Silverseas Culinary Arts Cruise

From the sun-kissed beaches of the Cape Verde Islands to the breathtaking desert dunes of Namibia, this December Silversea’s newly refurbished Silver Wind will offer the perfect setting for a rare epicurean odyssey hosted by Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef Jacques Thorel.

Thorel is the renowned chef/owner of two-Michelin-starred Auberge Bretonne — a Relais & Châteaux-member restaurant and hotel that also bears the coveted “Relais Gourmand” designation — located in picturesque La Roche-Bernard, a medieval village nestled in the French region of Brittany.  He has collaborated with Silversea’s corporate executive chef, Rudi Scholdis, to create over 60 enticing new dishes for La Collection du Monde, the exclusive three-course dining options that form part of the dinner menu featured each evening in The Restaurant, the main dining venue aboard all Silversea ships.

Following is a sampling of some of the new delicacies featured in La Collection du Monde:

* Roasted Wild Boar with Porcini Mushrooms
* Breast of Pigeon Slow-cooked with Foie Gras and Truffle Shavings
* Baby Turbot Cooked in Madras Curry and Coconut Milk with Fresh Coriander
* Beef Filet Mignon with Foie Gras-poached Potatoes and Shallot Jam
* Pan-fried Fillet of Greenland Turbot with Sweet Pepper Ragout
* Layered Partridge Tart with Rouennaise Sauce

“We’re very pleased that Chef Thorel will be joining us as we launch these exclusive Relais & Châteaux signature dishes aboard Silver Wind,” said Scholdis.  “Since June we have been testing them aboard the Prince Albert II and I’m very pleased with the favorable feedback from our guests.  We are now ready to phase in the enhanced menu selections across our fleet, starting with Silver Cloud on October 20, Silver Wind on December 5, and Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper in early 2009.”

In conjunction with the launch of the refreshed dining options of La Collection du Monde, Thorel will host a Culinary Arts enrichment program aboard Silver Wind’s December 2, Las Palmas-to-Cape Town cruise, an exotic 18-day voyage calling in the Cape Verde Islands, Dakar, Banjul, Bom Bom Island and Walvis Bay.  Thorel will present his unique Breton cuisine and cooking methods in the ship’s demonstration culinary theater.  Custom-designed by Viking Range Corporation, the theater is equipped with state-of-the-art induction stove, sophisticated convection-microwave oven and Viking professional-caliber cookware, cutlery and countertop appliances — plus a large rear projection screen so guests can easily view different cooking techniques and utensils.

This special voyage will also feature food and wine pairings, creative regional dishes, and a five-course grand gourmet dinner.  If the itinerary permits, guests may also enjoy escorted provisioning trips to international markets.  Silversea Corporate Executive Chef Rudi Scholdis will also be on hand to share his culinary expertise and answer any questions.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.  With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.

In the U.S., Silversea has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI).  International awards include “World’s Leading Luxury Cruise Line” from World Travel Awards (2007); “Five Star Diamond Award” from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); “Number One” small-ship line in the Readers’ Choice” survey conducted by Britain’s Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Spain’s Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); “Best Small Cruise Line” by Australia’s Luxury Travel Magazine (2007); and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” according to Asia’s Travel Weekly (2008).

Official Press Release Silversea Cruises dated 23rd October 2008.

Golf Themed Cruises

For golf explorers, it’s a dream come true! Silversea’s 2009 Silver Links program offers golfers the chance to combine their passion for the game with their love of adventure on 13 golf theme cruises featured aboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper.

The Silver Links voyages offer optional golfing excursions in multiple ports arranged and escorted by the ship’s golf professional. From the breathtaking Pacific scenery of the Cape Kidnappers Golf Club in Napier, to the narrow fairways and mountain terrain of the elegant Monte Carlo Golf Club, to the rolling hills and lush landscape of the St. Lucia Golf and Country Club, guests will have a chance to perfect their game at some of the world’s most challenging and revered championship courses in 30 countries and island destinations throughout the South Pacific, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Mexico.

“The popularity of golf is increasing every year, and more and more golfers are looking for an international golf experience,” said David Morris, Silversea’s executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. “With our Silver Links program, avid golfers of all levels can combine a luxury vacation with the chance to enjoy guided golf excursions and priority tee times at some of the world’s most celebrated courses.”

The escorted, optional golfing excursions vary in price from course to course and include transfers to and from the select golf courses, pull or power-drive carts (where available), green and any applicable caddy fees. Should guests choose to leave their clubs at home, the finest Nike Golf clubs and golf essentials are available for rental or purchase. Golf clubs can be rented for as little as $45 per day with multiple-day and equipment packages available.

On each of these exciting voyages rich in golf destinations, guests will also have the opportunity to advance their game aboard ship with the help of a certified PGA-classed golf professional, who is available to organize personalized instruction, specialty group clinics, demonstrations and even putting contests. While some group activities are complimentary, there is a fee for private lessons.

Golfers have the option to further hone their skills aboard ship with sophisticated split-screen swing analysis utilizing the most advanced V1 digital coaching system, the same software selected by PGA.com as their preferred instructional technology. The cost for private swing analysis starts at just $30.

Guests aboard Silver Links voyages will also enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations, most with private veranda, award-winning gourmet cuisine, personalized service, warm Italian hospitality, and Silversea’s unmatched selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities.

Following is a sampling of the Silver Links voyages and golf courses for 2009:

– Silver Shadow departs January 4 on a 9-day Caribbean sailing (#3901) from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados calling in Tortola, Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada and Bequia. Optional golf excursions visit Cedar Valley Golf Club (St. John’s); St. Lucia Golf and Country Club (Castries); and Sandy Lane Country Club (Bridgetown). Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $3,537 per person.

– Silver Whisper departs January 4 on a 14-day South Pacific sailing (#4901) from Auckland to Sydney calling in Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart, Burnie and Melbourne. Optional golf excursions visit Titirangi Golf Club (Auckland); Cape Kidnappers Golf Course (Napier); Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club (Wellington); Royal Hobart Golf Club; Royal Melbourne Golf Club and Sydney’s Camden Lakeside Country Club. Early Booking Incentive cruise fares start at $9,005 per person.

– Silver Shadow departs February 18 on a 17-day Panama Canal crossing (#3906) from Antigua to Los Angeles calling in Cartagena, San Blas Island, Costa Rica, Puerto Quetzal, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. Optional golf excursions visit La Iguana at Los Sueños (Puntarenas); Fairmont Pierre Marquis Golf Club (Acapulco); and Puerto Vallarta’s El Tigre Golf Club. Early Booking Incentive cruise fares start at $7,906 per person.

– Silver Whisper departs May 19 on a 9-day Mediterranean sailing (#4912) from Athens to Barcelona calling in Santorini, Malta, Sicily, Sorrento, Rome, Monte Carlo and Porquerolles. Optional golf excursions visit Il Picciolo Golf Club (Catania); Le Querce Golf Club (Rome); and the Monte Carlo Golf Club. Advance Payment Bonus cruise fares start at $6,236 per person.

– Silver Whisper departs August 15 on a 7-day Mediterranean sailing (#4924) from Monte Carlo to Barcelona calling in Sardinia, Antibes, Sète, Porto Mahon and Palma de Mallorca. Optional golf excursions visit Monte Carlo Golf Club; La Grande-Motte Golf Club (Sète); Son Parc Golf Club (Mahon); and Son Vida Golf Course (Palma de Mallorca). Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $4,896 per person.

– Silver Shadow departs December 2 on a 9-day Caribbean voyage (#3931) from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados calling in Grand Turk, Samana, La Romana, St. Lucia and Grenada. Optional golf excursions visit Casa de Campo’s Teeth of the Dog (La Romana), St. Lucia Golf and Country Club and Bridgetown’s Sandy Lane Country Club. Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $3,657 per person.

For a complete list of Silver Links voyages, visit www.silversea.com.

Official Press Release (Abridged) Silversea Cruises dated 1st October 2008.

Prince Albert in New York

Fresh from a summer of explorations in the Arctic, Silversea Cruises’ new luxury expedition ship, Prince Albert II, arrived in New York City on Monday, August 25.  While docked at the New York Cruise Terminal, she is hosting three days of gala receptions for members of Silversea’s Venetian Society loyalty club, travel agents, media, New York dignitaries and other special guests.

A high point of the inaugural festivities was an elegant dinner yesterday evening in the ship’s restaurant attended by Monaco’s Consul General, Hon. Mrs. Maguy Maccario-Doyle; Mr. Joseph Kaiha, French Polynesia’s minister of culture; Mrs. Hinano Bagnis, special envoy of French Polynesian President Mr. Gaston Tong Sang; Silversea’s chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre; and Amerigo Perasso, president and CEO of Silversea, to mention a few notables.  Highlighting the evening was entertainment provided by a colorful and lively troupe of Tahitian dancers performing traditional dances of Polynesia.

In his remarks during the events, Lefebvre noted, “It’s a great honor to be here in New York to introduce our new expedition ship to the American market.  We’re very pleased to welcome aboard many of our loyal guests, travel agent partners, and members of the press to take part in the festivities while the Prince Albert II is here in port. Your interest and support is very much appreciated.”

Perasso commented, “We’re delighted that our unique concept of luxury expedition cruises has been so well received by the public.  In fact, most of the voyages during our first season in Antarctica have already sold out.  This is a testament to the increasing interest in exploring our planet’s most remote regions — and having the option to enjoy such adventures from a base of comfort and luxury.” 

Later today the Prince Albert II sets sail along the eastern coast of the U.S. to continue a special inaugural series of voyages spanning from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles before the ship ultimately repositions to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter expeditions.

The Prince Albert II will be deployed in Papeete from mid-March to late October 2009, offering expedition cruises to the less-traveled regions of Polynesia ranging from the southernmost Austral Islands to the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands.  For the balance of 2009, the 132-guest luxury expedition ship will offer a series of Antarctic explorations with convenient roundtrip departures from Ushuaia.

The Prince Albert II offers full-scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style.  With the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship, guests enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations (many with French balconies or large private verandas), sumptuous gourmet cuisine, warm hospitality and personalized service (with a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1), and Silversea’s generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, bottled water, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities.  Plus, complimentary Butler Service is provided in the Grand and Owner’s Suites.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.  With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.

In the U.S., Silversea has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI).  International awards include “World’s Leading Luxury Cruise Line” from World Travel Awards (2007); “Five Star Diamond Award” from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); “Number One” small-ship line in the Readers’ Choice” survey conducted by Britain’s Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Spain’s Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); “Best Small Cruise Line” by Australia’s Luxury Travel Magazine (2007); and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” according to Asia’s Travel Weekly (2008).

Official Press Release Silversea Cruises dated 27th August 2008.

Silverseas Welcomes Guest Lecturers

Celebrated authors, journalists, historians, commentators, actor-dramatists, filmmakers, an astronaut, marine biologist, Harvard economist, Japanese TV personality, and an officer of arms to the Queen of England await guests of Silver Shadow’s 92-day Grand Pacific Voyage, sailing March 7 to June 7, 2009.

Departing from Los Angeles, Silver Shadow’s Grand Pacific Voyage will follow the mild trade winds of spring as they dry the skies south of the equator, find northern Japan’s cherry blossoms in full bloom, and arrive in Alaska as the region awakens from its winter slumber with warmer, longer days.  On this epic journey, guests will visit 45 ports, 15 countries and two hemispheres, enjoying overnight stays in Bora Bora, Sydney, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

“Our Grand Pacific Voyage is designed to be a truly extraordinary journey offering broad cultural exploration and intellectual adventure,” said Joseph Proto, Silversea’s director of world cruise and business development.  “We searched the globe to find just the right professors and distinguished personalities to share their knowledge and insights for the benefit of our inquisitive guests.  The result is an impeccable enrichment roster featuring esteemed experts from Australia, Japan, Great Britain and the United States.”

Following are the segments of the Grand Pacific Voyage and a preliminary lineup of guest lecturers:

VOYAGE 3907:  “Enchanted Polynesia,” March 7 – 23, Los Angeles to Papeete, 16 days.

– Frank McCourt — Author born in Brooklyn, New York, to Irish immigrant parents, grew up in Limerick, Ireland, and returned to America in 1949.  His first book, Angela’s Ashes, a memoir of his childhood in Limerick, won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award and the L.A. Times Book Award.  The bestselling autobiography was also made into a movie in 1999.

 – Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan — Astronaut and first American woman to walk in space, Dr. Sullivan is a veteran of three shuttle missions and a 2004 inductee to the Astronaut Hall of Fame.  Her life-long commitment to science education earned her the National Science Board’s Public Service Award in 2003 and a presidential appointment to the NSB in 2004.

– Dr. George Losey — He received his Ph.D. at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and has studied the behavior and ecology of marine animals throughout the world.  An expert in South Pacific history, culture and marine life, he is an emeritus professor of zoology and marine biology at the University of Hawaii.
VOYAGE 3908:  “Escape to Dreamland,” March 23 – April 11, Papeete to Sydney, 18 days.

– Scott Pearson — After earning a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University, Pearson taught economic development and international trade at Stanford University.  He has spent over four decades studying economic change in developing countries, and won several awards for his research and teaching.  Pearson has led university travel groups worldwide.

– David O. Frazier and Joe Garry — Actors and dramatists who created fifteen original scripts and performed in theaters from New York to Budapest to Bombay.  Their award-winning television show, Odysseys and Ovations, a travel and history series, appears on PBS in the U.S.  They will present original cabaret-style lectures with a regional focus.

VOYAGE 3909:  “Adventures of the Imagination,” April 11 – 29, Sydney to Singapore, 18 days.

– Bradley Trevor Greive — One of Australia’s most successful authors, his books have been published in 115 countries with more than 17 million copies sold.  His international bestsellers include Priceless:  The vanishing beauty of a fragile planet, The Meaning of Life, A Teaspoon of Courage and The Blue Day Book, which received the 2000 Australian Book of the Year Award.

– Dr. Geoffrey Blainey — One of Australia’s best-known historians and commentators, Dr. Blainey has authored over 30 books.  For 20 years he successively held the chair of economic history and then the Ernest Scott Chair of History at the University of Melbourne.  In 1975 he was made an officer of the Order of Australia and in 2000 became a companion of that Order.

– Alastair Bruce of Crionaich — A descendent of Robert the Bruce, he is the author of numerous books on British royalty and a commentator for Britain’s Sky News and the BBC.  He is also a documentary filmmaker with Days of Majesty, Nicholas and Alexandra, and Victoria and Albert to his name.  He is a member of the Queen’s Body Guard for Scotland and is also an officer of arms to the Queen.  Lecture topics will include Captain Cook’s adventures as well as the British Empire and Australia.

– Michael O’Brien — A retired major general in the Australian Defense Force, his interest in history has led to the publication of several books.  In 2008, he lead an archaeological dig in northern France, ultimately confirming the most significant British and Australian group burial discovered since World War I.  He is an expert on the Pacific region and its history.

VOYAGE 3910:  “Oriental Mystique,” April 29 – May15, Singapore to Tokyo, 16 days.

– Elizabeth Kiritani — Author, award-winning journalist and Tokyo television personality, Kiritani has twice received the “Nihon Bungei Taisho,” a Japanese cultural award for journalism.  Her book Vanishing Japan:  Traditions, Crafts & Culture catalogues the small traditions that are still found in Japan, but are disappearing with the modern age.  Her lectures celebrate the traditions of Japan.

– John Hartley — Retired Australian Major General Hartley is a graduate of Duntroon’s Royal Military College, the University of Queensland and the U.S. Army War College.  He served twice in Vietnam, as a platoon commander and advisor to the South Vietnamese Army, and was wounded three times. His lectures will focus on regional cultural issues and history, as well as military history.

VOYAGE 3911:  “Bridge Across Time,” May 15 – 28, Tokyo to Seward, 14 days.

– Jon Bowermaster — Adventurer extraordinaire, author, filmmaker, and ardent kayaker, he has spent more than 20 years exploring and documenting some of the world’s most exotic regions.  His Oceans 8 project, designed to explore the world by kayak, has taken him to the Aleutian Islands, Vietnam, French Polynesia, South America’s Altiplano, the Antarctic Peninsula and the wild coasts of Gabon, Croatia and Tasmania.

– Stephen Dachi — A foreign policy specialist who served in the U.S. Foreign Service for 30 years, Dachi is currently in charge of South Asia Area Studies at the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute.  He lectures on political issues at the Elliott School of International Affairs of George Washington University.  He also teaches a course on the global economy at Georgetown University.

VOYAGE 3912:  “Of Mists and Majesty,” May 28 – June 7, Seward to Vancouver, 10 days.

– Niki Sepsas — Author and magazine writer with more than 800 articles to his credit that have appeared in over 40 U.S. magazines and newspapers.  Sepsas is a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul, a series of bestselling books.  His 30-year travel career has taken him to more than 100 countries on six continents around the globe.  His adventures include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, hot-air ballooning across the Serengeti and trekking the Australian Outback, to mention a few.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.  With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.

In the U.S., Silversea has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI).  International awards include “World’s Leading Luxury Cruise Line” from World Travel Awards (2007); “Five Star Diamond Award” from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); “Number One” small-ship line in the Readers’ Choice” survey conducted by Britain’s Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Spain’s Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); “Best Small Cruise Line” by Australia’s Luxury Travel Magazine (2007); and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” according to Asia’s Travel Weekly (2008).

Official Press Release Silversea Cruises dated 14th August 2008.

Silversea Cruises Launch 2009 Voyage Atlas

Silversea Cruises has published its new full-color, 120-page Voyage Atlas for 2009, a visually captivating brochure with a focus on luxury and exotic destinations for its four all-suite ships, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, and the company’s new expedition ship, Prince Albert II.

Now available in print and online at www.silversea.com, the comprehensive guide contains over 130 imaginative itineraries offered aboard the line’s classic fleet as well as 26 exciting expeditions set for the Prince Albert II.  The 2009 schedule features all seven continents, over 80 countries, and more than 300 distinct destinations.

The new Atlas opens with an easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary followed by a section revealing the hallmarks of Silversea’s unique luxury lifestyle.  The balance of the brochure provides detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including highlights of shore excursions, descriptions of land programs, deck plans, savings programs and general information.

“Our new Voyage Atlas provides a window into an exclusive world where easygoing luxury, exploration and discovery blend together to create the most enriching travel experience,” said David Morris, Silversea’s executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing.  “For our guests, luxury travel is a lifestyle of countless indulgences — from the serenity of breakfast on a private veranda or a soothing body wrap and massage, to an exciting adventure by Zodiac craft to discover an isolated culture.  With Silversea, the possibilities are endless.”

For a complimentary copy of the 2009 Voyage Atlas, visit www.silversea.com or call toll-free (877) 215-9986.

Abridged Press Release Silversea Cruises Dated 5th August 2008.

Silversea Cruises Named World’s Best

Silversea Cruises, known for its exotic worldwide itineraries, luxurious all-suite accommodations and gracious service, has been named the winner of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best Award” for 2008.  This is the seventh time the ultra-luxury cruise operator has been honored with the highly coveted award.  Achieving an overall score of 88, Silversea topped the “Small-Ship Cruise Line” category, standing out on a list of companies operating the most elite and intimate ships, those accommodating no more than 400 guests.

Earlier this year the line was named the Number-One overall luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index survey from the independent New York-based Luxury Institute, topping 19 other well-known cruise companies, including traditional, expedition and river cruise lines.

“It is an honor for us to receive this recognition from the readers of Travel + Leisure and our valued guests,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea president and CEO.  “Discerning travelers are seeking unique experiences and adventures without sacrificing the luxuries of life and this is the type of travel lifestyle we make it our mission to deliver.”

Added Perasso, “Although this is the seventh time Silversea has taken first place in this poll, it’s been a few years since our last win, so this achievement is especially significant for us.  Clearly, it is a sign that the company is headed in the right direction and deserves to be recognized as the undisputed leader in our market segment.”

Each year Travel + Leisure asks its subscribers to determine the “World’s Best Awards” by rating travel companies and properties based on certain characteristics.  Cruise lines are evaluated in the six categories of cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities and value.  The complete results of this year’s survey appear in the magazine’s August issue.

Travel + Leisure boasts a readership in the millions and is considered one of the top travel publications in the world.  Since 1996, working in association with independent research firms, the magazine has made available to its subscribers a questionnaire that asks respondents to rate travel providers based on their recent travel experiences. 

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.  With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.

In the U.S., Silversea has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index.  International awards include “World’s Leading Luxury Cruise Line” from World Travel Awards (2007); “Five Star Diamond Award” from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); “Number One” small-ship line in the Readers’ Choice” survey conducted by Britain’s Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Spain’s Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); “Best Small Cruise Line” by Australia’s Luxury Travel Magazine (2007); and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” according to Asia’s Travel Weekly (2007).

Official Press release (abridged) Silversea Cruises dated 11 July 2008.

Silversea Cruises’ Prince Albert II Starts Inaugural Voyage from London

A new era in expedition cruising began this morning when Silversea Cruises’ eagerly anticipated Prince Albert II sailed under the landmark Tower Bridge to welcome her first guests aboard.

In a display of the importance of this special event, all officers and crew stood on the bow of the vessel as she glided through the opened bridge at 9:30 a.m. (local time) with crowds of onlookers cheering and welcoming them to the English capital.  The ship sailed directly from the naming ceremony held in the port of Monte Carlo last week, which was presided over by her namesake, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Along with many onlookers and well-wishers, Silversea Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre and President and CEO Amerigo Perasso were both present on the pier to see the company’s latest innovative venture take up her challenge to be the world’s first ultra-luxury expedition ship.

“It is indeed a wonderful sight to see this morning, our Prince Albert II sailing under Tower Bridge, with all the crew proudly escorting her into London to welcome their first guests,” said Lefebvre.  “It is our aim that this ship will not only offer guests the highest level of comfort and service, but also enlighten them to the rarity and beauty of the most remote places on earth.”

Added Perasso, “In keeping with the environmental work of our ship’s namesake, we are delighted to announce that Silversea has signed an agreement to support the Prince Albert II Foundation, whose aim is to highlight and take tangible action to protect and preserve the most vulnerable inhabitants and landscapes on Earth.”

Fresh from a multimillion dollar renovation, the Lloyd’s Register 1A ice-rated Prince Albert II weighs just 6,072 gross tons and will accommodate a maximum of 132 guests with a 1:1.2 crew-to-guest ratio, compared to the mass-market ships weighing in at over 150,000 gross tons with up to 5,000 passengers and a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1:3.  Despite her small size, the Prince Albert II boasts the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship.  All 66 ocean-view accommodations feature luxurious living space and private marble bathrooms with bathtubs. Select suites offer double private French balconies or large private verandas, and additional elite amenities including butler service.

Silversea is a provisional member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), dedicated to managing respectable, environmentally friendly and safe expedition cruising in the Arctic.  The company has also joined the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO).  This important organization promotes and practices safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica.  In addition, Silversea plans to voluntarily adopt and apply similar operating procedures in all other destinations where the Prince Albert II will operate.

The Prince Albert II welcomes her first guests on Thursday, June 12, as she sets sail from London at 5:00 p.m. to embark upon an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 22 days focusing on polar adventures.  Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages.

Official Press release (abridged) Silversea Cruises dated 11 June 2008.

Silversea’s New Expedition Ship is Dedicated by HSH Prince Albert II in Monaco

In the heart of Monte Carlo’s harbor this morning, the expedition ship Prince Albert II officially joined the Silversea fleet during a naming ceremony in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.  As in the time-honored tradition, the dedication included a blessing of the ship by H.E. Monsignor Fabrice Gallo, Prelate of the Pope of Rome.

Guests listened attentively to heartfelt speeches and then raised their glasses in a toast when the red and white ribbon (representing the heraldic colors of the Grimaldi family) was cut by HSH Prince Albert II, marking the launch of a new era in expedition cruising — one that will offer authentic and respectful adventures from a base of easy-going luxury.

“This is a very exciting and proud day for Silversea,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, chairman of Silversea. “We are extremely honored that His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, has personally dedicated the ship that will bear his name.  May her many journeys of discovery always honor His Serene Highness through a commitment to responsible travel.”

Added Silversea President and CEO, Amerigo Perasso, “It is indeed a great privilege that His Serene Highness is here with us today and is the namesake of our new ship.  In keeping with his legacy of exploration and environmental conservation, it is our hope that by educating and connecting people with distant cultures and wildlife, the
Prince Albert II can open eyes and foster respect and greater care for our planet and its inhabitants.”

Fresh from a multimillion dollar renovation, the Prince Albert II boasts the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship. An unmatched selection of 20 premium suites has been created especially for the discriminating traveler with 350 to 675 square feet of luxurious living space. Select suites have double private French balconies or large private verandas, and additional elite amenities including butler service. All 66 ocean-view accommodations are tastefully appointed and have private marble bathrooms with bathtubs.

The Prince Albert II welcomes her first guests on June 12 as she sets sail from London on an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 22 days focusing on polar adventures.  Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages.

Silversea is a provisional member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), dedicated to managing respectable, environmentally friendly and safe expedition cruising in the Arctic.  The company has also joined the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO).  This important organization promotes and practices safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica.  In addition, Silversea plans to voluntarily adopt and apply similar operating procedures in all other destinations where the Prince Albert II will operate.

Official Press release (abridged) Silversea Cruises dated 03 June 2008.

Berlitz Guide to Cruising, by Doug Ward, has named its top ships for 2007

1. Europa
2. Silver Cloud
3. SeaDream II
4. Silver Wind
5. SeaDream I
6. Queen Mary 2 (Grill Class)
7. Seabourn Legend
8. Sea Cloud II
9. Seabourn Pride
10. Sea Cloud
11. Seabourn Spirit
12. Crystal Serenity
13. Silver Shadow
14. Crystal Symphony
15. Silver Whisper
16. Seven Seas Mariner
17. Hanseatic
18. Seven Seas Voyager