|
Prince Albert II - Copyright:
SilverSea Cruise
February 25, 2008, Ultra-luxury
Silversea Cruises announced today that its new expedition ship
(originally acquired as World Discoverer II) will be renamed
HSH
Prince Albert II, in tribute to Prince Albert of
Monaco.
The name is fitting for a ship that
will be dedicated to the exploration and conservation of the
planet's oceans, wildlife and indigenous cultures. The Principality
of Monaco, aside from being the world's capital of wealth and luxury
-- and home to Silversea's global headquarters -- has long been
recognized as a leader in marine environment research. Prince
Albert I, a pioneer in oceanographic science and exploration, first
explored the Arctic's Svalbard archipelago in the early part of the
last century, and founded the world renowned Oceanographic
Institute. In 2006,
Prince Albert II plotted a similar course on part of his
journey to the North Pole, in an effort to add to the scientific
body of work started by his ancestor -- and to draw attention to the
effects of global warming on the Arctic regions. As a result, the
Prince is the first incumbent head of state to have reached the
northern most point on Earth.
"We are deeply honored to have our new
expedition ship named after His Serene Highness
Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco," said Manfredi
Lefebvre, Silversea's chairman. "His passion for environmental
conservation is well known and we are committed to supporting his
mission by offering travelers the chance to discover and appreciate
some of the world's most remote and unspoiled regions."
When Silversea's adventure ship sets
sail on June 12, following a naming ceremony in
Monte Carlo, it will herald the beginning of a new mode in
exploration cruising -- where a luxurious ambiance is just as
important as the eye-opening educational experiences it will
deliver.
The Lloyd's Register A1A ice-rated
vessel is purpose-built for expedition cruising and is currently
undergoing an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation at the
Fincantieri shipyard in
Trieste, Italy. To ensure the ship will deliver an
expedition cruise experience consistent with Silversea's
award-winning luxury standards, the refurbishment will include
exterior design modifications, state-of-the-art technological
enhancements and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations
and public spaces.
The ship is also being outfitted with a
new fleet of eight, latest-model Zodiac boats with Yamaha
four-stroke engines (for lowest possible emissions) that will allow
guests to enjoy up-close exploration and access to some of the
world's most remote landscapes.
"The interest in expedition cruising is
definitely on the rise, among both affluent baby boomers and
seasoned travelers wanting to further enrich their already wide
knowledge of more traditional and established destinations. Silversea's
HSH
Prince Albert II will be the perfect option for those
adventure-seekers who prefer a genuine expedition ship experience
enhanced with the comforts of a true luxury product," said Amerigo
Perasso, Silversea president. "Adventure travel is also about
having experiences that are intellectually enriching, so every
voyage will feature a carefully selected expedition team of
lecturers and leading experts who will share their insights on the
natural, cultural and historical highlights of some of the most
pristine and secluded regions on Earth."
In a related development, the company
has announced the appointment of Conrad Combrink as Silversea
director of expeditions, with responsibility for developing the
ship's itinerary and programs. He will also oversee the recruitment
of expedition staff and lecturers. Combrink's career of over ten
years in expedition cruising includes serving as expedition leader
on World Discoverer I and II.
EXPLORING THE EARTH: TOP TO BOTTOM
Silversea's expedition ship will set
sail June 12 from
London on an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 21 days
focusing on polar adventures. Sailing first to the Arctic Circle,
Svalbard,
Iceland and
Greenland for the summer, the ship will then reposition to
South America and
Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages. From mid-August to
November 2008, HSH
Prince Albert II will journey from the
east coast of
North America through the Panama Canal to
Los Angeles before heading south to
Ushuaia. Along this special repositioning route are
opportunities to explore the Sea of Cortez (with an extension to
Copper Canyon), Falklands and South Georgia Island. Pricing starts
at $3,867, per person, double occupancy, and includes shore
excursions as well as Silversea's signature all-inclusive amenities.
After the ship's refit, the ice-class
vessel will carry just 132 guests in 66 ocean-view
accommodations, many featuring private verandas. With staterooms
and suites ranging from 180 to over 600 square feet, it will provide
some of the largest accommodations of any expedition ship. 18 suites
will each feature more than 400 square feet of luxury.
Guests will also enjoy many amenities
found on larger ships, such as an elegant single-seating main dining
room, library (with computers and Internet access), boutique, beauty
salon, fitness center, full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools. The
ship will also feature several lounges for enjoying drinks, music
and entertainment, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the
line's other ships.
The HSH
Prince Albert II will also be equipped with
state-of-the-art satellite communication systems, providing
bow-to-stern wireless Internet access, enabling guests with
Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs to surf the Internet and check
e-mails from the comfort of their suites as well as public areas.
Cellular phone service will also allow guests to stay in touch
using their own cell phones even when the ship is miles away from
land. All suites and staterooms will feature flat screen monitors
offering interactive TV and video options. In the ship's lounges,
the latest audio-visual equipment, complete with high-definition
video screens, will display live lectures hosted by the ship's
world-class expedition and lecture staff as well as visiting
destination experts.
Guests aboard Silversea's HSH
Prince Albert II will be inspired by the varied and
constantly adapted itineraries that will make the most of the
natural opportunities created by the landscapes around them. There
is so much to explore that they can sail for up to 48 days on
back-to-back voyages without repeating a Zodiac landing site. This
is not soft adventure; this is full scale exploring from an
ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style.
Reservations are set to go on sale
starting Friday, February 29, 2008. A colorful self-mailer will be
available to travel agents in a few weeks. Visit
www.silversea.com/HSHPrinceAlbertII
for more details on the HSH
Prince Albert II's inaugural schedule.
Silversea Cruises is recognized as an
innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship
amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud,
Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper,
all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual
elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship HSH
Prince Albert II in 2008, the company's itineraries
encompass all seven continents. In the U.S., Silversea has been
voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler
nine times and six times by the readers of
Travel & Leisure. International awards include "World's
Leading Luxury Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2007);
"Five Star Diamond Award" from
the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); "Number One"
small-ship line in the Readers' Choice" survey conducted by
Britain's Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); "Five
Anchors" for Gastronomy and Service in Germany's Kreuzfahrt Guide
(2007); "Best Small Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel
Magazine (2007); and Best Luxury Cruise Operator according to Asia's
Travel Weekly (2007).
# # #
For more information on Silversea
Cruises, please contact a travel agent.
|
|
|
|
