Tour the "New" Silver Wind
A fresh breeze at sea
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Silver Wind
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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
Find out more about worldwide Ports of Call
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