Boomer-friendly Silversea's new luxury cruise ship was designed to attract younger guests like me. I'm sold.

Brittany ChangAug 3, 2024, 18:13 IST

Silversea is targeting younger travelers with its new Silver Ray and Silver Nova cruise ships.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Most of the ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea's guests are wealthy boomers.
But its latest ships are designed to attract younger guests.

If you're going on a Silversea cruise, you're more likely to be surrounded by groups of wealthy retirees than drunk college students on spring break.

This isn't Carnival, after all. This is Silversea, where the cheapest 2025 cruise starts at $2,900 per person for a nine-day voyage from Hong Kong to Tokyo, and the average age of travelers is somewhere in the mid-60s.

That is unless you're on its latest two ships, where the price will be higher, but the guests will be younger.

The Royal Caribbean-owned brand's target demographic isn't exclusive to baby boomers anymore.

Silversea's latest Nova Class ships have attracted many guests who are new to the brand.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

'Younger' means guests in their 40s and mid-50s, a Silversea executive said.

All of the photos showcased on Silver Ray were shot by famed photographer Steve McCurry.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

That's me. I'm new to the brand and younger than its average demographic.

Silver Ray first set sail in June.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

There are still venues and amenities that could appease Silversea traditionalists.

The Panorama Lounge hosts live music and events like Bingo.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

But if you prefer fresher takes on cruising staples, Silver Ray's restaurants will be perfect for you.

Silversea's newer ships host cooking classes at the SALT Lab.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

You could try the foods of every destination without having to disembark the ship.

In Lisbon, dishes at 160-seat SALT Kitchen included grilled sardines served with a grilled lemon wedge and a small saladBrittany Chang/Business Insider

Italian restaurant La Terraza could attract young travelers seeking a more adventurous meal.

The restaurants all come with complimentary bread. Pictured is the bread selection from La Terraza.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If a photogenic ship is more important to you than food, Silver Ray could also tick your boxes.

Silver Ray has two elevator banks, each with three elevators.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Instead of a traditional pool deck with lounge chairs flanking all sides of the pool, Silver Ray's is on the edge of the ship.

The pool deck has 280 loungers and picturesque views.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Speaking of music, Silver Ray has a two-floor theater that hosts entertainment, such as a comedic musician and a 1980s cover band.

The Silver Note restaurant features live musicians and a tapas-style menu.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The concept is nothing new. Almost every cruise I've been on has had performers — but these had different vibes.

Dolce Vita, one of Silversea's signature bars, has "free-spirited" cocktails like the Pink Lady, prepared with Lyre's London Dry Spirit and Orange Sec, lemon, egg white, and grenadine.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Ultimately, Silver Ray shouldn't be your top pick if you're a younger traveler who wants a loud, attraction-filled ship.

Silver Ray's complimentary sauna and steam room are separated into a women's and men's area. Both sides meet at the gender-neutral thermal pool.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

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