Silversea, renowned for its unparalleled luxury and grandeur, is also a haven for culinary indulgence. From the moment we stepped into La Terrazza aboard Silver Muse for our first lunch, the aromas alone made it tempting to never set foot on land. Every restaurant onboard felt like a discovery of its own: champagne that sparkled brighter at sea, pasta that rivalled anything you’d find in Italy, desserts too good to refuse. Even the idea of disembarking for a port excursion became secondary; the ship itself was the destination.
Silversea, known for its small, intimate ships and all-inclusive experiences, is also authentically family friendly. Sitting in La Terrazza, it was lovely to see inter-generational groups holidaying together.
Some like it hot
We were in Greece, where we spent seven days sailing in the Greek islands with a stop off in Kuşadası, Turkey. After boarding in Athens we cruised through the night to Nafplion, a destination popular with the local Athenians, though somewhere I had never heard of. We arrived early but nothing opened before 11, giving us the perfect excuse to make our way to fortress-capped mountains and the soaring walls of the Palamidi Fortress. Anyone who has visited Greece in June will understand when I say it was hot. However the sea breeze blowing off the Aegean was just enough to cool us down as we headed to Akronafplia fortress before a necessary stop at Arvanitia Beach. The water was incredible, shifting between turquoise and deep azure blue as the sun shimmered. After a refreshing dip, we walked back to the dock via the most beautiful and well-preserved walkway. The hills were lined with cacti, almost tumbling into the sea. And along the seashore were a sprinkling of bars and restaurants as we walked closer to town. An idyllic start to the trip.
Back onboard, after a delicious pizza at Spaccanapoli overlooking the inviting pool deck, it was time for another swim. The pool crew kindly set up a paddling pool for our young daughter to splash around in and cool off. This level of attention is paid to every guest onboard, ensuring guests enjoy the very best experience. We got chatting to a couple at the pool who had spent the day exploring the Corinth Canal, which was an idea originally proposed in ancient times to link the Ionian and Aegean seas.
One of the best parts of cruising, apart from only having to unpack once, is getting back on board at the end of the day and hearing all the stories and adventures people had at each destination. There is always so much to do, and sometimes it can be overwhelming, but the crafted excursions curated by Silversea ensure guests always experience each destination in depth.
There is something to be said for having help on a holiday with children. Our Silversea onboard butler did so much more than unpack our suitcases and assist with restaurant bookings. Every night at 6pm he would arrive with our daughter’s warm milk ready for bed. For two new parents navigating their first family holiday, this was a dream come true. Every Silversea suite, regardless of category, comes with a dedicated butler, anticipating needs you didn’t even know you had.
From Nafplion, we sailed overnight to Syros, an island that flies under the radar at times thanks to neighbouring Mykonos and Santorini. The picturesque streets are dotted with grand pastel Venetian mansions, which have been restored into boutique hotels, and the hills are dotted with elegant domed churches. The surrounding beaches and swimming spots are populated by locals, who live on the island year round. This island felt more lived-in than other tourist hot spots, adding to the charmed, unhurried Greek experience.
Next stop, after a restful sleep, was Crete. Busy restaurants and stores open onto the waterfront and legendary lake, said to be a bathing spot for the Greek goddesses Athena and Artemis. Surrounded by bays, the area is known for its local olive oil farms. The olives here are dried under the warm Cretan sun, developing a unique, low acid rating. Learning about olive oil and watching the first golden-green shimmer of the oil as it’s pressed by hand was a fascinating experience.
We set sail for Rhodes at 7pm, meaning there was time to book in for a pampering session at the Zagara Beauty Spa onboard. Taking the time to unwind after a day exploring was exactly what was needed, and the neck and shoulder massage was tailored specifically to my needs. My therapist had been with Silversea for six years, and it was her third season in the Mediterranean. Her expert skills, coupled with her knowledge of the destinations, made for a relaxing treatment and anticipation for the next day in Rhodes, with a whole list of places to visit.
Stepping through the medieval castle walls of Rhodes felt like entering a Hollywood film set, but these were real turrets and ancient fortifications from the medieval era, built by the Knights of St. John to defend the island. The UNESCO World Heritage Old Town holds a rich history and stands as one of the best preserved medieval towns in the world. Nearby, long stretches of white sandy beaches lined with sun loungers and umbrellas offer the perfect setting for another memorable day in the Greek Islands.
From Rhodes we crossed oceanic borders to Kuşadası in Turkey, where the temperatures were ever hotter and the history spectacular. We visited the towering columns and remains of Ephesus, an extraordinary city left by Ancient Greeks where our excursion guide explained how only one-fifth of the city had been uncovered, yet amazingly well preserved by the layers of earth that protected it for centuries.
Add more ‘SALT’
Silversea’s S.A.L.T. experiences bring destinations to life in the most delicious ways, and in Turkey the journey into olive oil culture is unforgettable. In the hills near Kuşadası, we explored the centuries-old traditions behind the country’s “liquid gold.” At an olive museum, we traced the story of harvest and production through history, before walking the groves and seeing the craft in action. The highlight was a visit to Degirmen Farm, where local producers shared their passion for preserving artisanal methods passed down through generations. Over a long, leisurely lunch, we tasted oils that captured the essence of the region – golden, peppery, and alive with character – paired with seasonal dishes that celebrated Anatolia’s rich culinary heritage. It was more than a meal; it was a deep connection to Turkey’s soul.
The magic of having Silver Muse in port is there is not the hurried feeling of having to do everything and then go back to the ship. You can come and go from the ship as you please. And with a late departure from port, we took advantage of the incredible sunset and wandered through the lively Kuşadası seaside.
Our final, iconic stop was Mykonos. Here we were reminded how lucky we are that our itinerary took us to smaller and more unique ports and islands. Mykonos is busy, as you’d expect. The island is full of fabulous restaurants and great shopping, and as we stopped for lunch with another family we’d met onboard, we wondered how we’d ever go on holiday without a butler again.
Sun-kissed Mykonos
Mykonos is famed for its maze-like streets lined with iconic white-washed buildings, their cubic shapes gleaming under the Aegean sun. Bright blue shutters and bougainvillea spill colour across the island. Mykonos is known for its beach clubs, boutiques, and nightlife scene. Yet there are also secluded coves, traditional windmills, and charming harbour with fishing boats bobbing in the turquoise waters. Whether wandering its narrow lanes or watching the sun set, Mykonos is an enchanting stop to finish the holiday.
Ancient Greece
Travel from Athens to romantic Nafplion, elegant Syros, historic Rhodes, storied Agios Nikolaos, vibrant Kuşadası and magical Mykonos, where each day brings new adventures.
