Silversea puts you closer to this picturesque region than you would expect – suite balconies with views that blur into the open sea, personalised services and shore experiences that go well off the tourist trail
Published Fri, Apr 24, 2026 · 04:00 AM
TO TRAVEL THROUGH THE MEDITERRANEAN is to travel through its food.
One day might begin in Provence, France, harvesting produce in a garden before learning to cook regional dishes with a Michelin-starred chef. Another could unfold in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, where you taste wheels of aged Parmigiano Reggiano before enjoying handmade pasta crafted by a local sfoglina (traditional Italian pasta maker).
On Silversea’s Mediterranean voyages, experiences like these are not simply shore excursions but part of a wider culinary narrative where guests encounter each country through its food traditions – from local producers and markets ashore to destination-inspired dining back onboard.
At the forefront of these immersive experiences are Silversea cruise line’s newest Nova-class ships: Silver Nova and Silver Ray. Accommodating a maximum of 728 guests with a near one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, the ships offer expansive suites with private balconies, some boasting sweeping 270-degree views from sea to sky.
Designed for 728 guests, Silversea’s Silver Nova and Silver Ray ships feature spacious balcony suites, some with panoramic views. PHOTO: SILVERSEA
The ultra luxury cruise line offers more than 240 Mediterranean sailings, ranging from five-day escapes to month-long journeys that weave through destinations such as Spain, France, Monaco, Greece and the Aegean Coast. It is a seamless way to explore multiple ports without the constant packing and unpacking of a land-based holiday.
This elevated level of comfort extends across the entire journey. All guests enjoy a host of thoughtful inclusions, from Wi-Fi connectivity and premium beverages to a personal butler who will help pack and unpack your luggage, manage your dining reservations and attend to every detail. You can also look forward to a wide range of shore excursions, available at an additional cost.
Curated discoveries ashore
Each port of call offers a fresh perspective on the Mediterranean’s layered cultures and landscapes – from the rugged Catalan coast in Palamos to the windmills and pastel-hued houses of the Greek fishing villages of Klima, Emporios and Mandrakia.
From sampling local delicacies to visiting iconic sites, Silversea’s shore excursions can be tailored to guests’ interests. PHOTOS: SILVERSEA
Silversea curates a wide spectrum of shore experiences tailored to different interests and activity levels – from wheelchair-accessible tours of iconic landmarks to small-group hikes and intimate gourmet explorations. Private, bespoke itineraries can also be arranged for those seeking something more exclusive.
For travellers drawn to the sea, Ibiza offers a quieter side far removed from its famed nightlife. Guests can board a private catamaran and sail across crystalline waters to the unspoilt island of Formentera, where secluded beaches and luminous shallows create an atmosphere of complete tranquility.
Uncover the Valencia region’s breathtaking sights and rich historic heritage. PHOTO: SILVERSEA
In Spain’s Valencia region, you can visit a historic orange orchard in Carcaixent to learn about its agricultural heritage while sampling traditional citrus delicacies that include finger limes, clementines and the famed Valencia oranges from centenary trees.
Further east in Turkey, the ancient city of Ephesus offers a journey through time, with expert archaeologists recounting the stories behind one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical sites.
For more active exploration, the Greek islands present equally compelling opportunities. On Milos, guests can trace the striking “white coast” on a guided hike past seabird habitats, sea caves and dramatic rock formations. In the historic port town of Nauplio, a walking tour through its fortress-lined streets concludes with a tasting of Greece’s iconic ouzo (an anise-flavoured, grape-based aperitif) at a time-honoured local shop.
Silversea can also arrange curated city stays before or after the cruise for travellers wishing to delve deeper into a destination – allowing them to explore the Mediterranean at their own pace, both on land and at sea.
Luxury living between destinations
While the Mediterranean unfolds outside, life onboard offers indulgences of its own. A defining feature of Silver Nova and Silver Ray is their bold architectural rethink of the traditional cruise ship. Instead of blocky, top-heavy silhouettes, the Nova-class ships adopt a horizontal design that layers suites across the ship’s full length, interspersed with public areas. This approach allows for a greater variety of suite layouts, higher ceilings on the upper public decks and more natural interaction between social spaces.
Nova-class ships use a horizontal, asymmetrical design to maximise space and sea views. PHOTO: SILVERSEA
The ships’ striking asymmetrical design further maximises both space and views. Expansive glass facades blur the boundary between ship and sea, while gently undulating balconies draw in natural light and frame uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean’s endless blue horizon. Even moving between decks becomes part of the experience, with glass-walled lifts offering sweeping vistas, particularly magical at dawn and dusk.
These thoughtful design elements also shape the luxurious onboard experience. The horseshoe-shaped pool deck aboard Silver Nova and Silver Ray spans 130 sq m – the largest in the Silversea fleet – offering panoramic sea views as the ship glides between ports.
The ship’s airy, open design keeps guests connected to nearby ports even while at sea. PHOTO: SILVERSEA
Dining and entertainment options range from relaxed open-air meals at The Marquee – exclusive to the Nova-class ships and serving everything from Neapolitan pizzas to grilled specialties – to sunset cocktails at The Dusk Bar. Daily shows at The Venetian Lounge feature performers, dancers and guest artistes from the ports of call, alongside activities such as trivia nights and live music. Guests seeking relaxation can retreat to the Otium Spa, home to Silversea’s largest thermal suite inspired by the baths of ancient Rome.
Savouring the Mediterranean
Food remains one of the region’s most compelling cultural expressions – and the cornerstone of Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) culinary programme. Ashore, S.A.L.T. excursions immerse guests in local food traditions with experiences led by regional experts.
In coastal Provence along the French Riviera, guests are invited to savour the region’s celebrated art de vivre. At La Bastide des Saveurs – a charming country house nestled among vineyards and olive groves – Michelin-starred chef Jean-Francois Berard guides guests through a hands-on culinary experience.
The day begins in the vegetable garden, where seasonal produce is harvested before being transformed into classic Provencal dishes during a cooking class. The experience concludes with a relaxed three-course lunch paired with local wines.
Learn the craft of creating local delicacies with seasonal ingredients, both ashore during S.A.L.T. excursions and back onboard at the S.A.L.T. Lab. PHOTO: SILVERSEA
In Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, the journey begins with a stroll through Bologna’s medieval streets to the Quadrilatero Market, a vibrant maze of gourmet stalls and artisanal shops. Guests then visit a family-run farm where the famed Parmigiano Reggiano – the “King of Cheeses” – is crafted, followed by a guided tasting of its aged wheels.
Lunch unfolds at a traditional trattoria, where a sfoglina demonstrates the art of making fresh pasta by hand before guests sit down to savour a classic meal. The tour also includes a visit to Maranello, home to the iconic Ferrari Museum and factory, where an impressive collection of classic Ferraris and Formula One cars celebrates the marque’s racing legacy.
Regional chefs and culinary experts lead hands-on cooking classes at the S.A.L.T. Lab onboard Silversea. PHOTO: SILVERSEA
Back onboard, the S.A.L.T. programme continues at the S.A.L.T. Lab, where regional chefs and culinary experts lead demonstrations and hands-on classes, sharing the craft behind local, farm-to-table dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
The journey then moves to the table. At S.A.L.T. Kitchen, destination-inspired menus evolve with the itinerary, reflecting the flavours of the regions guests are sailing through. Dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients are paired with more than 160 regional wines.
At the S.A.L.T. Bar guests can unwind with complimentary cocktails crafted from local ingredients and spirits. PHOTO: SILVERSEA
For a more intimate experience, the S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table offers an elegant 11-course tasting menu, presenting refined interpretations of regional classics. Guests can round off the evening at the S.A.L.T. Bar, where complimentary cocktails infused with local ingredients and spirits provide a fitting end to the night.
From its thoughtfully designed ships to deeply immersive cultural and culinary experiences, Silversea offers a refined way to discover the Mediterranean.
Book your next captivating cruise to the Mediterranean.
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Dining and Cooking