#cruiseliners - A brand new flagship Silver Muse made her maiden 'Irish' port of call off Dunmore East, Co. Waterford today, writes Jehan Ashmore.
Silver Muse introduced into service this summer, had sailed overnight from Falmouth in the UK and anchored offshore of Dunmore East having embarked a pilot.
The maiden call is a coup for the Port of Waterford in a season that is drawing to a close. Only one more cruiseship is scheduled next week, when Nautica of Oceania Cruises calls but berthing to Belview Port.
Guests on board the 212m newbuild built in Italy, Fincantieri's yard in Genoa, are visiting the local attractions in a region that has also in recent times been marketed as Ireland's Ancient East.
As previously reported on Afloat, Silver Muse was christened at a lavish ceremony in Monte Carlo, Monaco, where owners Silversea Cruises have their headquarters.
The 40,700 gross tonnage ultra luxury cruiseship is the latest in Silverseas 9-strong fleet which operates at the high-end of the market. The newbuild is an evolution of their Silver Spirit class which elevates the luxury brand to new levels.
Accommodating just 596, the personalised service is to such a high level that there are nearly one crew member for every guest as they are referred as not passengers.
Among the facilities is an exclusive Zàgara Beauty Spa, casino, gym, a 327-seat theatre, eight dining venues and a swimming pool. In addition to offering guests the highest number of large suites in the Silversea fleet, and with the greatest number of connecting suites.
Tommorow it will be the turn of Cork Harbour to welcome the newcomer when Silver Muse is to berth not at Cobh but at the nearby Ringaskiddy deepwater berth. One of the reasons been is due to the call of the considerably larger Regal Princess, operated by Princess Cruises and accommodating around 3,500 passengers.
In season 2018, an example of an Irish based cruise sailing direct from Dubin takes place on 13 May, to Barcelona. The 13 day cruise is availavle with fares from €6,500 (per guest).
