No wonder this very luxurious cruise company receives a six-star rating – they seem to think of everything, even before you do.

Just as when we embarked at Civitavecchia, an hour’s train journey from Rome, we were whisked smoothly through the security procedures and taken immediately to our Verandah Suite where a bottle of champagne on ice was already waiting for us. The sun was out on our private balcony and sitting sipping bubbly while watching our fellow passengers arrive was just the way to start a trip of a lifetime.

The beauty of Silversea is that they are willing either to organise everything for you (including flights and hotel accommodation en route to the ship), or else give you the freedom to plan that part of your journey yourself. We booked our own flights from Scotland to Rome, returning from Barcelona as well as our first night’s stay in the Italian capital at the five-star Hilton Cavalieri Hotel (Tel +39 06 35091 www.cavalieri-hilton.it).

Arriving hot, hassled and tired after a claustrophobic tube journey, the serene feel of the hotel, perched high above the bustle of the city streets was the perfect wind down. Shown to our executive suite (where champagne was again waiting on ice), the porter proudly pointed out the world-famous sights from our balcony – the Vatican to our right for example and the Colosseum straight ahead.

At 9.30pm, we just had time to take advantage of a couple of pre-dinner drinks in the Executive Lounge (all included in the price of the room) before ordering room service which we ate at the best table in the hotel – on our own private balcony with Rome twinkling below. The hotel was so comfortable and restful that we even passed up the opportunity of a quick visit to the Sistene Chapel, instead enjoying a leisurely breakfast and stroll around the gardens before checking out to join the ship.

It was a great introduction to the luxury and service we were to grow accustomed to during our week on board Silver Whisper. Our suite (you could never call this a cabin) was stylish and spacious with an extremely comfortable double bed, lounge area, dressing room and marble bathroom complete with separate power shower and bath as well as his and hers basins.

No worries about feeling claustrophobic then. Patio doors led out to the verandah with sun-loungers and there was a TV and video any time you wanted to borrow a film from the ship’s library, as well as an extensively stocked mini bar which was magically replenished with a fresh bottle of champers every night after we’d downed one getting ready for dinner! I was always amazed that my partner could still focus clearly enough to tie his own bowtie (a feat always admired by those fellow passengers ‘cheating’ with elastic versions) and it was nice to dress up for dinner on formal evenings.

As for the food, every meal was a taste sensation, whether served in the elegant main dining-room or in one of the two gourmet

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