Demand for Polar Expeditions Leads Silversea to Convert Silver Wind to Ice-Class Vessel

Silversea Cruises' Silver Wind

The Silver Wind will be transformed into the ultra-luxury cruise line’s fourth expedition ship in its nine-ship fleet.

It’s all due to what Silversea Cruises is calling “the fast-growing popularity of ultra-luxury expedition travel to the pristine glaciers and wildlife-rich regions of Antarctica.”

The renovation of the ultra-luxury Silver Wind is currently underway in a shipyard in Poland, and it follows the ship’s major upgrade in 2018.

The re-design not only provides the Silver Wind a strengthened hull for cruising in polar waters. It also reduces guest capacity to just 274 and involves other technology and sustainability upgrades, including advanced waste-water and food waste treatment facilities as well as fuel-saving measures.

Silver Wind’s upgrade and reclassification as an ice-class ship expands the line’s Antarctic options.

She’ll make her maiden voyage out of drydock on 20NOV and is slated to set sail on a 22-day journey to Antarctica, providing guests with a prime viewing position on the White Continent for a solar eclipse on 04DEC, 2021.

“We are converting our beloved Silver Wind into one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea to further expand and diversify our cold-water cruise offering,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and CEO. “With the backing of the Royal Caribbean Group, we are significantly investing in our ultra-luxury fleet to meet the burgeoning guest demand for voyage options in such breath-taking, remote destinations as Antarctica, and we have more exciting enhancements to come.”

NEW EXPEDITION ENHANCEMENTS FOR POLAR AND TROPICAL SEAS

Taking guests closer to the action with on-water discovery, the ship will be fitted with a strengthened hull; ice-detector sonars, designed for use on icebreaker vessels; 24 Zodiacs; and 14 kayaks. Silver Wind will deliver one of the most personalised expedition experiences at sea, carrying up to 28 expedition experts who will share their knowledge during onboard lectures, on guided Zodiac tours, and on experiences ashore. Further enhancing the expedition experience for guests, a Photo Studio (formerly the Casino) with state-of-the-art equipment, a Mudroom, and a special water-heating system in the ship’s swimming pool will highlight Silver Wind’s new amenities.

REFRESHED INTERIOR SPACES

Following the ship’s comprehensive refurbishment in 2018, which saw the enhancement of most public spaces, an array of refreshments will enrich guests’ comfort in the ship’s suites and public areas. Silver Wind’s upper suites will be entirely refurbished, with new furniture and carpets, as well as new walk-in showers to complement the bathtubs. Silver Wind’s Vista and Veranda suites will also be updated, including the installation of new walk-in showers. Many of the ship’s public areas will also be refreshed as well.

SOLAR ECLIPSE VOYAGE TO ANTARCTICA

Her maiden voyage as an expedition ship, Silver Wind is scheduled to depart on a 22-day sailing to Antarctica on November 20, 2021, spending her inaugural season exploring the White Continent. Not only will guests marvel at the remarkable landscapes and breathtaking wildlife of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica, but they will be perfectly placed to experience the solar eclipse on December 4 on what promises to be an unforgettable journey.

Silversea’s guests benefit from the most comprehensive all-inclusive Polar offering in expedition cruising. As well as Silversea’s iconic hallmarks of luxury, guests on expedition voyages enjoy the following inclusions in their cruise fare:

  • International roundtrip flights (or air credit)*
  • Business Class upgrades at reduced rates*
  • In-country flights**
  • Pre- and post-cruise hotel night/s, or day-use hotel***
  • Transfers and luggage handling
  • Highly-qualified Expedition Team
  • Enrichment lectures, guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shore-side activities
  • Complimentary expedition gear including parka**, backpack and water bottle
  • Multiple restaurants serving diverse cuisine and an in-suite 24-hour dining service including caviar
  • Premium beverages in-suite and throughout the ship
  • Butler service and onboard gratuities
  • Unlimited Wi-Fi

View Silver Wind’s upcoming voyages here: https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-wind.html

Lynn Elmhirst

Contributor

With a background in broadcast news and travel lifestyles TV production, Lynn is just as comfortable behind or in front of the camera as she is slinging words into compelling stories at her laptop. Having been called a multi-media ‘content charmer’, Lynn’s other claim to fame is the ability to work 24/7, forgoing sleep until the job is done. Documented proof exists in a picture of Lynn at the closing celebrations of an intense week, standing, champagne in hand - sound asleep. That’s our kind of gal.

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