Cover Cruising onboard Silver Moon of the Silversea Cruise

Experience luxury and elegance on Silversea’s Mediterranean cruise, an extraordinary journey crafted for unforgettable adventures and memories

Travel is always a transformative journey that invites individuals to venture beyond the confines of their comfort zones. It helps them embrace many new perspectives and experiences. Immersing yourself in different cultures expands your worldview dramatically.  

In July, I had the fantastic opportunity to do just that as I embarked on a luxurious Mediterranean cruise aboard the Silver Moon, part of the prestigious Silversea fleet. Shan and Dana David of Citti Elite and the Silversea Cruise invited me to this remarkable and memorable trip.

Notable personalities and their families were likewise with me on the cruise: DJ Sta Ana, Karen Davila, Tootsy Angara (without her husband, Education Secretary Sonny Angara) and Philip and Small Laude. Their vibrant company and the breathtaking Mediterranean backdrop transformed each day into a memorable adventure filled with laughter and shared experiences.

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Santorini, Greece. The picturesque Oia village at sunrise.
Above Santorini’s Anastasi Church
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Bar counter of la Dolce Vita, Silver Moon.
Above The Silver Moon ship of the Silversea Cruise has several dining outlets
Santorini, Greece. The picturesque Oia village at sunrise.
Bar counter of la Dolce Vita, Silver Moon.

Our 11-day cruise took us to Athens, Santorini, Montenegro and Croatia, ending in Venice. In Athens, we walked along ancient ruins, feasted on Greek food and did some retail therapy. Santorini captivated us with its stunning scenery and charming markets. Montenegro offered picturesque towns and a rich history, while Croatia, which I was eager to explore for the first time, dazzled with its heritage and landscapes. I was excited to see the places where they filmed one of my favourite TV series, Game of Thrones. We ended in Venice, which is always enchanting and otherworldly; it was a perfect way to conclude our journey.

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Above The Laude, Davila-Sta Ana and Angara families with Shan and Dana David

What I enjoy about cruises (this being my third) is that it always provides a unique advantage by allowing guests to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of constant packing and travel arrangements. This travel style lets you enjoy, participate in shore excursions, and connect with family and friends without typical travel worries.

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View from the Veranda Suite, Silver Moon.
Above The Veranda Suite of the Silver Moon ship of the Silversea Cruise
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Salt Kitchen, Silver Moon.
Above The S.A.L.T. Bar of the Silver Moon ship of the Silversea Cruise
View from the Veranda Suite, Silver Moon.
Salt Kitchen, Silver Moon.

All Aboard

I have always heard about Silversea’s exceptional level of service from friends who have taken their cruises. However, one must indeed be on board to fully experience it. Silversea prides itself on delivering unparalleled luxury, creating an exquisite experience beyond mere comfort. Imagine anticipating your preferences and enjoying the exclusive benefits of a personalised service team dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction. This level of care transforms an ordinary vacation into a memorable escape, leaving you feeling pampered and stress-free.

Food plays an integral part in travel, and embarking on a Silversea cruise offers an extraordinary culinary journey that tantalises the taste buds. With a team of world-class chefs onboard, each meal is a masterpiece, carefully crafted to reflect the local flavours of the various ports visited along the way. Guests are treated to exquisite dining experiences that celebrate the essence of Mediterranean cuisine and emphasise a rich tapestry of international flavours from around the globe.

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Silver Moon Art Café.
Above An intimate space for reading a good book or enjoying a glass of wine aboard the Silversea Cruise
Silver Moon Art Café.

One of the highlights of our trip was the delightful Filipino night. The Food and Beverage team, comprised of many talented Filipino chefs and service staff, went above and beyond to recreate beloved dishes. We savoured sinigang, perfectly marinated adobo and pinakbet. This culinary celebration showcased the cruise’s commitment to providing fine dining and an immersive cultural experience connected to the destinations. Some friends from China, whom we met on the cruise, mentioned that they also enjoyed some Indian cuisine.

I was thoroughly impressed with my luxurious suite on the upper deck. The spacious living room exudes elegance and invites relaxation. The large walk-in closet was a bonus, while the generous bathroom features a sumptuous bathtub for unwinding after a long day. Additionally, the private veranda provides a serene outdoor retreat.

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Salt Bar, Silver Moon.
Above The Salt Bar of the Silver Moon ship of the Silversea Cruise
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A bartender is making customised cocktails for the guests by the pool.
Above A mixologist concocting a cocktail at the bar
Salt Bar, Silver Moon.
A bartender is making customised cocktails for the guests by the pool.

Add Some Salt

A unique feature of the Silver Moon is the Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) programme, an immersive culinary concept that allows guests to explore destination-based gastronomic experiences. S.A.L.T. provides a culinary journey by sourcing authentic ingredients and respecting local traditions. We enjoyed a delightful cooking demonstration with one of the head chefs, which was a great bonding experience.

As we sailed to our next destination, our days were filled with vibrant activities. Each evening featured spectacular Broadway shows, relaxing in a jazz lounge and dancing. For those feeling lucky, there was also a casino. 

During the day, the pool area buzzed with families and sunbathers soaking up the sun. I enjoyed the gym, which offered stunning ocean views. Shopping onboard was a delight, with a range of boutiques offering unique souvenirs and luxury items. And, of course, when we got together for a meal or to hang out, there was endless talk about everything and nothing, which made it fun. 

Upon reflection, one aspect that could have enhanced our journey even further would have been the inclusion of more activities tailored specifically for kids. While there were undoubtedly family-friendly options, a wider variety of engaging and interactive programmes for younger guests would have made the experience even richer for families travelling with children.

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View of the Hvar town, Dalmatia, Croatia
Above Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Croatia
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Peaceful Interiors of the Panorama Lounge, Silver Moon.
Above The Panorama Lounge of the Silver Moon ship of the Silversea Cruise
View of the Hvar town, Dalmatia, Croatia
Peaceful Interiors of the Panorama Lounge, Silver Moon.

Another important suggestion is to consider the weather conditions when planning your travels. We experienced an intense heatwave during our trip that greatly affected our excursions. To avoid such inconveniences in the future, I highly recommend planning your itinerary with the local climate in mind. This will enhance your travel experience and allow you to enjoy all your destination fully has to offer.

During our cruise, we had the fantastic opportunity to meet two lovely Filipinos living in the US. We bonded over a shared meal during the cruise’s Filipino night, and it was heartwarming to share stories about our backgrounds and experiences. Excitingly, they mentioned their plans to visit the Philippines next year, which led us to discuss must-see places and local delicacies they should try. I even had the chance to meet one of them again while attending my niece’s recent wedding in Napa.

A Silversea Mediterranean cruise provides a journey filled with lasting memories. Each voyage is designed to meet your expectations, whether you’re looking to relax on sunny decks, explore hidden gems, or immerse yourself in the culture of historic coastal towns. It promises an unforgettable escape.

SILVER MOON

• Guests capacity: 596

• Crew capacity: 411

• Built: 2020

• Tonnage: 40,700 Tons

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Credits

Images: Courtesy of Silverseas
Anton San Diego
Editor in Chief, Tatler Philippines
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Anton San Diego, Tatler Philippines editor-in-chief

Anton San Diego, editor-in-chief of Tatler Philippines for 24 years and founding member of Manila House, blends his background in fashion and hospitality to shape the country’s leading voice on luxury and culture.

IG and Threads: @antonsd
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