Cruise Guide: Silversea expands butler service

By Michael Coleman

The lap of luxury at sea just got better.

Ultra-luxurious Silversea Cruises will be expanding butler service across its five-ship fleet over the coming months to include all guest accommodations.

“By expanding the butler service, we’re essentially elevating the qualifications and caliber of our hospitality staff to ensure we continue to deliver a guest experience of unsurpassed quality,” said Christian Sauleau, executive vice president of fleet operations for Silversea. “Our butlers come to us from some of the world’s finest hotels and grandest homes, already highly trained in the art of recognizing guest preferences and anticipating their needs, ever attentive yet in the most unobtrusive manner.”

Each Silversea butler is assisted by a suite attendant and is empowered to both troubleshoot problems and provide special service touches. Among them: unpacking and packing clothing, facilitating a dry cleaning request or preparing a scented Jacuzzi bath.

“We’re creating an environment where one can relax and feel totally cared for,’’ Sauleau said.

As the complimentary butler service rolls out to all accommodations, it will join an already expansive array of all-inclusive amenities available to Silversea guests. Guests onboard enjoy a premium assortment of wines, champagne and spirits served throughout the ship, gratuities are included in the cruise fare and, on select sailings, guests enjoy the “Silversea Experience,’’ an exclusive shoreside event.

All accommodations are ocean-view (most are suites) and feature Pommery Champagne upon arrival; fresh fruit and flower arrangements; selection of European bath amenities; fine bed linens; premium mattresses; choice of pillow; plush robes and slippers; personalized stationery; 24-hour room service; in-suite beverage cabinet stocked daily on request with guest’s selection of wines, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks; and twice daily suite service with turndown nightly. 


The line’s complimentary butler service is currently available in the top-category accommodations – Royal, Grand and Owner’s Suites. In the coming months it will be rolled out to Silver and Medallion Suites beginning May 7 aboard Silver Wind; May 17, Prince Albert II; May 19, Silver Whisper; May 30, Silver Cloud and June 7 aboard Silver Shadow. 

Butler service will then be extended to all accommodations beginning Sept. 21 aboard Prince Albert II; Oct. 9, Silver Cloud; Oct. 24, Silver Whisper; Nov. 9, Silver Wind and Dec. 2,  Silver Shadow.

The line’s newest all-suite ship, Silver Spirit, will feature butler service in all accommodations when launched in December. 

Silversea has long been recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the line’s expedition ship Prince Albert II last year, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents. Among a host of awards and accolades, Silversea has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine (nine times) and Travel + Leisure magazine (seven times).