Silversea Names New Ship!
Ray Goldenberg
I received this press release from Silversea and thought it would be
of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
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SILVERSEA ANNOUNCES ITS NEW EXPEDITION
SHIP TO BE NAMED HSH PRINCE ALBERT II
Inaugural Schedule Features Polar Expeditions
(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- February 25, 2008) Ultra-luxury Silversea
Cruises announced today that its new expedition ship (originally
acquired as World Discoverer II) will be renamed HSH Prince Albert II,
in tribute to Prince Albert of Monaco.
The name is fitting for a ship that will be dedicated to the
exploration and conservation of the planet's oceans, wildlife and
indigenous cultures. The Principality of Monaco, aside from being the
world's capital of wealth and luxury -- and home to Silversea's global
headquarters -- has long been recognized as a leader in marine
environment research. Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanographic
science and exploration, first explored the Arctic's Svalbard
archipelago in the early part of the last century, and founded the
world renowned Oceanographic Institute. In 2006, Prince Albert II
plotted a similar course on part of his journey to the North Pole, in
an effort to add to the scientific body of work started by his
ancestor -- and to draw attention to the effects of global warming on
the Arctic regions. As a result, the Prince is the first incumbent
head of state to have reached the northern most point on Earth.
"We are deeply honored to have our new expedition ship named after His
Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco," said Manfredi
Lefebvre, Silversea's chairman. "His passion for environmental
conservation is well known and we are committed to supporting his
mission by offering travelers the chance to discover and appreciate
some of the world's most remote and unspoiled regions."
When Silversea's adventure ship sets sail on June 12, following a
naming ceremony in Monte Carlo, it will herald the beginning of a new
mode in exploration cruising -- where a luxurious ambiance is just as
important as the eye-opening educational experiences it will deliver.
The Lloyd's Register A1A ice-rated vessel is purpose-built for
expedition cruising and is currently undergoing an extensive
multimillion-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste,
Italy. To ensure the ship will deliver an expedition cruise
experience consistent with Silversea's award-winning luxury standards,
the refurbishment will include exterior design modifications,
state-of-the-art technological enhancements and a comprehensive
upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces.
The ship is also being outfitted with a new fleet of eight,
latest-model Zodiac boats with Yamaha four-stroke engines (for lowest
possible emissions) that will allow guests to enjoy up-close
exploration and access to some of the world's most remote landscapes.
"The interest in expedition cruising is definitely on the rise, among
both affluent baby boomers and seasoned travelers wanting to further
enrich their already wide knowledge of more traditional and
established destinations. Silversea's HSH Prince Albert II will be
the perfect option for those adventure-seekers who prefer a genuine
expedition ship experience enhanced with the comforts of a true luxury
product," said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea president. "Adventure
travel is also about having experiences that are intellectually
enriching, so every voyage will feature a carefully selected
expedition team of lecturers and leading experts who will share their
insights on the natural, cultural and historical highlights of some of
the most pristine and secluded regions on Earth."
In a related development, the company has announced the appointment of
Conrad Combrink as Silversea director of expeditions, with
responsibility for developing the ship's itinerary and programs. He
will also oversee the recruitment of expedition staff and lecturers.
Combrink's career of over ten years in expedition cruising includes
serving as expedition leader on World Discoverer I and II.
EXPLORING THE EARTH: TOP TO BOTTOM
Silversea's expedition ship will set sail June 12 from London on an
Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 21 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. From mid-August
to November 2008, HSH Prince Albert II will journey from the east
coast of North America through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles before
heading south to Ushuaia. Along this special repositioning route are
opportunities to explore the Sea of Cortez (with an extension to
Copper Canyon), Falklands and South Georgia Island. Pricing starts at
$3,867, per person, double occupancy, and includes shore excursions as
well as Silversea's signature all-inclusive amenities.
After the ship's refit, the ice-class vessel will carry just 132
guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many featuring private
verandas. With staterooms and suites ranging from 180 to over 600
square feet, it will provide some of the largest accommodations of any
expedition ship. 18 suites will each feature more than 400 square feet
of luxury.
Guests will also enjoy many amenities found on larger ships, such as
an elegant single-seating main dining room, library (with computers
and Internet access), boutique, beauty salon, fitness center,
full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools. The ship will also feature
several lounges for enjoying drinks, music and entertainment,
including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the line's other ships.
The HSH Prince Albert II will also be equipped with state-of-the-art
satellite communication systems, providing bow-to-stern wireless
Internet access, enabling guests with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs
to surf the Internet and check e-mails from the comfort of their
suites as well as public areas. Cellular phone service will also
allow guests to stay in touch using their own cell phones even when
the ship is miles away from land. All suites and staterooms will
feature flat screen monitors offering interactive TV and video
options. In the ship's lounges, the latest audio-visual equipment,
complete with high-definition video screens, will display live
lectures hosted by the ship's world-class expedition and lecture staff
as well as visiting destination experts.
Guests aboard Silversea's HSH Prince Albert II will be inspired by the
varied and constantly adapted itineraries that will make the most of
the natural opportunities created by the landscapes around them.
There is so much to explore that they can sail for up to 48 days on
back-to-back voyages without repeating a Zodiac landing site. This is
not soft adventure; this is full scale exploring from an ultra-luxury
base at sea, in true Silversea style.
Reservations are set to go on sale starting Friday, February 29, 2008.
A colorful self-mailer will be available to travel agents in a few
weeks. Visit www.silversea.com/HSHPrinceAlbertII for more details on
the HSH Prince Albert II's inaugural schedule.
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 HSH Prince Albert II in
2008, 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 six times by the readers of Travel
& Leisure. 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); "Five Anchors" for
Gastronomy and Service in Germany's Kreuzfahrt Guide (2007); "Best
Small Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel Magazine (2007); and
Best Luxury Cruise Operator according to Asia's Travel Weekly (2007).
For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel
agent. For a complimentary brochure, contact your travel agent.