by Jane Archer, The Telegraph, August 29, 2017
Overall Rating 8/10
Silversea’s first new ship for eight years offers a different take on cruise-ship dining. Muse was christened in a VIP ceremony in Monaco, attended by its monarch Prince Albert II.
Style and character 8/10
Silversea has gone for a classic luxury look: light wood and beige edged with silver handrails, and sparing use of colour. The large Dolce Vita and Panorama lounges lack intimacy, but the cosy Arts Café (which also features a terrace) and the jazz-inspired Silver Note provide good alternatives. There are no formal nights but formal and informal attire is required in several restaurants.
Cabins 8/10
The Balsorano suite is the best room on this ship. One of four apartment-style owner’s suites with either one or two bedrooms, it takes its name from Silversea’s chairman and is filled with his books, artworks and photographs. All the cabins on Silver Muse are suites, and all except six have a balcony.
Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower, and all the rooms have walk-in wardrobes and the services of a butler, who will bring a choice of toiletries on arrival, serve drinks and pack and unpack. TVs are built into the mirrors, and there are UK plug points and USB slots.
Facilities 7/10
The Zagara Spa offers massages (from US $159/£123 for 50 minutes), facials, acupuncture and Botox, among other treatments. These start in a low-lit mood room where passengers can choose their preferred oils and scrubs.
Other facilities include a show lounge, swimming pool, small casino, gym and high-end boutiques. This is the first Silversea ship to include a children’s play area.
In a radical step, Silversea has scrapped the main dining room in favour of individual restaurants. There are several, ranging from the Asian-fusion Indochine to a steakhouse and a French venue, La Dame by Relais & Châteaux.
The poolside Grill becomes Hot Rocks in the evening, when diners cook their meat on volcanic stones. Kaiseki, a Japanese teppanyaki, and La Dame, which serves a six-course food-and-wine tasting menu, cost extra ($60/£46 per person) and passengers are advised to make restaurant reservations in advance. I experienced some slow service, but this may have improved by now as my cruise took place just after the launch.
Excursions 7/10
A comprehensive range of port tours is available at extra cost and a shore excursion concierge can arrange private trips if required.
Value for money 7/10
Cruise fares include most dining, tips, Wi-Fi (complimentary time varies depending on suite grade) and soft and alcoholic drinks. A premium drinks menu is available; this includes a 2006 Moët & Chandon Dom Pérignon for $265/£205 and a 2010 Burgundy Grand Cru for $230/£178 (0844 251 0837; silversea.com).
This article was written by Jane Archer from The Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].
Related Articles
Top Baltic Cruises for Sport Enthusiasts and Active Travelers
Silversea Adds 2018 Pacific-Coast Explorations
Silversea Launches Expedition Leadership Training Academy
Adventure Travel Offered on Traditional and Expedition Cruise Ships