Silversea's Silver Cloud sets sail after $40m refurb

The 254-guest Silver Cloud – whose capacity will decrease to 200 in polar waters – set sail from Buenos Aires for Antarctica last Thursday (November 16), after carrying out a shakedown cruise from Montevideo, Uruguay, for media including TTG, and trade partners.

The all-suite ship – most featuring a private veranda – features a butler service, open bars and five dining options, including the Relais & Châteaux restaurant La Dame – the only one on an expedition ship.

Changes on Silver Cloud include redesigned public spaces, such as Tor’s Observation Lounge, and a series of technical enhancements, such as extensive steel reinforcement, giving the vessel the strength and maneuverability required for expedition cruising and new windows resistant to polar temperatures.

A new Photo Studio has also been opened, where a manager, equipment and professional photo editing software are available to help guests with their photography.

And a fleet of 16 zodiac boats have been installed for use on expeditions, along with 10 kayaks.

An expedition team of 22 have joined the ship to give lectures in the Explorer Lounge, run workshops, lead zodiac and kayak trips, and guide nature walks, all of which are complimentary. Meanwhile, amenities include a heated pool and the new Zagara Spa.

Following its first season in Antarctica, Silver Cloud will trace a path up Africa’s western coast to Northern Europe and the Norwegian Arctic, where it will spend the summer sailing glacier-filled bays and fjords.

Then, a series of expeditions to Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Central and South America will finish with a return to Ushuaia, Argentina, for another season of Antarctic expeditions.

“We are proud to celebrate this momentous occasion when the ship that launched Silversea on a path to redefine luxury travel now embarks on a new path to redefine expedition cruising,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s chief executive.