Aboard Silver Spirit with Silversea Cruises
Cruise Overview
Doha (population 700,000) is the capital of the State of Qatar, an emirate occupying the small Qatar Peninsula bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and otherwise surrounded by the Persian Gulf.
Qatar was ruled by many different powers through the centuries, in fact historians have traced human habitation dating back 5000 years.
From its earliest history, Qatar was a very important trade route connecting Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.
Among its occupiers were the Portuguese, the Ottomans and finally the British during the turbulent years of the 20th century.
Qatar gained independence in 1971, and with resources from oil exportation, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad made improvements in social programmes including education, health and housing.
In 1995, his son, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed the throne and brought with him a modern and progressive approach that quickly transformed the country.
Doha, home to 80 percent of the country’s population, was founded under the name of Al-Bida in 1850.
It became the capital of the British protectorate of Qatar in 1916.
When the nation gained its independence, Doha remained the capital.
During the early 20th century, much of Qatar’s economy depended on fishing and pearling.
But after the introduction of Japanese cultured pearls, Doha and the whole region suffered a decline.
Only when oil was discovered, prosperity returned following World War II.
Today, the country produces over 800,000 barrels of oil daily.
Doha is situated halfway down the east coast of the peninsula.
It is an intriguing mixture of old and new, with ultra modern architecture next to traditional souqs and historic forts.
It boasts a university and the Qatar National Museum (currently closed for renovation), which opened 1975 in what was originally the ruler’s palace.
As the country’s cultural and commercial centre, Doha enjoys excellent communications with the outside world through its modern seaport, airport and telephone links.
The Al Jazeera Arabic satellite television news channel began broadcasting in 1996 with its headquarters in Doha.
While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken.
Please Note: Conservative dress is required when going ashore.
As a rule, women should not wear miniskirts, shorts or sleeveless tops and men should always wear a shirt in public.
Please do not photograph people without their permission, especially women.You may not take pictures of government buildings, embassies or anything military in nature, including airports.
Just a few decades ago, Abu Dhabi, the island capital of the United Arab Emirates, was a small fishing village with houses made of mud-brick and palm fronds.
Today, as a result of revenue from oil, Abu Dhabi is one of the world's richest cities, with wide, tree-lined okulevards, lush green parks, gushing fountains and imposing skyscrapers.
Somewhat of a dichotomy, Abu Dhabi is a combination of ultra-modern sophistication and Arab mystique, with friendly and hospitable people offering a warm welcome to visitors.
Abu Dhabi's history originated in the 18th century, when, according to legend, a group of tribesmen pursuing a gazelle came upon a freshwater well which they named Abu Dhabi, or "Father of the Gazelle".
In the 19th century, the first fort was built over this well by a sheikh of the Al-Nahyan dynasty.
The fort's name is Al Husn Palace, also known as Old or White Fort, and it is one of the few buildings in Abu Dhabi that is more than 25 years old.
Its whitewashed walls are eye-catching amid the backdrop of today's skyscrapers.
Presently, it is home to the Cultural Foundation and serves as a documents centre.
Abu Dhabi had little significance until the discovery of vast oil reserves in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
In the years following, the city's economy and infrastructure developed rapidly and changed Abu Dhabi beyond recognition.
Qatar was ruled by many different powers through the centuries, in fact historians have traced human habitation dating back 5000 years.
From its earliest history, Qatar was a very important trade route connecting Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.
Among its occupiers were the Portuguese, the Ottomans and finally the British during the turbulent years of the 20th century.
Qatar gained independence in 1971, and with resources from oil exportation, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad made improvements in social programmes including education, health and housing.
In 1995, his son, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed the throne and brought with him a modern and progressive approach that quickly transformed the country.
Doha, home to 80 percent of the country’s population, was founded under the name of Al-Bida in 1850.
It became the capital of the British protectorate of Qatar in 1916.
When the nation gained its independence, Doha remained the capital.
During the early 20th century, much of Qatar’s economy depended on fishing and pearling.
But after the introduction of Japanese cultured pearls, Doha and the whole region suffered a decline.
Only when oil was discovered, prosperity returned following World War II.
Today, the country produces over 800,000 barrels of oil daily.
Doha is situated halfway down the east coast of the peninsula.
It is an intriguing mixture of old and new, with ultra modern architecture next to traditional souqs and historic forts.
It boasts a university and the Qatar National Museum (currently closed for renovation), which opened 1975 in what was originally the ruler’s palace.
As the country’s cultural and commercial centre, Doha enjoys excellent communications with the outside world through its modern seaport, airport and telephone links.
The Al Jazeera Arabic satellite television news channel began broadcasting in 1996 with its headquarters in Doha.
While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken.
Please Note: Conservative dress is required when going ashore.
As a rule, women should not wear miniskirts, shorts or sleeveless tops and men should always wear a shirt in public.
Please do not photograph people without their permission, especially women.You may not take pictures of government buildings, embassies or anything military in nature, including airports.
Just a few decades ago, Abu Dhabi, the island capital of the United Arab Emirates, was a small fishing village with houses made of mud-brick and palm fronds.
Today, as a result of revenue from oil, Abu Dhabi is one of the world's richest cities, with wide, tree-lined okulevards, lush green parks, gushing fountains and imposing skyscrapers.
Somewhat of a dichotomy, Abu Dhabi is a combination of ultra-modern sophistication and Arab mystique, with friendly and hospitable people offering a warm welcome to visitors.
Abu Dhabi's history originated in the 18th century, when, according to legend, a group of tribesmen pursuing a gazelle came upon a freshwater well which they named Abu Dhabi, or "Father of the Gazelle".
In the 19th century, the first fort was built over this well by a sheikh of the Al-Nahyan dynasty.
The fort's name is Al Husn Palace, also known as Old or White Fort, and it is one of the few buildings in Abu Dhabi that is more than 25 years old.
Its whitewashed walls are eye-catching amid the backdrop of today's skyscrapers.
Presently, it is home to the Cultural Foundation and serves as a documents centre.
Abu Dhabi had little significance until the discovery of vast oil reserves in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
In the years following, the city's economy and infrastructure developed rapidly and changed Abu Dhabi beyond recognition.
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard Silver Spirit
Launch Year: 2009 Length: 211 Width: 27 Currency: USD Capacity: 608 Crew Count: 411 Deck Count: 8 Cabin Count: 270
Fully refurbished in 2018 for a superlative onboard adventure, the all-new Silver Spirit has never looked better nor felt cosier.
Silver Spirit offers its guests one of the most complete cruise experiences available. With one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the business and eight superlative luxury dining options, she retains our world-famous service standards and home away from home feel. Spacious decks leave plenty of room for relaxation, yet the cosy niches make sure that there is something for everyone. Meet like-minded friends, enjoy first-class dining and relax on our original Silversea flagship.
Refurbished and remodelled in 2018, Silver Spirit is the epitome of Silversea elegance. Her guest capacity of 608, her large, open spaces, her many dining options and her all-suite accommodation make her a modern answer for ultra-luxury cruising. View the deck plan here.
Silver Spirit Facilities
Silver Spirit Includes
Cabin Details
Silversea’s suites offer one of the highest space-per-guest ratios of any luxury cruise accommodations. All Silversea suites have ocean views, and most include a private teak veranda so that you can breathe in the fresh sea air simply by stepping outside your door. And regardless of the ship or suite category, all guests will be pampered with the personalised services of an attentive butler.
For a truly personal experience, customise your suite with an abundance of thoughtful options and luxurious amenities from Bulgari toiletries and personalised stationery to a bar with your favourite wines and liquors. Settle in with a complimentary movie or choose instead to simply watch the ocean swim by. You can even have dinner in-suite served course by course by your butler. Then, when it’s time to retire, curl up beneath Egyptian cotton linens and a fluffy duvet, with your choice of nine different pillow types. The ultimate in luxury cruise accommodations, Silversea’s suites are your home away from home.
