silversea cruise line reviews

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Silversea Cruises: The Complete Guide

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Silversea is a leader in the luxury, small-ship cruising market. These cruises typically appeal to the high-end traveler looking for personalized service, upscale dining and accommodations, access to smaller ports and a top-notch vacation experience.

If you're in the market for a high-end cruise vacation, here's everything you need to know about Silversea.

About Silversea

You won't find waterslides, kids clubs or roller coasters on a Silversea cruise.

Instead, expect an elevated experience designed for those looking for a relaxing yet entertaining sailing. Here are a few key features of Silversea cruises:

Accommodations

Every one of Silversea's cabins has an ocean view, and they're all designated as suites with a high space-to-guest ratio. For guests' needs throughout the cruise, butler service is available in every room.

Some suites are more luxurious — smaller suites only have windows overlooking the ocean, while classic veranda suites and many others come with a balcony.

Some room categories, such as the ultra-luxurious Otium Suite, are exclusive to Silversea's newest ship, Silver Nova. Others are found across the fleet, although accommodations on board each vessel may differ slightly.

All-inclusive sailings

Many cruise lines charge their passengers a base fare for the trip, allowing them to choose various add-ons — such as beverages, specialty restaurants, internet access and port excursions — for an additional cost.

Silversea does away with this. It advertises an all-inclusive cruise package, which includes everything from shore excursions and alcoholic drinks to butler service and gratuities.

Primary U.S. ports

Silversea ships span the globe, but travelers that don't want to venture too far from home will find many cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Trips also depart from New York City for destinations in Canada.

Those wishing to depart from the West Coast can set sail from San Francisco or Los Angeles. Ships from these ports travel to the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada and other far-flung destinations.

Where does Silversea sail?

Silversea's destination map is extensive, with over 900 ports on all seven continents. Sailings are at least six days long, but trips can last several weeks to a month or more.

For those with the time and the money, Silversea offers World Cruises that travel from continent to continent in a global adventure that can take as many as 140 days.

» Learn more: How to get the best deal on your next cruise

How much does a Silversea cruise cost?

Silversea sailings are no discount venture, but the all-inclusive nature of each cruise adds value.

Meals, drinks, entertainment and onboard special events are all part of the price. The rates vary based on demand, destination and time of year.

There are two types of prices: "door-to-door," which includes airport transfers and airfare, or "port-to-port," which is the cruise fare without any transportation to or from the port.

Rates can vary from as low as $2,800 for a seven-day trip from Colombia to Florida to $94,700 for a 125-day expedition cruise from Chile to Norway.

Silversea also offers special fares for single travelers on select excursions, which provides a discount instead of paying the full cost of a double-occupancy cabin.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

What is the best Silversea ship?

There are 13 ships in the Silversea fleet — with more scheduled for delivery in the coming years — ranging in size from 51 to 364 cabins. The best ship, however, will depend on the type of sailing you want.

The smallest ships are typically expedition ships that sail itineraries like the Galapagos or Antarctica. For example, the 100-passenger Silver Origin was Silversea's first purpose-built destination ship, built explicitly for cruising in the Galapagos. It is also the most environmentally-friendly ship built by Silversea.

Another small ship is the Silver Explorer, with a capacity for 144 guests and a strengthened hull to sail in Antarctica and the Arctic safely.

On the other end of the spectrum, you have larger ships such as Silver Spirit, which was renovated in 2018. With space for 608 passengers, it spends much of its time sailing around Europe, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.

Ships like Silver Spirit look more like cruise ships, with amenities that include larger pools, lounges and plentiful dining options. Expedition ships are smaller by nature and therefore have fewer onboard facilities.

The best Silversea ship depends on the type of traveler you are, the destinations you want to visit, and the amenities you desire.

What is the newest Silversea ship?

Silver Nova is Silversea's newest ship, with plans to set sail later this summer. It will also be the largest ship in the Silversea fleet, with space for 728 passengers. Coming in 2024 is a second ship of the same size, the Silver Ray.

These ships feature a new asymmetrical design that gives their interiors a more spacious feel. Additionally, they'll have the largest pools in the Silversea fleet, and every suite will have a balcony.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

What's included in a Silversea cruise

As mentioned above, Silversea advertises its cruises as all-inclusive, and compared to many cruise lines , this is pretty accurate. Here's what's included with all Silversea cruises:

24-hour butler service. 

Complimentary beverages, including alcohol, around the ship and in minibars.

Gourmet meals, including room service and specialty restaurants.

Gratuities.

Select shore excursions.

Wi-Fi access.

Onboard lectures and entertainment.

Passengers who opt for the door-to-door all-inclusive option will also receive the following:

Private transfers to and from their home airport.

Airfare to and from the port city, including international flights. 

Transfers between the ship and the airport. 

Overnight hotel stays in the port city on arrival or before returning home, if needed.

A few items are not included in the fare and will incur an additional cost:

Meals or accommodations while on shore. 

Some shore excursions. 

Reservation fees for select restaurants.

Laundry service.

Personal spa or beauty services.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

Silversea loyalty program: Venetian Society

Unlike other cruise loyalty programs, Silversea's program — the Venetian Society — does not award points. It doesn't have elite status tiers, either. Instead, members earn "days" based on the length of each sailing. The more days they accrue, the more benefits they can receive.

Here's what Venetian Society members can expect to receive based on the number of days accrued:

All members . By joining the program and completing your first sailing, you're eligible for 5% savings on certain upcoming sailings. This can represent great value on expensive cruises, meaning signing up makes sense even if you only plan to sail occasionally. 

100+ days . 5% savings on all future door-to-door sailings.

250+ days . 10% savings on all future door-to-door sailings.

350 days . Once you reach this level, you are eligible for one complimentary seven-day sailing.

500 days . Reaching this milestone means enjoying a complimentary 14-day trip.

500+ days . After this landmark, members will receive one complimentary seven-day trip for each additional 150 days they sail.

How to redeem Silversea days

The best part about the Venetian Society is that the benefits are cumulative. It's not similar to a points program where once you redeem points, your balance gets lower until you earn more. With Venetian Society, you can take advantage of that perk once you hit the next milestone while enjoying previous bonuses.

For example, once you hit 350 days, you are eligible for a complimentary seven-day voyage. But, you can also take 10% off any door-to-door cruises — a perk you receive after reaching 250 days — you book after that.

Yes. Like most of its onboard amenities, Silversea cruises include basic Wi-Fi free of charge. Those in upper suites will receive free premium Wi-Fi speeds, and other guests can pay for a faster speed package. The prices vary by sailing and ship.

Yes, everything is included in the “port-to-port” fare. Adding airfare and ground transfers is part of the “door-to-door” offering.

Drinks are included in the all-inclusive fare, so no additional drink package is offered.

No, but some destinations may have their requirements. For example, there may be some destinations or embarkation points where unvaccinated travelers must provide a negative covid test, and vaccinated travelers would have to show proof of receiving the vaccine. All requirements and protocols are subject to change.

(Top photo courtesy of Silversea)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Best Silversea Cruises

Read Best Cruises Methodology

Find Cruises

Call to plan a cruise: 1-833-468-6732

with a cruise advisor

Silver Moon

Cruisers seeking an intimate experience should consider booking a trip aboard Silversea's Silver Moon, one of the line's newest ships. Debuted in June 2021, Silver Moon accommodates just 596 passengers. And with 411 crew members, travelers can expect an attentive experience.

One standout amenity is the Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) program. The dining experience aims to introduce passengers to their destinations through food. On board, the S.A.L.T. Lab offers travelers the chance to participate in tastings and workshops, while the S.A.L.T. Kitchen provides a unique dining experience. On shore, foodies can book special cuisine-focused excursions through the program. Not an adventurous eater? Not to worry. Silver Moon boasts seven additional eateries serving everything from pizza to tapas to grilled meat and fish.

Following a delicious meal, travelers will have access to a wealth of amenities, including the spa, a pool, several whirlpools, lounges and a fitness center. When evening rolls around, cruisers can press their luck at the casino or catch a live show.

As with other Silversea ships, Silver Moon boasts all-suite accommodations, ranging in size from 334 to 1,970 square feet. Each suite boasts butler service, marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, minibars and large windows. Plus, you'll get a welcome bottle of Champagne. Upgraded staterooms may include multiple bedrooms, sitting areas and bathrooms; espresso machines; daily canapes and private balconies.

Silver Moon is set to explore a variety of regions, including Europe, Africa, Central America and Asia. The ship also completes transoceanic voyages.

Silver Muse

Debuted in April 2017, Silver Muse offers a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio, with 411 crew members and space for 596 passengers.

Among the ship's standout features are its spacious all-suite accommodations, which range from 334 square feet to 1,970 square feet. All cabins are serviced by a butler and include luxury bed linens, a marble bath with luxury toiletries and a picture window or balcony. While all passengers are treated to a complimentary hour of internet per day, those staying in upgraded suites get extras like balconies, multiple flat-screen TVs and interactive media libraries.

When it comes to dining, Silver Muse boasts eight venues that showcase a variety of cuisines, including Italian and Asian, as well as French fare at the upscale La Dame.

Similar to other ships in the fleet, Silver Muse offers a variety of onboard activities and facilities, including a spa, a pool deck and gym, a casino and several lounges.

Silver Muse sails to a number of areas in Asia, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand.

Silver Wind

Debuted in 1995, Silver Wind received its most recent refurbishment in November 2021. Updates include a strengthened hull designed to sail through the icy waters of Antarctica, redesigned suites (some of which include new walk-in showers), refreshed public areas and a special swimming pool heating system. Silver Wind carries 274 guests and 239 crew members. 

Previous cruisers say the attentive staff kept the ship well-maintained throughout the entire journey. Passengers are also quick to praise the all-suite accommodations. All offer ocean views and more than 80% are equipped with a private veranda. Suites come with butler service, walk-in closets, minifridges and marble bathrooms.

When it comes to dining, Silver Wind offers four restaurants, including specialty restaurant La Dame. Silver Wind offers a variety of daytime activities, ranging from enrichment courses to fitness classes. There are also plenty of facilities to pass days at sea, like a pool deck, library and card room. Notably, the casino was removed in the ship's most recent refurbishment. When it's time to wind down, grab a nightcap at one of several bars or catch a performance in the Show Lounge.

Silver Wind sails to ports in Alaska, Asia, the Mediterranean and more.

Silver Dawn

One of the newest ships within the Silversea Cruises fleet, Silver Dawn debuted in April 2022. Similar in size to its sister ships, Silver Muse and Silver Moon , Silver Dawn can accommodate 596 guests and has the capacity for up to 411 crew members.

Dawn is the first ship within the fleet to offer Otium, a new wellness concept that will eventually be implemented across all of Silversea's ships. The program aims to incorporate luxurious elements of the spa experience throughout the entire voyage, starting with guests' suites. Each cabin features the line's new Otium Soft Touch mattress, a redesigned pillow menu, pillow mists, and special touches like cozy blankets, in-room bath salts or hot chocolate. Suites range in size from 334 square feet to 1,970 square feet and feature ocean views, butler service and full baths with separate showers, among other amenities.

Outside of the accommodations, cruisers will find eight restaurants, including La Terrazza, an Italian eatery, Kaiseki, a Japanese outpost, and S.A.L.T. Kitchen, which features a menu that highlights the local cuisine of the ship's destination. Other onboard facilities include a casino, a pool deck, a boutique, a live entertainment lounge, a fitness center and the S.A.L.T. Lab, where passengers can enjoy workshops, lectures and cooking demonstrations.

Silver Dawn departs from ports like Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and Lisbon, Portugal , to destinations like Barcelona, Spain , and Lima, Peru . 

U.S. News Insider Tip : Consider booking a session with Silversea's newest spa concept, Otium, which debuted on Silver Dawn. Beyond the ancient Rome-inspired treatments available in Otium, the experience continues in-suite, with butler-drawn candlelit baths including a glass of Champagne and a house-made macaron waiting on a tub tray. Classical music plays soothingly in the background. – Janice Wald Henderson, Contributor

Silver Spirit

Fully refurbished in 2018, the 608-passenger Silver Spirit prioritizes customer service. With 411 crew members on board, it maintains less than a 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ratio.

The ship's full redesign left it 49 feet longer, enhancing the space around the ship. It is one of the line's largest vessels. Guests will enjoy dining options like Spaccanapoli (Italian), Silver Note (tapas-sized dishes), Atlantide (seafood), Indochine (Asian) and more. There are a total of eight dining establishments, many of which recent visitors called "superb."

Recent cruisers were also pleased with the all-suite accommodations. All offer ocean views, and 95% include private verandas. The spacious suites (ranging from 334 to 1,879 square feet) offer amenities like butler service, minifridges and full baths with separate showers.

The extra space on board also allows for a roomier spa – 8,300 square feet, to be exact. When you're not getting pampered, take advantage of the ship's other activities like fitness classes, casino games and enrichment courses. Come nightfall, unwind in one of three bars, or catch a performance at the Venetian Lounge.

Silver Spirit offers a variety of itineraries throughout the Mediterranean, Africa and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip : Silver Spirit devotees will love the Silver Suite room category. As the entry-level option into the biggest accommodations, it provides exclusive amenities – such as an espresso machine, daily canape service and complimentary laundry – without the largest suites' sky-high fares. – Janice Wald Henderson, Contributor

Silver Whisper

Built in 2001 and last refurbished in 2018, Silver Whisper can accommodate up to 392 luxury-seeking passengers. With 302 staff members on board and a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio, the ship maintains a higher standard of service than some competitors. The crew members' efficiency and attention to detail earned the ship high marks from many recent cruisers.  

Guests appreciated the all-suite cabins, which range from 287 to 1,435 square feet. More than 80% feature private teak balconies. Amenities include walk-in closets, minifridges and full marble baths with separate showers. Silver Whisper offers an array of daytime activities geared toward older travelers, including enrichment courses and afternoon tea, in addition to a casino, a spa, a salon and a pool deck.

Silver Whisper touts four onboard restaurants, including La Dame and The Grill, a lava stone cooking venue. Round out a day at sea with a show in the performance theater or at one of the several cocktail lounges. 

Silver Whisper sails to several destinations across Alaska, Canada, Australia, the Mediterranean and more. The ship also completes transoceanic voyages.

U.S. News Insider Tip : Silver Whisper offers an inviting library with a wide array of books filling teak cabinets; enjoy some reading in the venue's buttery soft leather chairs. – Janice Wald Henderson, Contributor

Silver Shadow

Silver Shadow is slightly larger than the older Silversea ships, but not as big as the  Silver Spirit . Last refurbished in 2019 (and debuted in 2000), the 392-passenger ship maintains a nearly 1-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio, with 302 crew members. For past cruisers, it was the friendly crew's attention to detail that helped set Silver Shadow apart from its competitors.

Recent passengers praise the all-suite accommodations, which range from the Vista Suite (287 square feet) to the two-bedroom Grand Suite (1,435 square feet). All cabins offer ocean views and more than 80% include private balconies. Standard amenities include butler service, minifridges and full baths with separate showers.

When guests aren't in their rooms, they can utilize the ship's facilities, which include shopping boutiques, a casino, a beauty salon and an expansive pool deck. The ship also offers four dining venues, including La Dame, a specialty French restaurant with an additional reservation fee. As for nighttime entertainment, passengers have their pick between several cocktail lounges and the ship's performance venue.

Silver Shadow sails throughout North America, South America, Australia, Asia and more. It also completes some transoceanic voyages.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Silversea Cruises
• Silversea Cruises from Florida
• Silversea Cruises from Anchorage
• Silversea Cruises from Fort Lauderdale
• Silversea Cruises from New York City
• Silversea Cruises from Seward
• Silversea Cruises from San Juan
• Silversea Cruises from Vancouver
• Silversea Cruises from London
• Silversea Cruises from Barcelona
• Silversea Cruises from Venice
• Silversea Cruises from Amsterdam
• Silversea Cruises from Copenhagen
• Silversea Cruises from Stockholm
• Silversea Cruises from Civitavecchia
• Silversea Cruises from Sydney
• Silversea Cruises from Hong Kong
• Silversea Cruises from Singapore
• Silversea Cruises from Dubai
• Silversea Cruises from Buenos Aires
• Silversea Cruises from Auckland
• Silversea Cruises to Caribbean
• Silversea Cruises to Barbados
• Silversea Cruises to Curaçao
• Silversea Cruises to Puerto Rico
• Silversea Cruises to San Juan
• Silversea Cruises to St. Lucia
• Silversea Cruises to St Martin / St Maarten
• Silversea Cruises to St. Kitts and Nevis
• Silversea Cruises to St. Kitts
• Silversea Cruises to British Columbia
• Silversea Cruises to Vancouver
• Silversea Cruises to Vancouver Island
• Silversea Cruises to Victoria
• Silversea Cruises to France
• Silversea Cruises to Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
• Silversea Cruises to Lazio
• Silversea Cruises to Taormina
• Silversea Cruises to Tuscany
• Silversea Cruises to Florence
• Silversea Cruises to Portugal
• Luxury Silversea Cruises
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Silversea Cruises Silver Nova Deck Plans & Reviews

Silversea Cruises Silver Nova

Activities & entertainment

• Silver Note
• Atlantide - Main
• S.A.L.T. Kitchen - Regional
• La Dame - French
• Kaiseki - Pan-Asian
• La Terrazza - Italian
• Arts Cafe - Coffee & Snacks
• Silver Note - Supper Club
• The Pool Bar - Pool Bar
• The Dusk Bar - Scenic Bar
• The Marquee
• The Grill - Steakhouse
• Spaccanapoli - Pizza
• Room Service
• Excellent 0
• Very Good 1
• All languages ( 3 )
• English ( 2 )
• German ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

Silversea is an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise line with a unique Italian heritage . There are nine cruise ships in the Silversea fleet, four of which are expedition vessels. Silversea visit more destinations than any other cruise line. Itineraries range from 7-day Caribbean sailings to 150-day World cruises.

Review: Silver Spirit cruise ship

By Jason Kerr | 2024-03-06T21:11:22+10:00 27 Feb 2020 |

Silver Spirit is a small luxury cruise ship that never feels crowded. This Silver Spirit review details the great dining options and renovated suites.

Silver Spirit Silver Suite

By Jason Kerr | 2023-12-12T16:05:10+10:00 27 Feb 2020 |

The Silver Spirit Silver Suite is perfect for those who like more luxury and space. It is a beautifully furnished one-bedroom apartment.

Silver Spirit Veranda Suite

By Jason Kerr | 2023-12-12T16:06:39+10:00 27 Feb 2020 |

The Silver Spirit Veranda Suite is elegant and extra-spacious with a beautiful teak veranda. It's ideal for luxury cruising.

Silver Spirit Restaurants

By Jason Kerr | 2023-12-12T16:07:48+10:00 27 Feb 2020 |

There are eight Silver Spirit restaurants to choose from including Seishin, which I rate as the best Japanese restaurant at sea.

Silver Spirit Bars & Nightlife

By Jason Kerr | 2023-12-12T16:08:33+10:00 27 Feb 2020 |

The Silver Spirit bars and nightlife have something for everyone to enjoy. There are chic lounges, shows in the theatre and live music venues.

Silver Spirit Wellness

By Jason Kerr | 2023-12-12T16:09:02+10:00 27 Feb 2020 |

The Silver Spirit pool is an oasia at sea, the luxurious Silver Spirit spa has indulgent treatments you and the gym will keep you fit.

Review: Silver Muse cruise ship (Updated 2021)

By Jason Kerr | 2024-03-06T21:11:30+10:00 29 Jan 2019 |

Silver Muse is an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise ship operated by Silversea Cruises. This Silver Muse review is a detailed guide with videos, advice and unbiased ratings.

Silver Muse Silver Suite

By Jason Kerr | 2023-12-12T16:12:32+10:00 29 Jan 2019 |

The Silver Muse Silver Suite is ideal for those who want more space and luxury amenities. It is a beautifully furnished one-bedroom apartment.

Silver Muse Veranda Suite (Updated 2020)

By Jason Kerr | 2023-12-12T16:13:53+10:00 29 Jan 2019 |

The Silver Muse Veranda Suite is perfect for luxury cruising. It is the most spacious suite in its class, it has designer finishes and a butler.

The World’s most comprehensive guide to luxury cruising with great reporting from our expert travel journalists all over the globe.

Our sections

Newsletter signup.

We keep your data private and share your data only with third parties that make this service possible. Read our full Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2013 – 2023  Kerr Communications  |  Terms of use  |  Privacy

Join our community

You’re welcome to become a member of our luxury cruise community. Stay connected and get The Luxury Cruise Review newsletter sent to your inbox.

You’re welcome to become a member of our luxury cruise community.

Review: Silver Dawn

Reviewed by Janice Wald Henderson

What is the line?  Silversea

Name of ship?  Silver Dawn

Passenger occupancy? 596

Itinerary? Roundtrip Lisbon

Few ships shimmer brighter than Silver Dawn, with its  you’ve arrived vibe, white gloved-butler pampering, and a novel spa concept celebrating indulgence both within the spa walls and in-suite. 

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?  

Silversea lures diehard devotees for its all-inclusive luxury cruises. Among the draws, all-suite accommodations, a sophisticated design reflecting its Italian heritage, tux-clad butlers for all passengers, complimentary alcohol and fine caviar, and diversified stylish restaurants. Silversea offers six ultra-luxury ocean liners (with its seventh, new-class Silver Nova, debuting August 2023), four polar expedition ships, and Origin, a Galápagos-dedicated small expedition vessel. Passengers are primarily 55+, although expeditions can skew younger. With itineraries traversing all seven continents, Silversea draws well-heeled, well-traveled passengers, primarily from the United States, with a notable amount from the UK and Europe. 

Tell us about the ship in general  

Launched in April 2022, the 596-passenger Silver Dawn envelopes passengers in luxury and beauty. The swank line’s latest and greatest new innovation, Otium spa, debuted on this ship. Wherever I went, I saw passengers sipping cocktails and champagne, nibbling caviar, schmoozing by the pool -  generally acting, well, joyous. Here’s one reason: The attentive crew find ways to make you happier than you thought you already were. I was only half-joking about chaining myself to the bed at departure time.  

Who is onboard?  

As a traveler who spends much time in the UK and Europe, I really enjoy meeting passengers and making friends with those living outside the United States. That’s a big Silversea advantage. Sailing Silver Dawn felt so worldly. On my cruise, I met a bunch of Brits and practiced French. Well-off passengers, mostly over 55-years-old and traveling as couples or a friends group, were friendly and open to conversations in lounges or the whirlpool. No one overdressed, sticking to casually elegant looks except when the dress code required more formal attire. Solo cruisers could meet up nightly for hosted cocktails. I often saw several eating dinner together. 

  Describe the cabins  

I unpacked in one of 34 Silver Suites, a one-bedroom with a long entry foyer, living room, dining area and sizable veranda. It felt like a smart European apartment, decorated in neutral hues with pops of orange and blue. All suites are equally gorgeous, really different size variations on one elegant residential-inspired theme with stunning marble baths. The 242 Veranda Suites are the largest category and popular. Those living especially large bunk in Royal, Grand or Owner Suites, one-to-two bedroom accommodations with even larger verandas. Silver Suites and up receive more perks such as an illy espresso-maker or complimentary laundry; the higher the category, the more amenities. That said, stay in an entry level veranda-free Vista Suite, and experience indulgence in every important way – enjoy butler service, bathe in a stall shower or soaking tub. 

Tell us about the crew  

Once you’ve experienced Silver Dawn – or other Silversea ship - butlers, you may find sailing without them lacking. Butlers take the time to learn  you - the little things, like wanting breakfast eggs, scrambled well with chives only served in-suite at 8 a.m., or a daily gin martini delivered precisely at six p.m. on the veranda. They whisk away laundry, switch shore excursions and find last-minute dining reservations without breaking a sweat. Quite simply, they make cruising smooth as silk, providing a glimpse of what rarified life is like. They may wear tuxedos and white gloves and strike a formal tone, but their polished presentation never feels stiff. Such service works for this ship, and makes Silversea stand out from Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn, comparable luxury lines. The entire crew strikes that fairly formal tone (except for servers in outdoor eateries)yet you can feel the underlying warmth.

What food and drink options are available on board?  

With eight dining choices, eating well and lavishly are de rigueur. Expect a “dine-around” menu for ordering anytime, anywhere, and 24-hour room service including dinner served in courses. Only two restaurants are fee-based (La Dame and Kaiseki) and all require evening reservations except alfresco pizzeria Spaccanapoli, S.A.L.T. Kitchen and three-meal-a-day Atlantide. The 76-seat La Dame’s reservations are the hardest to score; book far in advance for a swoon-worthy French six-course extravaganza awash in delicacies like foie gras, lobster and aged beef. Despite its main-dining status, Atlantide still feels special, with intricate menus starring primo beef and seafood. (Order the Indian food specials; native chefs ensure they’re authentic.) I think everyone loves lively La Terrazza, with its peerless charcuterie board, pillowy focaccia and hand-fashioned daily pastas. (The lasagna and duck ragout pappardelle are fabulous.) 

Kaiseki’s really popular for complimentary lunchtime sushi. Come nighttime, chefs up the game, preparing exquisite sashimi and modern Japanese takes on classics like surf and turf that would be equally at home in a chic Manhattan bistro. Silver Note delivers tapas with a cool jazz or blues club scene. (I preferred dropping by later for the excellent entertainment.) S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) Kitchen dishes up cuisine reflecting the sailing region. This restaurant, relatively new to Silversea, is a solid hit for good reason. Cooks don’t gussy up local dishes, keeping the soul in plates like Portuguese pan-fried salt cod on my cruise. 

At the poolside Grill, passengers sizzle steaks and fish over hot rocks; many love it simply for its casual under-the-stars vibe. I saw passengers stop walking the jogging track, drawn by the wafting aroma of Neapolitan pizza at Spaccanapoli. My favorite hangout was all-day Arts Café, for frothy pre-workout morning cappuccinos, flaky afternoon scones and evening appetizers such as salmon mousse topped with salmon roe. 

Most notably, sustainable top-drawer caviar, presented with all the proper accoutrements, is available complimentary, anytime, anywhere. I made it a nightly fest, gleefully washed down with champagne. The tiny S.A.L.T. Bar, showcasing mixologist concoctions evoking the region, seemed the buzziest. So much so, I never got in. I chilled at Dolce Vita, an expansive people-watching lounge where the bartender stirred perfect martinis and lemon drops.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

Beeline it to Silversea’s next-gen spa Otium, especially if reclining post-treatment, sipping champagne and nibbling house-made treats like marshmallows and dark chocolate truffles, makes you grin. (Those sweets were so good, I stuffed extra in my bathrobe pockets for later.) Modeled after the ancient Roman elite class’s lifestyle, Otium emphasizes indulgence as much as pampering treatments.

Ancient Roman-style art evokes a slightly decadent ambiance, and every room is softly lit. Before a treatment, your butler presents a spa robe in-suite for the upcoming visit. New lengthier Med-inspired treatments like facials and massages rule, with 100-minutes proving popular. Post-massage, I was so relaxed, I pushed the elevator button for the wrong floor. Medi-spa services are also available. All passengers can enjoy the steam rooms and saunas of Otium Thermal Suite complimentarily. 

Otium indulgence extends to suites, too. Rest and renewal is a big part of the Otium philosophy; new beds showcase specially designed Otium mattresses and crisp Italian linens. I did sleep deeply each night. Butlers draw (battery-powered) candlelit aromatherapy baths post-treatment and present a wooden tray with champagne and a handmade macaron. I loved the Otium comfort-food room service menu, with treats like truffled popcorn and foie gras burger on brioche, among several selections.

Activities and entertainment  

The pool with its two whirlpools is the main hangout. (There’s another hot tub at the ship rear on Deck 10.) Passengers mostly moved between the pool, Pool Bar, loungers and the Grill. Team trivia drew a steady bunch and as did some S.A.L.T. lectures. The Deck 11 jogging track attracted more walkers than runners, cruisers often pausing to soak up the view. Serious workouts take place in the Fitness Centre, a good-sized, well-equipped venue.    

S.A.L.T. Lab books 24 students per hands-on cooking class for exploring regional recipes.  I thought our recipes were simple, fashioning chick pea and salted cod salad, and scrambled eggs with salt cod and crisp potatoes, yet our Portuguese instructor fascinated by explaining her culinary culture.

The casino may not be the buzziest real estate, but the Venetian Lounge draws evening crowds. Like most small-ship luxury lines, Silversea eschews big productions; instead, it showcases the Voices of Silversea, a few singers who perform together or solo. I preferred guest artists, a violinist or pianist, perhaps. 

I usually avoid production shows like the plague, but ex-Broadway cruise director Vicki Van Tassel put on one that was hysterical. I laughed until I cried. Her act felt like one performed in a Manhattan club for cool kids – so edgy for Silversea. 

How was the experience for families?  

Silver Dawn is typical Silversea; children are rarely seen onboard; if sailing, they lean older and well-behaved. (The minimum age to sail is six months.) Christmas and Easter promise some kid activities run by a youth counselor.  

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?  

My cruise was a short introductory itinerary, roundtrip Lisbon, visiting Portimão. Med sails are Silversea strong suits, so expect many such sails plying this popular sea. 

My S.A.L.T. excursion was knockout. These outings highlight local chefs and tastemakers, cuisine and wine. In Portomão, we boarded a small bus to Maria do Mar, a hole-in-the-wall tin fish market/restaurant, where a chef prepares flavor bombs like sardines, anchovies and mackerel on grilled bread. We devoured everything, quaffing much Portuguese white wine (vinho verde) to cheer our insider-y afternoon. 

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

I didn’t notice any, but I see that Silver Nova, the first of a new ship class debuting in August 2023, leans hard into green initiatives with advanced hybrid technology utilizing fuel cells and promise zero port emissions. 

Anything we missed?

Not really. Silver Dawn delivers such a complete package, the ultimate luxury experience, equally balanced in all departments.

Why is the cruise is worth booking?

Silver Dawn delivers most everything a luxury cruiser desires, from sumptuous suites and  choice-filled fine dining, to a next-gen pampering-aplenty spa. Besides, this line intimately knows the Med like few others; if you explore the S.A.L.T. program, so soon shall you.

Suggested companies

Norwegian cruise line, celebrity cruises.

Silversea Cruises   Reviews

In the Vehicles & Transportation category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 2.9.

Most relevant

VERY POOR customer service when the flights were cancelled. NOT a premium cruise line.

We booked our first silversea cruise in April 2024. We opted for a door to service. On the day British Airways cancelled the flight. We were not contacted by Silversea. The emergency number was not answered. We then called the USA number to see what arrangements were being made. They knew nothing and we had to push very hard to arrange another flight and we were on the phone for nearly 2 hours. We arrived in Barcelona and no taxi was arranged to take us to the ship. We arrived at ship with 15 minutes to spare. We were not greeted or welcomed on board and had to carry our bags to our cabin. There was no follow up or customer recovery what so ever until I flagged this on board. The cruise its self was very good although poor entertainment in the main theatre. On our return to the UK we followed up with guest relations which was very poor. The booking agent for Silversea told us that they could not help the flight being cancelled which is correct however the back up and help was diabolical. We will never book with Silversea again as they cannot be relied upon. Still waiting for a follow up from guest relations !! NOT a premium cruise line !!!

Date of experience : 06 April 2024

Absolutely shocking

Absolutely shocking! They market them selves as 6 stars! You get 1 star service! Continually having to chase things, email after email, call after call with them being dropped, transferred to departments that are closed! Having attitude given over the phone causing you to loose temper and then being told they don’t like your attitude! Well maybe if you did your job correctly and offered 6 star customer service you’d have no issues! Would not recommend to anyone! Issue after issue!

Date of experience : 28 October 2023

Just returned from a cruise around the Caribbean

Just returned from a cruise around the southern Caribbean. Every interaction with Silversea has been exemplary, from booking (via a travel agency) to our return home. This was the most relaxing cruise we've ever experienced, made all the more so because you're not constantly signing for extras throughout the cruise. If we hadn't used the spa our extras bill would have been zero. Our cabin, which was a mid grade one, was incredibly comfortable and spacious, the room attendants and butler were wonderful people who couldn't do enough to help. In fact it's fair to say it was the crew that made cruising with Silversea so memorable and for all the right reasons Silversea sits in a category often labelled as "ultra luxury" and it's a fair description of the experience. Is it expensive? well it's not cheap, but neither is it expensive when you consider the experience in its entirety. Would we go with Silversea again? Without a shadow of doubt, and on the cruise we met so many people who were repeat travellers, which itself attests to how good the experience is. We loved every moment of our trip

Date of experience : 13 March 2023

Cruise of a lifetime

Booked a cruise around the UK from, and back to Tower Bridge in November 2018. Paid in full December 2018.We were to travel 13th May 2020 In March 2020 the country went into lockdown, particularly badly hit was London. The cruise was cancelled, as was always going to happen, on 24th April. This in my view was far too late, as with the circumstances as they were it would have been extremely stupid for a cruise to depart from London, with I suspect many people who were over 70 and considered vulnerable. We were in that category. I telephoned Silversea several times, to always be told the same "at the moment the cruise will still be sailing" We now have to wait between 60 and 90 days to be refunded a considerable amount of money because they have insufficient staff to deal with the demand for refunds. Why? Because they have furloughed the staff and our government are paying them. They will have had our cash for over 18 months, assuming we get our refund in their timeframe. The staff on the telephone are very polite, and I feel sad that they work for such a poorly run company. Apparently they didn't see this demand coming! It was the first cruise we had booked with them, we did it on recommend, but would never use them again. Other cruise companies are treating customers much better. Very Disappointed

Date of experience : 09 June 2020

I’m going to entitled this review…beginnings and endings..

I’m going to entitled this review beginning and endings. We’ve just returned from a 31 day cruise from New York to Lima with a number of stops on Caribbean islands. The beginning and end were disasters. We arrived in New York after a lengthy flight. We were met by the reps who asked to to wait with a number of other guests. After waiting 45 minutes and complaining we were told that the transport had been delayed but another had been organised. It arrived. We all piled in to a very overcrowded minibus for our journey to our hotel. To make matters worse we picked up 2 more customers to have a very uncomfortable 90 minute trip to New York. The following day we had hoped for a walk around the city before boarding the ship. Unfortunately there was then a massive queue for breakfast, most of them Silversea guests. We were eventually offered breakfast 30 minutes later. After a very brief walk we vacated our room. We had to be out by 11.00 am even though transport to the ship did not start until 11.45. More than a hundred guests were then waiting in the lobby with only 2 toilets for the transport to arrive. It was similarly poor on the way home. We were kindly offered a day room in a hotel,in Lima as our flight was not until 10.15. There were a significant number of guests offered the same facility. However, it would seem that Silversea did not arrange sufficient transport. There was not sufficient space for all the luggage in the underneath of the coach and so 6 or 7 cases were piled in with the guests. Had there been a fire on the coach none of us would have survived. When we arrived at the hotel the idiot boy who was our rep got off the coach and started unloading bags from underneath the coach. The guests were forced to move the bags themselves in order to get off. Silversea cannot describe the service as 5 or 6 star with the shambles we experienced. Turning now to the cruise itself which is why I have given Silversea 4 stars. I cannot fault our cabin or the ship. Star were invariable polite and friendly. Not all the staff were competent and some needed further tracing but when issues were raised they were dealt with. I enjoyed the food and there was plenty of variety. Most of the excursions were brilliant. I particularly enjoyed a jeep tour, some Turks and swimming with sea lions. Others were pretty poor. Avoid the excursions which a long coach rides which are usually pretty bad. On one occasions we’re due to visit some caves but there was at least 60 people on the coach. We got off and did our own thing. My one objection to the cruse itself was penny pinching. The internet only allowed you to use one device at a time and was pretty slow. You could upgrade to faster broadband for more that one device at a cost of several hundred pounds if I am paying that much for a cruise I expect the best quality internet to be included. The cost of visiting the La Dame restaurant was extortionate at about £200 extra per person. We didn’t go but those that did go say it wasn’t worth it. Stop the penny pinching. However, on the whole we loved it and will probably go again but Silversea could do much better.

Date of experience : 19 December 2023

Is this your company?

Claim your profile to access Trustpilot’s free business tools and connect with customers.

7 amazing cruise itineraries to book in 2024

I don't know about you, but each year, as the weather turns cold, I start daydreaming about getting out of Dodge — or, in my case, Pennsylvania. My mind wanders to cruises that will take me to places where the temperature is warmer, but I also take a hard look at the (exceptionally lengthy) list of places I'm longing to visit.

After digging through what's new for 2024, I've come up with a shortlist of sailings that I think are noteworthy. They range from a standard Bahamas voyage with a new twist and an extended Alaska sailing that includes a foray across the Arctic Circle to more far-flung destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dream on, dear reader, and add these to your list of 2024 cruise itineraries.

Note: All prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Fares do not include taxes and fees.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Seabourn's 'Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas' itinerary

Last year, the Australia and New Zealand cruise region gained momentum following the pandemic shutdown. In 2024, the hardly populated Australia region of The Kimberley is gaining popularity. Luxury cruise brand Seabourn will be offering a series of six 10-night voyages between Broome and Darwin on expedition vessel Seabourn Pursuit during what will be early winter in the southern hemisphere.

The line's " Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas " will take passengers to places along the coast few passengers are able to visit to see the stunning teal waters and horizontal waterfalls of Talbot Bay, sample wines in the Hunter River Region and check out nature preserves in Wyndham.

Details: The first sailing, from Darwin to Broome, embarks on June 12. The final voyage, from Broome to Darwin, departs on Aug. 1. Prices start from $6,134 per person ($613 per person, per night), double occupancy, for the July 2 cruise. All accommodations are suites with balconies.

Celebrity's 'Best of Japan' and 'Vietnam and Thailand' cruises

The number of voyages in Asia was trending upward notably prior to 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought cruising in the region to an extended halt. And it's once again on the rise. Following that curve, Celebrity Cruises will be running new 11- to 13-night Asia sailings in 2024 on two ships — Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Solstice — that bring stops in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand.

What's notable about the offerings is that they will aim to immerse passengers further into the destinations by including overnights in a total of 11 ports across all itineraries. That means more time to explore Hanoi's Old Quarter as the sun sets, indulge in nighttime gastronomy in Hong Kong, visit one of Bangkok's many markets, or learn why Osaka is known for street food.

Details: Celebrity Millennium's " Best of Japan " cruises run from early mid-March to early October. At press time, the least expensive fares — for a 12-night sailing — start from $1,330 per person ($111 per person, per night) for an inside cabin. It travels round-trip from Yokohama and visits Hiroshima, Pusan and other ports, including Osaka, where the ship will overnight.

Celerbrity Solstice's Vietnam and Thailand cruises kick off in mid-January and run through March. The ship will resume them again in the fall of 2024 and run through the winter season. Prices start from $1,255 per person ($105 per person, per night) for an inside cabin. The voyage sails from Hong Kong to Singapore with stops in Da Nang and Koh Samui, plus overnights in Hanoi and Bangkok.

SeaDream's 'Yachting the Adriatic & Greek Isles' sailing

Here's one to put on your radar if you're looking to book — but not necessarily sail — in 2024. It's a new Mediterranean itinerary that doesn't start up for nearly three more years, in 2026. The SeaDream routing brings stops at seven ports that are rarely visited by cruise passengers. During the seven-night voyages, there will be calls at Primosten, Croatia; Cesme, Turkey; Cetubal, Portugal; and Kythira, Kythnos, Syvota and Tinos, Greece — making these sailings unique and well-suited to anyone who loves the region but who's looking for new places to experience.

SeaDream's small ships, each of which carries just 112 people, are able to reach locales about which passengers on megaships can only fantasize. Couple that with excellent service, and you'll be visiting the Our Lady of Loretto statue in Primosten, touring the Cesme Castle and lounging on stunning Greek beaches from a home base that puts you squarely in the lap of luxury.

Details: An itinerary that includes three of the seven new ports is the 11-night " Yachting the Adriatic & Greek Isles " itinerary from Venice, Italy, to Athens, Greece, departing on Aug. 8, 2026, on SeaDream I. Prices start from $10,399 per person ($946 per person, per night) for a room with a porthole view.

Holland America's 'Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice' Legendary Voyage

Alaska is an absolute must for anyone who enjoys the vastness of untouched wilderness, the wildlife it houses and adventurous pursuits it provides. (Think whale-watching, hiking on glaciers and salmon fishing.) However, Holland America 's Westerdam is hosting a 28-day sailing that's anything but your standard cruise to the Last Frontier .

Passengers will visit the usual Alaska ports, such as Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, with scenic sailing through the Inside Passage, past Hubbard Glacier and to Glacier Bay. But they can also expect less-common stops at places like Nome, Kodiak, Anchorage (with an overnight) and Homer. Plus, about halfway through, this cruise crosses the Arctic Circle — a rite of passage for many travelers.

Details: Holland America's 28-day " Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice " cruise — one of the line's Legendary Voyages, known for longer durations and a unique mix of port calls — sails June 9-July 7, round-trip from Seattle. Inside cabins start from $5,299 per person (about $189 per person, per night).

Silversea's summertime French Polynesia cruises

Another consideration for future travel is Silversea Cruises , which is featuring its first full-summer season in French Polynesia in 2026. Silver Whisper will offer two immersive itineraries, including overnights, across 17 voyages between April and September.

Passengers can choose seven-night sailings that visit idyllic favorites like Tahiti, Moorea and Huahine and which also include overnights in Bora Bora. Or, they can cruise for twice as long by selecting a 14-night voyage that calls on the same ports as the seven-night option but with Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Fatu Hiva, Atuona and Tahuata added.

Details: Silversea's seven-night voyages begin April 6, 2026, and start from $5,650 per person ($808 per person, per night) for an ocean-view cabin.

The line's 14-night sailings start on April 20, 2026. Fares start from $10,450 per person ($747 per person, per night) for ocean-view accommodations.

New Bermuda voyages on Carnival Venezia

Beginning in May of 2025, Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Venezia will sail a series of eight four- and five-night cruises to Bermuda from New York. These itineraries are notable because the line is aiming to increase its presence there but also because the style of the ship is new to even most of the brand's most dedicated passengers.

In 2022, Carnival announced its Costa by Carnival concept after revealing it would be transferring ships from its Costa sister brand to the Carnival fleet. Now, when travelers visit the Gibb's Hill Lighthouse or check out the island's renowned pink-sand beaches during a sailing on Carnival Venezia, they can enjoy both the Italian style of the ship and Carnival's fun atmosphere and high service standards.

Details: Voyages kick off on May 22, 2025. Prices start from $429 per person ($108 per person, per night) for an inside cabin on a four-night cruise departing Sept. 18, 2025.

Disney Cruise Line's Lighthouse Point itineraries

Disney Cruise Line 's new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , a private destination on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, is set to open in June with a three-night preview sailing on June 6 aboard Disney Magic. Following the initial voyage, the line will run regular three- to seven-night voyages to Lighthouse Point on Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

The island will feature a dedicated family beach and water play area, an arts and culture pavilion focused on Bahamian culture, 20 family cabanas, an adults-only beach and a selection of shore excursion options.

Details: Prices for itineraries that include Lighthouse Point start from $624 per person ($208 per person, per night) for a three-night cruise on Disney Magic. The cruise departs Nov. 5 and sails from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Have cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• Banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
• What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Are you planning a cruise for summer or fall? Brace yourself for a shock

Are you looking to take a cruise between now and the end of the year? We have some bad news: You might have a tough time finding a cabin — at least if you want a specific type of room on a specific ship.

Bookings for cruises have been on fire for months , pacing at record levels. As a result, nearly nine of every 10 cabins available for 2024 sailings are already booked, the top executive of one of the world's biggest cruise companies revealed Thursday.

"We only have about 12% load factors left to build for the year," Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group CEO, noted in a conference call with Wall Street analysts, using a term that refers to the percentage of cabin space that is available on ships.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Liberty said bookings for cruises accelerated in April beyond an already blistering pace set in the first three months of the year. The surge occurred despite a rapidly dwindling amount of open cabin space for 2024 sailings.

"Bookings have consistently outpaced last year throughout the entire first quarter and through April, even though we have significantly fewer staterooms left to sell," Liberty said.

Royal Caribbean Group is the parent company of Royal Caribbean , the world's biggest cruise line, as well as Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises . It also owns a partial interest in Germany-based cruise brands TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Liberty was only referring to Royal Caribbean Group brands when making the comments about bookings. But other cruise companies, including Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, have reported similar strength in bookings in recent months.

As one of the biggest cruise brands in the world, Royal Caribbean Group also serves as a bellwether of sorts for the industry when it comes to booking strength.

The result: soaring cruise fares

With demand for cruises at record levels and cabin supply quickly disappearing, cruise lines have been able to raise prices significantly in recent months on top of sharp price increases throughout 2023.

During Thursday's conference call with Wall Street analysts, Liberty said the bookings that customers at its brands made during the first three months of the year were "at much higher prices than 2023" fares.

Liberty also noted that yields at Royal Caribbean Group brands for cruises that customers took during the first three months of the year were up 19.3% as compared to the same months in 2023. That was nearly four percentage points higher than the company was predicting just a few months ago.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Yield is a measure of how much money cruise lines make per passenger.

"The first quarter was tremendous, sending us well on our path to a year that is significantly better than we expected just a few months back," Liberty said.

Liberty attributed the strong growth in bookings and pricing in part to the line's rollout of the record-size Icon of the Seas in January, which has been a huge hit . He also noted strong bookings and pricing across the entire fleets of its brands for all key itineraries.

Both new ships and older ships are in hot demand, Liberty suggested, with demand particularly strong from North American travelers. Roughly 80% of all Royal Caribbean Group bookings this year have come from North Americans — an unusually large percentage.

The company is also seeing a surge in first-time cruisers, a category known in the industry as the "new to cruise" market.

"Our addressable market is expanding, and 'new to cruise' continues to grow, increasing 16% year over year," Liberty said. "These guests are discovering our differentiated vacation experiences and are increasingly returning to us as we see repeat rates over 30% higher compared to 2019."

Liberty also noted the company was drawing more younger customers, including a growing number of millennials.

"Millennials and younger generations have gained 11 percentage points share compared to 2019, and today almost one in two guests are millennials or younger," he said.

Cruise bookings are surging in part because vacationers are seeing the value in cruising as compared to other types of vacations that involve land travel, Liberty suggested. Liberty and other cruise executives believe cruises are priced significantly below the level of land resorts on a like-for-like basis, even after the sharp increases in cruise fares over the past year.

"Despite our ability to narrow the gap [in pricing] to land-based vacations in the last 12 months, cruising still remains an exceptional value proposition," Liberty said.

Also driving cruise bookings is the fact that a strong economy has consumers feeling flush and willing to spend on vacations, Liberty suggested. He noted that consumer sentiment is high, "bolstered by resilient labor markets, wage growth, stabilizing inflation and record-high household net worth."

In addition, "consumer preferences continue to shift toward spend on experiences, particularly priority for travel," he said.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin