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7 Night South Pacific Cruise

Silversea's luxurious small-ship cruises and expedition voyages sail the world for unique and in-depth experiences in remote locales. 

Experience the world’s very own paradise in the South Pacific with Silversea Cruises. Tahiti, Bora Bora and the other islands await!

This picture-perfect island is everything you ever dreamt of, from lush greenery inland and perfectly clear turquoise waters to the scent of gardenia from the coconut groves.

• Silver Whisper - Passenger Capacity: 392 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2001 Last Refurbished: 2024

Take advantage of limited-time offers and special deals

Cruise Line

Cruise Ship

Silver Whisper

Departing From

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Destination

South Pacific / Tahiti

Ports of Call

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia , Moorea, French Polynesia , Raiatea, French Polynesia , Huahine, French Polynesia , Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Special Promotions*

Silversea Cruises: Save $3,000 per suite*

Up to $500 FREE Onboard Credit* - TCW Exclusive

Silversea: FREE Gratuities, FREE Drinks, Butler...

• Itinerary & Pricing

7 Night South Pacific Cruise sailing on the Silver Whisper

Departure dates: apr 2026 - aug 2026.

From $5,900

Stateroom prices for Apr. 6, 2026

Published prices from

Based on Suite cabin prices

Taxes & Fees Included

Sailing Map

*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include government taxes & fees. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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Silversea's 2026 French Polynesia and South Pacific Odyssey: A Journey of Luxury and Discovery

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Silversea Cruises

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Tahiti & South Pacific Islands

The South Pacific offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, with azure waters, majestic peaks and lush valleys. Cruises to this area of the South Pacific -- located halfway between California and Australia -- visit the Society Islands and its popular island of Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tuamotu, Fiji, Solomon Islands and more.

Many tourists are attracted to these islands’ carefree lifestyle, white sandy beaches and unspoiled terrain. Spend time exploring a lagoon on a glass-bottom boat ride, hike into the mountains for stunning views of the varied landscape or shop for Tahitian black pearls, one of the world's rarest pearls. Water activities abound with opportunities to scuba dive, snorkel, jet ski, parasail and windsurf off the coast of many islands.

• Cruises to Tahiti & South Pacific islands are available year-round.  
• Most cruises to Tahiti & South Pacific islands last from 7 to 14 nights.  
• Papeete is the most common departure port for a Tahiti cruise, but longer cruises that visit more islands are occasionally available from larger cities such as Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale or Sydney. If you must fly a very long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

Silversea Cruises to the South Pacific

We found you 10 cruises

South Pacific Cruise

Port: Tahiti • Atuona • Nuku Hiva • Rangiroa • Bora Bora • Aitutaki • Rarotonga • Moorea • +1 more

Port: Tahiti • Bora Bora • Tahiti • Nuku Hiva • Honolulu • Kauai • Kailua • Hilo • Maui • +1 more

Port: Tahiti • Atuona • Nuku Hiva • Rangiroa • Bora Bora • Raiatea • Moorea • Tahiti

Port: Tahiti • Bora Bora • Tahiti • Nuku Hiva • Honolulu • Kauai • Kailua • Hilo • Maui

Explore the Mediterranean with Seabourn

• Revel in sublime comfort in a superbly appointed luxury suite
• Visit an imaginative mix of vibrant cities and yacht harbours
• Enjoy our unique itineraries with complimentary events and activities

Port: Los Angeles • Hilo • Kailua • Kauai • Honolulu • Maui • Vancouver

Port: Hilo • Kailua • Kauai • Honolulu • Maui • Vancouver

Port: Los Angeles • Hilo • Kauai • Honolulu • Maui • Kailua • Nuku Hiva • Tahiti • Bora Bora • +1 more

Port: Santiago • Robinson Crusoe Island • Easter Island • Nuku Hiva • Atuona • Rangiroa • +4 more

Port: Tahiti • Bora Bora • Raiatea • Tahiti • Nuku Hiva • Fatu Hiva • Atuona • Marquesas • +3 more

Port: Tahiti • Moorea • Raiatea • Huahine • Bora Bora • Tahiti

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Silversea Cruises

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Silversea Cruises fleet

Silver nova, silver origin, silver endeavour, silver moon, silver dawn, silver muse, silver spirit, silver whisper, silver shadow, silver wind, silver cloud, silver galapagos, review of silversea cruises.

Silversea (silversea.com, 1994-founded) Is an ultra-premium travel brand and Monaco-based cruise company. With its first ship ( Silver Cloud ), Silversea pioneered as an all-inclusive passenger shipping company on May 30th (1994) when Silver Cloud was christened in Monte Carlo (Monaco) . Currently, Silversea's schedule list 900+ destinations (ports and islands) all over the world. By 2024, the brand's fleet capacity (11x vessels) will increase 56% in comparison to 2020 (pre-COVID).

Company history and changes

Until 2018, Silversea's owners were the Lefebvre family ( Rome City, Italy ) and V-Ships (fka Vlasov Group) of Monaco. Its business model was ultra-luxury cruising with smaller-sized all-suite ships.

In June-July 2018, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group acquired 2/3 of the company. On June 14, 2018, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) and Manfredi Lefebvre D'Ovidio (Silversea's majority stock owner) announced an agreement for RCCL to acquire 66,7% equity stake in Silversea or purchase price ~USD 1 billion. At the time, the company was valued at approx USD 2 billion. RCCL financed the deal (through debt) in October. In addition to the cash money, the Lefebvre family received around 472,000 RCL shares. Silversea kept the company's management team led by Roberto Martinoli (President and CEO between 2016-2022).

In January 2023-March 2024, Silversea's President and CEO was Barbara Muckermann (promoted from CCO/Chief Commercial Officer) while Roberto Martinoli was appointed Senior Advisor to RCG's President and CEO. In April 2024, Barbara Muckermann was succeeded by Bert Hernandez (with RCG since 2004).

In May 2023 was appointed Mark Conroy as a Senior Advisor to Silversea's Global Sales department led by Massimo Brancaleoni (Senior VP), while Joe Leon was promoted to Managing Director for the Americas. Until 2023, Mark Conroy served as Silversea's Managing Director for the Americas. In the past, Mark Conroy held senior positions at Dimond Cruises (ship Radisson Diamond/1992-built, IMO 9008407) and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas Cruises and has also served as Renaissance Cruises's President and Royal Viking Line's VP of Sales.

In May 2024 was appointed Martin Froggatt as VP of Global Tour Operations. Previously employed by Abercrombie & Kent, he reports directly to Silversea's President.

On August 1, 2018, after receiving regulators' final approval, the acquisition deal was officially closed. RCCL owns 66,7%, while Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio owns 33,3% stake and remains the company's Executive Chairman. Following the acquisition was announced the "Project Invictus" - a multi-year fleetwide project for drydock refurbishments and product enhancements. The project's first enhancements started with Silver Muse (August 19, 2018) with upgraded champagne and caviar offerings. Next were scheduled for upgrades Silver Whisper and Silver Wind ((December 2018). All liners in the fleet will be updated taking inspiration from the flagship Silver Muse . In July 2020, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Group purchased Silversea's remaining shares from Heritage Cruise Holding Ltd. The purchase was in the form of 5,2 million RCL shares (~2,5% of Royal Caribbean's total common stock).

Celebrating the company's 25th Anniversary in 2019, Silversea ships accumulated 47800+ cruising days and served passengers with 9,4+ million cruise days.

Since the beginning, the company's all-inclusive fares included port charges, travel insurance, gratuities (none were allowed), one or more shore events (excursions) per cruise itinerary and beverages (selected wines at lunch and dinner). Most (around 80%) of the brand's clients were expected to come from North America, so the line established its marketing office in Fort Lauderdale FL .

The Fleet's first vessel ( Silver Cloud ) entered service in April 1994, followed by sistership Silver Wind in January 1995. In September 2000 was launched Silver Shadow . Silver Whisper debuted in January 2001.

In 2008, Silversea entered the luxury expedition travel market by purchasing the ship Prince Albert II (Society Expeditions-owned) and upgrading it to the industry's highest standards.

• The reconstructed vessel ( Silver Explorer ) was inaugurated in June 2008 for exotic itineraries (Arctic, Antarctica, Western Africa safari cruisetours) and Zodiac boat expeditions for wildlife viewing.
• In January 2021, Silversea announced that the 33-years-old Silver Explorer is sold and in September 2023 leaves the fleet. The ship will be operated by Exploris (Paris France-based new cruise brand) starting operations in December (2023).

On June 18, 2012, was announced that Silversea had acquired Canodros SA - Ecuadorian luxury tour company operating cruises in Galapagos Islands . The deal included former Renaissance ship Galapagos Explorer II (renamed in 2013 to Silver Galapagos ). The 100-passenger ship was deployed year-round in the Galapagos Islands (through 2020 when was sold). The 3rd expedition ship "Silver Discoverer" joined "Silversea Expeditions" fleet in March 2014 for itineraries in Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia, Russian Far East, Australia New Zealand. The chartered vessel has a glass-bottom tour boat, Zodiacs (large motorized boats used for landings), snorkeling and dive program (with complimentary equipment). In May 2019, Silver Discoverer was sold to CroisiEurope , joining the fleet in 2020-Q1 under the name La Belle des Oceans .

In 2017, Silversea started selling bonds to the public to finance the company's business. The plan was to raise USD 550 million (up from the originally-planned USD 275M). Senior secured notes (due in 2025) paid interest at 7,25% rate.

In June 2017 was announced the company's partnership with Peninsula Hotels ( Hong Kong -based hotel chain). Silversea's new "cruise and hotel" program debuted on Silver Muse (during World Cruise 2019). Both brands collaborate only on Asian itineraries. During these voyages, Peninsula Hotels provides chefs and specialists to interact with passengers and arrange exclusive onboard events in select Asian port cities.

In August 2018 was launched the travel blog Discover (discover.silversea.com). There are posted itinerary-themed mini-documentaries and behind-the-scenes videos themed on the world's most unique cultures and lifestyles, rare geographical phenomena, unusual landscapes, wildlife, topics on glaciology-botany-ornithology-marine biology, useful travel skills, expert photography tips, as well as specially produced for Silversea photos and videos and original stories by company's Expedition Experts.

In May 2019, CroisiEurope (one of Europe's largest river cruise companies ) announced the acquisition of Silver Discoverer (1989-built). Joining CroisiEurope's fleet in 2020-Q1, the ship will be renamed La Belle des Oceans . The French company currently owns one sea-going vessel - the 2007-built La Belle de l'Adriatique .

In late-July 2019, Silversea announced a partnership deal with the French company Lalique (1888-founded in Paris France). The brand specializes in the production of lead glass/crystal (including vases and perfume bottles) and luxury crystal art. For Silversea, Lalique will produce decorative glass artworks (hand-crafted crystal panels) for fleet's La Dame restaurants (capacity ~40 seats each). The Lalique artworks are positioned at the restaurant's entrance and also along the walls. The crystal panels incorporate 2 main aquatic-themed designs - Masque de Femme (a nymph surrounded by marine creatures) and Coutard (a spray of water droplets).

In 2019 (August 10 through September 5), Silver Explorer completed the company's first " Northwest Passage Cruise " from Alaska ( Nome AK ) to Europe ( Tromso Norway ). The 26-day voyage included ~9260 km of sea navigation and visiting 27 ports and destinations on 2 continents and in 3 countries. During the passage through the Canadian Arctic, the cruise ship was escorted by a CCG icebreaker . On the ship were 15 expedition team crew (including historians, geologists, botanists, marine biologists, ornithologists, professional photographers) presenting ~50 itinerary-themed onboard lectures.

In mid-June 2022 was announced that the 2021-built Crystal Endeavor was acquired by Silversea (via RCG). The megayacht was scheduled to enter drydock for refurbishing and rebranding, to be renamed (Silver Endeavour) and added to Silversea's Antarctica 2022-2023 program. On June 8th, Silversea trademarked the ship names "Silver Endeavor" and "Silver Endeavour". Crystal Endeavor's purchase was confirmed by RCG on July 18th.

In March 2024, the Door-to-Door (all-inclusive pricing) was expanded with two more options:

• "Door-to-Door All-Inclusive Fare" - encompasses private land transfers (home-airport-hoe, international flights/Business Class upgrades at reduced rates, land tours/shore excursions)
• (new) "Port-to-Port All-Inclusive Fare" (includes shore excursions) targets tourists who prefer to independently plan their pre- and post-cruise travel arrangements.
• (new) "Essential Fare" is a cruise-only fare (inclusive of all onboard amenities and services except land tours) allowing tourists to independently arrange their flights, land transfers and shore excursions.

In June 2024, RCG launched the Loyalty Status Match program allowing loyalty members from each brand (RCI’s Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club, and Silversea’s Venetian Society) to attain reciprocal tier status across all brands.

In the late-2000s, Silversea started a fleet-expansion program adding tonnage through newbuilds.

In December 2009, the company launched the 540-passenger Silver Spirit . In 2017 was launched the 596-passenger Silver Muse (building cost EUR 105 million / USD 125M) - Silver Spirit modified design.

On September 11, 2017, was signed a EUR 310 million (USD 370M) shipbuilding contract with Fincantieri for 3 new cruise ships - including Silver Moon , with scheduled delivery in 2020. Currently, Silversea has a fleet of 9 operational vessels, with a planned expansion up to 12 units. The last two newbuilds are the Silver Nova (2023) and Silver Ray (2024).

When the Silversea-Fincantieri deal for Silver Moon was signed (September 2017), the Italian shipbuilder had a total of 78x cruise vessels (built in the period 1990-2017, of which 55x between 2002-2017) plus other 31x currently being designed or constructed.

On May 14, 2018. was signed the Silversea-Fincantieri order for Silver Dawn (November 2021).

In October 2018, RCG announced shipbuilding agreements for all 3 new boats for Silversea. The MoU (with Meyer Werft Germany) included 3 new (EVOLUTION Class) ships with first delivery in 2022. The 3rd contract was signed with Shipyard De Hoop (Holland) for building Silver Origin . The new ship serves Silversea Expeditions' Galapagos Islands cruisetour program previously served by Silver Galapagos . Silver Origin entered service in May 2021 (originally planned for March 2020). In December 2020, RCG sold Silver Galapagos to an undisclosed buyer.

Ship refurbishments

In August 2016, Silversea announced the company's plans to invest USD 170 million in a fleetwide drydock refurbishment project. Ship upgrades started in 2016 with 3 ships.

• Silver Whisper had refreshed suites (dark emperor marble floors in cabin bathrooms, sun deck (new loungers, newly tiled pool). The Restaurant and La Terrazza are with new furniture and flooring (hardwood parquet/carpet). Two new satellite antennas provide faster Internet. On-demand movies and interactive TVs were added in all cabins.
• Silver Wind received the same upgrades as Silver Whisper - all cabins, restaurants, ship technology. The pool deck has all new teak decking.
• Silver Cloud was refitted into a polar expedition ship.

Silversea's travel experience

As a travel brand, Silversea provides an upscale, yet casual onboard atmosphere, bigger-than-average public spaces, 5-star service by professionally trained staff.

Extraordinary dining experiences are available on all Silversea ships, with wine poured generously at meals. The all-inclusive policy covers all gratuities and unlimited beverages - beer, wine, liquor, and soft drinks, except premium brands.

There are lecturers on all voyages, offering insights into the cultures of the destinations visited. Sometimes Silversea provides a bridge instructor or a golf pro for lessons at the practice nets on each ship. However, partly as a function of relatively low passenger capacity, few educational opportunities are available. Each of Silversea Cruises ships has a well-stocked library, a fitness center, and a Steiner-managed spa.

Meals in the main dining room are served open seating, with lunch available between 12:00 and 1:30 p.m., and dinner at any time between 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Alternative dinner is available at 7 p.m. in La Terrazza, free of charge (reservations are required) and in the upscale Le Champagne between 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Le Champagne applies a $200/$30 charge, which depends on the chosen dining option ($200 is for a multi-course degustation menu with wine pairings).

IMPORTANT: As there are no organized kids programs, Silversea ships are inappropriate for families with young kids.

Silversea passengers are generally, as on most small luxury ships, somewhat older than those found on bigger, mainstream vessels. In terms of nationality, about 50% are North Americans, with the other 50% coming from all over the world (mainly the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia). Many travelers are retirees with the resources and leisure to make Silversea their line of choice.

Perhaps because they provide the space for more facilities (cigar bar, wine bar, computer center, expanded spa, not to mention larger and better-equipped show lounge), Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow attract a younger clientele. Still, Silversea is not the cruise line for the 20- and 30-something travelers.

For season 2016-2017, Silversea Expeditions partnered with Technogym for selected Wellness-themed cruises. By this partnership, on all Silversea expedition vessels were offered fitness and wellness-themed onboard events and complimentary amenities and services, including spa treatments, classes (Yoga, Pilates, fitness), enrichment lectures, healthy cooking demos gym sessions (with personal trainers and Technogym equipment).

Since January 2019, Silversea upgraded fleetwide company's in-cabin TV programming by adding 2 new channels - National Geographic (NatGeo / science-travel documentaries) and Sport 24 (live sports events).

Since March 30, 2022, Silversea offers to all customers as standard (ticket price-inclusive) private executive transfers.

• The offer is part of the July 2021-signed partnership between Silversea and Blacklane GmbH (Berlin-based global chauffeur service provider / via mobile app-website-phone).
• The partnership deal was signed by Roberto Martinoli (Silversea's CEO) and Jens Wohltorf (Blacklane's CEO).
• All passengers are provided complimentary with the option of being collected (by a private chauffeured vehicle) from their homes and transferred to their local airport (located up to 50 mi / 80 km away) or directly to the cruise ship. The same service is also offered on return journeys.
• Silversea's private chauffeur transfers are available in 200+ cities in 50+ countries.

(NEW) Otium wellness program

In October 2021 Silversea announced the brand's wellness program "Otium", with planned inauguration in 2022 on the newbuild Silver Dawn . The program is inspired by the patricians' lifestyle in Ancient Rome, providing customized leisure time experiences.

• Otium Sleeping (Italy-manufactured premium Egyptian cotton linens, custom-made mattresses and pillows)
• Otium Bathing (walk-in showers, bathtubs, plush bathrobes, bath salts and candles, personalized playlists/your-choice music, in-cabin dining /caviar canapes, chocolate truffles, champagne)
• Otium Balcony (cashmere blankets, gourmet bites and appetizers, cocktails and hot beverages, misting system, sun creams) - on the cabins' balconies
• Otium Comfort Food (24-hour premium dining options, movie nights with gourmet popcorn, pre-dinner drinks)
• Otium Spa (enhanced spa treatments and massages menu, services by wellness experts, in-spa dining/wine-champagne and gourmet snacks)

Otium is an abstract term meaning temporary "leisure time" during which a person can enjoy food, games, resting, contemplation, intellectual discussions.

Cruise ship W-Fi and Internet

Since April 2018, all Silversea ships offer free and unlimited Wi-Fi access - regardless of cabin category. Previously (between January 2016 - April 2018) Silversea customers received 1 hour of complimentary Wi-Fi per day.

By the new policy, Silversea provides each standard suite passenger with free and unlimited Internet access. Booking larger suites (Silver to Owner grades) offers free and unlimited internet for up to 2 mobile devices pp (simultaneously). Unlimited premium internet package upgrades are also offered.

In August 2022, the shipowner RCG-Royal Caribbean Group signed a deal with SpaceX/Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (2002-founded by Elon Musk) for using Starlink's satellites to provide faster and low-latency Internet connections across the global fleet (Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, and Silversea ships). Fleetwide Starlink installations were scheduled to be completed in 2023-Q1.

Silversea Antarctica Fly-Cruise Package 2021

In December 2019, Silversea Cruises announced the company's first fly-cruise program to Antarctica named "Antarctica Bridge". The ultra-luxury flight+cruise packages provide travelers with the fastest and most direct travel to Antarctica. Starting December 2021, all 12 fly-cruise itineraries are on Silver Explorer . Antarctica Bridge bookings were opened on December 10, 2019, with fares from USD 17,500 per person (with double occupancy).

The new packages are inclusive of two direct flights between Punta Arenas (Chile) and King George Island (Antarctica) . The 1240 km long flight is over Drake Passage and on a Silversea-chartered plane adapted to land on King George Island. The business-class flight takes 2 hours (in each direction), avoiding ~4 days of sea navigation on the return leg of the cruise. An in-flight entertainment program includes information briefings on the Zodiacs (cruise ship's high-speed boats used for landings) and IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators). After the first flight follows 5 full Antarctica cruising days.

Silversea's Fly-Cruise Antarctica deals (Antarctica Bridge itineraries) are inclusive of:

• (Day 1) international flight to Santiago , domestic flight (economy-class) from Santiago to Punta Arenas, welcome cocktail reception and gala dinner (in Punta Arenas)
• (Day 2) pre-cruise hotel overnight in Punta Arenas
• (Day 3) private charter flight to Antarctica (King George Island)
• (Days 3-9) Silver Explorer cruise
• (Day 9) private charter flight from Antarctica (King George Island) to Punta Arenas, with post-cruise hotel overnight
• (Day 10) domestic flight (economy-class) from Punta Arenas to Santiago, international flight from Santiago

Complimentary to all cruisers are provided expedition gear (parkas, waterproof trousers, expedition backpacks, water bottles). For rental are offered rubber boots and walking poles. Airport-hotel transfers and luggage services are complimentary if the international flights are booked through Silversea.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, RCG suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (RCI-Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, Silversea, Azamara) worldwide by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 13, 2020, through June 2021.

Silversea Galapagos 2021 program restarted on June 19 (Silver Origin).

Silversea Alaska 2021 program restarted on July 29 ((Silver Muse).

Next are listed Silversea's first departure dates in 2021 by ship/destination - ORIGIN (June 19/ Maiden Voyage , Galapagos), MOON (June 18/ Maiden Voyage /Mediterranean from Piraeus-Athens), SHADOW (July 30/Iceland from Reykjavik), SPIRIT (Sept 3/UK-Baltic from Southampton), CLOUD (Nov 14/Antarctica), EXPLORER (Nov 10/Antarctica), MUSE (July 29/Alaska from Seattle), WIND (Nov 20/South America-Antarctica), WHISPER (Nov 17/Caribbean), DAWN ( March 18, 2022 / Maiden Voyage ).

All affected bookings received full refunds (100%), including on prepurchased through Silversea cruise packages and services. With rebooking are offered 125% refunds in FCC (future cruise credit) to be used on itineraries that depart up to April 30, 2022. The FCC must be redeemed by January 1, 2021. Changing the FCC to a monetary refund (100%) must be done by December 31, 2020.

Silversea's Cancellation Policy was extended to allow penalty-free cancellations up to 48 hours prior departure (all itineraries departing up until December 1, 2020, and receive an FCC.

Itinerary of Silversea Cruises

According to independent cruise market research, Silversea continues to be rated the number one luxury cruise line by ship capacity. With a fleet of 9 vessels, the company is also the dominant player on the Mediterranean luxury cruising market, especially during summer months. The second biggest by passenger capacity line is Crystal Cruises (Los Angeles USA-based). The third biggest luxury line is RSSC-Regent Seven Seas , followed closely by Seabourn .

• Silversea's "flight and cruise" package deals (by the line's Silver Sky program) are inclusive of the luxury cruise fare, discount round-trip airfare (Economy Class) and airport-pier-airport transfers.
• Silversea's "hotel and cruise" package "Silver Shore Simply Hotel" offers overnight 5-star luxury hotel stays with the option of adding transfers or upgrades. The upgraded cruise and hotel package ("Silver Shore Grande Hotel") offers 1-3-nights landmark hotel stays (or at a boutique property) and is inclusive of private transfers (airport-hotel and hotel-pier).

Silversea Expeditions scuba diving cruises feature some of the most remote destinations in the world and top diving sites in the Indian and western Pacific oceans. In addition to a divemaster on board, Silversea Expeditions' cruises feature experts including marine biologists, ecologists, environmentalists, and geologists.

Silver Explorer/now Exploris One sailed the first-ever Pacific Coast explorations of Silversea as part of the Americas 2018 program, all the way between Ushuaia Argentina and Vancouver BC Canada .

IMPORTANT: In late January 2021, Silversea announced that its oldest boat - the 33-year-old Silver Explorer, is sold and in September 2023 leaves the fleet. The ship is now operated by Exploris Expeditions (Paris France-based new cruise brand) starting operations in December 2023.

Silversea Expeditions

Follows a list of expedition-themed voyages operated by Silversea Expeditions' fleet (Silver Galapagos, Silver Explorer, Silver Cloud, Silver Origin, Silver Endeavor/Crystal Endeavor).

• "Photography Expedition Cruises" include photo walks, onboard workshops, and lectures led by professional photographers.
• "Birding and Ornithology Expedition Cruises" are offered on itineraries in Alaska and Galapagos (wildlife viewing themed).
• "Culinary Expedition Cruises" provide an array of ashore and onboard culinary-themed events.
• "Diving Expedition Cruises" by Silversea's scuba diving program are led by a professional expedition team and certified divemasters.
• "Wellness Expedition Cruises" allow passengers to improve their well-being while cruising to destinations in the South Pacific Ocean and Southeast Asia. Dedicated wellness specialists host an onboard fitness training program that includes Pilates, yoga, and stretching. Also included are cooking demonstrations and daily wellness lectures focused on balanced nutrition. Also, price inclusive are spa massage treatments.

Galapagos cruise itineraries

Silversea alternated two 7-night Galapagos Islands itineraries (Saturday to Saturday) approved by Galapagos National Park Service. Both are operated by the 100-passenger ships Silver Galapagos and Silver Origin (starting May 2020). The itinerary is between the homeport islands Baltra and San Cristobal.

The modified north-central cruisetour itinerary departs Baltra for San Cristobal with a newly added circumnavigation of Isla Daphne Grande (Daphne Major). The voyage explores Darwin Bay and El Barranco (on Genovesa Island ), Galapaguera Cerro Colorado and Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island), Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez ( Espanola Island ), El Eden, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island ) , as well as Seymour Norte , Rabida and Plaza Sur .

Departing from San Cristobal for Baltra, the enhanced western cruisetour itinerary has new points - Cerro Dragon and Playa Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island) and circumnavigation of Roca Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock / San Cristobal). The itinerary also includes Punta Vicente Roca, Caleta Tagus and Elizabeth Bay (on Isabela Island), Post Office Bay, Islote Champion and Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island), Los Gemelos, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), Bartolome, Playa Espumilla and Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island).

Silver Origin circumnavigates Kicker Rock and Daphne Major - both best-rated for exotic birds viewing. Flamingos can be seen at Las Bachas Beach. Wildlife viewing opportunities also include land- and marine iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins, finches.

All Silversea Galapagos shore tours/expeditions are complimentary and guided by an experienced certified team, On the ship, passengers enjoy premium butler service, gourmet cuisine, complimentary wines and spirits and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Itineraries 2024-2025-2026

The company's 2024-2025 (March-May) collection comprises 341x voyages visiting 695 ports and islands (in 120 countries) with 25 maiden ports. Deployments include both polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic), the South Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, Africa, South America/Galapagos.

Program 2024-2025 includes the inaugural season of the newbuild Silver Ray - the second NOVA-class unit (sistership to Silver Nova ).

Summer 2025 voyages

Silversea's summer 2025 schedule lists a total of 206 voyages (departures between March and November 2025). The fleet of 12 ships will visit 409 ports/destinations (in 60 countries) including 24 new/maiden calls.

The summer 2025 season offers 66 overnight port visits and 421 late-night port departures, allowing tourists to fully enjoy the destination's cuisine, culture and nightlife.

The two Grand Voyages in 2025 are in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe/North Atlantic. The 54-day Grand Mediterranean 2025 voyage (by Silver Spirit ) spans offers a comprehensive exploration of the region's renowned port cities as well as lesser-visited destinations.

The Mediterranean 2025 program groups 84 voyages on 6 ships, including the fleet's newest member - Silver Ray .

The Galapagos Islands offering has also been expanded with 26 voyages (on Silver Origin ) with revised itineraries that visit the islands Isabela  and  Fernandina plus the new destination Isla Lobos (off San Cristobal ) offering unique opportunities for snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, and bird watching.

Summer 2025 collection also includes 14 adventure-themed voyages to the Arctic and Greenland, including Silver Endeavour 's first Northwest Passage crossing .

In October 2023, Silversea initiated an exclusive pre-sale for its winter 2025-2026 (September-April) collection, encompassing 150+ itineraries to 200+ destinations, including 9 maiden ports.

The program's highlights include:

• Two new Grand Voyages: "The Grand South Pacific Expedition 2025" and "The Grand Australia 2025".
• Deployment of the newest ships for 17 Australian voyages.
• 38 expeditions to Antarctica (on three vessels), with additional voyages to the British oversea territories South Georgia and the Falkland Islands .
• Expanded Caribbean and Central America schedule, with 43 sailings (four ships) and 2 new homeports.
• 25 voyages (ship Silver Origin ) in the Galapagos , including two holiday sailings.
• 7 South American voyages featuring three scenic cruises to Antarctica (ship Silver Whisper ).
• 6 voyages to Africa and the Indian Ocean, providing opportunities for safaris in South Africa.

5 sailings offer stops in 14 Asian destinations (ships Silver Nova  and  Silver Moon ), offering experiences like Japan's cherry blossoms and extended port stays in megapolices like Tokyo  and  Osaka .

Itineraries 2023-2024 Grand Voyages

In late-August 2021, Silversea opened general sales on a total of 280 voyages scheduled for 2023-2024. The program also includes two Grand Voyages.

• 62-day "GRAND AFRICA AND ARABIA 2024" (Jan 27 thru Mar 29/roundtrip from Cape Town South Africa), ship Silver Spirit. Prices started from EUR 31100 (USD 36400) per person with double occupancy.
• 66-day "GRAND MEDITERRANEAN 2023" Oct 6 thru Dec 10/Lisbon Portugal to Piraeus-Athens Greece), ship Silver Moon. Prices started from EUR 30200 (USD 35370) pp.

The company expanded its global coverage by deploying 10 ships to 690+ ports/destinations (125 countries on 7 continents) - out of 900+ total ever-served by the company.

Planned for the period March 2023 through May 2024, Silversea's itinerary collection includes 60+ maiden ports, 197 port overnights, 60+ B2Bs/ back-to-back voyages . The next video shows Conrad Combrink (Silversea Expeditions' Senior Expeditions Leader) introducing the 2023-2024 program.

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5 best Silversea Cruises destinations

Ultraluxury line Silversea Cruises offers a jaw-dropping array of worldwide destinations on both classic — as the line calls its traditional cruise ships — and expedition vessels. Initially, Silversea was the only luxury line offering both voyage styles; perhaps its success led the way for others, such as Viking and Seabourn, which have followed.

Between its classic and expedition vessels, Silversea features more than a dozen ships visiting more than 900 destinations across all seven continents. Among classic cruise destinations, Silversea maintains a strong presence in Europe , especially in the Mediterranean . (Company headquarters are in Monaco.) It also sails the British Isles and Northern Europe from spring into late fall, and its Canada and New England leaf-peeping cruises generate much buzz in the autumn months.

Come winter, ships head to the always-sunny Caribbean , as well as summery Australia, New Zealand, South America and Asia.

Silversea caters to travelers looking for extra-long sailings to multiple destinations. The line offers a limited number of "combination cruises," where itineraries combine two or three cruises into one for in-depth regional exploration.

Grand Voyages, its next-longest options, can run from 59 to 131 days. The ultimate in destination-bagging, world cruises are the longest itineraries on offer and run once per year; for example, the 137-day voyage in 2025 departs from Tokyo and visits 59 ports across 30 countries — including Turkey, Italy, Sweden, India, Saudi Arabia and Greenland — before ending in New York. (The 2024 world cruise is already sold out.)

Silversea's expedition vessels seek more-remote locales. Three ships — Silver Cloud, Silver Endeavour ( formerly Crystal Endeavor ) and Silver Wind — extensively explore the Arctic and Antarctica during polar seasons. Silver Origin, custom-built to sail the Galapagos, cruises in the wildlife-rich islands year-round with just 100 passengers. Meanwhile, 144-passenger Silver Explorer spends much of its time in Australia's Kimberley region and also in the South Pacific islands.

When not sailing polar regions, Silversea's expedition vessels venture literally to every country permitted, from the American West Coast and the Indian Ocean to the South Pacific and South America.

The line's first expedition Grand Voyage in 2024 is a 125-day cruise on Silver Wind, sailing from the South Pole to the North Pole, offering the best of both Antarctica and the Arctic. Along the way, it will call on major highlight cities — Lisbon, London, Buenos Aires and Reykjavik, for example — across several continents.

With Silversea offering most of the world on a silver platter, the challenge becomes choosing a sole destination. Here, we offer five regions where Silversea consistently shines, promising a cruise meeting — if not exceeding — anyone's idea of a dream vacation.

Galapagos Islands

Silversea is a longtime player in the Galapagos ; now-retired Silver Galapagos began cruising there in 2013. The more polished 100-passenger Silver Origin, Silversea's first destination-specific ship, debuted in 2021 and sails between the islands year-round. All-suite accommodations with ocean-view showers, butlers for all guests, an interactive base camp, Ecuadorian cooking classes and a stargazing platform set this expedition ship apart from the exploratory pack.

Most cruises are seven days long, sailing round-trip from San Cristobal, Ecuador, and visiting Floreana and Santa Cruz among the isles. During the December holidays, 10- and 11-day voyages make onboard celebrating relaxed and easy, and 14-day cruises are ideal for travelers wanting a full two-week experience.

With two Silversea expedition ships — Silver Cloud and Silver Wind — cruising the Arctic , you can count on plenty of choice in this rugged, bucket list destination. The 254-passenger twin expedition vessels deliver a multitude of itineraries and voyage lengths from late May through early October.

Options include full circumnavigations of Svalbard that last more than a week and Northwest Passage crossings that can stretch more than three weeks. Some nine-day cruises are Greenland exclusive, while some of the longer sailings explore Canadian islands, such as Lower Savage, with opportunities to spot polar bears. These voyages allow passengers to learn about Inuit culture by visiting local attractions like the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, with its impressive collection of local and regional Inuit artifacts and artwork.

Related: I didn't think I'd like my 1st Arctic expedition cruise; here's what proved me wrong

Silversea now devotes three posh expedition ships — Silver Cloud, Silver Endeavour and Silver Wind — to Antarctica from late October until late March, making it a major regional player. (Veteran polar vessel Silver Explorer now focuses on the South Pacific, such as Australia's Kimberley.)

Silver Endeavour possesses a PC6 ice-class rating, one of the industry's highest, and advanced exploration technology, including a remotely operated underwater vehicle and a remote gimbal camera system.

Silversea offers two styles of Antarctic voyages . The quickest, dubbed Antarctica Bridge , usually run six days. Passengers skip the potentially rough waters of the Drake Passage by flying directly to King George Island (the largest of all the South Shetland Islands) from Punta Arenas, Chile. From there, it's just two hours by ship to the Antarctic Peninsula for immediate polar gratification. Some nine-day Antarctica Bridge sailings are offered, too; they also bypass the Drake and provide more Antarctic exploration time.

Antarctic cruises sailing the Drake Passage cruise round-trip from Puerto Williams, Chile, and run from 10 to 18 days. These longer, more comprehensive cruises can include three days in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island or Elephant Island.

Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in style and luxury

Mediterranean

Silversea claims the Med as its home base and plies its waters accordingly. The line delivers access to both tiny ports and big hitters so passengers can experience an authentic Mediterranean cruise , either in classic or expedition style.

The fleet's classic ships are magnets for luxe-loving cruisers; the arrival of Silver Ray in 2024 means Silversea will soon have six classic ships and one expedition vessel in the region.

Count on diverse itineraries and cruise lengths, with many voyages spanning 10 or 11 days. Look for more off-the-beaten-path ports, not just marquee cities. Ships might stop in Giardini Naxos, Sicily; Bari, Italy; Casablanca, Morocco (with cool excursions like lunch at Rick's Cafe, from the iconic film); or Collioure on the south coast of France, where you'll have a chance to visit medieval Carcassonne.

When Silversea ships visit glam, big-name ports, they go beyond offering just the typical shore excursions featured on other lines' vessels — perhaps, in part, because many Silversea cruisers have already been to top European cities and are looking for something more.

In Monaco's Monte Carlo, this luxe line provides flightseeing over the Cote d'Azur and explorations of Dolceacqua, Italy, a beautifully preserved medieval town in Liguria at France's border. When a ship visits Livorno, Italy, passengers can go truffle-hunting, sip Super Tuscan wines or embark on a S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) shore excursion, savoring an Italian barbecue feast with fine wine in the Tuscan hills.

Even Silversea's expedition ships indulge in Med time, although with a smaller footprint. These cruises will unfold differently than on classic ships, with an emphasis on remote towns and villages.

Expect an expedition team of experts in fields like history to lead many of the outings. Passengers might engage in active pursuits like hikes and Zodiac rides. For example, on a Silver Cloud cruise from Athens to Lisbon, passengers visit Tunisia and Algeria, venturing to seaside ports with 16th-century mosques, old casbahs and Spanish fortresses.

Related: Best Mediterranean cruise tips to enhance your European vacation

Australia and New Zealand

Silversea dives deep into South Pacific offerings, with five classic ships and two expedition vessels presenting itineraries to a whopping 150 destinations.

Cruises hovering around two weeks — such as those between Auckland, New Zealand, and Sydney or Melbourne in Australia — are plentiful. Many home in on New Zealand's pristine splendors, visiting beckoning ports like Dunedin and Wellington. Ships also stop in Hobart, Tasmania, where more than a dozen excursions await passengers.

Classic itineraries covering more of Australia include a 17-day trip from Singapore to Brisbane on Silver Muse, including ports like Cairns to view the Great Barrier Reef or join a rainforest journey. In Darwin, Australia's capital of the north, head out on the Adelaide River to look for jumping crocodiles.

Silver Muse also sails a fascinating route between Cairns, Australia, and Auckland, visiting the Great Barrier Reef; Noumea, New Caledonia's capital; and remote Mystery Island in Vanuatu. Expect to choose between several excursions from New Zealand's Bay of Islands.

For adventuresome cruisers, Silver Cloud offers multiple expeditions between late May and early September in Australia's unspoiled Kimberley, primarily sailing 10 days between Darwin and Broome. This fascinating western Australia region features horizontal waterfalls (not a typo), saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, and rock art that possibly dates back 40,000 years.

Bottom line

Silversea presents an eye-popping array of both far-flung and close-to-home itineraries for traditional cruising or adventuring in utmost luxury. Expect a significant focus on Arctic and Antarctic itineraries for expedition ships, with Galapagos cruises year-round. Classic ships offer close-to-home fall foliage, Alaska and Caribbean voyages, yet also venture globally, with an emphasis on Europe from spring to fall and Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand in our winter.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Everything You Need to Know for Your Canada-New England Voyage

• New England villages
• Canadian Maritimes
• Maple syrup
• Apple cider

When the leaves begin to change and the kids go back to school, Silversea’s fall cruises to Canada and New England set sail along the coast of the Northeast Atlantic. For anyone who loves autumn – myriad gorgeous tree colors, crisp air and the flavors of pumpkin and spiced apple –  a cruise to Canada and New England is an immersion into all the senses. Such voyages highlight nature’s beauty this time of year, and a cruise also allows you to see a swath of the region’s most interesting cities, all bathed in the golden glow of autumn.

Ready to soak up the scent of salt air and cider, leaves damp with morning dew and wood-burning fireplaces? Read on for everything you need to know about Canada and New England voyages.

Where do these cruises sail?

Silversea Cruises offers about a dozen sailings each year from August to November. These foliage cruises travel one way between New York City and Québec City or Montréal on the 392-passenger Silver Shadow, which sails up and down the coast on 10- and 11-day voyages. Along the way, cruises call in U.S. ports such as Newport, R.I., Boston, and Portland, Maine, and Canadian ports such as Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia (red huckleberry-dotted landscape pictured in photo at top); and Saguenay, Québec, and include a couple of days at sea.

When should you go?

Most years, the leaves start to change in eastern Canada by mid-September and peak in late October. Depending on the weather, the first and last sailings may not give you peak colors and, so it’s  good idea to do a little advance weather tracking. Many sites provide speculation and updates on the projected peak in New England and, in Canada, Nova Scotia , Québec and Prince Edward Island .

For sightseeing, the warmer weather of earlier sailings make walks on the beach and hikes through wooded trails more comfortable. The sunsets in mid-August about 7:45 p.m. in Boston and 8:20 p.m. in Charlottetown, but by mid-November, the curtain falls about 4:20 p.m. in Boston and 4:40 in Charlottetown, so you’ll need to account for those differences in your planning.

Whale-watching season tends to end in late October. Until then, you may be able to spot finback, humpback, minke and right whales along the feeding grounds on the New England coast of the Atlantic . In eastern Canada, August generally is the best whale month.

Halloween is popular in this part of the world, and in some towns, celebrations take place throughout October. Salem, Mass. , where the famous witch trials and subsequent hangings took place in 1692, is just 16 miles north of Boston. Newport, R.I. , which traces its history back nearly 400 years, tends to be decked out for “spooky season” starting early in autumn.

Don’t forget the Northern Lights, which are prevalent in this part of the world in winter, but you may luck into seeing them as early as late September , although November is a little more likely.

What else will you get to see?

Besides the fiery autumnal palette of gold birches and elm leaves, red maple and mountain oak leaves, and brown leaves falling from white oak trees, your ship will cruise a scenic coastline that’s dotted with beaches, lighthouses, jagged cliffs and ragged peninsulas, harbors full of sailboats, charmingly whitewashed seaside villages, and hundreds of offshore islands.

The lighthouses are especially memorable and worth taking the time to see, including the Colonial-era Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and Peggy’s Point in Halifax, which was built on a rocky outcrop in 1915. It is easily one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

While sailing, consider spending time on deck or on your balcony with a warm drink and a blanket so you can take in the scenery along the coast. If you watch the frothy surf long enough, you may just see a whale breach or a harbor porpoise’s dorsal fin rise out of the water. You can also spot gray and harbor seals sunning on the rocks along the shore. Bird watchers should keep an eye out for puffins as well as bald eagles, ospreys (also known as “sea hawks”), and guillemots, black seabirds with strikingly bright red legs.

On land, hiking helps you to become familiar know the area, and you’ll find well-maintained trails nearly everywhere, including the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, just outside of Boston, and Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, Maine. Fruit picking is another option that will give you the feel of the land. Peach and blueberry seasons wrap up around Labor Day, but apple season stretches to the end of October.

If you do head out to an apple orchard, you’ll be rewarded: Many apple orchards turn the you-pick season into a festival of autumn and offer hayrides, corn mazes, warm cider donuts and cider-pressing demonstrations.

The ports on these itineraries are also packed with history. Newport is home to oceanfront Gilded Age mansions ringed with gorgeous gardens, many of which can be seen on tours. Boston’s 2½-mile Freedom Trail is rich with Revolutionary War sites, including Bunker Hill , the first major battle of the American Revolution.

How to dress

Because maritime Canada is far north, the average high temperature in Québec City is in the 70s in August but in the 40s in November, so when you sail will determine whether you enjoy the last gasp of summer (and can pack shorts for sightseeing days) or your sailing feels more like the runway to winter and requires pants and sweaters or flannels.

Because the temperatures may climb as you sail south or drop as you sail north, you’ll want to dress in layers whenever you cruise in this region.

In some ports, the ship also stays late, and throughout the fall. evenings are notably chilly. A coat, hat, scarf and mittens may keep you warm in port and on deck or on your balcony on later sailings as you watch the sunsets or admire the stars twinkling.

What else should I pack?

Sunscreen and bug repellent are important especially in late August and early September, when days can still be sunny and bright and mosquitoes and ticks may abound, especially in heavily wooded areas.

A rain jacket and waterproof shoes will make sightseeing more pleasant and will also come in handy if you decide to kayak or take a Zodiac tour in Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park or if you choose to explore  Maine’s Casco Bay in a schooner, on which boat shoes are preferred.

Storms are also possible this time of year. Nor’easters – storms that brew along the East Coast of North America – can happen at any time of year but are most frequent September to April. Seasickness medications may help calm a queasy stomach.

You’ll also want to bring binoculars to make spotting bald eagles easier. (Tip: From the ground, the heads of adult bald eagles look like golf balls to the naked eye.)

Although cell phone cameras have improved, consider taking a camera and carefully chosen lenses. Nature photography is an art that takes years to master, but reading tips from professional photographers will help you prepare, especially if you hope to shoot the Northern Lights.

Suggestions for your reading list

If there’s room in your suitcase, be sure to pack a couple of books that take place in New England during the fall. “Cider House Rules,” by John Irving, “The Witches of Eastwick,” by John Updike, “Practical Magic,” by Alice Hoffman, and “Empire Falls” by Richard Russo, will set the scene for your trip. “Little Women,” Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel about sisters growing up in Concord, Mass., during the Civil War, would also be appropriate; Concord is less than 20 miles northwest of Boston.

For anyone who loved Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” as a child, rereading it before calling in Prince Edward Island’s Charlottetown may inspire you to describe the beauty of the area as dramatically as Anne did. (Don’t bother keeping an eye out for the row of trees Anne described as the “White Way of Delight”; Avonlea was a fictional town.)   

Finding culinary gems along the way

These cruises highlight several major cities, giving you an opportunity to, say, start your trip with a bagel picnic in New York’s Central Park, celebrate your visit to Boston with a bowl of rich and creamy clam chowder, and finish your cruise in Montréal with a smoked meat sandwich or a plate of steak frites in a French brasserie. All three cities have rich culinary scenes full of memorable food-forward dives and unforgettable restaurants sporting Michelin stars.

They also offer restaurants showcasing food from around the world, so you can feast on whatever your heart desires. Just be sure to make reservations or arrangements if you want to dine in, say, one of Manhattan’s many and, often, notoriously hard to get into restaurants.

Along the way, the seaside towns and maritime highlights include some of the world’s best seafood: raw Wellfleet oysters, Maine lobster rolls, Ipswich and Essex clams, and Prince Edward Island mussels. Whether you choose to visit an elegant raw bar or a rustic clam shack by the sea, you’ll be delighted by the freshness of the seafood.

Flo’s Clam Shack in Newport, for example, is known for its cornucopia of clam dishes  – look for clam cakes, fried clams and three types of “chowda.” Water Prince Lobster Pound in Charlottetown serves Malpeque oysters, mussels steamed in white wine, and steamed clams. Claddagh Oyster House , also in Charlottetown, is another popular choice for Prince Edward Island seafood as well as locally raised beef. Lucille’s Oyster Dive in Montréal is worth a look for the seafood towers piled high with oysters, lobster, shrimp and Québec snow crab.

Early fall is also the end of tomato and corn season in this part of the world so, depending on when you sail, you may see dishes that celebrate their peak glory on menus across the region. On your voyage, you’ll also pass through great apple and maple farms, as well as impressive hard apple cideries. Don’t head home without sipping some cider and/or noshing on apple pie and maple cotton candy.

Late fall is also a time for warming meals in New England, so do order a cozy dish – such as pot roast, beef stew or chicken pot pie – if you see them on a menu.

A wicked warm welcome – and other language quirks

Although English is the official language in most of the ports you’ll visit on a Canada and New England cruise, Montréal and Québec City are part of the French-speaking province of Québec. French has been the official language here since 1974, although many people also speak English.

Although a visit to French-speaking Canada is an opportunity to dust off your high-school French, you will notice that pronunciation differs from the French spoken in, say, Paris. It’s more casual and relaxed, with a bit of a Yankee inflection that may make it easier for you to understand. Still, even those who speak English here tend to combine the languages as well so expect to hear a little “Franglais” along the way.

You’ll come across some New England words, too, that may not make sense to outsiders. You may hear “wicked good,” “wicked awesome,” and even “wicked pissah” — oddly, all have positive connotations —  in Boston. In Maine, a local may refer to a moose as a “swamp donkey.” More, you might see scrod on a seafood menu, but strangely enough there is no fish called scrod; it’s local shorthand for cod or any other white fish.

Although Philadelphia may celebrate the hoagie, New Englanders call a submarine sandwich a “grinder” and Bostonians sometimes call it a “spuckie.” Looking for a water fountain? Ask for a bubbler … and try not to giggle while you do so if you didn’t grow up here.

What to take home

You can look for wood carvings and other hand-made crafts by local artisans to remind you of your trip, but some of the best souvenirs are regional food products.

Le Roux Kitchen in Portland, Maine, sells both maple balsamic vinegar and wild blueberry balsamic vinegar as well as Maine sea salt. Wild blueberry jam and apple maple cream from Québec’s Confiserie Tigadou can be found in Québec City and are a treat well after the season has ended. Maple candy is a nice souvenir as is cinnamon-laced apple butter.

When in Atlantic Canada, I always bring home a bottle of Sortilège, a blend of whiskey and Québec maple syrup that makes for a lovely maple martini. There’s also nothing like buying a jug of the dark amber maple syrup to enjoy with pancakes.

Ready to set sail on a cruise that celebrates the beauty of autumn? Consider fabulous Canada and New England sailings for your next vacation.

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Nearly 30 Silversea cruise passengers get sick in gastrointestinal illness outbreak

More than two dozen Silversea Cruises passengers got sick in a gastrointestinal illness outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 28 of Silver Nova’s 633 guests reported being ill during a voyage that began on March 31, along with one of the vessel’s crew members. Their main symptom was diarrhea.

The health agency listed the causative agent as unknown.

Silversea notified guests and crew of the outbreak via announcements and encouraged them to report cases and practice “good hand hygiene,” the CDC said. The line also isolated those who were sick and implemented heightened cleaning and disinfection measures.

"The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority," Silversea told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. "To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines." The cruise began in Peru and is set to end in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday, according to CruiseMapper .

The news comes after about 100 Holland America Line passengers got sick in a norovirus outbreak earlier this year.

Cruise ship medical facilities: What happens if you get sick or injured (or bitten by a monkey)

The CDC logged 14 cruise ship outbreaks that met its threshold for public notification in 2023, more than any year between 2017 and 2019. Norovirus was listed as the causative agent in all but one.

The virus is often associated with cruises, but Ben Lopman, a professor of epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, told USA TODAY last year that cruises constitute a "tiny minority of norovirus outbreaks.” Most happen in health care settings like nursing homes.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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September 19, 2024

Reuniting at sea: silversea announces new venetian society reunion voyage for 2025.

Guests select Venetian Society Reunion voyage itinerary for the first time to sail with Silversea President Bert Hernandez aboard Silver Spirit in the Mediterranean in 2025.

(MIAMI – September 19, 2024) Crafted to reconnect its community of like-minded travelers,Silversea has announced its 2025 Venetian Society Reunion voyage. For the first time, Venetian Society members were invited to vote for their preferred itinerary. The leading experiential luxury and expedition cruise travel brand will reconvene its extended family of guests on board Silver Spirit from October 17 to October 29, 2025, welcoming both Venetian Society members and first-time guests between Fusina (Venice) and Athens (Piraeus) .

Hosted by Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea, the Venetian Society Reunion voyages foster a convivial atmosphere and a strong sense of camaraderie, providing the opportunity for guests to reunite with friends and meet fellow travelers while enjoying exclusive destination experiences. Throughout the sailing, guests enjoy special onboard events and receptions, enriched entertainment, and curated shore excursions. In addition, Venetian Society members can attend an exclusive signature event ashore, which, curated by Silversea’s destination experts, provides unique insight into the local culture, customs, and history of a destination; a 5% saving on the cruise fare; and commemorative gifts, among other enrichments.

“I look forward to hosting our Venetian Society Reunion voyage in the Mediterranean in 2025 — on an itinerary that was personally selected by our guests,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “Our reunion voyages provide important opportunities to reunite our Venetian Society members each year, enabling our executive teams - both shoreside and shipboard - to meet with our valued guests and celebrate their loyalty. In 2025, we will visit some of the most iconic destinations in the Mediterranean, including Venice, Dubrovnik, Santorini, and Rhodes — traveling in the shoulder season for an authentic experience, as we connect with locals.Our destination experts have designed a range of unique moments for our guests, going to unprecedented lengths to ensure a truly unforgettable voyage.”

VENETIAN SOCIETY REUNION VOYAGE 2025: FUSINA (VENICE) TO ATHENS (PIRAEUS)

Departing from the new cruise terminal in Fusina (Venice), this special sailing will call in many of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations. Guests traveling on board Silver Spirit will first discover Trieste near the Slovenian border, where they will have the opportunity to explore Piazza Unità d'Italia, one of Italy’s most spectacular town squares, and marvel at some of the country’s most striking architecture.

In Croatia’s Medieval capital, Dubrovnik, guests will delve into the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; admire fine Renaissance paintings at the Dominican Monastery; and take in the historic beauty of the Rector's Palace, Maritime Museum, Church of Saint Blaise, and Onofrio's Fountain. Venturing out of town, they can sample local wine at a family winery in the Konavle Valley or discover the many highlights of beautiful Cavtat.

A scenic drive and an old town walking tour will unlock the charm of Italy’s Bari, while excursions to the cathedral-like marine caves of Polignano a Mare and the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera showcase the region’s impressive natural beauty and fascinating cultural history.

An immersion into the Greek islands will combine both iconic and off-the-beaten-path highlights in Corfu, Katakolon (Olympia), Monemvasia (Laconia), Souda Bay (Crete), Santorini with its whitewashed houses carved into rugged clifftops, and the Medieval City of Rhodes, before guests arrive in Athens (Piraeus) on October 29, 2025.

VENETIAN SOCIETY REUNION VOYAGE 2024: TOKYO TO SINGAPORE  

Travelers looking to sail sooner can still book to join Silversea’s 2024 Venetian Society Reunion voyage, which will see guests sail from Tokyo to Singapore on board the new Silver Nova –between October 15 and October 31, 2024. This year’s edition, which will be Bert Hernandez’s first Venetian Society Reunion voyage as president of Silversea, also marks the first time a Nova-class ship has hosted the sailing. Three overnight calls – in Incheon (Seoul), Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City – will enable guests to travel deeper into some of Asia’s most iconic cities.

“On our 2024 Venetian Society Reunion in Asia, our guests will attend a tailored event at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival at the Central Harbourfront with VIP access, enjoying exclusive enrichments that will include award-winning Chinese wines, Michelin-starred dim sum, and special local entertainment,” added Hernandez. “Guests can subsequently discover the festival’s attractions and booths, sampling a variety of local and international cuisine, and enjoy privileged access to the Harbourview Lounge.”

For more information on Silversea’s Venetian Society Reunion voyage 2025, please visit: https://www.silversea.com/venetian-society-reunions-2025.html  

About Silversea   Silversea™ is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels:  Silver Ray ℠,  Silver Nova ®,  Silver Dawn ℠,  Silver Shadow ®,  Silver Whisper ®,  Silver Spirit ®,  Silver Muse ®, and  Silver Moon ℠ – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships  Silver Endeavour ℠,  Silver Origin ®,  Silver Wind ®, and  Silver Cloud ®, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galápagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is one of five cruise brands owned by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL). For more information, visit  www.silversea.com . About Royal Caribbean Group Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is a vacation industry leader with a global fleet of 68 ships across its five brands traveling to approximately 1,000 destinations. With a mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly, Royal Caribbean Group serves millions of guests each year through its portfolio of best-in-class brands, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea; and expanding portfolio of land-based vacation experiences through Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club collection. The company also owns 50% of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. With a rich history of innovating, Royal Caribbean Group continually delivers exciting new products and guest experiences that help shape the future of leisure travel. Learn more at  www.royalcaribbeangroup.com  or  www.rclinvestor.com .