Low Prices On All Silversea Cruises

Silversea is renowned for its culinary offerings, which are almost entirely all-inclusive. Whether you’re looking for a casual poolside pizza or a multi-course French degustation, the experience is designed to be seamless.

Key Dining Venues

While specific restaurants vary by ship, these are the staples across the fleet:

• The Restaurant: The main dining room offering contemporary, international cuisine with open-seating (no assigned times or tables).
• La Terrazza: Authentic Italian dining. It serves as a casual buffet for breakfast and lunch and transforms into an intimate, reservation-only venue at night.
• S.A.L.T. Kitchen: (Available on Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, Silver Nova, Silver Ray) A Sea and Land Taste concept where the menu changes daily to reflect the local flavors of the destination you are visiting.
• The Grill: Features Hot Rocks dining at night, where you cook your own meat or seafood on heated volcanic stones at your table.
• La Dame: The signature French fine-dining venue. This is one of the few places that requires a per-guest reservation fee.
• Silver Note: A supper club style venue with small tapas-style plates and live jazz.
• Kaiseki / Seishin: High-end Japanese cuisine. Kaiseki is often complimentary for lunch but carries a fee for dinner.

Dining Policies & Reservations

• All-Inclusive: All meals are included in your fare. Fine wines, spirits, and specialty coffees are also complimentary throughout the ship.
• Reservations: You do not need reservations for The Restaurant, Atlantide, or S.A.L.T. Kitchen. However, reservations are highly recommended (and often required) for specialty spots like La Dame, Silver Note, and La Terrazza (evening).
• 24-Hour Room Service: You can order from a dedicated in-suite menu at any time. During dining hours, your butler can also serve a multi-course meal from The Restaurant menu in your suite.
• Dietary Needs: Silversea is excellent with restrictions (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low-Sodium). It’s best to notify them at least 75 days before sailing, though chefs can usually accommodate requests on the fly.

Dress Code 

Silversea has recently updated its dress code policy for voyages departing on or after June 1, 2026, making it significantly more relaxed:

• Daytime: Casual resort wear (shorts and t-shirts) is fine in all areas.
• Evening (After 6:00 PM): The standard is Elegant Casual.
• Ladies: Trousers, refined denim (no rips), casual dresses, or skirts.
• Gentlemen: Collared shirts and dress pants or refined denim. Jackets are now optional in almost all venues, including La Dame.
• Formal Optional Nights: On these nights, guests can choose to wear tuxedos or gowns, but it is no longer mandatory. Dark suits or even button-down shirts with slacks are acceptable.

Note: Ripped jeans, flip-flops, and baseball caps remain prohibited in indoor lounges and restaurants after 6:00 PM.

S.A.L.T. Program

If you are a foodie, look for ships with the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program. Beyond the restaurant, it includes:

• S.A.L.T. Lab: A hands-on kitchen where you can learn to cook regional dishes.
• S.A.L.T. Bar: Features cocktails made with local spirits and botanicals from the ports of call.

Silversea’s fuel surcharge policy is similar to most major cruise lines: they generally do not charge one, but they explicitly reserve the right to do so if oil prices spike significantly.

The Brent Crude Trigger

Silversea’s standard passage contract typically includes a clause regarding fuel supplements. While they rarely exercise this right, it is officially on the books:

• The Threshold: Silversea reserves the right to charge a per-person, per-day fuel supplement if the price of Brent crude oil exceeds $80.00 per barrel.
• The Timeline: This can be implemented at any time prior to sailing, up to and including the day of embarkation.

Key Policy Details

• Fare Guarantee: Under normal conditions, your cruise-only fare is guaranteed once you book. However, the fuel supplement is one of the few legal exceptions to that guarantee found in the fine print.
• Refusal to Pay: According to their terms, if a surcharge is implemented and a guest refuses to pay it, Silversea reserves the right to cancel the booking or refuse transportation.
• Notification: If they were to implement a surcharge, they are required to notify you (or your travel agent) in advance of your departure.

What This Means for Your Bill

If a surcharge were triggered, you could typically expect:

• A charge ranging from $10 to $35 per person, per day (based on historical industry standards and recent competitor moves).
• The fee is usually capped at a certain amount per voyage.

Payment Schedule

To secure a suite, a 25% deposit is generally required at the time of booking.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Refunds are calculated based on how far in advance you cancel. Note that administrative fees are often returned as Future Cruise Credits (FCC) rather than cash.

Standard Door-to-Door Penalty Schedule:

• 151+ Days out: Full refund minus a $250 administrative fee per person. (This $250 is usually converted into an FCC for use on a future trip).
• 150 – 121 Days: 15% of total cruise fare penalty.
• 120 – 91 Days: 25% of total cruise fare penalty.
• 90 – 61 Days: 50% of total cruise fare penalty.
• 60 – 31 Days: 75% of total cruise fare penalty.
• 30 – 0 Days: 100% penalty (No refund).

Port-to-Port & Special Tiers:

• These fares are often lower but come with stricter terms. Many Port-to-Port fares have a 100% penalty starting much earlier (often 90 days out).
• Last-Minute Fares: These are typically 100% non-refundable from the moment of booking.

Important 2026 Fine Print

• Future Cruise Credits (FCC): If you cancel in the early window, your $250 admin fee is typically issued as an FCC. These credits are usually valid for one year from the date of issue and are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Third-Party Costs: If you booked Silversea’s airfare or hotel packages, different cancellation windows may apply to those specific portions of your trip.
• Refund Processing: Silversea generally processes refunds back to the original form of payment within 15 to 30 days, though it can take longer depending on your bank.

Change Fees

If you wish to change your sail date rather than cancel entirely:

• Before final payment: You can usually move your deposit to a new sailing for a small administrative fee (around $100–$250).
• After final payment: Any change is usually treated as a cancellation and re-booking, meaning the full penalty schedule applies.

Tip: Given the 150-day final payment window, many travelers in 2026 are opting for Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance, as Silversea’s standard penalties are quite steep once you cross that 5-month mark.

Designated Smoking Areas

If you wish to smoke, you must use the specific areas designated for it. These areas vary slightly by ship class:

• The Connoisseur’s Corner: This is the primary indoor lounge for smokers. It is a dedicated space where guests can enjoy cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Many ships also have a partitioned outdoor section of the Connoisseur’s Corner.
• Outdoor Areas:
• Silver Nova & Silver Ray: Generally restricted to the Connoisseur’s Corner or specifically marked sections of the Dusk Bar area.
• Silver Muse, Moon, & Dawn: Designated tables on the starboard side of the Panorama Lounge (outdoor) and the Pool Grill.
• Silver Spirit, Cloud, & Wind: Designated tables on the port side of the Panorama Lounge (outdoor) and the Pool Grill.
• Silver Origin: A designated area on Deck 4 aft (near the Fire Pit).

Strict Prohibitions

To avoid heavy fines or safety issues, be aware of where smoking is strictly forbidden:

• Guest Suites & Balconies: Smoking of any kind (including vapes) is 100% prohibited in your suite and on your private veranda.
• Dining Venues: All restaurants (indoor and outdoor) are non-smoking, except for very specific designated tables at the Pool Grill on certain ships.
• Public Lounges: Areas like the Venetian Lounge (theater), the Observation Library, and the Arts Café are strictly smoke-free.
• Jogging Tracks: Smoking is prohibited on or near the fitness tracks and spa areas.

Penalties

Silversea takes balcony smoking very seriously due to the significant fire risk it poses at sea.

• Cleaning Fee: If smoke is detected in a suite or on a balcony, a minimum cleaning fee (typically $250 to $500) will be charged to your shipboard account.
• Disembarkation: Persistent violations of the smoking policy can result in being asked to leave the ship at the next port of call at your own expense.

E-Cigarettes and Vaping

The same rules for traditional cigarettes apply to e-cigarettes and vaporizers. They are not permitted in suites, on balconies, or in non-smoking public areas. You must use the designated smoking zones mentioned above.

Note: On expedition cruises (like those to Antarctica or the Galápagos), smoking may be further restricted during shore landings or Zodiac transfers to protect the local environment.

Silversea’s travel protection is primarily handled through their GuestCare program (partnered with Allianz Global Assistance). Given the high cost of luxury cruises and Silversea’s strict 150-day final payment window, this protection is highly recommended by the line.

GuestCare Travel Protection

This is a standard insurance policy that covers specific covered reasons such as illness, injury, or family emergencies.

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption: Reimburses your non-refundable cruise fare if you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to a covered medical or family issue.
• Emergency Medical & Evacuation: This is critical for Silversea’s more remote itineraries (like Antarctica or the Galápagos). It covers the high costs of being air-lifted to a hospital or treated by the ship’s doctor.
• Travel Delay & Baggage: Provides reimbursement for meals and accommodations if your flights are delayed, or for clothing/toiletries if your luggage is lost or delayed by the airline.
• 24/7 Assistance: A dedicated hotline for help with lost passports, medical referrals, or emergency travel arrangements.

The Reassurance Program (Cancel for Any Reason)

Silversea often offers an optional add-on called Reassurance. This is different from standard insurance because it doesn’t require a medical covered reason.

• Benefit: If you cancel for a reason not covered by insurance (e.g., you simply changed your mind), you receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit (FCC).
• Timing: You typically must purchase this at the time of your initial deposit.
• Window: It allows you to cancel very close to departure (often up to 1–14 days before sailing) and still receive the credit instead of losing your entire payment.

Pricing & Eligibility

• Cost: The premium is usually calculated as a percentage of your total cruise fare (often around 7–10%).
• Residency: GuestCare through Allianz is primarily available for residents of the United States (excluding NY and HI, which have separate contact requirements) and Canada. Residents of other countries are often directed to local providers.
• Review Period: Most plans come with a 15-day free look period, allowing you to cancel the insurance for a full refund if you decide it’s not right for you (provided you haven’t started your trip or filed a claim).

Silversea operates on a No Tipping Required basis. Unlike mainstream lines that add daily service charges to your bill, Silversea includes all gratuities in the initial cruise fare.

The Core Policy

• Fully All-Inclusive: Gratuities for your butler, suite attendant, dining staff, and bar team are prepaid. You will not see a tip line on your bar receipts or a daily auto-gratuity on your final folio.
• No Expectation: Staff are trained not to expect tips, and providing exceptional service is considered the standard. You will never be chased for a tip or made to feel uncomfortable for not providing one.

Exceptions & Nuances

While the policy is straightforward, there are a few areas where guests often have questions:

• The Crew Welfare Fund: If you want to show appreciation to the entire crew (including behind the scenes staff like laundry workers and engine crew), you can make a donation to the Crew Welfare Fund at the Reception Desk (Silversea Square).
• Butlers & Suite Attendants: Because every suite includes butler service, some guests choose to give a personal cash tip at the end of the voyage if the service was truly above and beyond. While not required, common discretionary amounts range from $50 to $100 per week, but again, this is entirely personal.
• Spa & Salon Services: These are typically managed by a third-party partner. Unlike the rest of the ship, a service charge (usually 18%) is often added automatically to your spa bill.
• External Guides: For shore excursions, the guides and drivers are usually locals, not Silversea employees. Tipping them a few dollars at the end of a tour is standard practice and at your discretion.

How to Show Appreciation (Without Cash)

If you want to help a crew member without reaching for your wallet, the most effective way is to name them specifically in your end-of-cruise Guest Satisfaction Survey. These mentions are often tied to internal promotions, bonuses, and “Employee of the Month” recognitions within Silversea.

• All-suite accommodations with personalized butler service
• One of the most inclusive luxury cruise experiences at sea
• Intimate ships with exceptional space-to-guest ratios
• Globally immersive itineraries across all seven continents
• Award-winning expedition cruises with expert-led exploration
• Gourmet dining with regionally inspired cuisine
• High staff-to-guest ratio ensuring attentive service
• Elegant yet relaxed onboard atmosphere
• Enrichment programs led by destination experts
• Exceptional value in ultra-luxury cruising

What is included in a Silversea cruise fare?
Silversea fares typically include luxury suite accommodations, gourmet dining, premium beverages, gratuities, onboard entertainment, and enrichment programs.

Does Silversea offer butler service?
Yes, every suite includes personalized butler service to assist with dining, unpacking, reservations, and in-suite dining.

Are drinks included on Silversea cruises?
Yes, premium spirits, fine wines, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages are included.

Does Silversea include Wi-Fi?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is included, with upgraded options available depending on itinerary and ship.

Are shore excursions included?
Select shore excursions may be included, particularly on expedition voyages. Additional excursions are available for purchase.

What is the dress code onboard?
The dress code is elegant casual, with optional formal attire on select evenings.

Are Silversea ships large?
No, Silversea operates small to mid-sized luxury ships designed for comfort, space, and destination access.

Is Silversea suitable for expedition cruising?
Yes, Silversea is a leader in luxury expedition cruising, offering voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic, Galápagos, and other remote regions.

Can special dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes, Silversea accommodates special dietary requirements with advance notice.

Why book Silversea through TopCruiseDeals.com?
TopCruiseDeals.com provides competitive pricing, exclusive offers, and expert support to help travelers secure the best Silversea cruise deals available.