Silver Whisper a good tip

No-one likes hidden extras, especially on a cruise, where the endless tipping and expensive wines can really take the edge off what should be a tranquil holiday.

So what a delight it is to find that on Silversea Cruises’ six-star Silver Whisper, arguably the most luxurious ship in the world, almost everything is complimentary … even the wine.

And we are not talking about no-label wines. There is a premium assortment of wines, champagnes and spirits stocked in one of the finest cellars at sea.

In fact, it is not just complimentary at dinner. The wines and spirits flow 24 hours, and that includes the in-suite beverage cabinet, which is stocked daily.

And the complimentary list goes on – room service, entertainment, transportation into town centres and so on. Plus there is a bonus – no tipping levy. On Silversea Cruises, there is a no-tipping policy.

Silver Whisper, is the newest and largest ship in the Silversea fleet and was launched in 2001. It is small enough, however, to slip into exotic ports off the beaten path.

As would be expected, the entertainment aboard is something special and varies from classical performances, jazz ensembles, theatrical productions and moonlight movies.

There are also lectures by luminaries from the world of food and wine, famous explorers, world affairs experts, celebrities and renowned authors and artists. Guest chefs and wine experts also join special culinary arts and wine series voyages.

The ship has all ocean-view suite accommodation and these suites are the most expansive of their class at sea, each one providing panoramic views.

More than 80 per cent of suites feature a furnished, private teak veranda.

For those who want to sample the high life, there is a special package for the Sliver Whisper’s November 2 cruise from Dubai to Singapore.

The ship calls at Fujairah on November 3 before cruising to the exotic port of Muscat in Oman. This stop is followed by two days at sea before a day in Mumbai and a day at Mormugao.

Next stop is Phuket after four days at sea, followed by stops at Belawan in Indonesia and Port Klang in Malaysia before its arrival in Singapore on November 16.

The package includes the flight to Dubai, three nights at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in a deluxe balcony room with breakfast, a dune dinner safari in Dubai, the 14-night cruise, one night in Singapore at the Ritz Carlton with breakfast, all private vehicle transfers and taxes plus a return flight to Perth on Singapore Airlines. Cruise includes all meals, onboard gratuities and all beverages. Cost is from just $8,904. Details: 9339 0277.