Sailing to success on the TTG Luxury Journey with Silversea

Shore thing 

Silversea offers an extensive programme of shore excursions with one included per port per person. Our group sampled three activities: a self-guided trip to Santorini (excursions had to be cancelled due to the weather), S.A.L.T Organic Olive Farm Experience in Kusadasi and a trip to Dikili’s Bergama Town and Asclepion.

Talking about Santorini, Murphy Birchall says: “Wow, if it’s that busy in November, I never want to go there in peak season! There were big queues for the cable car, so we walked to the top of Fira.”

Lindley enjoyed the walk to Fira (around 600 steps up a steep hill), with the views and photo opportunities making it worthwhile. In addition to the cable car option, some visitors choose to pay for a donkey ride but with concerns around the welfare of the animals used in Santorini, agents agreed it was wise to do due diligence before recommending something like this to clients.

McGrath enjoyed the S.A.L.T Organic Olive Farm Experience in Kusadasi, Turkey, saying it was an informative experience, showcasing the history of farming and olive oil in the region. And on the third day it was time to take in some of Turkey’s most impressive archaeological sites – the ancient ruins of Bergama Town and Asclepion in Dikili – which Worswick hails as “a wonderfully interesting cultural and historical tour”.

Duffin agrees, saying she was particularly impressed with the guide: “This was a great excursion, just the right amount of time allocated and the guide was superb. The museum was outstanding and had so many things to look at. The archaeological site was fascinating – a really enjoyable trip.” 

Foodie favourites

Back onboard, there were more dining options to sample, including Arts Cafe, offering guests a casual spot to get sandwiches, snacks and sweet treats across the day surrounded by beautiful art and interesting books on design, art and culture. Then there is also The Grill, Atlantide, La Terraza, Silver Note, Spaccanapoli, Le Dame ($60pp supplement) and Kaiseki ($40pp supplement) – at lunchtime however, there’s no supplement for Kaiseki, so the group took the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed sushi lunch.

“Given the choice of restaurants, there is always somewhere to have a great meal,” Worswick recalls. “Spaccanapoli for pizza was excellent and the Pool Grill for lunch was very good too, but Atlantide was my favourite, with a Michelin-standard gala dinner atmosphere.” Murphy Birchall agrees, saying: “We had an amazing dinner in Atlantide. I also had breakfast there twice and it was delicious.”

With a spa, treatment rooms, gym, fitness classes, swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs and running track, guests looking for leisure options have plenty to occupy themselves. “The jogging track was a great feature and the swimming pool was excellent, you could enjoy a decent workout swim-wise. The hot tub was just right; attentive pool staff made sure I had everything I needed before taking a dip,” says Duffin.

For McGrath, the activities that stood out were the golf putting competition and the Enrichment Lectures in the Venetian Lounge. When they’re not being entertained by the top-class entertainment team by night, by day guests can attend a range of fascinating talks given by experts and the ship’s team.

As the sun set on our final night it was time for one last dance in the Panorama Lounge, definitely a group favourite. For Lindley it was a ship highlight: “I loved the cocktails and dancing in the Panorama Lounge, especially as we sailed away from port.”

Duffin agrees, saying: “We liked to end the evening there with a nightcap and a dance, which was great fun. Silversea offers beautiful, personal small ships with enough space onboard to find your own spot to relax. There are high-end ingredients, a superb range of wine and wonderful service, but the big selling point for me is the included excursions – people don’t even need to think about this while cruising.” 

Happy sailors 

For Birchall Murphy, her first cruise left her feeling more than satisfied. “I must admit, I had a few preconceptions of cruises but was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed the entire experience. My ideas were incorrect on so many levels: I’ve really had my head turned and can’t wait to recommend and hopefully convert a few clients to Silversea.”

Seasoned sailor Worswick adds: “I would happily switch sell from other cruise suppliers I currently sell. I loved the whole Silversea experience and would also gladly travel onboard at my own expense.”

It’s a sentiment shared by McGrath, who says: “The cruise exceeded all expectations. It’s definitely worth the money due to the quality of the experience, and I will be explaining the exemplary service and benefits of things like included excursions”. For Lindley, any thoughts of the cruise being too exclusive for her were quashed after four nights onboard. “I thought it would be too luxurious for me but I was put at ease from the moment we arrived. Once you step onboard everything is included, so I’d urge clients to consider Silversea for that and other reasons. I’ve already recommended Silversea to several clients and have a quote pending.”

Reflecting on a successful trip, Valzasina says: “It was a privilege to host the lucky agents who joined the TTG Luxury Journey onboard Silver Moon, and it was a success all round. At Silversea, we understand the importance for agents of experiencing the product first-hand: the service, facilities, shore excursions and dining venues, including our very own culinary concept S.A.L.T. The journey ensured the advisors felt empowered to comfortably talk to clients about their experience and ensure they match the right client to the right cruise, as well as having lots of fun during the sailing.”

Hear more highlights from the agents in this video: