Once in a while, who doesn't dream of leaving the everyday world behind? To just jet off to a sunny Mediterranean port and spend twelve days in the lap of luxury on board a floating hotel. To visit out-of-the-way places like Porto Cervo, Monemvasia and Antalya. To forget what day it is. To sip champagne on your balcony and see dolphins playfully guide your white ship to its next destination. To live by the sun, not your watch. To really understand the word pampering. Well, if all that sounds like heaven on earth, it might just be time to pack your bags and set sail on Silversea's ultra-luxurious Silver Wind!

If Silver Wind was a hotel ashore, she would probably fall in the "deluxe boutique" category. But different than any land based hotel, this seagoing all-inclusive resort has rooms with ever-changing sea views from either picture windows or private teak verandahs. Every morning, a look out of the window reveals new shores waiting to be discovered. Be it the sunny Greek islands, the splendor of St. Petersburg, the beaches of the Caribbean or the icy fjords of Chile, Silver Wind and her fleet mates bring you there in the utmost of luxury.

An all-inclusive cruise with Silversea means the brochure price pretty much covers everything. From champagne breakfasts on the balcony in the morning to excellent wines poured at dinner; food, drinks, gratuities and port charges are included in the price. All you pay extra for are shore excursions, vintage wines, laundry and Internet charges. Having received numerous  awards and accolades, Silversea Cruises is generally considered as one of the best cruise lines in the world.

This review covers a 12-day Eastern Mediterranean cruise in July of 2004. Our virtual voyage starts in Rome, where we spent a few wonderful days before we embarked on Silver Wind. Bon Voyage!