Our very own Mindy and her husband Rich vacationed with Silversea this summer.  Their June journey aboard the Silversea Silver Ray, sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona, exceeded all expectations. Launched in 2024, the Silver Ray is the cruise line’s second ship in the Nova class and sails with 728 guests. Even at full capacity, the ship never felt crowded, thanks to its spacious layout and thoughtful design that preserved a sense of tranquility throughout their voyage.

The culinary experience onboard matched the excellence found elsewhere. Every meal was delicious with an impressive range of cuisine and beverages. The waitstaff and bartenders were friendly, professional, and always one step ahead, anticipating their needs and ensuring each dining experience was flawless.

Every staff member they encountered on board was professional, attentive, and warm. Special shoutouts to their cabin butler and room attendant for all their attention.

The ship offered a full roster of activities, including daily trivia at 4:00 pm, a fun way to meet other travelers over drinks and compete for Silversea merchandise. Bingo, an onboard casino, and a variety of lounges and bars ensured there was always something to do, day or night.

Their vacation began in Lisbon with a stay at the AlmaLusa Baixa hotel, ideally located overlooking the Praça do Município. Mindy would highly recommend this boutique property—it’s within easy walking distance of many sites and excellent restaurants.

Their itinerary took them to a lovely mix of destinations in Spain including Cadiz, Malaga, Cartagena, Valencia and Mallorca as well as stops in Gibraltar, Casablanca and Tangier.

During the sailing, Mindy booked excursions in the early mornings to avoid the heat of the day. Returning in time for lunch allowed them to fully enjoy the ship’s amenities in the afternoon. The pool was a favorite spot. Poolside service was exceptional.  Attendants delivered drinks and food directly to their loungers, so they never had to move!  Mindy also thoroughly enjoyed daily games of pickleball, a popular activity among fellow guests (who probably never won a game off her).

Among all the excursions (they booked both Silversea included tours and some private options), Mindy’s favorite was a visit to a family-owned orange grove in Valencia. This experience went beyond a simple tour…it felt like a connection to the very soul of the region. The visit showcased not just the agricultural heritage of the area, but the warmth and authenticity of the people who call it home.

Overall, the ship, service, itinerary, and overall attention to detail created a truly luxurious and memorable voyage.