A sparkling new cruise ship is always an exciting addition to the seas but when I learned that Silversea had 'a new moon' coming this year, it immediately grabbed my attention.
Silver Moon is the ninth ship in Silversea’s fleet and maintains the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations that are hallmarks of the Silversea experience while bringing elements of innovation and an array of enhancements.
Built by cruise lovers, for cruise lovers and incorporating 'Green Star 3 Design' - assigned to ships that are designed, built and equipped to prevent air and water pollution, Silver Moon is the epitome of 21st century luxury travel.
With a capacity to accommodate 596 passengers and a crew capacity of 411, the Silver Moon also features the all-new Sea And Land Taste (SALT) programme, an immersive culinary concept enabling you to travel deeper through a range of destination-based gastronomic experiences.
In all suites, guests benefit from personalised butler service and ocean views, with the vast majority also having a private veranda.
Almost everything is included in the cost of a Silversea cruise, from open-seat gourmet dining at an array of venues, select wines and premium spirits, to an in-suite minibar, 24-hour room service and gratuities.
After spending the forthcoming winter transiting the Panama Canal, enjoying the winter sunshine around the Caribbean and taking in the sights and sounds of South America, the Silver Moon will arrive back in Europe in April 2021 where she will remain until the autumn.
A Mediterranean voyage is a must for all travel lovers whether revisiting favourite destinations or discovering new ones.
Smaller ships, of course, go where bigger ones can't, allowing exploration of secluded harbours, sailing up narrow waterways into the heart of a city and tying up right at the pier as opposed to anchoring offshore.
Having looked at Silver Moon's exciting itineraries of 2021 European cruises, one particularly caught my eye that I wanted to share.
It visits eight fantastic and diverse ports in four countries over seven nights in August 2021.
You embark in Barcelona and disembark in Civitavecchia, the closest port to Rome, and each morning you'll awake somewhere different with a full day ahead for exploring.
Barcelona
The cruise departs at 11 pm. I would therefore recommend either considering a night’s stay pre-cruise or an early morning arrival and give yourself a little time to explore this fantastic city.
Stroll along the large boulevard of La Rambla, running through the heart of the city and take a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Familia and his other unique creations.
Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night when you can linger over local wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
Palamós
Palamós is one of the best-preserved fishing villages in the Costa Brava and a great place to learn about the local Catalan culture. The town offers scenic hiking paths, several beaches, historical attractions and an excellent fishing museum.
It is well known for its fresh seafood, cooking workshops, and famous Palamós gambas.
Inland a little, you’ll find the medieval city of Girona, where four rivers meet and the cobbled old town, protected by historic ramparts, is delightfully walkable.
Marseille
Marseille is France's sunniest, oldest and second biggest city. The impressive soaring golden statue of Madonna and Child is visible all over the city and the huge cathedral with its stunning zebra-striped exterior is equally impressive.
Marseille is also a major museum hub and another essential whilst here is to sample its famous fish stew, bouillabaisse. Alternatively, you can escape the busy city and head for the Calanques National Park, where you can hike, kayak and sail through the limestone cliffs.
Monte Carlo
Experience the high life of this glitzy, glamorous city famed for the Formula One Grand Prix race that roars through its windy streets.
Although Monte Carlo is tiny, Monaco's only city has a style, impact and appeal that few destinations can match.
The Royal Palace adds an air of regal glory, and whether there to soak up the culture at the opera or raise the stakes in the casino, you'll certainly get that 007 feeling.
Portofino
Portofino is the most alluring and glamorous town of the Italian Riviera. This protected area of the Ligurian Coast is home to some of Italy's most picturesque and jaw-dropping scenery, which is best viewed from the deck of a sailing boat. Enjoy a glass of wine with a platter of fine cheeses and hams at a terrace bar overlooking the picturesque waterfront and then wander along the headland for views of the iconic white lighthouse.
Livorno
This charming coastal city is considered one of the most important ports of Italy. Unlike many of the quaint medieval towns in the region, it is one of the most modern cities in Tuscany with a deserved reputation for its great seafood.
One of the most enchanting parts of the city is Nuova Venezia (New Venice), with a canal system dating back to the Medici era.
You can also venture inland to explore more of Tuscany's many charms and will be in easy reach of Pisa's leaning tower and Florence's city of renaissance beauty.
Olbia
Olbia is on Sardinia's heart-meltingly attractive north-eastern coastline. You can wander along Corso Umberto, the paved, flower-decorated pedestrianised street filled with restaurants and shops that runs from the waterfront. Or head to Costa Smeralda, an area of immense beauty with sparkling beaches and white sand crescents protected by junipers, pine trees and wild olive trees.
Civitavecchia
It is said that all roads lead to Rome. It’s unlikely that all cruise routes do but this one certainly does. You can choose to end your adventure with an excursion, taking in the highlights of this glorious city, before transferring to the airport.
Alternatively, I highly recommend adding a post-cruise stay to really experience life in Rome and its treasure of landmarks, including the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican City, with its colossal display of Catholic grandeur.
For further details and availability on this Mediterranean cruise or other dates and itineraries for the new Silver Moon ship, please get in touch.