Brisbane to cairns silversea cruises and virtuoso australia

Day 1

Time to set off on my 4 day, 3 night luxury cruise from Brisbane to Cairns. Boarding at Portside Wharf located at Hamilton in Brisbane, passengers were easily able to access the location from Brisbane City - only 20 minutes by Taxi. The facility itself offers a selection of Restaurants, world class shopping, a Cinema and the only “Moevenpick” Ice-cream bar in Brisbane.  

I boarded at around lunch time and was greeted and recognised by name at Reception, then escorted to a Midships Verandah Suite by our Cabin Stewardess who introduced herself as Victoria. The suite featured a large Verandah with patio furniture and a floor to ceiling glass door, sitting area, Queen sized bed, large marble bathroom which included a full sized bath and separate shower plus walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, hairdryer and robes. The suite offered a truly beautiful space of 345 sq ft or 32 m, whilst the “Lead in” category Vista Suites were 287 sq ft or 28 m by comparison.  Similarly, they feature large picture windows and are equally well appointed.

Day 2

Whilst on board we did have the opportunity to view other Suites which offered more space and benefits of Complimentary Butler Services and Laundry services. I was delighted by the consistency across all categories of Suites.

Day 3

The ship anchored off Hayman Island where I took the opportunity to participate in an inspection of the accommodation, arranged privately. For ships passengers who chose to disembark by tender this was a complimentary Silversea experience which included two hospitality rooms, drinks and lunch in the Beach Pavilion. Other excursions, including Seaplane and helicopter flights could be bought directly from the Island.

Hayman offers magnificent views of the Pacific and very blue ocean. A great resort with various Accommodation offerings, including; 7 Wings, Beach, Lagoon Lanai, and Lagoon Wing with very large Apartment style accommodation, Central Lanai, Palm Wing, Pool Lanai and Pool Wing, suited to Families. A tropical Paradise is more suited to Executives or clients wishing to 'get away' without being too isolated. The Island offers a number of Restaurants, Activities, Relaxation options, Spa and Beauty treatments plus Resort and Island shopping.

Back to our accommodation on “The Silver Shadow.”

During our time at sea, we experienced:

• 4 Restaurants - La Terrazza, The Restaurant, and poolside grill. There is also Le Champagne Wine Restaurant operated by Relais & Chateaux (extra charges apply). In suite dining is freely available.
• Fitness Centre – excellent equipment and I particularly liked the ability to walk against the waves with a view from my treadmill. The Centre next to the Spa & Beauty Salon offered every service from Aerobics to Personal fitness and wellness sessions (private lessons at an extra cost billed to your onboard account).
• Entertainment – Varied and included a Magician, Pianist, and String Quartet. There was also Lectures on Board, Bingo, Bridge and a number of activities that Guests could participate in. Silversea Chronicles placed in your Suite each day included all the information and news that one would need to plan the day including, Weather, Sunrise, Sunset and Dress Code for the evening.
• Clothing – Recommend a range of casual to formal wear dependent on the length of the Cruise. 5-9 days would include 2 formal nights, 10-19 days would be 3 and 20 days would be 4 (you will always be advised). i.e. Formal evenings a Suit for Men can be a lounge suit and Tie (does not have to be a Tuxedo but can be if preferred).

The Ship has:

• A very well stocked library, board games and cards
• Email & Internet Access via the Internet Café (cost incurred), or your own laptop
• Wi-fi locations throughout the ship
• Business Centre
• Boutique / Shopping
• Medical Centre
• Self Serve Laundry
• Casino
• Humidor – SMOKING Policy – Smoking permitted in designated areas of the Bar,
• Pool area, and outside Panorama Lounge as well as the Humidor
• Currency, on board, USD$
• Electrical, 110-220 volt
   

Benefits for Passengers:

The unceremonious and quietly achieved “Wow” factor begins the moment you board Silversea which can be considered as First Class Transport, Accommodation, Service, Food and Beverages. The “all inclusive” fares exceed expectation with the quality provided and with the included gratuities. The “inclusive” pricing is true value for money as everything you desire is available. 

"There is a total feeling of pleasure and relaxation, with the intimacy on board inviting and leading to new friends from all over the Globe. The problem with Silversea is that as far as holidays go, it's as close to perfect as can be - leaving you wanting more and more! "

Staff:

All excelled and nothing was too much trouble for the Staff of Silversea. Even on our short journey and after our first lunch in La Terraza, our favourite foods and Window tables had been noticed by the Maitre D’, Stewards & Stewardesses.

www.Silversea.com

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