Silversea Cruises record number of voyages in 2010

Silversea Cruises, the ultra-luxury cruise line, has released its worldwide schedule for 2010 and there are to be a record number of voyages visiting more than 355 ports in 95 countries and island destinations. In total there will be over 175 itineraries to choose from sailing on Silversea Cruises all-suite ships Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and the new Silver Spirit.

"Our fleet expansion presents many opportunities for innovative deployment," said David Morris, Silversea Cruises' executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "With the addition of a fifth all-suite ship in 2010, our schedule will offer an exceptionally broad range of travel choices, including Silver Spirit's exciting 91-day Grand Inaugural Voyage, and the first-ever, year-round deployment of Silver Cloud in the Mediterranean."

Reservations open on the 12 January, at which point the complete day-by-day itineraries for all ships will be announced. Silversea Cruises will be presenting a diverse collection of sailings from Australia's vast Outback and China's Great Wall to the fairy tale castles of Edinburgh and the gilded palaces of St. Petersburg. Among the highlights are Silver Shadow's return visits to scenic Alaska plus nine new Silversea destinations: Le Verdon, France; Rimini, Italy; Ile Rousse, Corsica; Cardiff, Wales; Sendai, Japan; Chan May, Vietnam; Lakshadweep, India; Buzios, Brazil; and Seydisfjordur, Iceland.

On January 21, the newest addition to Silversea Cruises fleet, the beautiful Silver Spirit, will embark from Fort Lauderdale on a fascinating Grand Inaugural Voyage that concludes in New York City. On this magnificent 91-day "Spirit of South America" odyssey, guests will visit more than 45 ports in over 20 different countries and island destinations across two continents. Highlights include a visit to Rio de Janeiro in time for the carnival, a journey around the end of the earth at Cape Horn, an in-depth exploration of the Mexican Riviera, and a crossing of the Panama Canal.

Silversea Cruises announce inaugural sailing details for Silver Spirit

Silversea Cruises have released details of the inaugural season planned for their newest ship, Silver Spirit. The ultra luxury ship will debut in lavish style with a Grand Inaugural Voyage on 21 January 2010. This extraordinary 91-day journey is being dubbed “The Spirit of South America” and will see Silver Spirit sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles with a twist back to New York.

The fascinating itinerary will feature a visit to Rio de Janeiro in time for the carnival, a journey around the end of the earth at Cape Horn, a crossing of the Panama Canal and an unforgettable Statue of Liberty event in New York Harbor. Silversea will begin accepting reservations on January 12.

"As the New Year begins and the construction of our new ship moves forward steadily, I am delighted to reveal some of the highlights of her much anticipated inaugural season," declared Silversea Cruises President and CEO Amerigo Perasso. "Silver Spirit, when launched in a year from now, almost to the day, added Mr. Perasso, "will embody the hallmarks of Silversea's understated elegance and distinct luxury with yet more superlatives in terms of her spacious suites, expansive wellness facilities and epicurean venues."

The “Spirit of South America” sailing will visit more than 45 ports in over 20 different countries and island destinations across two continents. Guests sailing on this inaugural cruise will also be invited to attend the naming ceremony, a gala dinner event on the eve of departure with accommodation aboard ship, exclusive shore-side events in select ports of call, such as a VIP evening at the Rio Carnival, not to mention special commemorative gifts and a $2,000 spending credit per suite to enjoy the voyage to the full.

The Silver Spirit is set to be the grandest ship in the Silversea Cruises fleet and will indulge 540 guests with the largest suites of all their ships. 95% will feature a private balcony and the ship will have one of the highest space-to-guest rations at sea today. The onboard décor will lend a sophisticated 1930s Art Deco ambience to the public spaces, highlights of which include an indoor/outdoor spa measuring no less than 8,300 square feet (770 square meters), three whirlpools (two adjacent to outdoor pool, one in spa area), enriching performances in The Show Lounge and a choice of six dining venues including Seishin, a Japanese restaurant, and the innovative Stars Supper Club, featuring live music, dancing and nightclub-style entertainment.

Major Refurbishments Planned for Silversea

Silversea Cruises have just announced that they will be carrying out major dry-dock refurbishments on the Silver Cloud and Silver Wind. These 296 guest capacity ships are to be refurbished to make the interiors equivalent to that of the Silver Spirit. The 540 guest Silver Spirit is the newest ship in the Silversea Cruises fleet and is scheduled for delivery in December 2009.

Upgrades will include new bathrooms, carpets, flat screen televisions and balconies are also going to be revamped. It is believed that all of the public spaces and corridors will receive substantial enhancements with new furnishings and carpets.

The Silver Cloud and Silver Wind will also be receiving new ocean view spas and fitness centers, a new observation lounge, eight new large suites and a new guest elevator. Silver Wind’s month long refurbishment will take place this November and Silver Cloud’s in May 2009.

Silversea’s president has said these projects indicate the firms commitment to making sure Silversea is at the forefront of ultra-luxury cruising.