Expedition Adventures in True Luxury

Taking one more step toward offering their new expedition product, Silversea Cruises has announced they will name their new expedition ship HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to HSH Prince Albert of Monaco. The ship is the former World Discoverer II, and is currently undergoing extensive renovation, both interior and exterior, to bring the ship to Silversea's exacting standards of luxury. But don't be misled - this isn't a ship for soft expedition cruising. They are anticipating full expedition-style landings for sophisticated travelers who want to experience both luxury and pampering onboard, but exploration and adventure ashore.

The Lloyd's Register A1A ice-rated vessel is purpose-built for expedition cruising and is undergoing an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. The refurbishment will include exterior design modifications, 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 Zodiac boats with low-emission engines. The HSH Prince Albert II will be equipped with satellite communication systems for bow-to-stern wireless Internet access and cellular phone service with guests' own cell phones. 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 lectures by the expedition and lecture staff as well as visiting destination experts.

In a related development, the company named Conrad Combrink as Silversea's 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 10 years in expedition cruising includes serving as expedition leader on World Discoverer I and II. The Prince Albert II's inaugural season features 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 reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages. From mid-August to November, 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), the Falklands and South Georgia Island. Pricing starts at $3,867 per person, double occupancy, and includes shore excursions as well as Silversea's all-inclusive amenities. After the ship's refit, the ice-class vessel will carry 132 guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many featuring private verandas. Staterooms and suites range in size from 180 to over 600 square feet. Eighteen suites will each be more than 400 square feet. Other features include a single-seating main dining room, a library with computers and Internet access, a boutique, a beauty salon, a fitness center, a full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools. The ship will also have several lounges, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the line's other ships.

Staterooms will go on sale on Feb. 29. Interested? So am I! Contact me for more details and to book this remarkable adventure!