What is ultra-luxury? Simply defined it is the exceptional service and exquisite surroundings. If you seek a small ship setting that is elegant and luxurious, with gourmet food, and fine European-style service Silversea Cruises is for you.

Italian-built and -decorated, the Silver Wind has 7 passenger decks and is designed so that all public rooms lie aft and all cabins are forward to ensure a very peaceful setting. The only sound may come from the anchor being lowered or raised in tender ports. Public rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated in soft pastels with some colorful Murano glass fixtures. The show lounge is a multi-tiered show room for party gatherings, films, special-interest and enrichment programs, and low-key cabaret entertainment.

The casino has blackjack and roulette tables and half-dozen slot machines. The Bar, one deck above the dining room, is the primary rendezvous at any time of day, and side passages lead forward directly to the show lounge’s lowest level. Live music is available before and after dinner. The Panorama Lounge serves drinks from 11 am on, hosting tea accompanied by unobtrusive music in the afternoon. A card and conference room, a smart boutique and jewelry shop, a library with books, DVDs and videos, and a separate six-position computer center are onboard. Internet access rates are moderate if hours are bought in bulk.

The Lido Deck has a fairly spacious heated swimming pool and sunbathing deck, with teak/aluminum deck furniture (little “Silversea” touches such as cold towels, water sprays and fresh fruit provide poolside pampering on hot days). There is a Fitness Centre on Deck 9 that has great views and is of course equipped with the latest state-of-the-art workout equipment. The Spa at Silversea on Deck 7 offers a soothing white-themed ambiance and is also the area where the men’s and women’s steam and sauna rooms remain. There’s also a great little outdoor deck area and Tranquility Room adjacent to the — a great place to relax after a spa treatment.

The main dining area is The Restaurant, which can accommodate all passengers at once for three meals a day with open seating. The menus are creative and poured wines are complimentary. The 40-seat Saletta Wine Restaurant by Relais & Chateaux is located in a separate space next to the main dining room. It is open for dinner only with reservations required. La Terrazza is a sophisticated buffet alternative for breakfast and lunch, with ample seating indoors and out under an awning with views over the wake. At night, the venue transforms into a candle-lit trattoria offering spectacular regional Italian fare.

All accommodations on Silver Wind (and all Silversea Cruises) are classified as suites and of the 148 total, 110 have private balconies with comfortable deck chairs and tables. Suites range from the smallest 240 square foot Vista Suites all the way up to the 1,314 square foot Owner’s Suites. All accommodations have sitting areas with full-size sofas, two comfortable chairs, and cocktail tables that can be raised for in-room service. All furnish desks, vanity tables, TVs with VCR or DVD players, personalized stationery, stocked minibars, fresh fruit, walk-in closets, and marble baths with hair dryers, robes and slippers. Why would anyone want to leave?

Next blog read about Silversea’s Silver Collection shore excursions.