silversea silver spirit

Aboard Silversea's New Silver Spirit: Discordant Design Ahoy

Staircase aboard Silversea's Cruise Ship Silver Spirit

When Silversea's new boat, Silver Spirit, stopped into New York harbor en route to Europe by way of Boston and Nova Scotia, I couldn't wait to get on board and take a peek. I've become a fan of smaller cruise ships of late, and this boat accommodates 540 guests. I also love Art Deco, which was meant to be the ship's design inspiration. So it was with high hopes that I confidently strode across the gangway for a media tour and luncheon this past Friday.

The Silver Spirit has a lot going for it, but as I reflect on my tour of the boat, I almost wonder whether there were two design philosophies battling for dominance during its planning phases, as I found the ship's feel puzzlingly discordant.

The interior, public areas of the boat have a dark and stuffy feeling that frankly seemed dated -- sort of amazing in a ship that was built in 2009. The plush seating in the reception area actually reminded me of the Holiday Inn, which can hardly be on the inspiration board for a ship designed with these sorts of fares had in mind. (Example: the lowest published fare for a ten day cruise Papeete to Auckland next year: $10,895.) The sitting are of the third-highest highest room category, the spacious Silver Suite, reminded me of a very nicely renovated Motel 6. (See gallery below.)

On the lighter side, literally: the Owner's Suite is a brighter, modern and airy take informed by deco. It's also huge, at 1,292 square feet, including 190 square foot veranda. The less-expensive "Midship Veranda" rooms are small but also aesthetically in line with the Owner's Suite.

Gallery: Aboard Silversea's Silver Spirit Cruise Ship