WHEN SILVERSEA CRUISES began operations in 1994, it established itself as the world’s first all‑inclusive ultra‑luxury cruise line. Renowned for elegant small‑ship cruising, Silversea remains a leader in its category. Its fleet has grown to nine ships with additional vessels on order, and its itineraries now span the globe. In its silver jubilee year, Silversea was named GT’s Cruise Line of the Year, recognition earned by continuously enhancing its onboard offerings. Looking ahead, the line is placing renewed emphasis on longer voyages and expedition cruising.
Silversea’s Silver Origin Superior Veranda Suite PHOTO: © SILVERSEA
Much of Silversea’s recent focus is reflected in the introduction of a new expedition ship, Silver Origin, scheduled to launch in July 2020. Purpose‑built for the Galápagos Islands, Silver Origin is the latest in a line of expedition vessels that the company began developing a decade ago. The all‑suite ship carries just 100 guests and will operate alternating seven‑night itineraries between Baltra and San Cristóbal, visiting multiple islands across the Galápagos Archipelago and calling at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Guests will benefit from complimentary Wi‑Fi, included expedition gear, the support of eight Zodiac craft and a local naturalist guide for every 10 guests. During the holiday season beginning Dec. 19, 2020, Silversea will also operate extended 11‑ and 12‑day cruises. The line emphasizes a premium experience, highlighting its strong Zodiac‑to‑guest and crew‑to‑guest ratios in the region.
Silversea also announced the world’s first expedition world cruise, departing Jan. 30, 2021, aboard the 254‑passenger ice‑class Silver Cloud, which carries 18 Zodiacs and 10 kayaks for shore excursions. This 167‑day voyage runs from Ushuaia, Argentina, near Antarctica, to Tromsø, Norway, near the Arctic Circle, and visits 107 destinations across 30 countries. The itinerary is enhanced by a roster of lecturers and speakers, including notable explorers and polar specialists. While fares for such an extensive voyage are premium—ranging from $99,000 to $400,000 per person—the price includes shore excursions and business‑class airfare from select gateways.
For travelers seeking shorter but still immersive luxury expeditions, Silversea is expanding its Grand Voyages program. Grand Voyages feature suite accommodations, butler service and a long list of complimentary amenities from fine wines to Wi‑Fi—designed to support extended journeys of a month or more. Examples include a 51‑day circumnavigation of Australia departing Sydney on Oct. 31, 2020, aboard the 596‑passenger Silver Muse, with additional calls in New Zealand, Bali and Komodo Island. Another option is a 70‑day South America Grand Voyage, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, departing Jan. 7, 2021, on the new 595‑passenger Silver Moon; that itinerary includes a Panama Canal transit and stops at Rio de Janeiro, the Falkland Islands and the Chilean fjords.
With plans to visit more than 900 destinations across all seven continents in 2020, Silversea continues to rank among the foremost ultra‑luxury, small‑ship cruise lines, offering refined service, intimate ships and broad expedition capabilities for discerning travelers.