Schedule features many longer, port-intensive voyages
Silversea Cruises, known for its luxurious ships and exotic destinations, unveiled an exciting collection of 246 voyages for 2017 that are available for travellers to reserve as of today. These include itineraries for Silversea's current fleet of eight ships, which will collectively visit over 800 destinations across seven continents.
"Every year Silversea strives to offer inspirational journeys that combine the luxury of intimate cruising with the thrill of making new cultural discoveries," said Karen Christensen, General Manager and Director Sales/Marketing, Australasia at Silversea. "We believe our voyage collection for 2017, with its wealth of longer, port-intensive cruises, will accomplish just that. From the rainforests of South America to the castles of Europe and the temples of Asia, guests will enjoy experiences that will enrich their lives for years to come."
The following are highlights from Silversea's 2017 schedule:
OCEAN CRUISES
New Ports of Call: Among several new ports are Sassnitz, Germany; Galway, Ireland; Bodø, Norway; Geraldton, Australia; Ilhabela, Brazil; Fredericia, Denmark; Gisborne, New Zealand; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Sir Bani Yas Island, U.A.E.
World Cruise 2017: Departing San Francisco on 6 January 2017, this 116-day ocean voyage to Monte Carlo will visit 62 destinations in 25 countries. Following a westward path, Silver Whisper will sail through the idyllic isles of Hawaii and cross the International Date Line to the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia. Weaving her way through such tropical wonderlands as Bali and Sandakan, she will then arrive at the shores of vibrant Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore, before setting a course for the ancient temples of India, Arabia's enchanting desert dunes, and the storied capitals of the Mediterranean.
Circle South America: Silver Spirit departs 16 January 2017 on a 63-day roundtrip Grand Voyage from Fort Lauderdale. Highlights include a crossing of the Panama Canal, two days cruising Chile's majestic fjords, a two-day stopover in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, plus overnight calls in Buenos Aires and Callao (gateway to Lima and Machu Picchu).
South Africa: Silver Cloud offers a series of four 10-day voyages showcasing South Africa's east coast with convenient roundtrip departures from Cape Town. The sailings feature calls in Port Elizabeth, Durban, East London, Maputo, and an overnight stay in Richards Bay. A 14-day voyage includes an overnight stay in Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Mediterranean, Northern Europe & Baltic: From the Greek Isles to the British Isles and Scandinavia, dozens of intriguing voyages, ranging from seven to 17 days, offer a variety of options for travellers seeking to discover the regions' cultural treasures, picturesque harbours, and storied cities. Notable itineraries include:
- Silver Spirit's Voyage 5713, sailing from Barcelona to Rome, will overnight in Monte Carlo on 27 May 2017, during the city's famous Grand Prix Formula One racing event.
- Silver Spirit will overnight in Venice on 15 and 16 July 2017 (Voyage 5718), during the celebrations of the Festa del Redentore, offering guests the opportunity to experience the city's amazing display of fireworks and other festivities.
- Two Silver Wind voyages in September (2722 and 2723) will overnight in Hamburg during the historic port's annual Cruise Days event, when the city welcomes the world of cruises with special attractions and entertainment.
- On two Silver Cloud sailings (1713 and 1714) and seven Silver Wind voyages (2716 - 2722) the ships will sail the Thames River to dock near (or depart from) Tower Bridge in the heart of historic London - a journey most cruise ships are too large to navigate.
- A crossing of the legendary Corinth Canal, which is too narrow for most ships to undertake, highlights two Silver Wind voyages (2727 and 2728) and Silver Cloud's Voyage 1711.
Alaska: Silver Shadow returns to explore the majestic natural wonders of Alaska on 16 seven-day voyages between Seward and Vancouver.
Myanmar: Two Silver Shadow voyages (3702 and 3705) feature multi-day stopovers in Myanmar, where guests can explore its famous golden pagodas and ancient temples in depth.
EXPEDITION CRUISES
Silversea's luxury expedition fleet will expand to four ships in November 2017 when Silver Cloud joins Silver Explorer, Silver Discoverer, and Silver Galapagos. Over 100 expedition cruises will explore the world's most fascinating and remote regions. Featured among dozens of inaugural calls are such places as Ampangorinana, Nosy Komba (Madagascar); Aride Island, Seychelles; Maheshkhali Island, Bangladesh; Makura Island, Vanuatu; Isle of May, Scotland; and Grimsey Island, Iceland.
Fresh from an extensive refurbishment and conversion to an ice-class expedition ship, Silver Cloud launches a series of Antarctica voyages in November and December, featuring itineraries from 10 to 19 days, and sailing mostly roundtrip from Ushuaia.
Silver Explorer's schedule retains its ever-popular expedition cruises to Antarctica, South and Central America, the British Isles, Northern Canada, Greenland, and Arctic Norway. Of special note is a 15-day expedition (7719) focused on Greenland and the Canadian Arctic. Sailing 31 August 2017 from Kangerlussuaq to St. John's, this voyage features a rare visit to Canada's remote Torngat Mountains National Park, renowned for its spectacular natural scenery.
Silver Discoverer's six expedition cruises along Australia's Kimberley Coast from March to May highlight an exotic program that encompasses Madagascar, Seychelles, Indonesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Russian Far East, and remote Alaska. On the schedule is a new 16-day, Colombo-to-Kolkata sailing (9704) departing 11 February 2017, to explore the Andaman Islands and make the first-ever cruise ship visit to Bangladesh, with explorations of Chittagong, Maheshkhali Island, and the Sundarbans, one of the world's largest mangrove forests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Silver Galapagos will again operate year-round voyages exploring the pristine and biologically diverse islands of the Galápagos.
For all-inclusive at its most inclusive, Silversea is leading the way. Guests enjoy ocean-view suites, gourmet cuisine, the personalised service of a butler, and a generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits, a stocked in-suite beverage cabinet, onboard gratuities, and complimentary WiFi for each guest.
Voyages for Silver Muse, scheduled to debut in early 2017, will open for reservations in the coming weeks.
