Silversea is promoted as – and to some degree is – a luxury cruise line with medium sized vessels (which translates to fewer passengers), attractive destinations for the more mature and experienced traveler, and inclusive options including shore excursions, wine and spirits, and gratuities. Just the cruise I was looking for after experiencing several crowded, cities on the seas with buffet dining options and private cruise-owned island tours. These attract many, but they are not for me. Unfortunately, I learned that neither was a cruise on Silversea.

I selected the 12-day Silversea Dubai to Mumbai sailing, beginning on December 8, 2022, expressly for the destinations – it was my perfect itinerary. In addition, the cruise line offered discounted single traveler rates with a luxury cruise line. It was also promoted as the “World Cup” itinerary as we would be in port in Doha, Qatar for the world cup, starting the cruise in Dubai, UAE and hitting the ports of Al Manamah, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, Muscat, Oman, and Mumbai India. The itinerary I booked was 12 days in 5 countries, yet we ended visiting only 3 countries.

At the start, thanks to savvy online marketing tools, my search on the Silversea site immediately generated contact from a Silversea representative, with the title of Cruise Consultant – Private Travel, on the requested itinerary. This was on October 6th. It was an easy sale and not much work on their part as I booked the trip on October 11th. They assisted with some basic inquiries, and I asked if they could do anything special since it was my first trip with Silversea and in celebration of my 60th birthday this year. They said they would make sure there was something special in my cabin when I arrived so I’m thinking great start. Read more