Silver Ray Cruise Through the Caribbean & Our Wedding

We arrived in Miami one day prior to allow ourselves a more relaxed schedule, especially as my flight was coming from Madrid. If traveling from closer destinations, I would highly recommend flying directly into Fort Lauderdale Airport, which is only a 15-minute drive from the port.

The warm welcome with a glass of champagne was, as always, delightful. After exploring the vessel for a while, we headed to our Classic Veranda Suite, which was ready just one hour after embarkation, precisely at 2 pm.

A lovely surprise

A beautiful space, located near the bow, offering privileged views. The suite featured an excellent layout, making it feel both comfortable and spacious. I personally requested the bathtub option in the bathroom rather than the larger vanity, an excellent decision in my opinion. Enjoying a bath with salts at sea is simply incomparable, and the tub was impressively generous in size.

The suite also included an extremely comfortable bed, a walk-in closet, TV, sofa bed, and a tablet that allowed us to control everything, from the itinerary to the lighting. The veranda was remarkably spacious, with stunning views, a coffee and tea station, a fully stocked minibar, and of course, Silversea’s impeccable butler service.

Leaving behind a beautiful sunset, we officially began our 12-day journey, heading toward San Juan, Puerto Rico, our first port of call. We had the privilege of visiting the bridge and witnessing the departure maneuvers, an unforgettable experience.

Lunch was enjoyed at The Grill, followed by dinner at La Terrazza, the Italian restaurant. Gastronomic expectations were immediately met, with a strong sense of place present throughout the dining venues.

The following two days were spent at sea, filled with a wide variety of activities to keep everyone entertained until our arrival in San Juan. During these days, I enjoyed a manicure and pedicure at the Spa, a beautiful and serene space. The sauna, steam room, and plunge pool circuit is included and does not require a reservation.

That afternoon, we ordered in-suite dining, the Silversea hamburger and salmon are absolutely delicious. Bingo and trivia are a must onboard, and the evening concluded with dinner at S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste), a new and innovative culinary concept. This venue truly excels at capturing the essence of the destinations visited. My highlights were the lobster salad and the ribeye, both simply outstanding.

Our amazing Butler: John

Later, we headed to the Venetian Lounge for the traditional Captain’s Toast.

Once we left the protection of the Bahamas Channel, with beautiful views of Cuba in the distance, the sea became slightly more dynamic. Despite this, the days remained sunny, perfect for escaping the colder weather in this part of the world. A highlight of the day was the violin concert in the Venetian Lounge, followed by dinner at Atlantide. It was truly a day to relax and “roast” under the sun in the whirlpool on Deck 11.

The following day, we arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico, docking directly in front of Old San Juan, just minutes away from El Morro, the historic district, and Playa El 8. We once again had the privilege of being on the bridge during our arrival, an absolutely lovely experience, with stunning views.

After exploring El Morro and the historic old town, we headed to the beach. It was my first time surfing in Puerto Rico. Although it was a bit windy, the experience was unforgettable. Playa El 8 offers the perfect balance: a nearby break point for surfing, along with protected areas ideal for swimming.

Our farewell from San Juan, with a full moon illuminating El Morro, was magical, goosebumps. To end the day, we dined at The Grill, enjoying the famous hot stone experience (the Prime Ribeye is highly recommended), followed by a visit to the S.A.L.T. Bar for a Macallan 12, without a doubt, my favorite bar onboard.

The next morning, we anchored in Saint John, US Virgin Islands. The arrival felt like stepping into French Polynesia. The turquoise and deep blue tones of the sea welcomed us beautifully. Breakfast at La Terrazza (buffet style) was excellent.

Arrival to St. John

We disembarked by tender and completed the Lind Point Trail, arriving at the spectacular Honeymoon Beach, truly paradisiacal, with crystal-clear waters and striking shades of blue. The hike takes about 30–40 minutes and is surrounded by lush nature. We were fortunate enough to spot deer, remarkably calm in the presence of humans. As a National Park, the harmonious coexistence of wildlife and visitors made the experience even more special. Proper footwear and sun protection are essential.

The following day, we arrived in Saint Barthélemy, also by tender. From start to finish, the journey through the harbor of Gustavia immerses you among countless mega-yachts, undeniably the Monaco of the Caribbean. The arrival was impressive: exclusivity blended with luxury, exotic beauty, and distinctive French architecture.

Entirely French, using the Euro, and notably expensive, St. Barth is, without question, one of the most beautiful places I have ever experienced. We explored the town, visited several boutiques, and spent time at Shell Beach, just minutes from Gustavia. Crystal-clear blue waters, dramatic elevation changes, unique vegetation, cool refreshing water, smooth stones, and shell sand that naturally exfoliates, every detail combined to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Shell Beach, Saint Barthélemy

Our arrival in Saint Kitts and Nevis was at the port of Basseterre. The contrast was striking: large cruise ships surrounded us, making Silver Ray feel like a private yacht. The atmosphere was more mass-tourism oriented. We explored the town, learned about the history of this independent nation, and later joined a 2.5-hour group tour around the island.

The lush vegetation and multicultural heritage were impressive. We visited ancient settlements (Native, Spanish, British, and French) and explored Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The authenticity and natural surroundings left a lasting impression.

The next day, we disembarked in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The name derives from a species of dove. The BVI are simply stunning, crystal-clear waters, fine sand, dramatic mountainous landscapes, and a distinctly British island charm.

We enjoyed a complimentary buggy tour around the town, part of a government initiative to support public transport on cruise days (tips are appreciated). Afterwards, we took a shared taxi to Cane Garden Bay. The lush vegetation and mountainous terrain make the arrival feel wild and untouched. Important to note: taxis do not accept credit cards, so cash is essential.

Back on board Silver Ray, we attended the exclusive Venetian Society Show, a beautiful and meaningful experience for loyal guests. Naturally, we couldn’t resist the hot stone dining experience once again.

The following days were spent at sea, until an unforgettable surprise awaited us at the Observation Lounge. The Captain, alongside the Hotel Director and dear friends we made during the voyage, gathered to witness our wedding ceremony. Completely unexpected and incredibly special, we were able to celebrate this moment with our closest family, creating something truly meaningful in international waters:

20° 28’ 31” N, 73° 05’ 10” W

Special moment

December 10th, 2025—A unique journey came to an end with a bittersweet farewell. We are deeply grateful to the entire Silversea team for making this experience so memorable and extraordinary.

It is very important to stay up to date with your migration documentation, including expiration dates, visas, and permits. Many of these islands belong to different territories and are subject to different laws and regulations. For this reason, travelers should always inform themselves in advance and ensure that all required documents are valid and up to date before their trip.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.