Accommodation - suites on Silver Galápagos
Typically, the staterooms and suites on expedition cruise ships are compact, at best cosy. However, that’s not the case on Silver Galápagos, where every suite seems larger than it already is, courtesy of the chic white-on-cream stylings and some clever layouts – ensuring your luxury cruise is the adventure of a lifetime in the comfort you deserve. Standard staterooms start at 210 square feet while the grandest Silver Suites are 361 square feet and have a substantial verandah on which to watch the world slip by. All of the rooms come with down duvets, the finest Pratesi linens, your customised choice of a soft or firm mattress and a personalised bar stocked with local snacks and your favourite drinks. Something missing? Simply ask your butler to replace it.
Veranda Suite
Excursions - adventures on Silver Galápagos
Although you’ll surely be familiar with the Galapágos Islands after seeing them in countless wildlife and nature programmes, nothing can prepare you for actually island hopping through the archipelago or stepping foot onto the islands that inspired Darwin. Watching a giant tortoise on your television and enjoying your own close-up encounter can’t compare. Set out from Silver Galápagos on one of their Zodiac boats and, in the company of an expert guide and naturalist, get closer to marine iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies and Darwin’s famous finches than you thought possible. There are two alternating itineraries that visit different islands in the Galapágos. Or you could combine the two for an immersive, back-to-back voyage. In the course of forays on land and underwater safaris you’ll hike through mangrove forests, walk across volcanic lava fields looking out for lava tunnels and rappel into caves, keeping an eye out for inscriptions on the walls that date from the 1800s. Throughout, you’ll see how contemporary conservation is at work. Alternatively, sink below the waves and swim or snorkel with the marine creatures here. You needn’t worry about being ill-equipped either, as Silversea will provide snorkels and wet suits as well as backpacks and water bottles.
Shore excursion
Relax - entertainment on board Silver Galápagos
Having spent your days getting in touch with your inner Attenborough or communing with sea lions, retire to the ship and relax ahead of the next adventure. Immerse yourself in your destination by attending an insightful talk by a leading expert or reading up on Darwin in the library. Replay the day’s adventures by scrolling through your photos in the Explorer Lounge or swap stories with your fellow passengers while sipping a perfectly balanced martini in the Piano Bar or toasting your surrounds sat in the sun deck’s Jacuzzi – your butler will even bring you a top up of sparkling wine. Muscles feeling a little tight after an excursion? Sign up for a massage and let a professional soothe those aches away.
Spa and beauty salon
Dining - Eating on Silver Galápagos
If you’ve worked up an appetite in the course of an adventurous excursion then you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that The Restaurant, Silver Galápagos’ main dining room, defies expedition-ship stereotypes. Dress up for a sophisticated dining experience and make the most of a multi-course menu that combines traditional cruise fare with island-inspired dishes such as local lobster a la Galapaguera or Ecuadorian ceviche prepared to perfection. If the local specialities thrill you, ask the chef for the recipe. During the day, swap the chandeliers and silver service for the chance to dine al fresco and, in the evening, sit on the deck to sample Silversea’s signature hot-rocks dining experience. You’ll cook your own meal on a volcanically hot lava rock right at your table with all the ocean laid out before you.
Onboard dining
Suites on Silver Galápagos
Explorer Suite:
Revel in the spectacular scenery beyond your windows as you sit comfortably in a separate seating area and capture passing ocean scenes through your view window while sipping a drink from your personalised bar. If the mood takes you, call for a cocktail and your butler will bring it to you. Take the chance to state your preference for pillow from the nine-long menu at the same time.
Terrace Suite:
After a day of adventure, tear yourself away from watching the outside world from your shared teak terrace and unwind with time spent in the comfort of your own sitting area, dipping into the bar stocked with your preferences. Then, ask your butler to draw you a bath and freshen up in your beautiful marbled bathroom before embarking on a culinary adventure.
Veranda Suite:
The large Veranda Suites include a teak-trimmed private balcony and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, all the better to immerse yourself in the view of the stunning and diverse environment. Enjoy a soothing soak in your full-sized bath, catch up with a film from the interactive video and on-demand movie selection or simply reflect on the day’s adventures with the view.
Silver Suite:
Spoil yourself with a stay in the most substantial stateroom onboard and recline on your large private balcony when you’re not sinking into the buttery leather chairs in your own sitting area. As you rest, you’ll nibble on the complimentary Ecuadorian organic chocolates and sip on sparkling wine, waiting for your butler to deliver mid-afternoon mini-empanadas with spicy dipping sauce.