Silversea’s full fleet of 10 ships has returned to service. Since Silver Moon℠ first set sail on June 18, 2021, Silversea has spearheaded the global restart of ultra-luxury cruising, successfully welcoming guests from around the world. Following the pause in operations in March 2020, the cruise company has continued its growth trajectory, welcoming three new ships, launching the only ultra-luxury World Cruise in 2022, converting Silver Wind into an icebreaker, and introducing new culinary and wellness programs.
“I am proud to see all of our ships now welcoming guests worldwide—with 10 ships operating for the first time in our company’s history—following what has been a challenging period for the global travel industry,” said Roberto Martinoli, Chairman and CEO of Silversea. “Leading the global return of ultra-luxury cruising, we have come back stronger than ever with the support of the Royal Caribbean Group, offering more comprehensive door-to-door service, three new ships, and several product enhancements. It is especially gratifying to see our beloved Silver Wind embark on its maiden voyages as an Ice-class expedition ship, complementing the experience with Zodiacs and kayaks, providing our guests with unforgettable encounters with nature and wildlife, and, in due course, expanding our industry-leading polar offering.”
Silversea's newest ships, Silver Moon and Silver Origin, began their maiden voyages on June 18 and 19, 2021, from Greece and the Galapagos Islands, respectively. The following month, Silver Muse began its luxury cruises in Alaska, while Silver Shadow welcomed guests in Iceland. Silver Spirit headed to Northern Europe in September, and expedition ships Silver Explorer and Silver Cloud became the first ultra-luxury ships to return to Antarctica in November. Finally, Silver Whisper welcomed travelers to the Caribbean starting that same month. The cruise line's newest ship, Silver Dawn, began its inaugural season in the Mediterranean in April 2022.
In November 2021, a refurbishment transformed the Silver Wind into an icebreaker-class expedition vessel with a reinforced hull for navigating polar waters. This was the second phase of a major renovation, which began in December 2018 to update the ship's interior spaces with new furniture, carpeting, and wall treatments, as well as new walk-in showers to complement the bathtubs in some suites, and dressing rooms in some staterooms. A state-of-the-art photography studio and a heated swimming pool are among the new features. In addition to 24 Zodiacs and 14 kayaks, guests traveling aboard the Silver Wind now benefit from the expertise of up to 28 expedition specialists. Other recent improvements include a new wastewater treatment plant, new food waste treatment facilities, and new fuel-efficient boilers.
After departing Athens on May 28, the Silver Wind, carrying 274 guests, spent 14 days cruising the Mediterranean before arriving in Lisbon on June 11. From there, it will embark on a series of voyages to Northern Europe and the British Isles, before reaching Reykjavik to begin a summer of Arctic explorations, including a crossing of the famous Northwest Passage in August. In October, the Silver Wind will chart a course along the Pacific coast of the United States, Central America, and South America, before reaching the icy wonderland of Antarctica for its inaugural season on the white continent.
