I’ve just spent 4 days at sea on the luxury cruise ship Silver Shadow. This is one of Silversea’s fleet and you know how company websites show only their best pics? Well, here are mine so you can have a really good look around. But I think you’ll agree, it’s pretty dreamy.
This ship is best described as medium sized. In other words it’s not a huge floating city, and nor is it a boutique ship. But it IS fancy…
The Silver Shadow docked here at Tauranga.
85% of cabins come with a veranda. This is us arriving in to Napier
382 guests mean about 170 cabins. Each comes with a complimentary stocked mini bar with beer, wine and spirits if you wish, a walk-in wardrobe with huge amounts of storage and a large bathroom
His and hers basins, a full size bathtub and a shower. (I’m standing in the shower to take this). The amenities are Bulgari – ooooh yes!
La Terrazza restaurant at the stern for a really stunning buffet lunch and then it’s an Italian restaurant at night which you need to book for as it seats only 60.
The main dining room where a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner is served. Menus include standard popular dishes and a list of daily specials based on what fresh produce is sourced in port. 6-course meals are perfectly normal and men are required to wear a jacket and no jeans.
Parmesan is sprinkled on veal pasta made to order for lunch in La Terrazza
Fresh, delicious sushi. Just part of the daily lunch buffet.
Lobster thermidor for dinner in the main dining room. Yes it was the most popular dish that night!
Tiramisu for dessert at La Terrazza
Crab tartare for my appetiser in the Main Restaurant with avocado and caviar
The reception on the 5th deck for booking excursions and asking questions. There is original art for sale around the ship from Picasso and Chagall, so bring an open cheque book!
How about this rudey Picasso sketch? A cool $24,500 and you can put it in your luggage. (My reflection is not included)
Coming past Mahia Peninsula after leaving Napier to round the cape and head to Auckland
Arriving at Mt Maunganui about 8am. I took this from my balcony – fortunately we were port side heading up the North Island east coast
The pool has 2 heated jacuzzis and is surrounded by tables and chairs with a poolside restaurant for in-between meals if you should miss one – or just get peckish
I cruised on the Silver Shadow for 3 nights as part of the 14-night itinerary that departed from Sydney and called at Melbourne, Tasmania, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga and Auckland.