The difference is clear, literally. Silversea’s 12th ship and its second Nova Class (following Silver Nova last year), Silver Ray has an abundance of exterior glass – 4000 square metres, in fact. Combined with its asymmetric design, which places the pool and lifts to one side, it feels light, spacious and seamlessly connected to either the ocean or the port you’re visiting.
The sense of openness is highlighted on decks 10 and 11, where you’ll find the new Marquee restaurant, Dusk Bar and masses of comfy alfresco seating – perfect for a sunny Mediterranean voyage in June (especially coming from an Australian winter). We’ve selected a late-afternoon boarding time after making the most of a pre-cruise sojourn in Lisbon. We’re met at the cruise terminal by one of several porters, having arrived from our hotel via Uber (thereby avoiding the extortionate charge paid a few days earlier, when jet-lag fog meant we forgot to confirm the cost upfront with an enterprising taxi driver).
Our bags are taken up to the arrivals hall; there are no queues, and we breeze through security and check-in. Key/identity cards issued, we’re quickly settled in our suite, where a bottle of chilled champagne awaits. An innovative horizontal design means the all-balcony suites are grouped together on four decks (6-9) from forward to aft, with upper decks (and higher ceilings) reserved for public spaces.
So the corridors are very long but good for getting your steps up after over-indulging (.