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Silver Cloud...The Most Luxurious Destination in The Caribbean!
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By Arie Boris
Imagine warm tropical weather, haute cuisine, personal attention...to the point of pure indulgence, add a constantly changing view from a private veranda and you have just a few of the many reasons the Silver Cloud is the most luxurious destination in the Caribbean. The Silver Cloud does not stop at a private island. It is a private island-one of the most exclusive anywhere in the world. From the first glass of Philipponnat Royale Reserve Champagne (the "official" beverage on the Silver Cloud) upon stepping onboard, guests are enveloped in a sumptuous atmosphere of understated elegance.
No gaudy neon lights on this intimate ship. The Silver Cloud hosts a capacity "crowd," if you will, of a mere 296 well-heeled guests. A crew-to-passenger ratio of 1.5 to 1 provides a level of attentive, yet unobtrusive, service unmatched on the high seas. Onboard this 16,800 ton "yacht," you will find only suites the majority of which include a private veranda. Upon entering my spacious "digs," I realized the next nine days would be the most luxurious visit to the Caribbean I have ever experienced.
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| View from the upper deck |
Waiting on the writing desk, next to a box of Godiva Chocolates was a personal letter of welcome signed by the Captain himself. "As Master of the Silver Cloud, I invite you to relax and enjoy the ship's unregimented atmosphere and all-inclusive amenities, for a vacation experience that is truly carefree." What a typically understated Silversea welcome!
As I explored my suite, while indulging in Godiva, I found a bottle of Philipponnat Royale Reserve Champagne on ice, Hilden bed linens, sumptuous down pillows, personalized stationary, fresh fruit, orchids and a marble bathroom stocked with the most incredible Bvlgari soaps, lotions and shampoos. In addition to the well-stocked bar, television and VCR, the Silver Cloud provides ensuite dining from the main restaurant menu. The thought occurred to me there was no reason I would have to, or even want to, leave this luxurious "home away from home." However, sailing the Caribbean on the Silver Cloud affords far more than just a comfy stateroom!
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Endless opportunities abound, depending on your mood, style, passions, and energy level. Exotic Balinesian inspired spa treatments, including Javanese honey steam wraps, seaweed hydrotherapy, and Bali-atsu massage, renew and rejuvenate at the Mandara Spa. Do laps in the heated pool or on the jogging track. Pilates, yoga, and personal training are available in the fitness center. Attend an enrichment lecture about the history, sociology, and politics of the local peoples. Golf clinics and language lessons are available, along with a well-stocked library. Check your e-mails at the Internet café, take dance lessons, play bridge, or enhance your tan in the Caribbean sun while lunching al fresco by the pool. All this, while being treated like an owner, not just a mere guest!
A Caribbean evening onboard the Silver Cloud is distinctive. Cocktails are served in intimate surroundings that encourage the art of conversation. All beverages, including an extensive selection of fine wines, spirits and champagnes are always complimentary throughout the ship (and the in-suite cocktail cabinet and mini-refrigerator are continually replenished with your preferences.) Classical recitals, along with sophisticated café society entertainment, are the routine.
After recent New York concerts at Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, La Sane Gaveau in Paris and a recent first appearance in Tokyo, Russian concert pianist, Katya Grineva performed onboard the Silver Cloud on several occasions. Enjoying a Caribbean evening to the strains of Mozart and Bach at the hands of this world renowned talent is a welcome change from the "classical" steel band one has come to expect.
The casino atmosphere is far more Monte Carlo, than Vegas and the The Humidor by Davidoff is available for an after dinner cognac and a fine cigar from the world class Davidoff collection. Overall, the ambiance onboard the Silver Cloud, when the Caribbean sun goes down, is about European sophistication joined with the flavor of tropical nights.
As you can imagine, the culinary experience onboard the Silver Cloud is quite incredible!
On every Silversea voyage you can experience the culinary mastery of "La Collection du Monde"...30 signature dishes created exclusively for Silversea by the Relais Gourmands Master Chefs of Relais & Chateaux. With renowned hotels and restaurants in more than 50 countries, the 459 Relais & Chateaux maintain a level of quality established almost 50 years ago, encompassing the Five "C's": Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm, and Cuisine. On many Silversea sailings, Relais & Chateaux guest chefs host artful culinary demonstrations featuring their local regional cuisine.
On several occasions, upon returning to my suite in the late afternoon, I found exquisite delicacies like Foie Gras Terrine with Brioche and Apricot Port Wine "with Compliments" from Executive Chef, Laurent Austrui. The creative integration of attitude, attention, and cuisine, makes spending a week onboard the Silver Cloud in the Caribbean truly luxuriant.
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| Chocolate Bread Pudding |
There are two primary dining venues. The Terrace Café serving sumptuous breakfast and luncheon buffets. In the evening, the dining space is transformed into a romantic candle lit venue featuring themed dinners with waiter service. Variations included "Flavors of the Orient", "Tour de France", "La Cucina Italia" and an evening hosted by a Relais & Chateaux guest chef. All offer a tasting menu with a series of set courses. My favorite was the Italian dinner, but each of the preparations was exceptional.
The Restaurant offers breakfast and luncheon with impeccable service and a full array of choices. Dinner in The Restaurant is close to perfection. Beautiful surroundings, attention to detail and fantastic food preparation are the standard. Surprisingly, there was no music, which would have enhanced an already inviting venue. Menu items were varied with each presentation a true work of art. Offerings included delicacies like Roasted Squab, Maui Red Onion and Ginger soup, Curry Claim soup with Apples, Crisp Duck with Candied Turnips and Spiced Plums and Chilean Sea bass topped with Hazelnut and Rosemary. The menus were never repeated and each evening an extraordinary selection was offered along with the simple, made to order standards including grilled Sirloin Steak, broiled Chicken Breasts and Salmon Fillet.
Desserts were so good and so beautifully prepared, a mere description could not possibly come close to experiencing them in person on this incredible ship!
A week in the Caribbean, on the Silver Cloud is the absolute perfect Island retreat!
For more information about Silversea's "floating" Caribbean paradise, log onto their website at www.Silversea.com.
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