MONACO — All 10 ships in Silversea’s fleet are back sailing the high seas following the cruise industry’s pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the Silver Moon first set sail on June 18, 2021, Silversea has continued on its trajectory of growth that includes hosting the only ultra-luxury world cruise in 2022, converting Silver Wind into an ice-class vessel, launching new culinary and wellness programs, and taking delivery of three new ships.
“I am incredibly proud to see all of our ships now welcoming guests around the world – with 10 ships in operation for the first time in our cruise line’s history – after what’s been a challenging period for the global travel industry,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and CEO. “After leading the global return of ultra-luxury cruising, we have come back stronger than before with the support of [parent company] Royal Caribbean Group, with a more all-inclusive door-to-door service, three new ships and various product enhancements.”
As the first ultra-luxury ships to set sail after the pandemic, Silversea’s new ships, Silver Moon and Silver Origin, departed on their maiden voyages on June 18 and June 19, 2021 in Greece and the Galapagos, respectively. The following month, Silver Muse became the first ultra-luxury ship to sail in Alaska, while Silver Shadow welcomed guests in Iceland. Silver Spirit headed to Northern Europe in September, while expedition ships Silver Explorer and Silver Cloud became the first ultra-luxury ships to return to Antarctica in November, and Silver Whisper welcomed travellers in the Caribbean from the same month. Silversea’s newest ship, Silver Dawn, embarked on its inaugural season in the Mediterranean in April 2022.
Martinoli added that it is “especially gratifying” for the line to have Silver Wind embark on its first voyages as an ice-class expedition vessel, “offering our guests unforgettable encounters with nature and wildlife and, in due course, expanding our industry-leading polar offering.”
The Silver Wind completed its refurbishment in November 2021, which saw it covert into an ice-class expedition ship complete with an ice-strengthened hull for cruising in polar waters. It was the second phase of a major renovation that began in December 2018 to refresh the ship’s interior spaces with new furniture, carpets and wall treatments, as well as new walk-in showers to complement the bathtubs in select suites. Other highlights onboard include 24 Zodiacs and 14 kayaks, a team of 28 expedition experts, a dedicated mudroom, photo studio, heated swimming pool, a new advanced wastewater treatment plant and new food waste treatment facilities.
After departing from Athens on May 28, the 274-guest Silver Wind is now devoting 14 days to sailing the Mediterranean before arriving in Lisbon on June 11. It will then embark on a collection of voyages to Northern Europe and the British Isles before reaching Reykjavik to begin a summer of Arctic explorations that will include a crossing of the famed Northwest Passage in August. In October, Silver Wind will sail along the Pacific Coast of the United States, Central America and South America, leading to Antarctica for its inaugural season in the White Continent.
To learn more about Silversea’s upcoming voyages go to https://www.silversea.com/find-a-cruise.html. For more information about Silver Wind’s expedition voyages go to https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-wind.html.
