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Inaugural Schedule Features Polar
Expeditions
(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- February 25, 2008) Ultra-luxury
Silversea Cruises announced today that its new
expedition ship (originally acquired as World Discoverer
II) will be renamed HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to
Prince Albert of Monaco.
The name is fitting for a ship that will be dedicated to
the exploration and conservation of the planet's oceans,
wildlife and indigenous cultures. The Principality of
Monaco, aside from being the world's capital of wealth
and luxury -- and home to Silversea's global
headquarters -- has long been recognized as a leader in
marine environment research. Prince Albert I, a pioneer
in oceanographic science and exploration, first explored
the Arctic's Svalbard archipelago in the early part of
the last century, and founded the world renowned
Oceanographic Institute. In 2006, Prince Albert II
plotted a similar course on part of his journey to the
North Pole, in an effort to add to the scientific body
of work started by his ancestor -- and to draw attention
to the effects of global warming on the Arctic regions.
As a result, the Prince is the first incumbent head of
state to have reached the northern most point on Earth.
"We are deeply honored to have our new expedition ship
named after His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign
Prince of Monaco," said Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea's
chairman. "His passion for environmental conservation is
well known and we are committed to supporting his
mission by offering travelers the chance to discover and
appreciate some of the world's most remote and unspoiled
regions."
When Silversea's adventure ship sets sail on June 12,
following a naming ceremony in Monte Carlo, it will
herald the beginning of a new mode in exploration
cruising -- where a luxurious ambiance is just as
important as the eye-opening educational experiences it
will deliver.
The Lloyd's Register A1A ice-rated vessel is
purpose-built for expedition cruising and is currently
undergoing an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation
at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. To ensure
the ship will deliver an expedition cruise experience
consistent with Silversea's award-winning luxury
standards, the refurbishment will include exterior
design modifications, state-of-the-art technological
enhancements and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest
accommodations and public spaces.
The ship is also being outfitted with a new fleet of
eight, latest-model Zodiac boats with Yamaha four-stroke
engines (for lowest possible emissions) that will allow
guests to enjoy up-close exploration and access to some
of the world's most remote landscapes.
"The interest in expedition cruising is definitely on
the rise, among both affluent baby boomers and seasoned
travelers wanting to further enrich their already wide
knowledge of more traditional and established
destinations. Silversea's HSH Prince Albert II will be
the perfect option for those adventure-seekers who
prefer a genuine expedition ship experience enhanced
with the comforts of a true luxury product," said
Amerigo Perasso, Silversea president. "Adventure travel
is also about having experiences that are intellectually
enriching, so every voyage will feature a carefully
selected expedition team of lecturers and leading
experts who will share their insights on the natural,
cultural and historical highlights of some of the most
pristine and secluded regions on Earth."
In a related development, the company has announced the
appointment of Conrad Combrink as Silversea director of
expeditions, with responsibility for developing the
ship's itinerary and programs. He will also oversee the
recruitment of expedition staff and lecturers.
Combrink's career of over ten years in expedition
cruising includes serving as expedition leader on World
Discoverer I and II.
EXPLORING THE EARTH: TOP TO BOTTOM
Silversea's expedition ship will set sail June 12 from
London on an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 21
days focusing on polar adventures. Sailing first to the
Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the
summer, the ship will then reposition to South America
and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages. From
mid-August to November 2008, HSH Prince Albert II will
journey from the east coast of North America through the
Panama Canal to Los Angeles before heading south to
Ushuaia. Along this special repositioning route are
opportunities to explore the Sea of Cortez (with an
extension to Copper Canyon), Falklands and South Georgia
Island. Pricing starts at $3,867, per person, double
occupancy, and includes shore excursions as well as
Silversea's signature all-inclusive amenities.
After the ship's refit, the ice-class vessel will carry
just 132 guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many
featuring private verandas. With staterooms and suites
ranging from 180 to over 600 square feet, it will
provide some of the largest accommodations of any
expedition ship. 18 suites will each feature more than
400 square feet of luxury.
Guests will also enjoy many amenities found on larger
ships, such as an elegant single-seating main dining
room, library (with computers and Internet access),
boutique, beauty salon, fitness center, full-service spa
and two Jacuzzi pools. The ship will also feature
several lounges for enjoying drinks, music and
entertainment, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor
on the line's other ships.
The HSH Prince Albert II will also be equipped with
state-of-the-art satellite communication systems,
providing bow-to-stern wireless Internet access,
enabling guests with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs to
surf the Internet and check e-mails from the comfort of
their suites as well as public areas. Cellular phone
service will also allow guests to stay in touch using
their own cell phones even when the ship is miles away
from land. All suites and staterooms will feature flat
screen monitors offering interactive TV and video
options. In the ship's lounges, the latest audio-visual
equipment, complete with high-definition video screens,
will display live lectures hosted by the ship's
world-class expedition and lecture staff as well as
visiting destination experts.
Guests aboard Silversea's HSH Prince Albert II will be
inspired by the varied and constantly adapted
itineraries that will make the most of the natural
opportunities created by the landscapes around them.
There is so much to explore that they can sail for up to
48 days on back-to-back voyages without repeating a
Zodiac landing site. This is not soft adventure; this is
full scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea,
in true Silversea style.
Reservations are set to go on sale starting Friday,
February 29, 2008. A colorful self-mailer will be
available to travel agents in a few weeks. Call us for
more details on the HSH Prince Albert II's inaugural
schedule.
For further information, please contact:
USA: Steve Bloss
Worldwide Cruise Associates
Tel: +1 954 452 8800 x 226
Email: sbloss@cruiseco.com |
