Silver Shadow set sail from Sydney on the 139-day South Side Story world cruise on Tuesday (10 January), marking the first time a Silversea world cruise has originated in the southern hemisphere.
The arts-inspired voyage will call at 66 destinations in 34 countries across five continents, arriving in Fort Lauderdale on May 28.
President and chief executive Barbara Muckermann said approximately 20% of the voyage’s guests were taking their first sailing with Silversea. She said the figure was “very high” for a world cruise, with the ship also welcoming two guests from the UK who have already spent 2,500 days at sea with Silversea.
The itinerary calls at Papua New Guinea, Mauritius, Reunion Island and Cape Verde. It includes 20 overnight calls, with 10 days spent exploring Tasmania and New Zealand, three days in Myanmar and a week in South Africa.
Alongside being the first Silversea world cruise to depart from the southern hemisphere, the sailing includes a number of other records for the line. It will be the first Silversea world cruise to navigate the Amazon River, and another new move will see each guest receive private executive transfers to and from their local airport. They will also enjoy private assistance to their gate and lounge, as well as access to designated airline lounges.
Bespoke in-flight experiences included tailored menus, welcome canapes, vintage champagne and specially embroidered linen. Upon arrival in Sydney, travellers were greeted with VIP arrival assistance, private executive transfers and priority embarkation.