In its 25th anniversary year, Silversea has released the Lefebvre family book, Sailing through History: A Family Dynasty, which chronicles Silversea's distinguished heritage as part of the illustrious history of its founding and the family itself. Launched at an event aboard the Silver Wind in New York on November 6, the book is available for guests to enjoy on board every Silversea ship.
“I am proud to share the Lefebvre family history and that of Silversea with my friends, family, and the wider cruise community,” says Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Executive Chairman of Silversea Cruises. “An extended family in its own right, our cruise company is built on generations of maritime expertise and a history of innovation. Written to honor my father and our ancestors, Sailing Through History: A Family Dynasty celebrates the distinguished heritage that has contributed to Silversea Cruises’ status as an industry leader. I extend my gratitude and appreciation to all those who helped make it possible.”
Published by Assouline Publishing, with a foreword by Paul Theroux and an exclusive interview with Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio by Peter Greenberg, the new book offers a fascinating insight into the illuminating history of one of Europe's most eminent families. Featuring anecdotes spanning from 16th-century France to Royal Caribbean's acquisition of Silversea shares in 2018, the text reveals the family's royal connections, social significance, and numerous business achievements, while providing historical context for the luxury of the world's leading cruise line.
The release of Sailing Through History: A Family Dynasty comes in Silversea Cruises’ historic 25th anniversary year. In the book, readers will discover how Antonio Lefebvre, “brilliant, restless, inventive, and academic,” brought innovation to the cruise industry when he launched the pioneering cruise line in Monaco in 1994. Since then, and under the attentive leadership of his son, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, since 2001, Silversea has welcomed nearly half a million guests on approximately 4,200 voyages; the cruise line’s ships have completed a cumulative total of more than 48,000 cruise days; and its guests have journeyed deeper into the ocean for a combined total of more than 9.4 million cruise days. Passed on to his son in his final days, Antonio Lefebvre's dream for Silversea Cruises was to increase the cruise line's fleet to 12 ships, to which Manfredi adds "at least 12 ships." Now, with eight ships in service and five under construction, Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio will soon fulfill, and surpass, his father's vision.
