The luxurious allure of a Silversea voyage was recommended to me by Jennie Jensen at Monterra Travel in Boise, Idaho. I had sailed with larger cruise companies before but never dabbled in the luxury market. With no idea where to start I called Jennie for some advice; she was informative and patient with my questions. Once I decided on a Mediterranean cruise with Silversea, I was excited to embark on the brand-new Silver Ray in Monte Carlo with Silversea’s “Port to Port” service. I had the pleasure of organizing everything through Monterra Travel, a high-end travel agency specializing in premium and luxury trips. The combination of Silversea’s world-class service and Monterra Travel’s attention to detail made this trip one of the most seamless and memorable travel experiences I’ve ever had.
Booking Process: Smooth Sailing from the Start
From the moment I contacted Monterra Travel, the experience was smooth and personalized. Jennie, the owner and travel planner took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for in my cruise. She worked with me to tailor every detail of my trip. Her expertise in luxury cruises were evident, and I appreciated the personalized recommendations based on my past travel experience.
I was particularly impressed with how Monterra Travel handled all the logistics, from flight arrangements to private transfers, ensuring that every aspect of the journey was stress-free. Jennie even provided me with a extra onboard credit and a little welcome amenity in my stateroom. It was clear she was dedicated to making my experience seamless and personal.
The Silversea Cruise: Intimate and Personal
I’m delighted Monterra Travel, a Virtuoso travel agency recommended that I try Silversea, the cruise was stress free and relaxing. The Silver Ray hosts just 728 guests, and with the 544 crew onboard the personalized service was extraordinary. The highly attentive staff seemed to anticipate every need before I even voiced it. The 2024 spacious ship was a floating palace— elegant, modern and equipped with every luxury imaginable. As a boutique cruise line, Silversea offers a more intimate atmosphere than the larger cruise ships, which I found to be significant advantage. As a small ship, the Silver Ray was able to dock in smaller ports which often means fewer tourists. This can allow for a more personalized and less crowded experience. When exploring the towns I felt like a local, often discovering something more unique than at the usual cruise stops, where you’ll find many mega cruise ships and tourists.
The suite I stayed in was an elegantly decorated Junior Grand Suite, featuring a large private balcony, a king-sized bed, a spacious living and dining room, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered stunning views of the sea. The attention to detail in the suite was remarkable, with luxurious amenities and plush linens made me feel like I was staying in a five-star hotel at sea.
Customer Support and Attention to Detail
One of the standout aspects of working with Monterra Travel was their exceptional customer support. I needed help with a last-minute request and Jennie was on it immediately, making sure everything was to my preferences. Her focus on luxury meant that she always ensured every detail was covered, like recommending exclusive restaurants in Monaco and unique onboard experiences. The level of care and service I received truly elevated the travel experience. Everything was taken care of with efficiency and grace. The combination of Silversea’s luxurious cruise product and Monterra Travel’s expert, personalized service made for an unforgettable journey.
If you’re considering a luxury cruise and want to ensure a truly exceptional experience, I highly recommend Monterra Travel. Jennie’s expertise in luxury travel and commitment to excellence made all the difference in creating a seamless and memorable journey from start to finish. Monterra Travel will help elevate your experience to a whole new level of luxury. Jennie assists clients from all over the US and Canada. For more information go to monterratravel.com and follow her on Instagram.