent Pool Grill and expanded Pool Bar
were made possible by the stairway relocation.
A structural addition on Deck 9 repositioned the gym to its current
starboard location adjacent to an expanded spa with four treatment
rooms.
 |
| Observation Lounge |
Observation
Lounge
A brand
new Observation Lounge has taken the gym’s former prime space overlooking
the bow. With cushy seating and floor-to-ceiling windows it’s an
ideal viewing spot complete with telescopes. If there’s nothing to
see on the horizon, its shelves are stocked with reference books and
board games and refreshments are at hand all day.
Le Champagne
Restaurant
Relais Gourmands, the cuisine-oriented division of Relais
& Chateaux, has contributed dishes for the select menu in
Le Champagne, an intimate alternative restaurant located on Deck 4
beside The Restaurant, Silver Wind's main dining room. Le Champagne is
open nightly for dinner only, when guests relish
the elegance and charm of the restaurant's old-fashioned Italian
accent pieces and luxurious accessories set amidst a rich color
scheme of russet and soft gold. Reservations are required and
there is a charge of $200 per person for this gourmet dining experience
when paired with vintage wines poured for each course or $30 per
person for the meal alone.
Before
you go
According to a company spokesman, "Silver Wind is a favorite
among many of Silversea's Venetian Society members." With its
chic new look, it's sure to remain their preferred ship for years to
come.
Ultra-luxury cruising is more affordable than
ever. In addition
to all-inclusive fares, throughout the year Silversea features a
number of attractive programs offering substantial savings. For
complete itineraries and information about these special programs
and more, see Silversea Cruises' comprehensive website at
www.silversea.com.
Get in touch with The
Silversea Experience
Cruise Line Profile
- Silversea Cruises
Fun Facts about Silver
Wind
The exclusive
Silversea past guest club - Venetian
Society
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