Gemma Marshall x Hays Travel

Greek island glamour, exceptional service, and a whole new level of luxury

Some holidays are special. Others raise the bar for every holiday that follows. For lifelong cruise lover Gemma Marshall, this is one of those adventures. Travelling with her mum, Gemma is stepping into a whole new world of cruising aboard Silver Nova by Silversea, discovering what happens when extraordinary destinations meet ultra-luxury living.

Their seven-night Mediterranean voyage begins and ends in Athens, taking in the laid-back charm of Gythion, the ancient wonders of Olympia, the beauty of Crete, the iconic caldera of Santorini, and the Turkish coastal gem of Bodrum. And with a pre-cruise stay at The Port Square Hotel in Piraeus, there’s time to settle into holiday mode before stepping aboard.

Every great holiday starts with an idea. For Gemma, that idea became an ultra-luxury cruise adventure planned with a little help from the experts at Hays Travel.

Gemma visited our Barrow-in-Furness branch, where she met branch manager Sophie to talk through her holiday dreams. As someone who has cruised throughout her life and loves a luxury escape, Gemma was perfectly placed to see what makes this style of cruising so special and discover a different side of life at sea.

Travelling with her mum, Gemma will enjoy a week of incredible destinations, exceptional service, and quality time together – with a pre-cruise stay in Piraeus adding an extra touch to the experience. Follow along as Gemma shares her experience, from the little luxuries that make all the difference to the iconic places waiting beyond the ship. And who knows? You might just find yourself dreaming of your own Silversea escape.

Featured Offer 

Transcend horizons on board Silver Nova, the ship that launched Nova Class and a new era of global travel. Bold, asymmetrical architecture frames sweeping views of sea, sky, and shore. Savor unrivaled culinary variety across eight restaurants, including venues and experiences in the celebrated S.A.L.T. program. Find social time in ten diversely themed bars and lounges. Retreat to your sanctuary at sea, where spacious suites and private glass balconies overlook destinations worldwide. And unwind at the largest pool deck in the fleet or relax in pure serenity at the Otium Spa. With a bold new perspective, Silver Nova charts your true north — illuminating a path to rare experiences and timeless beauty across the seas.

 View Deal

The art of doing more. The joy of doing nothing. Imagine waking up to a new Mediterranean view, enjoying a leisurely breakfast before heading ashore, then returning to your suite for a little downtime before an unforgettable evening of dining and drinks. With Silversea, the beauty is that you can fill every moment with something extraordinary, or simply do absolutely nothing at all.

Aboard a small luxury ship with thoughtful, personalised service, you’ll enjoy a seven-night sailing showcasing the beauty of Greece and Turkey, where ancient history, beach-clad coastlines, and charming ports make you pause mid-conversation to take it all in. But this is ultra-luxury cruising, and the details are just as much a part of the destination. So, every suite has a dedicated butler, while all-inclusive comforts, including premium beverages, destination-inspired dining, and Wi-Fi, add to the elegance of truly effortless travel.