The only ship in the fleet to have been cut in two
In March 2018, Silver Spirit entered the Palermo yard, was cut apart, and a
section some fifteen metres long was inserted amidships. The ship came out
fifteen metres longer, three thousand five hundred gross tons heavier, with
thirty-four more cabins.
It is a rare and spectacular operation, and it has a concrete consequence:
the ship's public rooms were designed for five hundred and forty guests
originally. They now hold more. A traveller who cares about a sense of space
should compare area per person rather than the number of restaurants.
The ship emerged from a second major refit in May 2026, with a
destination-cooking programme, a new poolside space, new suites and a golf
simulator.
The hull
Two hundred and ten point seven metres, 39,519 gross tons, 636 guests and 415
crew. The ship left the Ancona yard in 2009 and made its maiden voyage between
Barcelona and Lisbon in December of that year.
It has no sister. It is a prototype, whose ideas later fed the following
class.
Comparing within the fleet
Silver Muse carries 632 guests on a newer hull, four fewer than this ship. Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper
are smaller, with 392 guests each. Silver Ray is the largest in the fleet.
What the package covers, and the 2025 change
Aboard, the phrase "all-inclusive" holds up. Gratuities are included. Wines
and spirits are included, poured without counting. Wi-Fi is included in every
suite. Butler service comes with the suite whatever its category, which is rare
and genuinely sets this line apart.
The important change dates from 11 September 2025: the fare that included
door-to-door air travel was withdrawn. The air ticket is no longer included by
default, nor are airport transfers. Any brochure older than that date is wrong
on this point, and the difference shows when you pay.
Excursions depend on the fare chosen and the type of cruise. On expeditions,
landings and Zodiac outings are included at the higher fare. On classic cruises,
expect an excursion credit or an à la carte purchase. Have it confirmed which
applies to your departure.
Aboard
There is no children's club, no childcare and no youth programme. Infants
under six months are not accepted, and children under five cannot ride a Zodiac
on the expedition ships. A minor stays in the suite of an adult aged twenty-one
or over, or in an adjoining suite.
The line has been wholly owned by Royal Caribbean Group since July 2020.
Several databases still list the founding family as a co-owner: that is out of
date.
Booking from Quebec
The port of embarkation is reached by air, and since 11 September 2025 that
ticket is no longer included in the cruise fare. It has become the first thing
to arrange rather than the last. Arrive the day before: a ship does not wait for
a delayed flight.
Voyages AquaTerra holds a licence from Quebec's Office de la protection du
consommateur. Your payments move through the trust account required by law and
the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents covers your file.
