The cruise line’s first crossover luxury expedition ship is marking her maiden visit this week to the remote continent following a $USD40 million refurbishment and conversion into an ice-class expedition vessel.
Currently sailing a 10-night Antarctic Peninsula expedition roundtrip from Ushuaia, guests can enjoy vistas of towering icebergs, snow-capped mountains, and awe-inspiring wildlife onboard the completely refitted ship that includes the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant at sea.
“We are extremely excited to announce Silver Cloud’s debut in Antarctica,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea’s Chairman.
“As the first ship in our classic luxury fleet when she debuted in 1994, it only makes sense that she should continue her career as our first vessel to truly bridge the gap between luxury and expedition cruising.”
Silver Cloud can accommodate 254 guests, limited to just 200 when cruising in polar waters. Most of her all-suite accommodations feature generous private verandas along with luxury touches that include butler service for all guests, sumptuous Pratesi bedding and a nine-option pillow menu.
Throughout, the reimagined Silver Cloud is positioned as the premier luxury expedition vessel. The brand-new Tor’s Observation Lounge offers commanding 180-degree views of Antarctica along with relevant titles on the history of this beautiful but frozen land, while five dining options onboard offer the finest cuisine in polar waters. The ship also includes the all-new Zagara Spa and a dedicated Photo Academy, where state-of-the-art equipment and professional photo-editing software can be used in conjunction with masterclasses offered by the ship’s resident photo expert.
Onboard and ashore, between 20 and 22 expedition experts conduct immersive destination experiences, aided by an onboard fleet of 16 Zodiacs and 10 kayaks. These passionate and insightful professionals offer informative lectures, discussions and recaps in the ship’s two-story Explorer Lounge, in addition to guiding zodiac explorations of the coastline and leading hikes and nature walks on-shore – all of which are complimentary.
Silver Cloud will offer 10-day roundtrip luxury expedition voyages to Antarctica through February, during which she will embark on a thrilling journey from the southernmost tip of South America to South Africa. From there, she will wind her way up the overlooked western coast of Africa to the natural beauty of Northern Europe and Arctic Svalbard. Her summers will be spent in the High Arctic, cruising through the ice-filled bays and fjords of Iceland, Greenland, and Northern Canada in search of polar bears, whales and walruses.
After an exciting mini-season spent in Central and South America, Silver Cloud returns to Antarctica again next autumn for another series of expedition voyages to the White Continent.
