Silversea is a cruise company reflecting generations of maritime and travel experience. In the early 1990s, the Lefebvre family of Rome, former owners of Sitmar Cruises, conceived and organized a unique cruise company pledging to build and operate the highest quality ships in the ultra-luxury segment. The name "Silversea" was chosen because it connotes quality and luxury as well as capturing the romance and special sensations of the sea.

Silversea launched its first ship, Silver Cloud in 1994, followed by Silver Wind in 1995, Silver Shadow in 2000 and the newest ship Silver Whisper in 2001. The fleet was purpose-built for the ultra-luxury market, establishing a new class of smaller, intimate vessels that could slip into more exotic ports off the beaten path. These elite vessels were specifically designed for fewer guests, more space and the highest levels of personalized service, delivered by Italian and European officers overseeing an international staff.   

Today, Silversea is recognized as the defining elite luxury experience and is regularly lauded by leading consumer and trade publications. In the U.S., Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel & Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index survey from the independent New York-based Luxury Institute, topping 19 other well-known cruise companies, including traditional, expedition and river cruise lines.

The company's first expedition ship, Prince Albert II, debuted in June 2008, heralding the beginning of a new mode in exploration cruising -- where an ultra-luxurious ambiance is just as important as an exotic and enriching itinerary.

Fresh from a multimillion dollar renovation, the Lloyd's Register 1A ice-rated Prince Albert II boasts the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship.  An unmatched selection of 20 premium suites has been created especially for the discriminating traveler with 350 to 675 square feet of luxurious living space.  Select suites have double private French balconies or large private verandas, and additional elite amenities including butler service.  All 66 ocean-view accommodations are tastefully appointed and have private marble bathrooms with bathtubs.

In 2009, Prince Albert II will be cruising the waters of the Antarctic and Arctic offering unique voyages ranging from 7 to 17 days.

In late 2009, Silversea is planning to take delivery of Silver Spirit, a new 36,000-GRT, 540-guest, ultra-luxury vessel, currently under construction at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard.

Renowned Italian architect Giacomo Mortola is overseeing the design of the 36,000-ton, ultra-luxury vessel.  Silver Spirit's design will mirror the distinctive silhouette of the line's existing ships and will offer the same standards of luxury that Silversea guests have come to expect.  But there will also be several significant enhancements, including a new supper club and an expanded spa facility that will rival the best spas on land.  With a total of 270 all ocean-view suites, the new ship will maintain the line's reputation for intimate yet spacious ships

Extensive dry-dock refurbishments have also begun on Silversea's 296-guest sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind to bring their interiors in line with the style of the company's newest ship.

For Silver Wind, the month-long refurbishment took place last November and Silver Cloud's in May 2009.  Plans for both ships call for major suite upgrades, including new bathrooms, carpets, flat screen TVs and other appointments.  Verandas will also be spruced up.  And virtually all public spaces and corridors will see substantial enhancements of furnishings and carpets.  Most dramatic of the upgrades, however, will be the addition of a new ocean-view spa and fitness center on Deck 9, a new Observation Lounge, eight new large suites on Decks 7 and 8, reduction of Vista Suites on Deck 4, and a new guest elevator connecting Decks 8 and 9.

For golf lovers, Silversea is a dream come true! The line’s 2009 Silver Links program offers golfers the chance to combine their passion for the game with their love of adventure on 13 golf theme cruises featured aboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper.

The Silver Links voyages offer optional golfing excursions in multiple ports arranged and escorted by the ship's golf professional. Guests will have a chance to perfect their game at some of the world's most challenging and revered championship courses in 30 countries and island destinations throughout the South Pacific, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Mexico.

The escorted, optional golfing excursions vary in price from course to course and include transfers to and from the select golf courses, pull or power-drive carts (where available), green and any applicable caddy fees. Should guests choose to leave their clubs at home, the finest Nike Golf clubs and golf essentials are available for rental or purchase

On each of these exciting voyages rich in golf destinations, guests will also have the opportunity to advance their game aboard ship with the help of a certified PGA-classed golf professional, who is available to organize personalized instruction, specialty group clinics, demonstrations and even putting contests

Silversea caters to the cosmopolitan world traveler and maintains branch offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Singapore. The company's headquarters are based in Monaco. For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent, call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

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