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Travel Associates advisor Rachael Heelan recently experienced the luxury and sophistication of cruising aboard Silversea’s Silver Ray.
Silver Ray, Silversea’s newest Nova Class ship, has been designed to exceed all expectations when it comes to luxury ocean cruising. From Lisbon’s charming hills to the vibrant heartbeat of Barcelona, join me as I embarked on the ultimate Mediterranean voyage.
The Journey: From Lisbon to Barcelona, an Elegant Iberian Adventure
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You'll embark on an unforgettable journey aboard Silver Ray, exploring eight captivating ports across Portugal and Spain.
Step aboard in Lisbon, Portugal’s pastel-hued capital perched above the Atlantic, where your journey begins with cobbled streets, soulful fado, and the sweet allure of pastel de nata. From there, Silver Ray carries you on an unforgettable 8-port voyage through Portugal and Spain, including the lush landscapes of Vigo and Porto, the sun-washed cities of Cadiz, Malaga, and Alicante, and into the cultural heart of Valencia before ending in iconic Barcelona.
This itinerary offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, cultural depth, and culinary excellence – all experienced in pure Silversea luxury.
Welcome Aboard Silver Ray: Silversea’s Ray of Light
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Silver Ray marks the dawn of a new chapter in ultra-luxury cruising.
Silver Ray is the second ship in Silversea’s revolutionary Nova Class and represents a new era in ultra-luxury cruising. Her asymmetrical design and stunning use of glass throughout allow for panoramic, uninterrupted views of the coastline as you glide effortlessly between ports.
With one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea, Silver Ray offers an extraordinary sense of openness and tranquillity, while remaining agile enough to access smaller, more exclusive ports.
Every suite is ocean-facing and includes the dedicated service of a personal butler, setting a new standard for attentive hospitality.
The Suite Life: Your Personal Sanctuary at Sea
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Experience unparalleled comfort in Silversea’s expansive ocean-view suites.
Silversea’s ocean-view suites are exceptionally spacious, with most featuring a private teak veranda – ideal for sipping Champagne at sunset or enjoying morning coffee with the sea breeze. Expect plush bedding, elegant décor, marble bathrooms, and state-of-the-art in-room tech, all tailored to your personal preferences by your butler.
Silversea’s all-suite design ensures every guest enjoys the same elevated experience: refined, private, and profoundly relaxing.
Dining at Sea: A Culinary Journey Through the Mediterranean
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Discover 10 exceptional dining venues aboard Silver Ray.
On Silver Ray, dining is as much a part of the journey as the destinations themselves. Choose from 10 exquisite restaurants, each offering its own expression of flavour and artistry. Some of my favourites included:
- S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table – An 11-course experience blending local flavours with storytelling and creativity. This is fine dining with a sense of place.
- La Terrazza – Authentic Italian cuisine, elevated with modern finesse and served with ocean views.
- Kaiseki – A serene, artistic celebration of Japanese cuisine, combining balance, beauty, and healthy flavours.
Whether you're enjoying freshly grilled seafood poolside or sipping rare whisky at the Connoisseur’s Corner, each culinary moment on board is a celebration.
Wellness & Relaxation: The Art of Indulgence
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Spend your days at sea relaxing on Silver Ray's inviting pool deck.
Balance your days ashore with deeply restorative moments at sea. Rejuvenate at the Otium Spa, where treatments draw from ancient Roman rituals and modern wellness science. Unwind on the elegant pool deck, enjoy craft cocktails at the Dusk Bar, or indulge in curated art and conversation at the Arts Café.
For those who seek a more active experience, the state-of-the-art fitness centre and instructor-led classes provide plenty of opportunities to energise.
Port Highlights: Curated Experiences Ashore
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Conclude your voyage in Barcelona: a city where vibrant culture meets stunning design.
- Lisbon – Explore the fairytale streets of Alfama, sample cherry liqueur from a chocolate cup, or visit the majestic Pena Palace in nearby Sintra.
- Alicante – Discover a city shaped by Roman and Moorish influence, with sun-soaked promenades, hilltop castles, and vibrant local markets.
- Barcelona – End your journey in this kaleidoscope of art, architecture, and flavour. Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, tapas bars in El Born, and Mediterranean beaches await.
With Silversea’s destination experts and curated shore excursions, every port becomes a story worth telling.
All-Inclusive. All the Time.
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Every detail onboard Silversea is thoughtfully curated for a truly luxurious journey.
What truly sets Silversea apart is its all-inclusive philosophy, ensuring your experience is as seamless as it is luxurious. As part of your Silversea cruise, you’ll enjoy:
- 24-hour gourmet dining
- Premium wines, champagnes, and spirits
- Personalised butler service
- Onboard gratuities
- Enriching entertainment and lectures
- Thoughtfully curated shore excursions
Ready to Embark on Your Silversea Cruise?
Cruising aboard Silver Ray from Lisbon to Barcelona was an absolute pleasure – the voyage is a celebration of European elegance, culinary discovery, and unhurried luxury. Whether it’s your first Silversea journey or your next of many, this journey is a spectacular way to explore the Iberian Peninsula in style, it and certainly gets my stamp of approval!
Book your Silversea cruise with your Travel Associates advisor today.
