Silversea to expand expedition fleet
Silversea is to convert another of its fleet to ice-class as it witnesses renewed interest in expedition cruising.
The line said it was leveraging “booming demand for ultra-luxury polar travel” and will convert its 274-guest, ultra-luxury ship, Silver Wind.
The renovation expands Silversea’s Antarctic expedition options, which will include a solar eclipse voyage in 2021 on the updated ship.
Silver Wind is becoming the line’s fourth expedition vessel in a fleet of nine ships and will mark her maiden voyage on 20 November on a 22-day journey to Antarctica, providing prime viewing for a solar eclipse on 4 December.
The ship is undergoing work at the Remontowa shipyard in Poland, after also benefitting from a previous major upgrade in 2018.
The re-design includes an ice-strengthened hull for polar waters; the addition of ice-detector sonars, designed for use on icebreaker vessels; and to boost sustainability aspects of the ship, also being added are a new advanced wastewater treatment plant, new food waste treatment facilities, and new fuel-saving boilers.
Along with a reduced guest capacity of guests, Silver Wind will carry up to 28 expedition experts, 24 Zodiacs and 14 kayaks.
The former casino will now be a Photo Studio and also new will be a mudroom, and a special water heating system in the ship’s pool.
Silver Wind’s upper suites will also be refurbished, along with Vista and Veranda suites and many of the ship’s public areas and restaurants will also be refreshed.
“We are converting our beloved Silver Wind into one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea to further expand and diversify our cold-water cruise offering,” said Roberto Martinoli, president and chief executive of Silversea. “With the backing of the Royal Caribbean Group, we are significantly investing in our ultra-luxury fleet to meet the burgeoning guest demand for voyage options in such breathtaking, remote destinations as Antarctica, and we have more exciting enhancements to come.”
All sailings will include international roundtrip flights (or air credit); business class upgrades at reduced rates; in-country flights; pre- and post-cruise hotel night/s, or day-use hotel; enrichment lectures, guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shore-side activities; complimentary expedition gear including parka, backpack and water bottle; dining and premium beverages in-suite and throughout the ship; butler service and onboard gratuities; and unlimited Wi-Fi.
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