Adventurous Asians Embrace Expedition Cruising
20% of Silversea’s Asian Customers Select Prince Albert II as their Ship of Choice
An increasing number of Asian travellers will sail on Silversea’s luxury Expedition cruise ship, Prince Albert II. this year representing around 20% of the company’s regional business. The biggest regional market for the ship is China followed by Hong Kong.
Demand is such for this all-inclusive expedition product that guests are booking far in advance to secure their place on the exploration voyages that take place in both Polar Regions, as well as exciting destinations in Central and South America, Great Britain, Ireland and Africa.
Melvyn Yap, Silversea’s Regional Director Asia, commented: “Since Prince Albert II’s debut, this region has really embraced our new style of expedition cruising. After two sell-out seasons, Asia and more specifically China, Hong Kong and Singapore have emerged as high yield, early booking markets with the mainland leading the way.
We have been aggressively targeting new-to-Silversea and first-time cruisers by going after a larger share of the lucrative baby boomer market and are seeing phenomenal growth in this market segment. Younger people have the money and time to travel, and can appreciate the exceptional value a luxury cruise offers when compared to land-based vacations. In the United States our target market is couples aged 45+; a mix of retirees and successful entrepreneurs, but in Asia our market is couples, slightly younger in age than the company’s overall profile. They tend to be successful business people and young professionals; lawyers, doctors, dentists and accountants, who have a love of food and wine but also a sense of adventure. Of particular interest to this younger clientele is the Prince Albert II.”
Prince Albert II completed a hugely successful 2009 season of 25 sell-out voyages and the 2010 and 2011 expeditions are selling fast. From June to September 2010 a series of Arctic adventures are on offer exploring the Svalbard Archipelago, Iceland, Greenland or the Canadian Arctic, and the Antarctic season runs from November 2010 to February 2011 with 8 round-trip Ushuaia voyages navigating Drake’s Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula.
New expeditions currently on offer include a Discovering Central America voyage in October 2010, taking in the wildlife, indigenous tribes and historic sites of the Dominican Republic, Netherlands Antilles, Panama and Costa Rica, and a Cape to Cape Adventure in March 2011, following explorers’ footsteps to Cape Horn, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Tristan Da Cunha and Cape Town. A 22 day West Coast of Africa sailing from Cape Town to Dakar, Senegal is taking place in March 2011, and such is the appeal of this itinerary that the expedition is already fully sold out. Due to strong demand, this programme will also be offered in 2012.
Part of Prince Albert II’s great appeal is the totally all-inclusive nature of the product, with fares that cover all shore excursions with a highly experienced expedition team; the largest accommodation of any expedition ship; butler service; wines and drinks throughout the ship; gourmet menus by Relais & Châteaux, and all gratuities. And with a maximum of 132 passengers, guests aboard Prince Albert II have numerous opportunities to go ashore in destinations such as Antarctica, where only 100 passengers at any one time may land.
Yap added: “With suites selling so quickly on these expedition voyages, we do encourage travellers to book early to avoid disappointment. We expect the demand for this category to continue growing over the second half of 2010.”
For more information on Silversea Cruises, please visit www.silversea.com.
Australasian travellers now make up more than 20 per cent of all guests on Silversea Expeditions aboard the state-of-the-art Prince Albert II.
Demand is such for this all-inclusive luxury expedition product that guests are booking far in advance to secure their place on the fascinating voyages that take in both Polar Regions, as well as enticing destinations in Central and South America, Great Britain, Ireland and Africa.
Karen Christensen, Silversea’s regional director Australia & New Zealand, commented: “Since Prince Albert II’s debut, this region has really embraced our new style of expedition cruising. After two sell-out seasons, Australasia has emerged as a high yield, early booking market that is now Silversea Expeditions’ second largest source of guests after the United States.”
New expeditions currently on offer include a Discovering Central America voyage in October 2010, taking in the wildlife, indigenous tribes and historic sites of the Dominican Republic, Netherlands Antilles, Panama and Costa Rica, and a Cape to Cape Adventure in March 2011, following explorers’ footsteps to Cape Horn, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Tristan Da Cunha and Cape Town. A 22 day West Coast of Africa sailing from Cape Town to Dakar, Senegal is taking place in March 2011, and such is the appeal of this itinerary that the expedition is already fully sold out. Due to strong demand, this programme will also be offered in 2012.
Part of Prince Albert II’s great appeal is the totally all-inclusive nature of the product, with fares that cover all shore excursions with a highly experienced expedition team; the largest accommodation of any expedition ship; butler service; wines and drinks throughout the ship; gourmet menus by Relais & Châteaux, and all gratuities. And with a maximum of 132 passengers, guests aboard Prince Albert II have numerous opportunities to go ashore in destinations such as Antarctica, where only 100 passengers at any one time may land.
Karen Christensen added: “With suites selling so quickly on these expedition voyages, we do encourage travellers to book early to avoid disappointment.”
For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com
Silversea committed to growing Aussie market
Ultra luxury European liner, Silversea Cruises have reaffirmed its dedication to the Australian market, which delivers 15 per cent of the company’s business and is its fastest growing market, according to visiting Chief Operating Officer, Ken Watson.
Mr Watson, in Sydney earlier this week, said this region was one of the most profitable markets for the cruise line, with more Australians requesting higher-end Suites resulting in the highest daily rate.
Silversea Cruises is also the only luxury cruise line in the region to have a dedicated sales office in Sydney, which Mr Watson said was further proof of its dedication to the region.
In 2011, Silversea’s Silver Shadow will launch a 30-day Circumnavigation around Australia, which Mr Watson said was already 60 per cent full, mainly with Australian guests.
“We try to be the best ultra luxury European cruise line,” Mr Watson said, adding that “being European differentiates us from other American brands”.
Silversea are also heavily promoting its specifically designed Expedition ship, Prince Albert II, of which Australians represent 20 per cent of its customers.
For more information on Silversea’s 2010/11 voyages, visit: www.silversea.com
Captain Cook Cruises has increased the discount offered on all Fijian Early Booking Saver (EBS) fares to 25% off the stated brochure price. This discount is valid on all 3, 4 and 7 night Yasawa Island Fiji cruises aboard the MV Reef Escape.
“Early Booking Saver fares are great value for money all year round. Even during the peak holiday seasons, our passengers can usually secure a fantastic fare when they book at least 2 months in advance.” Said Jackie Haworth-Charlton, Joint Managing Director, Captain Cook Cruises.
All Yasawa Island Fiji cruises offer a truly cultural experience and passengers will visit unspoilt Fijian villages and handicraft markets, experience a traditional village sevusevu ceremony and Meke and Lovo feast, tour a village school and visit a village church and experience the beautiful sounds of the children’s choir singing.
As well as being immersed in Fijian culture there is plenty of time for relaxation and appreciating the beautiful marine life while snorkelling over amazing coral reefs, lazing on warm white sandy beaches, basking in crystal clear waters or diving in spectacular blue lagoons.
Passengers can even take a glass bottom boat ride to witness the abundance of marine life that thrives on Fiji’s coral reefs.
Stay on-board and be pampered at the ships Senikai Day Spa, or simply relax on the sun deck by the spa or pool or grab a drink at the pool bar.
Dining is another vital ingredient of these amazing cruises. Whether it is an alfresco luncheon, a casual barbecue or table d’hote dinner, all food is prepared on board from fresh local and imported produce and cultural on-board entertainment adds a special flavour to the mix
The three-night Southern Yasawa Cruise departs Denarau on Saturday at 2.00pm and guests will discover the beauty of the Southern Yasawa Island group including the islands of Waya, Naviti and Viwa and the friendly warmth of its people. Early Booking Savers (EBS) fares start from $900.00 per person twin share
The four-night Northern Yasawa Cruise departs Denarau on Tuesday at 2.00pm. Guests will visit the private island of Tivua and cruise the spectacular passage from Yaqeta Island to the Yasawas northern reaches and EBS fare is available from $1200.00 per person twin share
The seven-night Yasawa Islands Cruise combines the three and the four night cruises for the ultimate in Fiji Yasawa Islands experiences and EBS fares start from $1995.00 per person twin share.
Prices include all meals on board, guided village and island tours, glass bottom boat excursions, on board entertainment and use of the ship's facilities including swimming pool, spa, pool bar, sun deck, sauna, cocktail bar and library. Diving and Day Spa services are available at an additional price.
For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises +61-2-9206 1100, (Aust), +679-670 1823 (Fiji) Email: fiji@captaincook.com.au or visit www.captaincook.com.fj
Silversea’s state-of-the-art expedition vessel, Prince Albert II, is offering a thrilling programme of voyages from May to August 2009, taking in the most remote highlights of the British Isles and the icy wilds of the Arctic.
An 11 day Around Britain sailing from Portsmouth, England departs 17 May 2009 and takes in the beautiful Channel islands of Alderney and Guernsey; Waterford and Dublin in Ireland; the Scottish isles of Gigha, Islay in the Hebrides and Stromness in the Orkney Islands, and finishes in Leith, Edinburgh. All inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$5,781* per person, double occupancy.
And between 1 June and 28 August 2009 Prince Albert II will embark on a series of expeditions of 7 to 16 days to the Arctic regions of Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada. A 7 day round-trip Expedition Svalbard voyage will meander through the spectacular archipelago of Svalbard, where guests may be lucky enough to encounter seals, Arctic foxes, unusual bird species and even polar bears. All inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$3,146* per person, double occupancy.
Alternatively, guests can choose longer expeditions of up to 16 days including an Explorer’s Arctic voyage from Hamburg to Longyearbyen; a Far Side of Svalbard journey from Longyearbyen to Tromso; a Frozen Worlds expedition from Tromso to Kangerlussuaq, or an Exploring the Canadian Arctic adventure from Kangerlussuaq to Halifax.
Prince Albert II’s itineraries are unstructured by design, allowing the ship to stay longer on sites of particular interest, or make detours whenever weather, nature or mere curiosity dictates. Silversea’s team of naturalists and special guest lecturers are on hand throughout the voyages to share the secrets of the pristine environment and a fleet of eight Zodiac boats takes guests up close to where the action is.
The 132-guest vessel is a truly luxurious base from which to explore some of the wildest and most remote destinations in the world. Silversea’s all-inclusive fare includes accommodation in sumptuous ocean-view suites, complimentary wines and drinks throughout the ship (even hot rum toddies in the Arctic), gourmet dining, fascinating shipboard lectures and all gratuities.
From September 2009, Prince Albert II heads to Central America, followed by Antarctica in November.
*Port and fuel charges, government fees and taxes are additional. Subject to availability, terms and conditions.
For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com
Silversea Cruises is recognised 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 Prince Albert II in 2008, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents. Silversea has recently entered Luxury Travel & Style Magazine’s Platinum Hall of Fame, having been named Best Cruise Line by Australian readers for the past five consecutive years. For two consecutive years Silversea has been named ‘Best Luxury Cruise Line’ in the TravelWeekly Asia Awards and for nine consecutive years "Number One Small Ship Line” in the Readers' Choice survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the USA. In 2007 Silversea was the only cruise line named in the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller’s “Top 100 Luxury Travel Experiences”, at the same time topping the Small Cruise Line award for the eighth time. Silversea has been selected as "World's Best Small-Ship Cruise Line” seven times in the Travel + Leisure (USA) readers' poll and was rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index.

Silversea has today released details of 2009-2010 voyages to the vast white wilderness of Antarctica, aboard their new ultra-luxury exploration vessel Prince Albert II.
The season starts on 1 November 2009 with an 11 day Chilean Fjords sailing from Santiago to Ushuaia. Ports of call and exploration include Niebla, Ancud and Puerto Natales in Chile plus several days cruising the Chilean Fjords, the Magdalena National Park and Magellan Strait. All inclusive, cruise only fares start from US$4946 per person double occupancy.
Silversea has scheduled eight round trip Antarctica voyages from Ushuaia from November 2009 to February 2010. Eleven day itineraries will navigate Drake’s Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula. Each day explore by zodiac with an experienced and adventurous expedition team, visiting penguin rookeries and scientific research stations. Cruise only fares from US$6596 per person double occupancy per suite.
Prince Albert II offers the largest average size, all ocean view accommodation of any expedition ship. Cruise fares include complimentary wines and drinks throughout the ship (even hot rum toddies in the Antarctic). You can dine when and with whom you wish or have complimentary in-suite dining. Experienced knowledgeable expedition staff and lecturers enhance the Silversea expedition experience. All gratuities are included.
Silversea’s Prince Albert II will also offer three 17 day expeditions from Ushuaia during the 2009-10 season visiting the Falklands, South Georgia, South Orkneys, Elephant Island, the Antarctic Peninsula and Drake’s Passage. Cruise only fares start from US$9146 per person, double occupancy.
For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com
Silversea Cruises is recognised 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 Prince Albert II in 2008, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents. Silversea has for the past four consecutive years been named Best Cruise Line by readers of Australia’s Luxury Travel and Style magazine and for two consecutive years, ‘Best Luxury Cruise Line’ in the TravelWeekly Asia Awards. For nine consecutive years, Silversea has been named “Number One Small Ship Line” in the Readers’ Choice survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the USA and in 2007 was the only cruise line named in the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller’s “Top 100 Luxury Travel Experiences”, at the same time topping the Small Cruise Line award for the eighth time. Silversea has been selected as “World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line” seven times in the Travel + Leisure (USA) readers’ poll and was rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index.
Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has revealed details of its 2009 schedule of expeditions for the Prince Albert II, calling for the 132-guest luxury expedition ship’s deployment in French Polynesia from mid-March to late October 2009.
The ship’s positioning in Tahiti is the result of numerous efforts and successful meetings between Silversea and the French Polynesian government.
An exciting collection of new itineraries will feature the less-travelled regions of Polynesia ranging from the southernmost Austral Islands to the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands. Highlights of the 2009 French Polynesia program include:
AUSTRAL ISLAND ADVENTURES
Nestled in the Tropic of Capricorn, the remote Austral Islands lie hundreds of miles south of Tahiti and enjoy a slightly cooler climate. Tubuai, largest of these volcanic islands, is probably best known for the failed landing attempts of the H.M.S. Bounty. (The island’s villagers assaulted the unwelcome ship with a barrage of stones, and ultimately the mutineers sailed off to Pitcairn.) Prince Albert II and her fleet of 8 Zodiac boats will explore the unique culture, flora and fauna of Rapa, Raivavae, Tubuai, Rurutu and Rimatara on five 11-day, roundtrip journeys from Papeete. Silver Sailing fares start at US$3,897 per person, double occupancy.
JOURNEYS TO THE MARQUESAS
The mountainous islands of the Marquesas are located nearly 900 miles northeast of Tahiti and just south of the equator. With a lush, vibrant terrain bursting with myriad exotic flowers and fruit trees, it’s easy to understand how this tropical paradise captivated the artist Paul Gauguin, who made the Marquesas his adopted home. On four roundtrip journeys of 14 days from Papeete, Prince Albert II’s expedition team will lead in-depth explorations of Fatu Hiva, Pua Mau, Hiva Oa, Atuona, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva and Tahuata, as well as Manihi and Fakarava Island in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Society Islands of Bora Bora and Tahaa. Silver Sailing fares start at US$4,917 per person, double occupancy.
TUAMOTU EXPEDITIONS
The isolated Tuamotu Islands, northeast of Tahiti, comprise the world’s largest chain of atolls. Its 78 sparsely populated coral islands span over 900 miles of aquamarine waters. Dotted with quaint villages, coral churches and an abundance of wildlife – from bottlenose dolphins and coconut crabs to the rarest of birds – this remote archipelago offers endless possibilities for real Robinson Crusoe-style adventures. Departing from Papeete, Prince Albert II will embark on five 10-day expeditions to the Tuamotu islands of Tikihau, Rangiroa, Apataki, Arutua and Fakarava, as well as Raiatea, Maupihaa and Huahine in the Society Islands. Silver Sailing fares start at US$3,597 per person, double occupancy.
In the spirit of true adventure, all itineraries are unstructured by design. Following only a tentative schedule that allows for moment-by-moment flexibility, expeditions stay longer at sites of particular interest, or make slight detours whenever weather, nature or mere curiosity dictate.
The Prince Albert II offers full-scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style. With the largest average size accommodation of any expedition ship, guests will enjoy spacious, ocean-view suites (many with French balconies or large private verandas), sumptuous gourmet cuisine, warm hospitality and personalised service (with a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1), and Silversea’s generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, bottled water, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities. Plus, complimentary Butler Service is provided in the Grand and Owner’s Suites.
“We are delighted to base the Prince Albert IIin beautiful Tahiti for a series of explorations next year,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea’s 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.”
“We are pleased to welcome the prestigious Prince Albert II to French Polynesia,” said the President of French Polynesia, Gaston Tong Sang. “Since taking office, it has been my goal and intention to take all necessary steps to enable Silversea to visit the region. The Prince Albert II is a true luxury vessel with a privileged clientele that is attracted by cultural and authentic travel experiences.”
Mr. Tong Sang added, “The itineraries and land programs designed by Silversea are in sync with our tourism positioning as well as our aims for the islands and remote archipelagoes development. The unique voyages developed by Silversea will enable travellers to discover the unknown beauties and treasures of our five archipelagoes in exceptional luxury.”
For the balance of the year, the Prince Albert II will offer a series of Antarctic explorations with convenient roundtrip departures from Ushuaia.
For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com
SILVERSEA CRUISES’ NEW EXPEDITION SHIP, PRINCE ALBERT II, SAILS UNDER TOWER BRIDGE TO START INAUGURAL VOYAGE FROM LONDON
A new era in expedition cruising began on 11 June, when Silversea Cruises’ eagerly anticipated Prince Albert II sailed under London’s landmark Tower Bridge to welcome her first guests aboard.
In a display of the importance of this special event, all officers and crew stood on the bow of the vessel as she glided through the opened bridge at 9:30 a.m. (local time) with crowds of onlookers cheering and welcoming them to the English capital. The ship sailed directly from the naming ceremony held in the port of Monte Carlo last week, which was presided over by her namesake, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Along with many onlookers and well-wishers, Silversea Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre and President and CEO Amerigo Perasso were both present on the pier to see the company’s latest innovative venture take up her challenge to be the world’s first ultra-luxury expedition ship.
“It is indeed a wonderful sight to see this morning, our Prince Albert II sailing under Tower Bridge, with all the crew proudly escorting her into London to welcome their first guests,” said Lefebvre. “It is our aim that this ship will not only offer guests the highest level of comfort and service, but also enlighten them to the rarity and beauty of the most remote places on earth.”
Added Perasso, “In keeping with the environmental work of our ship’s namesake, we are delighted to announce that Silversea has signed an agreement to support the Prince Albert II Foundation, whose aim is to highlight and take tangible action to protect and preserve the most vulnerable inhabitants and landscapes on Earth.”
Fresh from a multimillion dollar renovation, the Lloyd’s Register 1A ice-rated Prince Albert II weighs just 6,072 gross tons and will accommodate a maximum of 132 guests with a 1:1.2 crew-to-guest ratio, compared to the mass-market ships weighing in at over 150,000 gross tons with up to 5,000 passengers and a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1:3. Despite her small size, the Prince Albert II boasts the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship. All 66 ocean-view accommodations feature luxurious living space and private marble bathrooms with bathtubs. Select suites offer double private French balconies or large private verandas, and additional elite amenities including butler service.
Silversea is a provisional member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), dedicated to managing respectable, environmentally friendly and safe expedition cruising in the Arctic. The company has also joined the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). This important organisation promotes and practices safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica. In addition, Silversea plans to voluntarily adopt and apply similar operating procedures in all other destinations where the Prince Albert II will operate.
The Prince Albert II welcomes her first guests on Thursday, June 12, as she sets sail from London at 5:00 p.m. to embark upon an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 22 days focusing on polar adventures. Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the Northern summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages.
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For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com
Silversea Cruises is recognised 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 Prince Albert II in 2008, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents. Silversea has for the past four consecutive years been named Best Cruise Line by readers of Australia’s Luxury Travel and Style magazine. For nine consecutive years, Silversea has been named “Number One Small Ship Line” in the Readers’ Choice survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the USA and in 2007 was the only cruise line named in the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller’s “Top 100 Luxury Travel Experiences” at the same time topping the Small Cruise Line award for the eighth time. Silversea has been selected as “World’s Best Small Ship Line” in the US Travel + Leisure readers’ poll for the past eight years.
SILVERSEA’S NEW EXPEDITION SHIP IS DEDICATED BY HSH PRINCE ALBERT II IN MONACO
In the heart of Monte Carlo’s harbour this morning, the expedition ship Prince Albert II officially joined the Silversea fleet during a naming ceremony conducted by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. As in the time-honoured tradition, the dedication included a blessing of the ship by H.E. Monsignor Fabrice Gallo, Prelate of the Pope of Rome.
Guests listened attentively to speeches and then raised their glasses in a toast when the red and white ribbon (representing the heraldic colors of the Grimaldi family) was cut by HSH Prince Albert II, marking the launch of a new era in expedition cruising — one that will offer authentic and respectful adventures from a base of easy-going luxury.
“This is a very exciting and proud day for Silversea,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, chairman of Silversea. “We are extremely honored that His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, has personally dedicated the ship that will bear his name. May her many journeys of discovery always honor His Serene Highness through a commitment to responsible travel.”
Added Silversea President and CEO, Amerigo Perasso, “It is indeed a great privilege that His Serene Highness is here with us today and is the namesake of our new ship. In keeping with his legacy of exploration and environmental conservation, it is our hope that by educating and connecting people with distant cultures and wildlife, the Prince Albert II can open eyes and foster respect and greater care for our planet and its inhabitants.”
Fresh from a multimillion dollar renovation, the Prince Albert II boasts the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship. An unmatched selection of 20 premium suites has been created especially for the discriminating traveller with 350 to 675 square feet of luxurious living space, double private French balconies or large private verandas, and additional elite amenities including butler service. All 66 ocean-view accommodations are tastefully appointed and have private marble bathrooms with bathtubs.
The Prince Albert II welcomes her first guests on June 12 as she sets sail from London on an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 22 days focusing on polar adventures. Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the Northern summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages.
From mid-August to November, the Prince Albert II will journey from the east coast of North America through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles before heading south to Antarctica. Along this special repositioning route are opportunities to explore the Sea of Cortez (with an optional overnight excursion to Copper Canyon), the Chilean fjords, Falklands and South Georgia Island. Pricing starts at US$3,867, per person, double occupancy, and includes most shore excursions as well as Silversea’s signature all-inclusive amenities.
For most of 2009, Prince Albert II will be positioned in Tahiti offering a series of non-traditional itineraries exploring the idyllic lagoons and coral atolls of French Polynesia, including the southernmost Austral Islands, the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands. The ship will spend the balance of the year in South America and Antarctica.
Silversea is a provisional member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), dedicated to managing respectable, environmentally friendly and safe expedition cruising in the Arctic. The company has also joined the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). This important organisation promotes and practices safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica. In addition, Silversea plans to voluntarily adopt and apply similar operating procedures in all other destinations where the Prince Albert II will operate.
For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com
Silversea Cruises is recognised 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 Prince Albert II in 2008, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents. Silversea has for the past four consecutive years been named Best Cruise Line by readers of Australia’s Luxury Travel and Style magazine. For nine consecutive years, Silversea has been named “Number One Small Ship Line” in the Readers’ Choice survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the USA and in 2007 was the only cruise line named in the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller’s “Top 100 Luxury Travel Experiences” at the same time topping the Small Cruise Line award for the eighth time. Silversea has been selected as “World’s Best Small Ship Line” in the US Travel + Leisure readers’ poll for the past eight years.
THE ULTIMATE WHITE CHRISTMAS – SILVERSEA’S ANTARCTICA
Silversea Explorations has created the ultimate white Christmas and New Year experience, an 11 day voyage departing Ushuaia, Argentina on 22 December 2008 aboard Silversea’s sparkling new Prince Albert II.
Offering the latest in luxury exploration cruising, Prince Albert II’s itineraries are unstructured by design, allowing the ship to stay longer in sites of particular interest, or make slight detours whenever weather, nature or mere curiosities dictate.
The 11 day Christmas voyage will navigate Drake’s passage each way to the Antarctic and spend six days exploring the spectacular scenery and wildlife with experienced naturalists, lecturers and an expedition team who will share their knowledgeable insights of these pristine waters and the abundant marine species.
Designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations, including both the earth’s polar regions, the Prince Albert II boasts a strengthened hull, with the highest Lloyd’s register ice-class notation (1A) for passenger ships.
All this attention to detail, plus an all inclusive Silversea cruising experience. Cruise only fares start from US$7335* per person, double occupancy with Silver Savings of 25 percent.
Each luxuriously appointed suite has ocean views and offers the largest average size accommodation of any expedition ship. Some suites even have private verandas or French balconies. The marble bathrooms feature full baths and in the gourmet restaurants, the menus are designed by Relais and Chateaux with complimentary wines, champagnes and spirits served throughout the ship. With a staff to guest ratio of 1:1 the service standards will be outstanding. Expert naturalists and special guest lecturers will enhance the sailing.
Space is limited on this Christmas New Year Prince Albert II Antarctic voyage.
* Port and fuel charges extra.
For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com
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 Prince Albert II in 2008, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents. Silversea has for the past four consecutive years been named Best Cruise Line by readers of Australia’s Luxury Travel and Style magazine. For nine consecutive years, Silversea has been named “Number One Small Ship Line” in the Readers’ Choice survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the USA and in 2007 was the only cruise line named in the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller’s “Top 100 Luxury Travel Experiences” at the same time topping the Small Cruise Line award for the eighth time. Silversea has been selected as “World’s Best Small Ship Line” in the US Travel + Leisure readers’ poll for the past eight years.









