(August 27, 2008)   Fresh from a summer of explorations in the Arctic, Silversea Cruises' new luxury expedition ship, Prince Albert II, arrived in New York City on Monday, August 25.  While docked at the New York Cruise Terminal, she is hosting three days of gala receptions for members of Silversea's Venetian Society loyalty club, travel agents, media, New York dignitaries and other special guests.

A high point of the inaugural festivities was an elegant dinner yesterday evening in the ship's restaurant attended by Monaco's Consul General, Hon. Mrs. Maguy Maccario-Doyle; Mr. Joseph Kaiha, French Polynesia's minister of culture; Mrs. Hinano Bagnis, special envoy of French Polynesian President Mr. Gaston Tong Sang; Silversea's chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre; and Amerigo Perasso, president and CEO of Silversea, to mention a few notables.  Highlighting the evening was entertainment provided by a colorful and lively troupe of Tahitian dancers performing traditional dances of Polynesia.

In his remarks during the events, Lefebvre noted, "It's a great honor to be here in New York to introduce our new expedition ship to the American market.  We're very pleased to welcome aboard many of our loyal guests, travel agent partners, and members of the press to take part in the festivities while the Prince Albert II is here in port. Your interest and support is very much appreciated."  

Perasso commented, "We're delighted that our unique concept of luxury expedition cruises has been so well received by the public.  In fact, most of the voyages during our first season in Antarctica have already sold out.  This is a testament to the increasing interest in exploring our planet's most remote regions -- and having the option to enjoy such adventures from a base of comfort and luxury."  

Later today the Prince Albert II sets sail along the eastern coast of the U.S. to continue a special inaugural series of voyages spanning from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles before the ship ultimately repositions to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter expeditions.  

The Prince Albert II will be deployed in Papeete from mid-March to late October 2009, offering expedition cruises to the less-traveled regions of Polynesia ranging from the southernmost Austral Islands to the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands.  For the balance of 2009, the 132-guest luxury expedition ship will offer a series of Antarctic explorations with convenient roundtrip departures from Ushuaia.

The Prince Albert II offers full-scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style.  With the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship, guests enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations (many with French balconies or large private verandas), sumptuous gourmet cuisine, warm hospitality and personalized service (with a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1), and Silversea's generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, bottled water, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities.  Plus, complimentary Butler Service is provided in the Grand and Owner's Suites.

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 Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents.