Silversea reveals name of expedition ship

Silversea Cruises is to rename its new expedition ship HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to Prince Albert of Monaco.

The ship was originally acquired with the name World Discoverer II.

The Principality of Monaco is home to Silversea’s global headquarters and has long been recognised as a leader in marine environment research.

“We are deeply honoured to have our new expedition ship named after His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea’s chairman.

“His passion for environmental conservation is well known and we are committed to supporting his mission by offering travellers the chance to discover and appreciate some of the world’s most remote and unspoiled regions.”

The new adventure ship will set sail on June 12, following a naming ceremony in Monte Carlo.

The Lloyd’s Register A1A ice-rated vessel is purpose-built for expedition cruising and is currently undergoing an extensive renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy.

The ship is also being outfitted with a new fleet of eight, latest-model Zodiac boats with Yamaha four-stroke engines (for lowest possible emissions) that will give guests access to some of the world’s most remote landscapes.

“The interest in expedition cruising is definitely on the rise, among both affluent baby boomers and seasoned travellers wanting to further enrich their already wide knowledge of more traditional and established destinations,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea president.

“Adventure travel is also about having experiences that are intellectually enriching, so every voyage will feature a carefully selected expedition team of lecturers and leading experts who will share their insights on the natural, cultural and historical highlights of some of the most pristine and secluded regions on Earth.”

The cruise line has appointed Conrad Combrink as director of expeditions, with responsibility for developing the ship’s itinerary and programmes and recruiting expedition staff and lecturers.

The ship will sail from London on an inaugural season of 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 then reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages.

From mid-August to November 2008, HSH Prince Albert II will travel from the east coast of North America through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles before heading south to Ushuaia.

Prices start at £1,966, per person, all-inclusive, double occupancy, and includes shore excursions amenities.

The vessel will carry 132 guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many featuring private verandas.

Cabins are due to go on sale from February 29.

By Bev Fearis