Silversea Cruises is preparing to enhance its global fleet by converting the Silver Wind into an ultra-luxury ice-class expedition ship. This move signals confidence in the growing popularity of ultra-luxury expedition voyages to the pristine glaciers and wildlife-rich regions of Antarctica.
The Silver Wind is undergoing a refit at the Remontowa shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland, following a major upgrade in 2018. The redesign includes an ice-strengthened hull for navigating polar waters and state-of-the-art technological upgrades. In addition to its sustainability credentials, the Silver Wind will be equipped with a new wastewater treatment plant, new food waste treatment facilities, and new fuel-efficient boilers.
Silver Wind will become the cruise line's fourth expedition ship in its fleet of nine ultra-luxury vessels. On its maiden voyage, departing on November 20, 2021, Silver Wind will embark on a 22-day journey to Antarctica, providing guests with a prime location to view the solar eclipse on the white continent on December 4, 2021.
“We are transforming our beloved Silver Wind into one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea to further expand and diversify our cold-water cruising offerings,” said Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea. “With the support of the Royal Caribbean Group, we are investing significantly in our ultra-luxury fleet to meet the growing guest demand for travel options in breathtaking and remote destinations such as Antarctica, and we have more exciting enhancements to come.”
The Silver Wind will benefit from a series of upgrades that will allow for an immersive expedition cruise experience in both polar regions and the world's most remote tropical waters. To bring guests closer to the action and discovery on the water, the ship will be equipped with a reinforced hull; ice-detecting sonars designed for use on icebreakers; 24 Zodiacs; and 14 kayaks. With a reduced capacity of only 274 guests, the Silver Wind will offer one of the most personalized expedition experiences at sea, featuring up to 28 expedition experts who will share their knowledge during onboard lectures, guided Zodiac excursions, and shore excursions. To further enhance the expedition experience for guests, a state-of-the-art photo studio (formerly the casino), a mud room, and a special water heating system in the ship's pool are among the Silver Wind's new amenities.
Following the ship's extensive refurbishment in 2018, which included improvements to most of the public spaces, a series of changes will enhance guest comfort in the suites and public areas. The Silver Wind's Superior Suites will be completely renovated, and the Silver Wind's Vista and Veranda Suites will also be updated, as will many of the ship's public areas, with freshly painted walls and ceilings in La Dame, La Terrazza, the Observation Lounge, the Panorama Lounge, and the reception area. The fitness center and beauty salon will also be renovated.
On its maiden voyage as an expedition ship, Silver Wind is scheduled to embark on a 22-day journey to Antarctica on November 20, 2021, spending its inaugural season exploring the white continent. Guests will not only marvel at the extraordinary landscapes and stunning wildlife of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica, but will also be perfectly positioned to experience the solar eclipse on December 4, promising to be an unforgettable trip.
Silversea guests benefit from the most comprehensive all-inclusive polar expedition cruise experience. In addition to Silversea's iconic hallmarks of luxury, expedition cruise guests enjoy the following perks included in their cruise fare: flights, pre- and post-cruise nights, complimentary expedition equipment, lectures and Zodiac excursions, butler service, unlimited Wi-Fi, and more.
