Feb 11, Silversea Adds Expedition Ship

Silversea Cruises plans to launch its new expedition ship in June 2008, after undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. The 1A ice-rated vessel, originally acquired as World Discoverer last September, will get exterior design modifications, state-of-the-art technological enhancements and a complete upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces. The ship is also being outfitted with a fleet of eight Zodiac boats.


In a related development, the company announced the appointment of Conrad Combrink as Silversea's director of expeditions, with responsibility for developing the ship's itineraries and program. He will also oversee the recruitment of expedition staff and lecturers. Combrink's career of over 10 years in expedition cruising includes serving as expedition leader on World Discoverer.


Following the naming ceremony in Monte Carlo in May, the ship will set sail June 12 from London on an inaugural season focusing on polar adventures. Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages. After the ship's refit, the vessel will accommodate 132 guests in 66 ocean-view suites, many featuring private verandas.

Staterooms and suites will range from 215 to over 600 square feet, with an average size of 300-plus square feet. Twenty suites will feature more than 400 square feet of luxury. All staterooms and suites will have flat-screen TVs. The ship will feature a single-seating main dining room, a library with desktop computers and Internet access, a boutique, a beauty salon, a fitness center, a full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools. The ship will be equipped with state-of-the-art satellite communication systems, providing bow-to-stern wireless Internet access and cellular phone service.


Source: Modern Agent

Source: http://www.cruisevacationsguide.com/cruise-vacations-blog.html#Silversea-Adds-Expedition-Ship