The 36,000 ton Silver Spirit built in 2009, is the sixth ship in the Silversea line. The Italian cruise line was founded by the Lefebvre family in 1993. Inaugural festivities took place at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale in January 2010. I attended the festivities, but did not sail on the new ship, but I am looking forward to making a voyage on the Spirit based on my first impressions of this luxury ocean liner.

The Lefebvre family wanted to host the inaugural on American soil, because the vast majority of its passengers are American. Following the inaugural, the ship set sail on a 91-day Grand Inaugural Voyage exploring 20 countries and 45 ports throughout the Americas.

The ship will spend its first summer in the Mediterranean before repositioning to the Caribbean for fall and winter cruises. The ship will then travel from the Caribbean to Mexico, the Panama Canal, Far East and South Pacific and then travel Mediterranean from Dubai and Athens concluding in Barcelona and Lisbon.

The 540-passenger Spirit has the largest suites in the Silversea fleet with the majority featuring a private veranda. New on the Spirit is the Stars Supper Club, reminiscent of the English nightclubs in the 20s and 30s.

The Spirit is geared to the upscale travel market. It caters to a well-healed clientele and has ample staff to cater to the needs of its guests.

English is spoken on board. Couples and singles are the most likely to feel at home on this luxury liner. There is ample space for business meetings and other groups. There are no programs for children.

Enrichment lectures, including lectures by world affairs experts, well-known authors and destination specialists, multi-day excursions, private car service, intimate and small group touring are available to passengers. There is an extra charge for excursions.

Eight decks are available for passengers to explore with a large outdoor pool and four whirlpools. A state-of-the-art fitness center and two aerobics studios with pilates and circuit training classes are led by an onboard fitness trainer. Private fitness training is also available.

The 8,300 square foot spa is a place to relax and rejuvenate with its floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, sauna, steam rooms and outdoor whirlpool. An acupuncturist and several treatment options are offered from botox to invigorating facials and massages. A beauty salon features hair and nail treatments. Launderettes are located throughout the ship.

The Stars Supper Club, is a favorite spot for guests to enjoy dining and dancing with live music. Full scale musical productions take place in the Show Lounge. The show lounge has large cozy armchairs for two which makes watching productions extra enjoyable and comfortable.

On top of the ship is the Observation Lounge which offers breathtaking views. The Panorama Lounge offers dancing, live music and social ambassadors for those traveling solo.

Cigar smokers are welcome in the Connoisseur's Corner, with its specially temperature controlled cigar room and adjacent overstuffed lounge chairs where two dozen guests can enjoy their favorite cognac or libation.

Roulette, blackjack, poker and slots are played in the casino. A well-stocked library, card room and internet room with several computer stations kept guests entertained and able to catch up on their emails or read a popular novel.

On board shops are outstanding. The H. Stern jewelry franchise and several high end clothing and souvenir shops make shopping a pleasurable but expensive option.

Exceptional cuisine is served throughout the ship at the Spirit's six dining venues. Menus by Relais and Chateaux are served in open-seating The Restaurant. For a reservation fee, Le Champagne offers a six-course culinary experience in an intimate setting. Courses are paired with fine wines and feature regionally inspired dishes. Innovative Asian fusion cuisine is served at the Seishin Restaurant. Guests at Seishin can experience Kobe beef, spider lobster, caviar and sushi for an additional charge.

Casual buffet dining is available at La Terrazza, an indoor, outdoor restaurant for breakfast and lunch and Italian cuisine is serve ala carte for dinner. Located poolside, is the Pool Grill for lunch and dinner featuring grilled meats, pizza and lighter fare. The Stars Supper Club offers a menu of international cuisine and room service is always available. Reservations are required for the specialty restaurants.

All cabins have an ocean view and most have private balconies. Butler service is available to guests as well as complimentary beverages served throughout the ship and in-suite beverages are placed in a bar and refrigerator in all suites. Gratuities are included. Suites range in size from 312 sq. ft to the Owner's Suite at 1,668 Sq. ft. Some Vista Suites at 312 sq. ft. can accommodate three guests. Most suites have private verandas, sitting areas, twin beds or queen-sized bed, marble bathrooms with vanity, full-sized bath and separate shower. There is a walk-in closet with personal safe, vanity table with hair dryer, writing desk, flat screen television with DVD and satellite reception and direct-dial telephone. Passengers occupying the larger suites have complimentary laundry service, a living room with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest, a dining area and CD players.

The Spirit features a superior level of service (guest to crew ratio of 1.4 to 1) and higher space to passenger ratio affording guests room to roam and numerous options for quiet time to read a book or relax in a lounge with their favorite beverage.

The highly trained crew assists guests with any special needs they might require from wheelchairs to specialty caviar. Outstanding lectures, quality entertainment and exceptional shore excursions make Silversea Spirit a leader in the smaller ship cruise experience.

For those passengers that want a luxury experience, where all spirits and tips are included, Silversea fits the bill.

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