Silversea Cruises has introduced a trimmed-down, nonrefundable fare that doesn’t include shore excursions and must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Called the Essential Fare, it has limited availability on cruises booked close to the departure date. Essential Fares offer a 50% savings from Silversea’s most inclusive fare and are based on double occupancy.
According to a search on Silversea’s website, the Essential option is available mostly on Alaska sailings and expedition cruises in Iceland. For expedition cruises, the shore excursions and expedition packages (pre- and post-cruise hotel nights, group transfers and in-destination flights) are included.
The Essential Fare covers suite accommodations; butler service; unlimited Wi-Fi; onboard meals and entertainment; 24-hour in-suite dining; select alcoholic beverages; soft drinks, water, tea and coffee; and gratuities (except spa).
The new Essential Fare is in addition to the Silversea’s Door-to-Door and Port-to-Port fares. Door-to-Door Fares include chauffeured transportation to and from the guest’s home airport, business-class upgrades at reduced rates on international flights, and shore excursions. The Port-to-Port Fare includes shore excursions.
One sailing offering all three fares is a seven-day Alaska cruise on the Silver Nova on May 16 from Seward to Vancouver. The Door-to-Door Fare is $6,800, the Port-to-Port Fare is $5,300 and the Essential Fare is $3,250.