FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Silversea Cruises Profile

May 1, 2016
2016

Who wouldn’t relish a cruise on a small luxury ship where every stateroom is a suite, all onboard gratuities are included, most drinks (from sodas and coffees to cocktails and Champagne) are part of the fare and dining is an epicurean delight? Where shore excursions are flawless? Where your butler is always on call? Your butler, did we say? Quite so.

Despite the white glove service from table to stateroom, however, Silversea Cruises is not a tight-lipped Downton Abbey at sea. Instead, it is an ultra-luxurious cruising experience of a more relaxed sort, as we recently discovered on a Mediterranean cruise from Athens to Rome aboard the sleek, modern, relatively small (540-passenger) Silver Spirit.

As soon as we entered our spacious suite, Silversea’s version of Jeeves appeared to run through the many perks he could provide (choice of pillows, bathroom amenities, dinner reservations, in-suite dining options). Then he offered to unpack our luggage — which we automatically declined, acting perhaps as self-reliant Americans are apt to do. Not flummoxed by our refusal, he quickly dispelled our trepidations over having a butler. In fact, we came to love our skilled personal assistant, who proved to be more a private concierge than a footman, maid or valet — a man who made our smooth, plush voyage that much smoother and plusher. Over the next seven days, he restocked the bar to our taste, served us breakfast with white linens on our balcony and one afternoon even drew us a surprise scented whirlpool bath. (For butlers, women as well as men, this is not a leisurely cruise; each is at the beck and call of about a dozen suites daily.)

Silversea Cruises' butler

Silversea Cruises’ butler © Silversea Cruises

On Silversea, the butlers are there to enhance what’s offered on one of the world’s most elegant cruise lines, including some of the finest locally guided shore excursions we ever experienced — a tour and tasting at Marsala’s legendary winery, a ramble through the back streets of Malta, a hike up the slopes of Mount Etna, a stroll through the ravishing ruins of Pompeii and a jog on the track of the original Olympic Stadium — not to mention repasts at some exquisite onboard specialty restaurants, including La Champagne with its Relais & Châteaux menu.

In addition to impeccable, unobtrusive, European-style service; gourmet dining; and memorable shore excursions, each of Silversea’s five small ships (296 to 540 passengers) is equipped with swimming pool, spa, show lounge, beauty salon, Internet café and shops, making for an ample sprinkling of the entertainment and fitness options found on larger, more crowded ships. Silversea’s newest ship, the 596-passenger Silver Muse, replete with eight dining venues, will make its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo in April 2017. Silversea also operates three even smaller premium expedition ships (100 to 132 passengers) that focus on wildlife and adventure destinations on seven continents, although without, alas, the resources of an indefatigable butler.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
September 2023
Sep 23, 2023

When the Sun Goes Down, the Party Begins on Mykonos

There is something magical about sipping a glass of local wine while watching the sun slip into the Aegean Sea as the afterglow tinges traditional, white-washed Cycladic houses with glorious shades of rose, purple and gold. Ancient Greeks believed Helios, the Sun God, caused sunsets by driving his fiery chariot into the sea. Standing at water’s edge in Mykonos, watching the sky slowly turn from purple to inky black, you almost believe it.

Why Buy Annual Travel Insurance?

One affordable plan can protect an entire year of trips: business or pleasure, short or long, domestic or international.

Daily
Sep 22, 2023

Portraits of Some of Europe’s Most Unique Museum Shops

The prospect of a post-visit treasure hunting session inside the shops of landmark museums such as the Louvre in Paris, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and The British Museum in London can be irresistible. However, some of Europe’s smaller and more unusual museums boast retail spaces with a surprising “wow” factor, often as well-curated as the galleries.

Daily
Sep 22, 2023

Hyatt Has Much in Store for North America Through 2025

Hyatt Hotels recently announced plans to add more than 30 new luxury and lifestyle hotels and resorts to its U.S., Canada, Latin America and Caribbean portfolio through 2025. These new hotels and resorts span many of Hyatt Hotels’ brands including Park Hyatt, Dream Hotels, Thompson Hotels and Destination by Hyatt.

Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection

In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.

September 2023
Sep 22, 2023

Cruise Alaska for Awe-Inspiring Adventures to Delight All Ages

I hadn’t even made it to my first cup of coffee when I got an early phone call from my sister, who lives two time zones away. “OMG, Kristy, Patsy Cline came on twice while I was driving the kids to school today,” she laughed. “You know what that means, right?” We both gasped and then instantly began singing the lyrics to “La Bamba,” an inside joke we’d shared since our family’s Alaskan cruise decades ago when we, unintentionally, won the ship’s karaoke contest among a sea of Patsy Cline tributes.

eFlyer News
Sep 20, 2023

The Woodward Geneva Partners with Swiss International Air Lines for Culinary Journey

The Woodward Geneva and Swiss International Air Lines recently launched a new collaboration to transport passengers to the counter of Michelin-starred restaurant L’Atelier Robuchon. As part of the SWISS Taste of Switzerland inflight culinary program, the partnership provides Business and first-class travelers on SWISS long-haul flights departing from Geneva and Zürich carefully curated menus inspired by the restaurant.

Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet

United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.

eFlyer News
Sep 20, 2023

Nobu Hospitality Enters Egypt with 2 Luxury Hotels, Restaurants and Residences

In partnership with Nobu Hospitality, SODIC, Egypt’s leading real estate developer, recently announced plans on the expansion of the Nobu brand in Egypt. This expansion entails the development of luxury hotels, branded residences and the acclaimed Nobu restaurant.