Cruising offers dining options, tons of activities and a chance to see various ports. Bonus: You only have to unpack once!
By: Donna HeiderstadtFor Stylistas: Celebrity Silhouette
From the chic martini bar to the pretty Persian Garden in the two-story AquaSpa, the newest ship from Celebrity Cruises radiates a sexy, grown-up vibe. Yes, at 122,400 tons and 2,886 passengers, nine-month-old Silhouette is big, but her interior design—which resembles a sleek boutique hotel—creates a glamorous base from which to see Europe or the Caribbean. The most unique feature: The Lawn Club, a grassy expanse (yes, it’s real grass!) that’s home to the cabana-like Alcoves, a bocce court, the Sunset Bar and the BBQ Lawn Club Grille. Other ship highlights include specialty restaurants, a fabulous gelato bar, and both beer and wine tasting lounges. At Cellar Masters, you can self-sample 64 wines by the glass; in Michael’s Club, there’s a stock of 60 microbrew labels from around the world.
Silhouette features 11 stateroom options, all with streamlined contemporary decor. The 194-square-foot AquaClass stateroom is a good choice for couples looking to be pampered. It comes with a veranda, priority seating in the healthful- but-delicious Blu restaurant, and unlimited access to the nearby spa’s soothing Persian Garden, which features aromatherapy steam rooms, saunas and heated tile recliners and panoramic relaxation room. For a larger bathroom with a tub, and veranda, book a Sky Suite, which comes with butler service and daily evening hors d’oeuvres.
Speaking of food, before boarding make reservations for Qsine, one of the most innovative specialty eateries at sea, serving tapas-style small plates that are as visually inspired as they are yummy. For romantic ambience, Murano serves wonderful continental fare (as at Qsine, there’s a $30 perperson surcharge).
Top Itinerary: Silhouette sails around Europe from May to November and throughout the Caribbean from December to April. A great option for a lengthy, sun-kissed honeymoon is the 12-Night “Adriatic Cruise.” Begin in romantic Venice and continue to nearby Dubrovnik, Croatia, where you can circle the medieval Old Town on foot atop a centuries-old wall. Another spot is Split, a beautiful Adriatic city centered around the Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian. More historic and scenic gems are in store in Kotor, Montenegro, a fortified city tucked against a mountain at the end of a stunning fjord, and in Valletta, Malta, the capital of the sunny Mediterranean island nation with 7,000 years of history (cabin rates start at $1,099 per person, per 11-night sailing and include meals and some activities; celebritycruises.com).
Side note: A key feature of Silversea’s Silver Spirit is that all staterooms are butler-serviced suites and 95 percent have teak verandas.
Photos courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
