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.

Silversea Cruises new Wine Series cruises for 2009

The ultra-luxurious cruise line Silversea Cruises is introducing the New Year with an enticing new collection of 11 Wine Series voyages for 2009. Each wine themed cruise will offer the discerning travelers with a passion for fine wines the chance to sample great vintages and to learn about the tradition and art of winemaking with special lectures hosted by wine professionals, vineyard owners, winemakers and other epicurean specialists. On many of the Silversea Cruises voyages guests will also get the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions with guided shore excursions.

Famous contributors include California's Justin and Wente wineries, Italy's Castello Banfi and Chile's Santa Alicia Winery, to name a few. Of special note is the participation of Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the Italian fashion visionary. Renowned for their signature handbags and footwear, the Ferragamo family also owns Il Borro, an acclaimed wine-producing estate in Tuscany. Ferragamo is set to host Silver Wind's July 6 wine-themed sailing from Lisbon to Monte Carlo.

"Our Wine Series cruises are a great way for guests to broaden their understanding and appreciation for one of life's most cherished luxuries – fine wine," said David Morris, Silversea Cruise's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "We've invited top experts from some of the world's most acclaimed vineyards and wineries to visit and interact with our guests, guiding them through entertaining tastings and lectures that add a unique and enriching dimension to their cruise experience."

Silversea Cruises Prince Albert II to sail French Polynesia

Silversea Cruises is set to base their ship Prince Albert II in Papeete from Mid March until late October 2009. This move has been brought about by a number of successful meetings between Silversea Cruises and the French Polynesian government. This new positioning of Prince Albert II in Tahiti will provide a number of very exciting new itineraries.

“We are delighted to base the Prince Albert II in beautiful Tahiti for a series of explorations next year,” comments Amerigo Perasso, Silversea Cruises president and CEO. “The South Pacific is home to magnificent natural vistas and some of the world’s most intriguing cultures, offering our guests the perfect setting for mind-enriching authentic adventures”

Gaston Tong Sang, President of French Polynesia added “The itineraries and land programmes designed by Silversea Cruises are in sync with our tourism positioning as well as our aims for the islands and remote archipelagos development. The unique voyages developed by Silversea will enable travellers to discover the unknown beauties and treasures of our five archipelagos in exceptional luxury.”

Prince Albert II is a purpose built luxurious expedition shop designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations. Onboard Silversea Cruises Prince Albert II you can savour a cosmopolitan ambience and many special amenities usually only found on larger ships. Prince Albert II can transport 132 privileged guests in utmost luxury.

Highlights of the 2009 French Polynesia cruises include Austral Island Adventures, Journeys to the Marquesas, and Tuamotu Expeditions.