In the world of travel, bigger is not always better. Although I was in awe of the size and the entertainment and ease aboard one of the newest mega ships on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, I know that "Bigger is not Better."  

The mega ships that are out there today are very limited as to where they can go.  There are choices between Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries—where most have traveled before. They are starting to build new ports to accommodate these 5,000-plus passenger ships. But who wants to disembark on a quaint island with 5,000 people? 

Not me!

I have a passion for travel and to see the world in a different light. I see a new trend in travel in those who want to see the world and experience it while being wrapped in the ease and luxury of a small ship cruise experience. I am sending more and more of my clients on true adventures on small intimate ships with a max of 540 passengers.   

Silversea Cruises is a ulta-inclusive luxury cruise line that exceeds all passengers expectations. Every one of my clients who have traveled on Silversea come back raving about their experience. The service is like no other out there. Fine dining, personal butler service, spacious suites that are customised to your individual needs such as your pillow preference, mattress firmness as well as fully stocked refrigerator and bar with your preferred beverages, wines and spirits. 

Everything is included and seamless. Your complimentary coach class air fare with option to upgrade, transfers to and from the ship, gratuities, transfer into town from the pier. No tipping expected or accepted.  

You have your own person butler who takes care of your every need. 

Food is amazing as well. Silversea has just announced their partnership with Slow Food. Slow Food is dedicated to proper land stewardship while preserving cultural food traditions. Using only the finest organic foods from the regions that are highlighted in one of themed restaurants.    

I first experienced the "Slow Food" in Nice. The food was amazing, and each course is offered with a brief history of its origin.

Slow Food began in Italy with the founding of its forerunner organization, Arcigola, in 1986 to resist the opening of a McDonald's near the Spanish Steps in Rome. In 1989, the Founding Manifesto of the international Slow Food movement was signed in Paris, France, by delegates from 15 countries.

It has now expanded to include over 100,000 members with chapters in over 150 countries.

Enrich your life! 

Whenever I travel, I seek out the history and culture of each destination. I want to learn as much as possible about the art, history, foods and culture. This is where Silversea shines. They offer an enrichment program on each voyage. There are destination specialists who know first-hand about each port you are about to explore. Guest lecturers are onboard the longer cruises and are amazing! They are worldly ambassadors from diverse walks of life—topics range from politics to environment, tribal customs to ancient history.

Cultural voyages which focus on people's heritage, cuisines, customs and traditions. 

The fleet of six ships sail to all corners of the world. 

You can even reach Antarctica or Arctic and remote north on the Silver Explorer.  

This expedition ship is designed to break through the icy seas and is the only luxurious expedition ship out there. It offers the same type of luxury suites with verandas but with the zodiac exploring experience. Get up close and personal with the sea lions, puffins and polar bears. Walk with the penguins, observe the walruses snoozing along the shore. These voyages are limited and do sell out at least one year prior. So you will need to plan well in advance for your next extreme adventure to the polar regions. 

Silversea is also close to home—you can explore the Caribbean islands from Ft. Lauderdale to Barbados. Northern Europe, Baltic and Medeterrainian, as well as Africa, Asia and South America.

There is also a world cruise if you have 117 days, which has an amazing itinerary. 

So as I mentioned before—size does matter and to get you to some of the most remote parts of the world. Bigger is not better.  

The smaller luxury cruise lines are the new trend in travel. And in my opinion, the best way to see the world! 

You can always contact me for any information about any of my blogs. Your local Travel Consultant with over 25 years of experience in travel., I can be reached on my direct line at 800-634-7414, locally at 952-448-7716 or e-mail at sue@pointofdeparture.pro.