Aboard Silver Shadow with Silversea Cruises
Cruise Overview
Dutch settlers came here in the 1630s, about the same time they sailed through the Verazzano Narrows to Manhattan, bringing with them original red-tile roofs, first used on the trade ships as ballast and later incorporated into the architecture of Willemstad.
Much of the original colonial structures remain, but this historic city is constantly reinventing itself and the government monument foundation is always busy restoring buildings in one urban neighborhood or another.
The salty air causes what is called "wall cancer" which causes the ancient abodes to continually crumble over time.
The city is cut in two by Santa Anna Bay.
On one side is Punda (the point)—crammed with shops, restaurants, monuments, and markets and a new museum retracing its colorful history.
And on the other side is Otrobanda (literally meaning the "other side"), with lots of narrow, winding streets and alleyways (called "steekjes" in Dutch), full of private homes notable for their picturesque gables and Dutch-influenced designs.
In recent years the ongoing regeneration of Otrobanda has been apparent, marked by a surge in development of new hotels, restaurants, and shops; the rebirth, concentrated near the waterfront, was spearheaded by the creation of the elaborate Kura Hulanda complex.There are three ways to cross the bay: by car over the Juliana Bridge; by foot over the Queen Emma pontoon bridge (locally called "The Swinging Old Lady"); or by free ferry, which runs when the pontoon bridge is swung open for passing ships.
All the major hotels outside town offer free shuttle service to town once or twice daily.
Shuttles coming from the Otrobanda side leave you at Riffort.
From here it's a short walk north to the foot of the pontoon bridge.
Shuttles coming from the Punda side leave you near the main entrance to Ft.
Amsterdam.
Aruba's capital is easily explored on foot.
Its palm-lined central thoroughfare runs between old and new pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design (Spanish influence is also evident in some of the architecture).
There are a lot of malls with boutiques and shops—the Renaissance mall carries high-end luxury items and designer fashions.
A massive renovation in downtown has given Main Street (a.k.a.
Caya G.
F.
Betico Croes) behind the Renaissance Resort a whole new lease on life: boutique malls, shops, and restaurants have opened next to well-loved family-run businesses.
The pedestrian-only walkway and resting areas have unclogged the street, and the new eco-trolley is free and a great way to get around.
At this writing, Linear Park was well and will showcase local merchants and artists.
There will be activities along a boardwalk that will eventually run all the way to the end of Palm Beach, making it the longest of its kind in the Caribbean.
Much of the original colonial structures remain, but this historic city is constantly reinventing itself and the government monument foundation is always busy restoring buildings in one urban neighborhood or another.
The salty air causes what is called "wall cancer" which causes the ancient abodes to continually crumble over time.
The city is cut in two by Santa Anna Bay.
On one side is Punda (the point)—crammed with shops, restaurants, monuments, and markets and a new museum retracing its colorful history.
And on the other side is Otrobanda (literally meaning the "other side"), with lots of narrow, winding streets and alleyways (called "steekjes" in Dutch), full of private homes notable for their picturesque gables and Dutch-influenced designs.
In recent years the ongoing regeneration of Otrobanda has been apparent, marked by a surge in development of new hotels, restaurants, and shops; the rebirth, concentrated near the waterfront, was spearheaded by the creation of the elaborate Kura Hulanda complex.There are three ways to cross the bay: by car over the Juliana Bridge; by foot over the Queen Emma pontoon bridge (locally called "The Swinging Old Lady"); or by free ferry, which runs when the pontoon bridge is swung open for passing ships.
All the major hotels outside town offer free shuttle service to town once or twice daily.
Shuttles coming from the Otrobanda side leave you at Riffort.
From here it's a short walk north to the foot of the pontoon bridge.
Shuttles coming from the Punda side leave you near the main entrance to Ft.
Amsterdam.
Aruba's capital is easily explored on foot.
Its palm-lined central thoroughfare runs between old and new pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design (Spanish influence is also evident in some of the architecture).
There are a lot of malls with boutiques and shops—the Renaissance mall carries high-end luxury items and designer fashions.
A massive renovation in downtown has given Main Street (a.k.a.
Caya G.
F.
Betico Croes) behind the Renaissance Resort a whole new lease on life: boutique malls, shops, and restaurants have opened next to well-loved family-run businesses.
The pedestrian-only walkway and resting areas have unclogged the street, and the new eco-trolley is free and a great way to get around.
At this writing, Linear Park was well and will showcase local merchants and artists.
There will be activities along a boardwalk that will eventually run all the way to the end of Palm Beach, making it the longest of its kind in the Caribbean.
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard Silver Shadow
Launch Year: 2000 Length: 186 Width: 24 Currency: USD Capacity: 392 Crew Count: 302 Deck Count: 7 Cabin Count: 194
Award-winning Silver Shadow is a firm favourite in the Silversea fleet. With one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea she offers authentic experiences, simple pleasures and shared moments.
Silversea’s Millennium Class luxury cruise ships Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper offer you freedom and space to design your day. Silver Shadow retains Silversea’s essence – spacious suites, a complement of only 388 guests, and superior service – paired with a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere and enhanced amenities. Energise body and mind in the upgraded spa and fitness centre. Savour fine wines and French gastronomy in La Dame and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in La Terrazza, endless ocean views from The Grill and internationally-inspired The Restaurant. From delectable dining to relaxation in ultra-luxury, cruising has never felt so good.
Our cruisers’ favourite ship! Silver Shadow has one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea making her a firm favourite in the Silversea fleet. With just 388 guests, sailing aboard Silver Shadow is one of the most intimate Silversea experiences there is. View her deck plan here.
Silver Shadow Facilities
Silver Shadow 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 spirits. 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.
