Experiencing the Epitome of Luxury in Greece

We enjoyed a very easy check in with no issues. EasyJet checked our paperwork before dropping our bags, including the vaccine certificate and Greek PLF form. We sailed through security with pretty much no queues because it was a very early morning flight. The remainder of the journey was normal airport procedure, apart from of course wearing masks throughout, except for when eating or drinking.

We arrived at Rhodes port with the sun shining brightly on the pristine ship, docked alone and looking pride of place.

After an efficient visit to a local clinic for our Antigen test before boarding, we were all temperature checked and got to board. All staff are fully trained with a professional service to adhere to the extra safety and hygiene procedures that are in place with this new world we live in. All of our luggage was sanitised before being delivered to our beautiful Deluxe Verandah stateroom.

Whilst onboard, all guests must wear a face mask walking throughout the ship unless on top deck. You don’t need to worry about bringing supplies of these as they are plentiful across the ship and also within our cabin. We had a travel wallet with supplies of masks and hand gels to use throughout our time onboard.

First impressions of the Silver Moon was understated luxury using sophisticated furnishings but without being too lavish or glitzy.

It all feels very accessible as it’s not too small but not too big, but all the public areas were all very quiet and with it being at only fifty percent capacity, it felt like there was so much space on board. All staff seemed just so happy to serve all the guests and to be back operating and all so friendly. I was quite surprised with the clientele as there was a real mixed dynamic of ages and I noticed quite a few older generation families on board. My first thoughts were it would typically suit older clientele, but it seemed a lot younger which was actually nice to see.

Our first afternoon was pretty much just getting our bearings and enjoying a lovely lunch at the poolside bar with a large selection on offer. They had a beautiful pool area with a lovely selection of soft outdoor seating, plentiful sun loungers and day beds.

We also had time to wander around Rhodes old town which is a beautiful historic UNESCO heritage site set around an old walled city.

Silver Moon features six restaurants with two holding a cover fee, La Dame French fine dining and Kaiseki Asian Japanese inspired. Our first evening we experienced the Hot Rocks Restaurant which is by the pool area and is turned into a Surf & Turf “cook your own steaks and seafood concept”, with hot stones to cook to your liking and a selection of appetising sides to accompany your choice of either meat or fish.

I decided this morning to visit the Arts Cafe for lighter options on breakfast, with a deli-style offering which I enjoyed but they also have the main Le Terrazza restaurant giving guests the full buffet breakfast experience or Alantide for an Ala Carte sit down experience.

We got to view some of the best suites the ship has to offer, the highest being the Owners suite which is beautifully furnished; simple but with opulent elegance, as you would expect, then from there the ship has three other suite categories including Grand, Royal & Silver suites, all based at the front of the ship and cover various sizes whereas the Owners suite is located in a prime mid-ship position.

Today we had time by the pool before our evening dinner at S.A.L.T kitchen, which is a new culinary concept introduced on Silver Moon. Sea and Land Taste: this experience gives the guest a deeper journey into cultural gastronomy using local ingredients and authentic dishes to match the port or region. They also have a S.A.L.T bar featuring the best-inspired cocktails and the cookery lab with various workshops where guests can immerse themselves into new cookery demonstrations.

Peskesi Organic Farm - Authentic Cretan Cookery Course

We enjoyed an excursion from Heraklion, which was approximately 30 minutes by car. We arrived at this beautiful organic farm which is a sustainable, farm-to-table concept. This experience is an exclusive excursion solely for Silversea guests.

We firstly took a tour around the estate then we all picked the fresh produce from their kitchen garden to go back to learn authentic Cretan dishes. We then sat for a fabulous lunch with amazing views across the Island.

We set sail that evening and arrive early the next morning into the iconic Mykonos… This was the highlight of my cruise!

The beautiful whitewashed backdrop of Mykonos Town with its beautiful cobbled back streets and winding lanes and their famous Windmills with crystal clear waters what can’t you like about this little Greek Island. These sunsets were mesmerising!!

We set sail for our last evening with dinner in Le Terrazza for authentic Italian themed cuisine. Arriving into Athens on what was sadly, on our last day, we were able to do a short visit to the Acropolis. The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

To end our day before travelling home we had the opportunity to visit one of the best hotels in Athens, The Grand Bretagne Hotel. This hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World company and has been situated right in the heart of the city since 1874. This landmark hotel is an important part of the history of Athens. When the Olympic Games were revived for the first time in 1896, the Hotel Grande Bretagne was the official host of foreign missions, diplomats, statesmen, political figures and royalty. It has the most impressive rooftop restaurant with views over the whole city and backdrop of the Acropolis.