Ultimate Guide: Silver Cloud

Table of Contents
Silver Cloud is a small ship that elevates maritime adventure to opulent new heights. Transformed by Silversea from an ocean ship to an ice-class vessel for polar expeditions, it sails all seven continents with destination itineraries in the Arctic, Antarctic, South Pacific and beyond. With an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, all-inclusive fares and four dining venues, Silver Cloud lures luxury lovers.
Guests can get a taste of adventure with unique shore excursions – manoeuvring alongside icebergs in a Zodiac boat, encountering exotic wildlife in Indonesia or navigating the Horizontal Falls in Australia’s Kimberley region. Silver Cloud sets a new benchmark for destination cruising, with unrivalled onboard amenities and expertly curated excursions.
Ship Overview
Silver Cloud is Silversea’s first ‘crossover’ vessel — combining the comfort of a traditional cruiser with the durability of an expedition ship. One of 12 luxury ships in the Silversea cruises fleet, Silver Cloud is a standout luxury expedition vessel, originally launched in 1994 and remodelled for polar regions in 2017 with ice-class reinforcement and cold-weather adaptations. At around 156 metres in length, its deck plan and design offer stability and comfort across some of the world’s most remote and untamed destinations. Silver Cloud accommodates up to 254 guests, with a remarkable crew of 212, creating an atmosphere of all-inclusive service.
At a Glance
Curated Explorations
Silver Cloud boasts ship-wide simultaneous explorations – that’s all onboard guests enjoying shore excursions together, avoiding waits and staggered schedules. Guiding these expeditions are seasoned experts, including onboard biologists, geologists and historians. This team of guides hold engaging lectures, Zodiac boat ventures and on-land excursions, enriching every moment with knowledge.
Onboard Luxury
Designed to pamper guests and make adventure travel effortlessly luxurious, the Silver Cloud boasts all-inclusive services, a tranquil spa and plush suites – more than half with balconies. Tantalise your taste buds with four dining options featuring curated menus and selected wines to capture flavours from the destination itineraries. From gourmet dining to evening entertainment, Silver Cloud is best in class.
Unparalleled Service
Onboard Silver Cloud, passengers are pampered with top-notch butler service, by highly trained men and women clad in tuxedos and crisp white gloves. Friendly and observant, they have incredible attention to detail and spot the little things – from topping up your wine without missing a beat to noticing you’ve left your cashmere throw on the back of a chaise lounge.
Sea Days on Silver Cloud
There’s plenty to do between onshore adventures, from fitness classes to whale watching from the Observation Lounge. On polar voyages, most guests are early to bed after a day of exploration, but some may sip an aperitif in Dolce Vita, watch a movie in the Explorer Lounge or listen to live music in Panorama Lounge. Unique to Silver Cloud, the Photo Studio is an inspiring space with digital photography classes and cutting-edge printers.
Itineraries and Destinations
Silversea offers two distinct paths to adventure: classic voyages to iconic ports, immersing guests in culture, cuisine and connection, or expeditions to Earth’s remote edges, uncovering pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife. From the untamed coasts of Africa to breathtaking fjords in South America, or the tropical allure of Tahiti to Australia’s Kimberley coast, Silversea crafts unique destination itineraries.
Antarctica: 12-Day Ushuaia to Valparaiso
This visually thrilling expedition navigates along the dramatic coastline of Southern Chile, known for its fjords and glaciers. Weighing anchor from Ushuaia in Argentina, this 12-day voyage traverses the ice-carved Chilean Fjords, visits the boardwalk-connected town of Tortel in Southern Patagonia and observes brightly painted stilt houses on Chile’s Chiloe Island.
French Polynesia and Pacific: 49-Day Valparaiso to Lautoka
Beginning in the artistic city of Valparaiso, Chile, this 49-day cruise takes passengers to some of the most remote islands on earth. From Tahiti to Bora Bora, Easter Island to the Marquesas Islands, discover pristine pockets of paradise with remarkable scenery. Admire Rangiroa, French Polynesia’s largest atoll, stroll black-sand beaches on Easter Island and discover iridescent blue lagoons in Bora Bora.
Kimberley: 10-Day Darwin to Darwin
Marvel at the contrast of red landscapes against oceanic blue on this loop cruise from Darwin. Famed for its ancient rock formations, dense mangroves and majestic waterfalls, the Kimberley region immerses you in outdoor adventure and Indigenous history. See the islands of Buccaneer Archipelago, the natural spectacle of Montgomery Reef and storied Indigenous artworks.
Antarctica: 6-Day King George Island to King George Island
Guided by an expert team, passengers will explore the snow-covered landscapes of King George Island, part of the South Shetland Islands near Antarctica. A haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers, King George Island is bustling with penguins, seals and seabirds. The polar waters are dotted with icebergs and glaciers, and rocky shores and mossy patches appear in the summer months as you discover dramatic and diverse scenery.
French Polynesia and Pacific: 12-Day Lautoka to Papeete (Tahiti)
Charting a course from the South Pacific into French Polynesia, this voyage has stunning tropical vistas. From the palm-dotted shores of Fiji, to the hidden coastal coves of Tonga and the warm hospitality of the Cook Islands, this cruise takes you to the heart of the ‘Queen of the Pacific’, Tahiti. In Tahiti’s capital Papeete, travellers can snorkel over reefs, watch the rhythmic, ‘Ori Tahiti or take a scenic hike to Mount Aoria, the third-highest peak in Tahiti.
Kimberley: 16-Day Benoa, Bali to Darwin
Spanning 15 ports across two extraordinary countries, this 16-day cruise on Silver Cloud ignites the senses with tropical scenery in Indonesia and the mighty rock formations in the Kimberley that delight with fiery red hues. Discover the delicate beauty of a pink-sand beach in Indonesia, the thrill of spotting a legendary Komodo dragon and the freedom of a Zodiac jaunt to reach King George Falls, Australia.
French Polynesia and Pacific: 14-Day Lautoka to Lautoka
Seafaring a tropical loop from Lautoka to Lautoka, this luxury cruise explores some of the most popular island hotspots in the Pacific – Fiji, Tonga, and the Samoan Islands. In Lautoka, known as Sugar City, explore a local sugar mill or taste an authentic Fijian sweet treat. Visit the nine small islands of Tuvalu, with its coral atolls and reef islands teeming with marine life. Shop for artisan crafts in a Samoan market or visit the ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden in Tonga and spy colourful bird life.
Transoceanic: 21-Day Puerto Williams to Cape Town
The spirit of adventure is unmistakable on this three-week exploration, navigating across the South Atlantic to Cape Town. As Silver Cloud carries passengers to far-flung lands they’ll spot seals, whales and penguins, marvel at soaring cliffs dotted with albatross in the Falklands and unearth the maritime history of the subantarctic island of South Georgia.
Things to Do
Stay Active
Silver Cloud has a compact and contemporary gym with everything you need to keep your training on track onboard. The ocean view from the fitness centre is inspirational, and you’ll find free weights, weight machines, state-of-the-art treadmills, elliptical trainers and bicycles. Personal training is available for an additional charge.
Top of the Class
Onboard guests can partake in many different master classes, including wine tastings and cooking demonstrations, lectures, language lessons, and dance classes. Learn how to capture the perfect moment in the Photo Studio. Engage in fascinating lectures from knowledgeable speakers, covering topics from history to wildlife. Savour the art of fine wine through guided tastings led by experts or refine your culinary skills with interactive cooking demonstrations.
Silversea Expedition World Cruise
The Silversea Expedition World Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, combining unrivalled luxury with an immersive exploration of 107 extraordinary ports across 30 countries. Delve into remote destinations like Antarctica, enhanced by all-inclusive comforts and expert-led experiences. Starting at A$160,000 the world cruise includes flights, private transfers, and A$2,000 onboard credit.
Zagara Beauty Salon
Unwind while enjoying peaceful ocean views at Silversea’s Zagara Beauty Salon. Guests can indulge in a restorative massage, an energising facial or body wrap, and even expert hairstyling for both men and women. This state-of-the art yet serene space has saunas, steam rooms, steam bath and experienced therapists, ensuring a luxurious retreat from the adventures of the day.
Pool Deck
Imagine soaking in a crystal clear heated pool while watching icebergs float by in the Arctic. Or having a refreshing dip as Silver Cloud navigates through tropical climates. On the Silver Cloud‘s pool deck, the pool water is cooled for hotter climates and heated during chilly weather. Attentive staff are ready with fresh towels and your favourite beverage to enjoy on your chaise lounge.
Boutique Shopping
When you feel like some retail therapy, if you’re not enjoying some retail therapy in cosmopolitan ports of call such as Melanesia, Bali or Fiji for take-home treasures, you can browse the onboard boutique for a curated collection of designer clothing, jewellery, perfumes and cosmetics. The duty-free boutique has an inviting modern design, personalised service and bespoke gift wrapping.
Kids Onboard Silver Cloud
While Silver Cloud welcomes children over the age of six months, the cruise itineraries are designed primarily for adult travellers. Silver Cloud doesn’t cater for children with any dedicated programs and facilities, making it more suitable for older children or parents who prefer independent entertainment for their family. In addition, the Zodiacs used for Silversea Expeditions are unable to accommodate children younger than six years of age.
Dining Onboard Silver Cloud
The Restaurant
At the heart of Silver Cloud’s gourmet dining options is The Restaurant, the main dining room serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Passionate chefs prepare an array of global cuisine spotlighting regional specialities from Silver Cloud destinations — so expect to see grilled Chilean sea bass on the menu as you cruise past Chilean Fjords or coconut-crusted Mahi-Mahi in Fiji.
La Dame
What sets La Dame apart is its distinguished French cuisine prepared with precise and traditional techniques by excellent chefs. With culinary comfort classics like duck à l’orange and crème brûlée on offer, it’s no wonder La Dame, (formerly le Champagne), has become an esteemed at-sea French restaurant. Enjoy a six-course meal with matching fine wines beside elegant picture windows.
The Grill
With a tempting menu of bistro favourites from land and sea, The Grill invites guests to tuck into hearty burgers, rotisserie meats and gourmet salads. In the evening, diners can choose from a selection of fresh meat, seafood or vegetables and cook it to their liking directly at their table over a hot volcanic grill stone.
La Terrazza
Experience the warm spirit of Italy at La Terrazza, where traditional Italian food meets fresh, seasonal ingredients and a touch of modern European flair. By day, enjoy buffet-style comfort meals, while evenings present an authentic Italian à la carte dining experience.
Bars and Lounges
Dolce Vita
The perfect place to connect with fellow passengers over a relaxing wine is in the beautiful Dolce Vita bar. Ask the bartender to mix your favourite cocktail, listen to the talented pianist or step onto the dance floor to show off your onboard dance-class moves.
Connoisseur’s Corner
Silver Cloud‘s sophisticated smoking lounge, Connoisseur’s Corner, has an impressive collection of some of the world’s finest cigars and aromatic cognac. Settle in and take some slow puffs on a Havana, Montecristo or Ramón Allones and savour the intense flavour. Sip a bold Hennessy cognac or perhaps a floral Rémy Martin for a smooth finish to the evening.
Panorama Lounge
The Panorama Lounge is your front-row seat to the world, offering uninterrupted views of the day’s destination from the refined comfort of the ship’s luxe interior. Perfect for unwinding, it’s where afternoons begin with tea, live piano melodies, and the allure of the sunset, before evolving into evenings of complimentary cocktails from the bar and fresh club beats.
Activities and Entertainment on Silver Cloud
On sea days, as you glide from port to port, you’ll be spoilt for choice with onboard activities. Indulge with a special meal at one of the four dining options or relax in your suite with butler service. Take in the ever-changing views from the Observation Lounge – you may be lucky enough to spot a breaching whale. From a fascinating masterclass in the Photo Studio to a workout in the fitness centre or an intimate show in the Explorer Lounge – Silver Cloud‘s main show lounge – you’ll always be entertained.
Learn more about the incredible destinations you’re travelling to with a lecture from a leading expert or settle in with a classic novel from the onboard library. As the sun sets after a glorious day of exploration, try your luck at the casino, play a board game or enjoy live shows in the Explorer Lounge. From dance to karaoke and movie nights, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
Accommodation on Silver Cloud
Silver Cloud‘s suites reveal thoughtful design with floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant living spaces, and exquisite fabrics and finishes. Enjoy ultra-luxurious comfort in large suites such as the Owner’s Suite, complete with a marbled bathroom, vanity table, sitting area, and balcony. Silver Cloud cabins boast modern amenities that discerning travellers expect, including plush robes, hair dryer, flat-screen TV, personal safe and direct dial telephone. Five-star conveniences such as butler service, complimentary laundry and satellite reception ensure a seamless cruise experience.
Owner’s Suite
The Owner’s Suite offers ultra luxurious comfort and is available as a one-bedroom configuration or with two bedrooms by adjoining with a Vista Suite. Inside the spacious Owner’s Suite you’ll discover a luxury king bed with fine bed linens, separate dining area and an opulent marbled bathroom with a whirlpool spa bath, plus a generous verandah for panoramic ocean views.
Grand Suite
Positioned in a forward ship location for expansive views, the Grand Suites are the most generous in size with 95 square metres including its curved verandah. There’s plenty of living space for relaxing with separate dining and lounge, plus king size bed with fine bed linens. The Grand Suite is available as a one-bedroom configuration or as a two-bedroom, two-balcony suite by connecting to a Veranda Suite.
Royal Suite
The Royal Suite is also located at the forward of the ship and boasts a lovely curved balcony for more outdoor space and panoramic views. The Royal Suite can be configured into a two-bedroom, two-balcony suite by connecting to an adjacent Veranda Suite, making it versatile for larger groups or families.
Silver Suite
The Silver Suite is a thoughtfully designed suite with 54 square metres of floor space including the private veranda. The Silver Suites accommodate up to three guests with a queen or twin beds configuration along with a comfy sofa bed. The standout feature of Silver Suites is a more substantial verandah than other suites – the perfect serene retreat for breakfast or watching a breaching whale.
Medallion Suite
Awaken to sunrise views from your queen-sized bed in the Medallion Suite. Its bedroom and veranda orientation are designed to offer expansive views of the horizon. With 48 square metres of elegant design, including a private 7.6 square metre veranda, a generous walk-in wardrobe, and a luxurious living area, this suite becomes your stylish sanctuary for up to three guests.
Deluxe Veranda Suite
Centrally located in both aft and forward sections of Silver Cloud, Deluxe Veranda Suites have the Silversea signature teak balcony with patio furniture, a queen-size bed, flat screen TV and a full-size bath in select suites. Spanning 27 square metres (including a 4.5 square metre private veranda), its floor-to-ceiling glass doors invite you to marvel at the wonders of the world.
Veranda Suite
One of the classic Silver Cloud suites with everything you need for a luxurious cruise, the Veranda Suite has identical accommodation to the Deluxe Veranda Suite, but with a different position on the deck plan. Enjoy plush robes, a queen-sized bed, direct dial telephone, separate sitting area and a spacious private balcony with contemporary patio furniture.
Vista Suite
Explore the world in comfort inside the functional and contemporary Vista Suite. This classic cabin has large picture windows, cosy sitting area, fine bed linens, walk-in robe and luxurious bathroom, with some featuring a full-size bath. With attentive butler service and Champagne on arrival, your Vista Suite will become your sanctuary away from home.
Safety and Security
When cruising with Silversea aboard Silver Cloud, the safety and security of guests and crew are paramount. Silver Cloud has in place safeguards, security procedures, best practices and guidance for ship operations to reduce the risk to passengers, crew and port personnel, and protect the ship, ports and the wider community.
Onboard all Silversea cruises, every guest participates in a mandatory Zodiac briefing and safety drill. Emergency procedures are clearly outlined within suites, and a dedicated Medical Centre ensures prompt access to care. A shipboard doctor is on call 24/7 while at sea, though critical and ongoing treatments must be pre-arranged.
With journeys to some of the planet’s most remote and untamed destinations, including the Arctic and Antarctic, preparation is essential. Equip yourself with weather-appropriate attire and gear designed for extreme climates, keeping in mind the unpredictability of these regions. Always heed guidance from your expedition leaders and maintain a safe distance from wildlife, respecting their natural habitats and noting that any harmful interference with wildlife is prohibited.
With robust protocols for safety, security, and environmental preservation, Silversea delivers seamless luxury for the most intrepid of travellers, ensuring every moment of exploration, including shore excursions, are as safe as they are extraordinary.
Accessibility and Special Needs
On all Silversea cruises, guest comfort and well-being take centre stage, and they want all travellers to enjoy the Silver Cloud with ease. For guests with special medical requirements, the crew strive to ensure their voyage is as seamless as possible. If you rely on oxygen therapy while onboard, please notify the Special Services Department in writing ahead of your journey. Kindly note that Silver Cloud can only accommodate oxygen concentrators.
For those with mobility needs, it is suggested to travel with a companion to assist, and wheelchair-dependent travellers must bring their own collapsible wheelchairs. Additionally, certain shore excursions may not be suitable for those with limited mobility, and wheel-on/off access may be unavailable at some ports. By boarding, passengers confirm their fitness to travel and adherence to ship regulations. Silversea remains committed to ensuring every traveller feels secure, cared for, and ready to explore with confidence.
FAQs
What is the history of the Silver Cloud?
Silver Cloud is a small luxury ship and the first of the Silversea fleet, entering service in 1994. Silver Cloud is Silversea’s first hybrid ship, having been transformed in 2017 into a ice-class vessel with expedition capabilities combined with luxury amenities, allowing guests to explore polar waters in comfort.
What kind of voyages does the Silver Cloud sail?
Silver Cloud operates expedition cruises to remote and remarkable corners of the world in luxurious comfort. The Silver Cloud boasts limitless possibilities for learning about the destinations it anchors at with a team of experts on board and guided Zodiac excursions. Silver Cloud combines tailor-made adventures in remote destinations with luxury services, fine dining, and enriching onboard experiences.
How many passengers are on Silver Cloud?
Silver Cloud accommodates up to 254 guests, or 200 in polar regions, supported by 212 crew members, ensuring an almost 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio for unparalleled service and personalised attention.
Is Silversea adults only?
Silversea Cruises welcomes guests of all ages; however, their voyages are tailored towards an adult audience, with no dedicated children’s programs or facilities onboard.