Silversea’s first crossover luxury expedition ship arrived successfully in Antarctica this week, marking her maiden visit to the remote continent following an AU$52.8 million (US$40 million) refurbishment and conversion into an ice-class polar expedition ship.
Currently sailing a 10-night Antarctic Peninsula expedition roundtrip from Ushuaia, guests are being treated to vistas of towering icebergs, snow-capped mountains, and awe-inspiring wildlife aboard the completely refitted ship that includes the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant on an Expedition ship.
“We are extremely excited to announce Silver Cloud’s debut in Antarctica,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea’s Chairman. “As the first ship which launched the Silversea fleet in 1994, it makes sense that she should continue to push the boundaries in innovation, becoming our first vessel to truly bridge the gap between luxury and expedition cruising.”
Silversea’s first crossover luxury expedition vessel can accommodate 254 guests in non-polar regions and just 200 when cruising in polar waters to allow all guests to disembark at the same time. Almost all of Silver Cloud’s all-suite accommodations feature generous private verandas along with luxury touches that include a choice of European bath amenities, butler service for all guests, sumptuous Pratesi bedding and a nine-option pillow menu.
Throughout, the reimagined Silver Cloud is positioned as the premier luxury expedition vessel. The brand-new Tor’s Observation Lounge offers commanding, 180-degree views of Antarctica along with relevant titles on the history of this beautiful but frozen land, while five dining options on-board offer the finest cuisine in polar waters. The ship also includes the all-new Zàgara Spa and a dedicated Photo Academy, where state-of-the-art equipment and professional photo-editing software can be used in conjunction with classes offered by the ship’s resident photo expert.
On-board and ashore, between 20 and 22 Expedition Team members conduct immersive destination experiences, aided by an on-board fleet of 16 Zodiacs and 10 kayaks. These passionate and insightful professionals offer informative lectures, discussions and recaps in the ship’s two-storey Explorer Lounge, in addition to guiding Zodiac explorations of the coastline and leading hikes and nature walks on-shore – all of which are complimentary.
Silver Cloud will offer 10-day roundtrip luxury expedition voyages to Antarctica through to February, after which she will embark on a thrilling journey from the southernmost tip of South America to the southernmost point of South Africa. From there, she will wind her way up the overlooked western coast of Africa to the natural beauty of Northern Europe and Arctic Svalbard. Her summers will be spent in the High Arctic, cruising in and out of the ice-filled bays and fjords of Iceland, Greenland, and Arctic Canada in search of polar bears, whales and walruses.
Silver Cloud returns to Antarctica again next November for another series of expedition voyages to the White Continent.
For further details on Silver Cloud expeditions, please visit www.silversea.com/ships/silver-cloud-expedition.html.
SOURCE: Silversea