Such is the variable weather of North Queensland’s summer that a tropical cruise
does not always go to plan.
At first it seems disastrous
that Silversea cancels our
visit to the Whitsundays –
the centrepiece of a seven-night
sailing from Sydney to
Cairns.
The complimentary
excursion was supposed to
begin with a catamaran trip
to the Great Barrier Reef,
followed by two hours of
swimming, snorkelling and
diving.
A semi-submersible boat,
with an enclosed viewing chamber, was also on hand for those who prefer to stay dry.
We had been looking forward to this underwater adventure, and now we would miss out.
But as much as I try to be disappointed, I feel strangely nonchalant; nor do I hear a
word of complaint from anyone else.
This is probably because being “stuck onboard” the Silver Spirit is hardly a
punishment; in fact, it seems a shame to get off at all.
The two-year-old ship is faultlessly beautiful and every passenger (regardless of
accommodation category) is entitled to butler service.
When I ask our female butler for vodka, I receive a one-litre bottle, and am even more
surprised two days later when she enquires if I need more.
Gourmet meals are also included in the fare (except for two specialty restaurants),
with a different option for every day.
A popular favourite is the open-air, poolside grill where diners cook their own steak or
fish on a sizzling hot-rock at their table.
Another slick venue is Stars Supper Club, which serves a five-course tapas menu from
9.30pm.
Only 30 or 40 people tend to come here for the late-night dinner while a jazz duo
plays on stage. You can close your eyes and pretend you’re in New York.
La Terraza, for breakfast in the mornings and Italian for lunch, has outdoor and
indoor seating for 200.
The décor of the main restaurant is gorgeous and the food is delicious, leaning
towards an Australian flavour.
One day we are treated to lunch in the galley (the ship’s kitchen) where the chefs
serve everyone at each station: soup, seafood, stir-fry, fondue, a carvery and a
champagne bar.
This kind of experience is only possible on a small ship with 500 passengers.
But it actually feels like fewer people than that, because Silver Spirit has a very high
space-to-guest ratio, meaning
there is loads of room and
virtually no queues or crowded
areas.
On two occasions I have the
gym, sauna and steam room to
myself, and in the evenings there
is rarely anybody in one of the
best vantage spots, the
Observation Lounge.
I strongly recommend this
luxury ship for its superior
onboard experience, especially
the service and dining.
