All roads lead to the Pillow Butler on Silversea Cruises Thanks to China and their production of raw silk I have had the best sleep on Silversea Cruises Silver Shadow. Although the production of silk has been underway for at least 5,000 years in China, the invention of a Pillow Butler is a relatively [...]
All roads lead to the Pillow Butler on Silversea Cruises
Thanks to China and their production of raw silk I have had the best sleep on Silversea Cruises Silver Shadow.
Need I say more? This is what I call heaven.
Although the production of silk has been underway for at least 5,000 years in China, the invention of a Pillow Butler is a relatively new concept.
Silversea Cruises offers a robust pillow menu giving cruise guests less reason to lose sleep because of an uncomfortable pillow. The Pillow Butler has 8 choices to select from, which vary by firmness level, size, and filling (down, feather, memory foam, buckwheat, or polyester). Try all the pillows, I did.
Once I found my favorite pillow type, I would suggest getting a Tiara Collection pillow cover in 100% silk charmeuse. This super luxurious pillow cover even has a hidden pocket for either a chamomile or lavender scented aromatherapy sachet to help induce a relaxing slumber.
A Silversea Encounter at a Silk Factory
Welcome to the silk factory
As fate would have it, during a shore excursion in Shanghai, our group had an opportunity to visit a silk factory.
Hard at work boiling silkworm cocoons.
It takes a village. Stretching out the silk fibers to make a blanket at the factory.
The silk factory visit was a fun stop for me because I got to learn more about silkworms and have a chance to buy a silk blanket or pillowcase to bring home.
Happening Now
- Culinary Enrichment Program on Silversea Cruises via Relais & Châteaux Cooking School at Sea
- Going ashore with Silversea Cruises: Jiangyin, China on the Yangtze River
- Going ashore with Silversea Cruises: The water town of Zhujiajiao
- Photo recap of Shanghai’s top sites
- Exploring ashore with Silversea Cruises in Qingdao, China
- Qingdao China cruise port overview
- Pre cruise photo recap: 24 hours in Seoul, South Korea
What’s all this buzz about a social hostess? In the grand tradition of ocean liner cruising (think galas, balls, parties, and social obligations) there emerged a superhero of conversation and liaison: the social hostess. The Avid Cruiser’s social hostess brings the art of conversation and engagement to life using modern day technology and social networking [...]
What’s all this buzz about a social hostess?
In the grand tradition of ocean liner cruising (think galas, balls, parties, and social obligations) there emerged a superhero of conversation and liaison: the social hostess.
In Grand Style and Grace: Cunard Line - by Tom Mascardo 1
The Avid Cruiser’s social hostess brings the art of conversation and engagement to life using modern day technology and social networking tools to talk about cruise travel.
Leave us a comment if you would like a personalized introduction to our social circles (ok no invite needed) or maybe you want a calling card?
Just kidding. See you around cyberspace, and maybe on the ships.
Sincerely,
Carrie Finley-Bajak
Social Hostess
European waterways essential to life and trade The rivers and seas of Europe have always been essential to life and trade. But, until the mid-1800s, European boats and ships were only concerned with moving cargo or hauling in the day’s catch – not with passengers or their comfort. In 1835, Arthur Anderson, a sailor from [...]
European waterways essential to life and trade
The Thames: London's river with a big history
The rivers and seas of Europe have always been essential to life and trade. But, until the mid-1800s, European boats and ships were only concerned with moving cargo or hauling in the day’s catch – not with passengers or their comfort.
In 1835, Arthur Anderson, a sailor from the Shetland Isles, wrote about his vision of providing passenger service from Scotland to Iceland in the summer months, and from Scotland to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) in winter. Two years later, he co-founded the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O), which became a major operator of passenger liners.
The mail route and birth of the trans-Atlantic cruise
Other shipping lines, which got their start by carrying mail across the Atlantic, began to offer passenger service. More ships began to consider the comfort of passengers: in 1840 the Britannia, the first ship to sail under the Cunard Line name, reportedly took a cow on board to supply fresh milk on a trans-Atlantic crossing.
The emergence of elegance at sea – luxury cruising
By the early 1900s, European passenger ships had taken on the characteristics of elegant, floating hotels. However, World Wars I and II interrupted the building of new cruise ships, and many ships were pressed into service as troop transports.
Interest in trans-Atlantic cruising surged between the wars and again after World War II, but the introduction of trans-Atlantic flights put a damper on that era. During the 1960s and 70s, the European cruise industry slowly refocused on sailing the coasts and rivers of the continent.
Today, discover Europe all over again via cruise ship
Regent Seven Seas
Today, multiple cruise lines visit an amazing variety of European ports. Major cruise lines that sail Europe include the contemporary lines Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line; premium and deluxe lines Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises; and luxury lines Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld and Viking River Cruises. Uniworld River Cruises and Viking River Cruises are noteworthy because they cruise the rivers of Europe – the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and more – providing access to inland cities and villages.
The big four – Northern Europe, British Isles, Western Med, Eastern Med
European cruises cover four regions: The Baltic and Northern Europe; the British Isles and Western Europe; the Western Mediterranean; and the Eastern Mediterranean. Some cruise itineraries focus on ports in one region, while longer cruises may include ports in two or more regions.
A cruise of Northern Europe might include the stunning fjords of Norway’s west coast. Or, choose a Baltic-based itinerary, enjoying Scandinavian capitals like Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki. Some cruises also visit Russia’s jewel of the Baltic, St. Petersburg.
Cruises of the British Isles and Western Europe often launch from London and may stop at Inverness and Edinburgh, Scotland; Dublin, Ireland; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Hamburg, Germany; and Le Havre (for Paris), France.
Western Mediterranean itineraries can stretch from Gibraltar and coastal Spain to the west coast of Italy. Ports of call might include Cannes and other cities on the French Riviera; and the Italian ports of Livorno (for Florence), Citavecchia (for Rome) and Naples. Some itineraries also call on the islands of Sicily, Sardinia and Malta.
The Eastern Mediterranean includes a classic cruise destination– the Greek Isles. However, there is much more to see, including the ports of Croatia (Dubrovnik and Hvar); the gorgeous, watery city of Venice, Italy; and the exotic ports of Turkey (Istanbul, Izmir and Kusadasi).
With so many places to see, deciding on a European itinerary can be challenging. Luckily there are numerous resources available to help make a decision. Consider using a travel agent to help get the best value for your time to match the right cruise to your lifestyle.
