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Contact Information:
Silversea Cruises
110 E. Broward Boulevard
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
(800) 774-9996
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Why Silversea Cruises?
 One of cruising's most all-inclusive lines
New adventure ship goes beyond traditional luxury
Itineraries blend exotic ports and mainstream locales
Has a fleet of four ships, and is expected to expand
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About Silversea Cruises
In April 1994, a luxurious, all-suite ship -- small by the prevailing standards of the day at just 16,800 tons -- made its debut in the Mediterranean. It was the 296-passenger Silver Cloud, the first of what has become a fleet of four Silversea Cruises vessels (along with the Prince Albert II, the line's first expedition ship). At the time, many in the cruise industry wondered whether a niche company with a publicly stated "Uncompromising Commitment to Service" could long survive in an increasingly mass-market business. They're not wondering now.
Silver Cloud was followed within a year (January 1995) by a twin, Silver Wind, and the company figured that the smartest thing to do with their luxury concept was create more of the same -- but bigger. Silver Shadow (September 2000) and Silver Whisper (June 2001) are, essentially, enlarged versions of those two earlier ships, each weighing 7,200 tons more with the capacity to carry almost an additional 100 passengers. Besides their similar exterior profile and interior configuration, they have something else in common with their smaller fleet mates -- the characteristic Silversea commitment to service and luxury.
In 2008, Silversea expanded into the luxury expedition market. It purchased a pre-owned expedition ship and upgraded it to the line's high standards of comfort and luxury. Prince Albert II was named in June 2008 and offers more rugged itineraries than its sister ships (think Arctic and Antarctic voyages). Yet it is a true Silversea ship, with an all-inclusive price plan, spacious cabins and high-quality service.
There's also a new-build on the way. In December 2009, Silversea will launch the 540-passenger, all-suite Silver Spirit.
Owned by the Lefebvre family of Rome (former owners of Sitmar Cruises), Silversea has shown clearly that it belongs with the best of them in the ultra-luxury cruise market. Though it is an expensive product on paper -- all luxury cruise vacations are -- it's important to look at what's included. Silversea's all-inclusive pricing offers passengers great value for their money. Gratuities, port charges and alcoholic beverages (including wine at lunch and dinner) are folded into the cost of the cruise.
In addition, there is a complimentary, shoreside Silversea experience on selected voyages. Options include visits to the Hermitage in St. Petersburg after closing time; concerts in Ephesus, Turkey; and beach parties in the Caribbean and Seychelles.
Silversea continues to look for new ways to serve its passengers. Throughout 2009, Silversea is rolling out butler service to all suites on all the ships, including Prince Albert II. At the moment, only passengers in Owners, Grand and Royal Suites have butlers.
In 2008, the line introduced Personalized Voyages, a programme that allows cruisers to choose their embarkation/disembarkation ports, regardless of the cruise lengths and itineraries shown in the brochure.
For example, passengers interested in Silver Wind's 10-day cruise from Monte Carlo to Rome, departing July 28, could join the ship during the previous cruise, which is a 10-day, roundtrip cruise from Monte Carlo, or stay on after Rome for part of the following cruise to Venice.
The extra time onboard is charged at a per-day rate, which varies depending on the ports and the stateroom category chosen.
Read the complete Silversea Cruises Review
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Read More About Silversea Cruises Ships:
Prince Albert II
• Silver Cloud
• Silver Shadow
• Silver Spirit
• Silver Whisper
• Silver Wind
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