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Copyright © 1995-2002 
Linda Coffman

 

Cruise Diva's CRUISE DIARY
~ Istanbul to Genoa ~

Silver Whisper - Silver Suite AccommodationsShhh—don't shout! 

Greet me with a Whisper... an ultra luxury Silver Whisper

Istanbul & Embarkation, June 5 & 6, 2002

For those of us who remember, air travel was once an adventure to anticipate. Due to time and changing circumstances, it can be a grueling experience. However, with a cruise to look forward to, even the long flight to Istanbul was bearable.

Deluxe treatment began the moment we alighted from the plane and made our way through passport control. Silversea representatives met us at baggage claim and took over the task of moving luggage and our weary bodies to the elegant Swissôtel Istanbul The Bosphorus—the first leg of our voyage, which was just the beginning of the entire Silversea experience.

View of the Bosphorus from Swissôtel Istanbul

View of the Bosphorus from Swissôtel Istanbul 

For anyone who is hesitant to travel to Istanbul, just let me say—go there! It's a fascinating city with a history steeped in intrigue. It's also a dream destination for travelers and offers a bit of something for everyone. For sightseeing fans, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, and the Cisterns are just a few highlights. Shoppers can head for bargains at Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market or trendy designer shops on Rumeli Street and the Nisantasi area. Food lovers will find an abundance of Turkish and international restaurants to select from. After an afternoon of shopping, we enjoyed a leisurely meal of traditional Turkish dishes in Taslik Turkish Restaurant, a former private residence on the grounds of Swissôtel.

SILVER WHISPER

Refreshed from a good night's sleep and elaborate buffet breakfast in Café Suisse, Silversea guests could choose transfer tours of Istanbul or take the complimentary shuttle to the pier in mid-afternoon.

Sitting Area—Silver Suite 725

Sitting Area—Silver Suite 725

I managed to complete my shopping pier side and proceeded to check-in; a swift process. Relieved of my carry-on, I was greeted with a flute of Moët & Chandon champagne and escorted to my Silver Suite where checked baggage awaited me. But first—the suite! All accommodations on Silver Whisper are termed suites, but the Silver Suite is my favorite—701 square feet of pure comfort in muted shades of gray and ivory and rich wood cabinets. With unpacking out of the way (and the walk-in closet barely half full), my stewardess dropped by to familiarize me with the mechanicals; how to operate the television, VCR, and CD player, plus the workings of the Jacuzzi tub in the marbled bathroom. Did Cleopatra have it this good? I doubt it. The flower arrangement on my dining table was so perfect I thought it was silk. It wasn't—the exquisite flowers were real, as were the orchids in a delicate bud vase on the cocktail table. For easy listening, a selection of CDs were also at my fingertips.

All suites are equipped with a refrigerator, stocked with soft drinks, beer, and guests' preferred spirits. Writing desks are complete with personalized stationary, postcards, a programmable telephone, and shelving units contain a dictionary, encyclopedia, almanac, and world atlas. My dressing table was equally well outfitted with a hairdryer and make-up mirror. The bathroom toiletries are by Bvlgari.

Still feeling somewhat jet-lagged and weary, the Jacuzzi in my suite was a soothing indulgence before dinner. After a delicious, perfectly rare filet, I tumbled off to sleep. Enveloped in silky Frette linens, I dreamt of the coming day at sea and plenty of time of fully explore the lovely Silver Whisper.

Next -> Cruise the Cyclades Islands & Go Ashore at Nafplion, Greece

Back to the Istanbul to Genoa Cruise Diary Index

Find out more about the Med in Mediterranean Ports of Call

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Dk Eyewitness Travel Cruise Guide to Europe & the MediterraneanDk Eyewitness Travel Cruise Guide to Europe & the Mediterranean

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The most useful guidebook I've found for multiple European ports of call


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