Silversea Archives - Sophisticated Travel

Best upscale cruise deal for June 15, 2025

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond 🔹 1. Celebrity Cruises – Caribbean & Bahamas Escape A sophisticated island voyage combining Caribbean warmth with modern elegance. Why it’s great:Enjoy sun-soaked beaches, gourmet dining, and sleek ship design—without overspending. Specials: 75% off second guest fare Up to $400 in instant savings per stateroom Third and fourth guests sail free in select staterooms Pricing: 3-night Bahamas cruise from about $330/person in Standard Rooms, and $913/person for a Balcony Cabin 🔹 2. Explora Journeys – Mediterranean Elegance A serene adults‑only voyage that flows between coastal gems. Why it’s great:Savor slow travel with ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-06-25T10:41:33-04:00June 23rd, 2025|

Unveiling the Best Cruise Deals of the Season

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond Embark on a journey of luxury and adventure with these exclusive cruise deals curated for discerning travelers. Whether you seek the azure waters of the Caribbean, the rugged beauty of Alaska, or the historical charm of Europe, there's a cruise tailored to fulfill your wanderlust. Here's a roundup of the top cruise deals available now: Celebrity Cruises Destination: Caribbean Specials: Free drinks package for two Onboard credit up to $300 per stateroom Pricing: Starting from $1,499 per person for a 7-night cruise Explora Journeys Destination: Mediterranean Specials: 30% off all suites Unlimited ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-06-03T12:27:48-04:00June 3rd, 2025|

The Rise of Ultra-Luxury Cruises: Why Travelers Are Willing to Splurge at Sea

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond Cruising has long been associated with relaxation, exploration, and indulgence, but in recent years, an increasing number of travelers are opting for ultra-luxury cruise experiences. Rather than focusing solely on affordability, many modern travelers are prioritizing value—something that means different things to different people. For some, value is about world-class service, gourmet dining, and spacious accommodations. For others, it’s about all-inclusive amenities, unique itineraries, and a hassle-free vacation experience. But one thing is certain: when it comes to luxury cruising, the experience is often far greater than the price difference suggests. What ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-02-17T12:43:52-05:00February 19th, 2025|

Exploring Cruise Line Categories: From Mass-Market to Ultra-Luxury

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond Choosing the right cruise line isn't easy Embarking on a cruise is a thrilling adventure, but with a sea of options, choosing the right cruise line can be as complex as navigating the ocean's tides. To help you steer in the right direction, this guide examines four main cruise line categories – mass-market, premium, entry-luxury, and ultra-luxury. As you journey from mass-market to ultra-luxury, you'll notice a graduated increase in prices reflecting the enhanced amenities, personalized service, and indulgent experiences offered. By understanding these categories, you can better chart a course for ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-02-12T09:50:23-05:00February 11th, 2025|

Silversea Cruises will become more all-inclusive in 2022

Starting in April 2022 & continuing in 2023, Silversea Cruises will start including one free shore excursion in each port as well as round-trip airfare. Each port will have a variety of free shore excursions that guests can choose from. Shore excursions will range from easy walking to more active excursions, and will vary to include options like culinary or wine visits, as well as historic tours. Silversea will also offer bespoke "Silversea Selected" shore excursions for an additional charge. All cruises will include round-trip economy airfare with the option to upgrade to business class for a very reasonable ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:41:29-05:00December 16th, 2020|

2021 Cruise Wave Season Specials

As 2020 sails into the sunset, we all look forward to 2021 when we can begin to start cruising again. As many of you know, "Wave Season" start the end of December and runs into March. During "Wave Season" the cruise lines offer some of their best deals. With cruise lines shut down for a year, demand is high. Its even higher than the same time in 2019. The reason? People are have cooped up at home and they all want to get out and get back on the seas. We will post the various offers on this page ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:41:30-05:00December 16th, 2020|

Silversea Cruises takes delivery of the Silver Origin

Purpose built for the Galapagos Islands (Courtesy - Silversea Cruises) On June 3rd, the Silver Origin was added to ultra-luxury Silversea Cruise's fleet. This ship was purpose built to serve the 19 islands which make up the Galapagos Archipelago located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. This elegant 100-guest ship will cruise the Galapagos year-round. Discovering the islands You don't visit the Galapagos to lay on the beach, you go to discover the uniqueness of these islands that captivated Charles Darwin. Silver Origin's team of Ecuadorian expert guides will bring the islands to life by ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:12-05:00June 9th, 2020|

A break for solo travelers on Silversea Cruises

We have several clients who are solo travelers and their biggest frustration with cruise vacations is having to pay double for a stateroom. As much as they understand cruise lines build their financial models and therefore their pricing based on two passengers per stateroom, it feels like an extra and even unfair charge to many solo travelers. Fortunately, ultra-luxury Silversea cruises is offering a break on select cruises. SOLO SUPPLEMENTAL CHARGE OF ONLY 25% Silversea is offering over 40 cruises with special solo/single rates with only a 10% supplement/surcharge on four 2019 sailings, and only a 25% supplement ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:10-05:00July 11th, 2019|

Galapagos Island cruising goes upscale

https://youtu.be/Jj9CXshqPyo Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises have upped the ante for luxury cruises through the Galapagos Islands. Silversea will launch its luxury 100-passenger Silver Origin in summer of 2020. Silversea cruises start with two days in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and include airfare to and from the Galapagos Islands. ?Celebrity Cruises is launching the Celebrity Flora, a 100-passenger luxury exploration ship in June 2019. All cruises are seven night itineraries with 10, 11 or 15 night all-inclusive packages including pre/post cruise nights in Quito or Peru/Machu Picchu. (Both Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises are ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:48-05:00May 16th, 2019|

Silversea Cruises unveils new Galapagos expedition ship – Silver Origin

Photo: Silversea This all new purpose-built ship will begin sailing the Galapagos Islands during the Summer 2020. Holding just 100 passengers, this all-suite and all-balcony luxury expedition ship will be staffed by experts certified by the National Park of Galapagos who will give guests daily presentations, lectures, and videos about the islands. Guests will enjoy 8 Zodiacs to ensure smooth and easy access to the islands. With a high overall passenger to crew ratio of 1: 1.16 (the best in the Galapagos) and a small 1: 10 guide to guest ratio for more intimate exploration. Sophisticated & Modern Photo: ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:51-05:00April 17th, 2019|