Senior Travel Counsellor Ned Ambrus’ love for travel began early, growing up on the road with her dad’s rock ‘n’ roll band. By the age of eight, she had journeyed across Canada, from Victoria to Newfoundland. Her first international adventure took her to Mazatlán, followed by backpacking through Europe, sparking a lifelong passion for exploration.
Ned has since traveled to all seven continents and 68 countries, with a focus on small group adventures that allow her to immerse herself in different cultures, architectures, and landscapes. She has undertaken challenging treks to destinations like Everest Base Camp, Patagonia, and Mont Blanc.
While it’s hard for her to choose a favorite destination, Antarctica, the Galapagos, Easter Island, Colombia, and Rwanda are at the top of her list. With 27+ years of experience in the travel industry, Ned is thrilled to be part of the Tier One Travel Team and is dedicated to helping you create the perfect itinerary for your next adventure.
We chatted with Ned to hear all about her unforgettable journey to Alaska with Silversea Cruises. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the unparalleled luxury of Silversea, Alaska is a destination that promises adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
Ned shares her firsthand experiences, from the breathtaking sights of Glacier Bay to the charming coastal towns, offering valuable insights and tips for anyone considering this remarkable voyage. Join us as we dive into her Alaskan adventure with one of the best luxury Alaska cruise lines!
About Silversea
Silversea Cruises is a luxury cruise line known for offering intimate, all-inclusive voyages to some of the world’s most exotic and remote destinations. With a fleet of small, elegant ships, Silversea provides a high level of personalized service, with nearly a one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio. The line is renowned for its spacious suites, most of which have private verandas, and its commitment to culinary excellence, featuring gourmet dining options onboard.
When it comes to Alaska, Silversea offers a unique way to explore the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier. Their Alaska cruises provide guests with an intimate experience, allowing for access to smaller ports and more secluded areas that larger ships can’t reach. This means travelers can get closer to the stunning glaciers, wildlife, and natural wonders that make Alaska so special.
These voyages emphasize immersive experiences, with opportunities for guided shore excursions, wildlife watching, and exploring the cultural heritage of Alaska’s native communities. On board, guests enjoy luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and the exceptional service for which Silversea is known, all while cruising through some of the most pristine landscapes in the world.
Q&A with Ned
Q: Why did you choose to travel with Silversea for this Alaska trip?
Ned: Having never done a luxury cruise, I chose to travel with Silversea for an Inside Passage cruise to Alaska. I was so excited to go to Alaska, and especially having my family join me made it that much more special.
I love nature; I love the outdoors; I love the mountains and wildlife, so how could I go wrong? The only mistake I made was underestimating just how beautiful it was. And we were blessed with wonderful weather making it that much more magical!
Q: Can you describe your itinerary?
Ned: Our itinerary departed from Vancouver, and we visited Ketchikan, Icy Straight Point, Haines, Icy Bay where 3 glaciers fed the waters (so magical), Valdez, Seward, and then on to Anchorage via coach.
Q: What shore excursions did you participate in, and which stood out the most?
Ned: Shore excursions were well done, with small groups of 10-15 allowing for more intimate experiences. Daily shore excursions were included as part of the cruise, and we had a wide variety to choose from. Whether you wanted to sightsee while relaxing on a trolly or go kayaking in the waters framed by mountains, there was something for everyone to choose from.
What surprised me was that my aunt and uncle wanted to do the seated ziplining (at 73 years old!) so I agreed to go with them. The views were spectacular and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, while my aunt was hoarse after we got down from yelling with glee! Not for everyone, but we certainly had fun and then did a drive around the area to learn more about the flora and fauna.
Q: Can you share a memorable wildlife encounter you had during the trip?
Ned: We saw so much wildlife, from sea lions to bald eagles, brown bears, a variety of whales, musk ox, reindeer and more! Some of it was at a wildlife sanctuary outside of Anchorage, but most of it was in the wild which always takes my breath away! We were always at a safe distance with many staff there to ensure our viewings were safe and plenty.
My favorite wildlife viewing was when we were on a boardwalk forest walk and we saw 2 brown bears in the river (on the other side of the bank from us) just wandering about their day with not a care in the world.
Q: Which Silversea ship did you sail on, and what did you think of the onboard experience?
Ned: I sailed on the Silver Muse in a Veranda Suite on the 6th deck and was blown away by the size of the cabin and the comfort of the beds, the extra sitting area, and my family had joined me and were the cabin next door so we often sat together on a balcony enjoying the views.
Q: What was the dining experience like onboard?
Ned: The food on the ship was extraordinary! From the breakfast and lunch buffets to the 6 restaurants to choose from for dinner, you couldn’t go wrong. My family got to try a variety of different fishes and meats they hadn’t had before and really enjoyed the complexity of the dishes. The meals were the perfect size, it’s so easy to overeat when there is so much food available. From the coffee shop to cocktail hour to dinner and more, there was always food and beverages to find anywhere, anytime!
Q: How did Silversea’s luxury services enhance your Alaskan adventure?
Ned: I was so blown away by the service on the ship; the staff are almost at a 1:1 ratio of guest to crew, but what’s more impressive is that they all take such pride in their jobs and it’s so wonderful to see that. We had a room attendant and a personal butler, and both were accessible anytime we needed them (which was rare, other than early morning coffee for me!) but they sure brightened our day.
Mr. Pickles (the bull) is my traveling companion and goes everywhere with me. Richard, our room attendant, started setting him up (along with the rubber ducks I had as well) in different locations and positions in the cabin, which always made for a good laugh when we got home from dinner! It’s the little attention to detail that makes you feel so welcome and so comfortable onboard.
The Silver Muse
The Silver Muse is one of Silversea’s flagship luxury cruise ships, launched in 2017. It represents the epitome of elegance and sophistication, offering an ultra-luxurious experience for discerning travelers. The ship can accommodate up to 596 guests in spacious suites, nearly all of which feature private verandas, allowing passengers to enjoy sweeping ocean views in privacy and comfort.
Here are some key features of the Silver Muse:
Accommodation: The Silver Muse offers a variety of suite options, from the classic Veranda Suites to the opulent Owner’s Suite. Each suite is designed with meticulous attention to detail, featuring marble bathrooms, high-end amenities, and personalized butler service.
Dining: The ship boasts eight exceptional dining venues, including the signature restaurant La Dame, which offers fine French cuisine, and Atlantide, a contemporary dining venue with a focus on seafood and steak. The variety of dining options ensures that guests can indulge in a different culinary experience each night.
Amenities: The Silver Muse is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a serene spa, a well-equipped fitness center, a swimming pool, and several Jacuzzi. For entertainment, guests can enjoy live performances, enriching lectures, and a variety of bars and lounges.
The Silver Muse often sails to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, offering guests the perfect blend of luxury, exploration, and cultural immersion. Whether cruising through the Mediterranean, exploring the rugged landscapes of Alaska, or embarking on a transatlantic journey, the Silver Muse delivers an unparalleled cruising experience.
A Final Word From Ned
My expectations were more than exceeded by the quality of the ship, the exceptional service provided by the staff, the incredible food, the wide variety of shore excursions (including a photographer’s training), the weather, the atmosphere – just everything!
And my family was equally pleased; the quality time I got to spend with them made the vacation just that much better.
Ned’s journey to Alaska with Silversea was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with breathtaking scenery, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and the exceptional luxury that only Silversea can provide. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the majestic glaciers or the charming coastal towns of Alaska, Ned’s insights and firsthand experiences offer the perfect inspiration. If you’re ready to embark on your own Alaskan adventure, feel free to reach out to Ned—she’s more than happy to help you plan your next unforgettable trip!
IS A LUXURY ALASKA CRUISE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?
When you’re ready to book your next cruise, contact one of our Tier One Travel consultants. They will find the perfect place for your next vacation and will craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs and will make sure your travel plans will be as stress-free as possible.
One call; endless experiences!
