Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017 (Berlitz Cruise Guide) (2016)
Silver Explorer
★★★★ +
Berlitz’s Ratings
Ship: 395 out of 500
Accommodation: 172 out of 200
Food: 331 out of 400
Service: 329 out of 400
Entertainment: 57 out of 100
Cruise: 327 out of 400
Overall Score: 1611 out of 2000
Silver Explorer Statistics
Size: Boutique Ship
Tonnage: 6,072
Lifestyle: Premium
Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises
Former Names: Prince Albert II, World Discoverer, Dream 21, Baltic Clipper, Sally Clipper, Delfin Star, Delfin Clipper, World Adventurer
IMO Number: 8806747
Builder: Rauma-Repola (Finland)
Original Cost: $50 million
Entered Service: Jul 1989/Jun 2008
Registry: Bahamas
Length (ft/m): 354.3/108.0
Beam (ft/m): 51.1/15.6
Draft (ft/m): 13.1/4.0
Propulsion/Propellers: diesel (4,500kW)/2
Passenger Decks: 5
Total Crew: 111
Passengers (lower beds): 132
Passenger Space Ratio (lower beds): 46.0
Passenger/Crew Ratio (lower beds): 1.1
Cabins (total): 66
Size Range (sq ft/m): 172.2-785.7/16.0-73.0
Cabins (for one person): 0
Cabins (with private balcony): 6 + 14 French balconies
Cabins (wheelchair accessible): 0
Wheelchair accessibility: None
Cabin Current: 110 and 220 volts
Elevators: 2
Casino (gaming tables): No
Slot Machines: No
Swimming Pools: 0
Hot Tubs (on deck): 2
Self-Service Launderette: No
Dedicated Cinema/Seats: No
Library: No
Onboard currency: US$
A small ‘soft’ expedition ship with premium style
Overview. Silver Explorer is best suited to adventurous couples and single travelers of mature years who enjoy seeing nature at close range, but want an extremely comfortable setting, plus good food and service.
The Ship. Twin swept-back outboard funnels highlight the semi-smart exterior design of this small specialist 23-year-old expedition cruise ship. It has a dark ice-hardened hull, carries a fleet of eight Zodiac inflatable landing craft for shore landings and exploration, and has one boot-washing station, the Mud Room, with six bays. There is no walk-around promenade deck outdoors.
The accommodation is located forward, with all public rooms aft, an arrangement that helps keep noise to a minimum in accommodation areas. The interior has many European design elements, including warm color combinations. Public rooms include an observation lounge, large lecture room/cinema with bar, and library/Internet center.
This small expedition cruise vessel has many of the creature comforts of much larger vessels. It will provide a very comfortable expedition-style cruise experience in tasteful and elegant surroundings. All passengers receive a pre-cruise amenities package that typically includes a field guide, backpack, carry-on travel bag, and luggage tags.
Accommodation. There are six types of accommodation, and 11 price grades. The cabins - quite large for such a small ship - are fitted out to a fairly high standard, with ample closet and drawer space. All have outside views and twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed, TV/DVD unit, telephone, hairdryer, refrigerator, and lockable drawer.
Although only six suites have a large private balcony (they’re really not needed in cold-weather regions), another 14 cabins have glass doors that open onto a few inches of space outdoors. The suites have whirlpool bathtubs. The Owner’s Suite has two rooms, linked by an interconnecting door, to provide a separate lounge, bedroom, and two bathrooms.
The sizes are: Owner’s Suites 538 sq ft (50 sq m); Medallion Suites 358 sq ft (33 sq m); Grand Suites 650 sq ft (60 sq m); Silver Suites 431 sq ft (40 sq m); Veranda Suites 215 sq ft (20 sq m); Explorer Class 190 sq ft (28 sq m); Expedition Suites 431 sq ft (40 sq m).
Dining. The spacious dining room, with pastel-color decor, accommodates all passengers in one seating. Casual alfresco bites can be had at the outdoor grill.
Entertainment. Daily recaps; after-dinner conversation.
Spa/Fitness. Facilities include a small gymnasium, sauna, and treatment room for massage.