elegant Silver Shadow recently set sail from Barcelona on the cruise line's 48-day Mediterranean Grand Voyage. Departing on June 11, after an overnight stay in the Catalan capital, this round-trip cruise will offer 39 destinations in nine countries, bringing passengers closer to the most breathtaking landscapes and unique cultures of this historic region.
On June 9, the night before embarkation, guests of the Mediterranean Grand Voyage enjoyed a welcome gala in the Garden Room of the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I Hotel in Barcelona, featuring a sophisticated evening of cocktails, dinner, and live jazz music. Hosted by Peter Shanks, Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, and Frank Sansone, Vice President of Guest Relations, this exclusive occasion was the first of three events to be held during the voyage. The second event, held on June 17 and preceded by a scenic tour of the French Riviera, was an elegant dinner at the iconic Hotel Negresco in Nice. The third event will embrace authentic Greek culture with a themed evening including dinner and dancing at the Pleiades Restaurant in Patmos, Greece.
“It was a great pleasure to welcome guests to our evening gala event in Barcelona, prior to the Mediterranean Grand Voyage 2019 aboard Silver Shadow,” says Peter Shanks. “It was a privilege to welcome our guests to this extraordinary venue as they socialized and enjoyed fine food and music before embarking on what is sure to be the voyage of a lifetime. Every aspect of the Mediterranean Grand Voyage 2019 is designed to bring guests closer to the authentic beauty of the region. From the Bon Voyage event to the local onboard entertainment, every enrichment will capture the uniqueness of these incredible destinations.”.
Throughout this extraordinary itinerary, a wealth of authentic local performances will allow Grand Voyage guests to delve deeper into the diverse cultures of the Mediterranean from the ship's superlative comfort. While in Barcelona, guests enjoyed a captivating onboard performance by Spanish flamenco artists. Musical ensembles are also set to grace the Silver Shadow during stops in Kotor, Sorrento, and Corsica.
In addition, guests will enjoy enriching lectures from distinguished experts, such as Richard Martin, an Anglican priest and historian; Ed Lynch, professor of political science at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia; and James W. Brodman, an expert in medieval history, who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, all sharing their expertise on current events, history, and culture of the region being visited.
In addition to tailor-made events and immersive activities, a special collection of commemorative gifts will make this a truly unforgettable trip for guests, including personalized notebooks from a local artist in Spanish, soap and a Fragonard plate from the South of France, and Sicilian products from Ortigia, among others.
MEDITERRANEAN GRAND VOYAGE 2020
Based on the popularity of extended voyages in this region, a Mediterranean Grand Voyage is also planned for 2020. This 37-day round-trip journey aboard the Silver Whisper will depart from Barcelona on August 3, 2020, to discover the authentic beauty of 28 Mediterranean destinations in nine different countries. It offers the opportunity to wander the ancient streets of Pompeii to glimpse life at the height of the Roman Empire, explore the Baroque splendor of Valletta, witness the surreal beauty of Gaudí's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, soak up the sun on the legendary black sand beaches of Santorini, people-watch while sipping a cappuccino in Venice's Piazza San Marco, and much more. Early bird voucher fares for the 2020 Mediterranean Grand Voyage start from €18,000 per guest.
ADVANTAGES OF THE GRAND VOYAGE
Onboard Silversea ships, guests will enjoy spacious ocean-view suites, sumptuous cuisine, personalized butler service, and a generous selection of all-inclusive onboard amenities, including a selection of wines, premium spirits, specialty coffees, water, juices, and soft drinks; an in-suite bar stocked according to guests' preferences; 24-hour room service; reading and enrichment programs; round-trip transportation to town (in most ports); and gratuities.
Guests traveling aboard the Mediterranean Grand Voyage 2020 will also benefit from the following inclusions and savings:
- Complimentary or reduced fares from selected airports
- $1,000 onboard spending credit (per person)
- Pre-cruise hotel stay
- Exclusive on-land events
- Silver Shore Baggage Valet between the house and the boat
- Laundry service
- Visa service (For USA, Canada, UK, Germany and Australia)
- Complimentary premium Wi-Fi
- Special commemorative gifts
- 10% early bird bonus for a limited time
