Silversea Cruises
History, Review, Itineraries, Ships, Deck Plans, News
Silversea Cruises fleet
Silver Ray
Current cruise: 11 days, one-way from Barcelona to LisbonSilversea ExpeditionsYear build 2024 / new ship Passengers 556 - 728 Silver Nova
Current cruise: 16 days, one-way from Cairns to SydneySilversea ExpeditionsYear build 2023 / Age : 1 Passengers 728 Silver Origin
Current cruise: 7 days, round-trip Galapagos IslandsSilversea ExpeditionsYear build 2021 / Age : 3 Passengers 102 Silver Endeavour
Current cruise: 6 days, round-trip AntarcticaSilversea ExpeditionsYear build 2021 / Age : 3 Passengers 252 Silver Moon
Current cruise: 34 days, one-way from Lisbon to Fort LauderdaleSilversea CruisesYear build 2021 / Age : 3 Passengers 576 - 691 Silver Dawn
Next cruise: 13 days, one-way from Singapore to Hong KongSilversea CruisesYear build 2021 / Age : 3 Passengers 576 - 691 Silver Muse
Current cruise: 14 days, one-way from Sydney to AucklandSilversea CruisesYear build 2017 / Age : 7 Passengers 576 - 691 Silver Spirit
Next cruise: 10 days, round-trip Mahe To MaheSilversea CruisesYear build 2009 / Age : 15 Passengers 608 - 648 Silver Whisper
Next cruise: 14 days, one-way from Mumbai to SingaporeSilversea CruisesYear build 2001 / Age : 23 Passengers 388 - 466 Silver Shadow
Next cruise: 14 days, round-trip FortnbspLauderdale,nbspFlorida To FortnbspLauderdale,nbspFloridaSilversea CruisesYear build 2000 / Age : 24 Passengers 388 - 466 Silver Wind
Current cruise: 20 days, one-way from Valparaiso-Santiago to Puerto WilliamsSilversea CruisesYear build 1995 / Age : 29 Passengers 274 - 355 Silver Cloud
Current cruise: 10 days, round-trip AntarcticaSilversea ExpeditionsYear build 1994 / Age : 30 Passengers 252 - 302 Silver Galapagos
Current cruise: N/ASilversea ExpeditionsYear build 1990 / Age : 34 Passengers 100 - 120
Review of Silversea Cruises
Silversea (silversea.com, 1994-founded) Is an ultra-premium travel brand and Monaco-based cruise company. With its first ship (Silver Cloud), Silversea pioneered as an all-inclusive passenger shipping company on May 30th (1994) when Silver Cloud was christened in Monte Carlo (Monaco). Currently, Silversea's schedule list 900+ destinations (ports and islands) all over the world. By 2024, the brand's fleet capacity (11x vessels) will increase 56% in comparison to 2020 (pre-COVID).
Company history and changes
Until 2018, Silversea's owners were the Lefebvre family (Rome City, Italy) and V-Ships (fka Vlasov Group) of Monaco. Its business model was ultra-luxury cruising with smaller-sized all-suite ships.
In June-July 2018, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group acquired 2/3 of the company. On June 14, 2018, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) and Manfredi Lefebvre D'Ovidio (Silversea's majority stock owner) announced an agreement for RCCL to acquire 66,7% equity stake in Silversea or purchase price ~USD 1 billion. At the time, the company was valued at approx USD 2 billion. RCCL financed the deal (through debt) in October. In addition to the cash money, the Lefebvre family received around 472,000 RCL shares. Silversea kept the company's management team led by Roberto Martinoli (President and CEO between 2016-2022).
In January 2023-March 2024, Silversea's President and CEO was Barbara Muckermann (promoted from CCO/Chief Commercial Officer) while Roberto Martinoli was appointed Senior Advisor to RCG's President and CEO. In April 2024, Barbara Muckermann was succeeded by Bert Hernandez (with RCG since 2004).
In May 2023 was appointed Mark Conroy as a Senior Advisor to Silversea's Global Sales department led by Massimo Brancaleoni (Senior VP), while Joe Leon was promoted to Managing Director for the Americas. Until 2023, Mark Conroy served as Silversea's Managing Director for the Americas. In the past, Mark Conroy held senior positions at Dimond Cruises (ship Radisson Diamond/1992-built, IMO 9008407) and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas Cruises and has also served as Renaissance Cruises's President and Royal Viking Line's VP of Sales.
In May 2024 was appointed Martin Froggatt as VP of Global Tour Operations. Previously employed by Abercrombie & Kent, he reports directly to Silversea's President.
On August 1, 2018, after receiving regulators' final approval, the acquisition deal was officially closed. RCCL owns 66,7%, while Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio owns 33,3% stake and remains the company's Executive Chairman. Following the acquisition was announced the "Project Invictus" - a multi-year fleetwide project for drydock refurbishments and product enhancements. The project's first enhancements started with Silver Muse (August 19, 2018) with upgraded champagne and caviar offerings. Next were scheduled for upgrades Silver Whisper and Silver Wind ((December 2018). All liners in the fleet will be updated taking inspiration from the flagship Silver Muse. In July 2020, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Group purchased Silversea's remaining shares from Heritage Cruise Holding Ltd. The purchase was in the form of 5,2 million RCL shares (~2,5% of Royal Caribbean's total common stock).
Celebrating the company's 25th Anniversary in 2019, Silversea ships accumulated 47800+ cruising days and served passengers with 9,4+ million cruise days.
Since the beginning, the company's all-inclusive fares included port charges, travel insurance, gratuities (none were allowed), one or more shore events (excursions) per cruise itinerary and beverages (selected wines at lunch and dinner). Most (around 80%) of the brand's clients were expected to come from North America, so the line established its marketing office in Fort Lauderdale FL.
The Fleet's first vessel (Silver Cloud) entered service in April 1994, followed by sistership Silver Wind in January 1995. In September 2000 was launched Silver Shadow. Silver Whisper debuted in January 2001.
In 2008, Silversea entered the luxury expedition travel market by purchasing the ship Prince Albert II (Society Expeditions-owned) and upgrading it to the industry's highest standards.
- The reconstructed vessel (Silver Explorer) was inaugurated in June 2008 for exotic itineraries (Arctic, Antarctica, Western Africa safari cruisetours) and Zodiac boat expeditions for wildlife viewing.
- In January 2021, Silversea announced that the 33-years-old Silver Explorer is sold and in September 2023 leaves the fleet. The ship will be operated by Exploris (Paris France-based new cruise brand) starting operations in December (2023).
On June 18, 2012, was announced that Silversea had acquired Canodros SA - Ecuadorian luxury tour company operating cruises in Galapagos Islands. The deal included former Renaissance ship Galapagos Explorer II (renamed in 2013 to Silver Galapagos). The 100-passenger ship was deployed year-round in the Galapagos Islands (through 2020 when was sold). The 3rd expedition ship "Silver Discoverer" joined "Silversea Expeditions" fleet in March 2014 for itineraries in Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia, Russian Far East, Australia New Zealand. The chartered vessel has a glass-bottom tour boat, Zodiacs (large motorized boats used for landings), snorkeling and dive program (with complimentary equipment). In May 2019, Silver Discoverer was sold to CroisiEurope, joining the fleet in 2020-Q1 under the name La Belle des Oceans.
In 2017, Silversea started selling bonds to the public to finance the company's business. The plan was to raise USD 550 million (up from the originally-planned USD 275M). Senior secured notes (due in 2025) paid interest at 7,25% rate.
In June 2017 was announced the company's partnership with Peninsula Hotels (Hong Kong-based hotel chain). Silversea's new "cruise and hotel" program debuted on Silver Muse (during World Cruise 2019). Both brands collaborate only on Asian itineraries. During these voyages, Peninsula Hotels provides chefs and specialists to interact with passengers and arrange exclusive onboard events in select Asian port cities.
In August 2018 was launched the travel blog Discover (discover.silversea.com). There are posted itinerary-themed mini-documentaries and behind-the-scenes videos themed on the world's most unique cultures and lifestyles, rare geographical phenomena, unusual landscapes, wildlife, topics on glaciology-botany-ornithology-marine biology, useful travel skills, expert photography tips, as well as specially produced for Silversea photos and videos and original stories by company's Expedition Experts.
In May 2019, CroisiEurope (one of Europe's largest river cruise companies) announced the acquisition of Silver Discoverer (1989-built). Joining CroisiEurope's fleet in 2020-Q1, the ship will be renamed La Belle des Oceans. The French company currently owns one sea-going vessel - the 2007-built La Belle de l'Adriatique.
In late-July 2019, Silversea announced a partnership deal with the French company Lalique (1888-founded in Paris France). The brand specializes in the production of lead glass/crystal (including vases and perfume bottles) and luxury crystal art. For Silversea, Lalique will produce decorative glass artworks (hand-crafted crystal panels) for fleet's La Dame restaurants (capacity ~40 seats each). The Lalique artworks are positioned at the restaurant's entrance and also along the walls. The crystal panels incorporate 2 main aquatic-themed designs - Masque de Femme (a nymph surrounded by marine creatures) and Coutard (a spray of water droplets).
In 2019 (August 10 through September 5), Silver Explorer completed the company's first "Northwest Passage Cruise" from Alaska (Nome AK) to Europe (Tromso Norway). The 26-day voyage included ~9260 km of sea navigation and visiting 27 ports and destinations on 2 continents and in 3 countries. During the passage through the Canadian Arctic, the cruise ship was escorted by a CCG icebreaker. On the ship were 15 expedition team crew (including historians, geologists, botanists, marine biologists, ornithologists, professional photographers) presenting ~50 itinerary-themed onboard lectures.
In mid-June 2022 was announced that the 2021-built Crystal Endeavor was acquired by Silversea (via RCG). The megayacht was scheduled to enter drydock for refurbishing and rebranding, to be renamed (Silver Endeavour) and added to Silversea's Antarctica 2022-2023 program. On June 8th, Silversea trademarked the ship names "Silver Endeavor" and "Silver Endeavour". Crystal Endeavor's purchase was confirmed by RCG on July 18th.
In March 2024, the Door-to-Door (all-inclusive pricing) was expanded with two more options:
- "Door-to-Door All-Inclusive Fare" - encompasses private land transfers (home-airport-hoe, international flights/Business Class upgrades at reduced rates, land tours/shore excursions)
- (new) "Port-to-Port All-Inclusive Fare" (includes shore excursions) targets tourists who prefer to independently plan their pre- and post-cruise travel arrangements.
- (new) "Essential Fare" is a cruise-only fare (inclusive of all onboard amenities and services except land tours) allowing tourists to independently arrange their flights, land transfers and shore excursions.
In June 2024, RCG launched the Loyalty Status Match program allowing loyalty members from each brand (RCI’s Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club, and Silversea’s Venetian Society) to attain reciprocal tier status across all brands.
New ships
In the late-2000s, Silversea started a fleet-expansion program adding tonnage through newbuilds.
In December 2009, the company launched the 540-passenger Silver Spirit. In 2017 was launched the 596-passenger Silver Muse (building cost EUR 105 million / USD 125M) - Silver Spirit modified design.
On September 11, 2017, was signed a EUR 310 million (USD 370M) shipbuilding contract with Fincantieri for 3 new cruise ships - including Silver Moon, with scheduled delivery in 2020. Currently, Silversea has a fleet of 9 operational vessels, with a planned expansion up to 12 units. The last two newbuilds are the Silver Nova (2023) and Silver Ray (2024).
When the Silversea-Fincantieri deal for Silver Moon was signed (September 2017), the Italian shipbuilder had a total of 78x cruise vessels (built in the period 1990-2017, of which 55x between 2002-2017) plus other 31x currently being designed or constructed.
On May 14, 2018. was signed the Silversea-Fincantieri order for Silver Dawn (November 2021).
In October 2018, RCG announced shipbuilding agreements for all 3 new boats for Silversea. The MoU (with Meyer Werft Germany) included 3 new (EVOLUTION Class) ships with first delivery in 2022. The 3rd contract was signed with Shipyard De Hoop (Holland) for building Silver Origin. The new ship serves Silversea Expeditions' Galapagos Islands cruisetour program previously served by Silver Galapagos. Silver Origin entered service in May 2021 (originally planned for March 2020). In December 2020, RCG sold Silver Galapagos to an undisclosed buyer.
Ship refurbishments
In August 2016, Silversea announced the company's plans to invest USD 170 million in a fleetwide drydock refurbishment project. Ship upgrades started in 2016 with 3 ships.
- Silver Whisper had refreshed suites (dark emperor marble floors in cabin bathrooms, sun deck (new loungers, newly tiled pool). The Restaurant and La Terrazza are with new furniture and flooring (hardwood parquet/carpet). Two new satellite antennas provide faster Internet. On-demand movies and interactive TVs were added in all cabins.
- Silver Wind received the same upgrades as Silver Whisper - all cabins, restaurants, ship technology. The pool deck has all new teak decking.
- Silver Cloud was refitted into a polar expedition ship.
Silversea's travel experience
As a travel brand, Silversea provides an upscale, yet casual onboard atmosphere, bigger-than-average public spaces, 5-star service by professionally trained staff.
Extraordinary dining experiences are available on all Silversea ships, with wine poured generously at meals. The all-inclusive policy covers all gratuities and unlimited beverages - beer, wine, liquor, and soft drinks, except premium brands.
There are lecturers on all voyages, offering insights into the cultures of the destinations visited. Sometimes Silversea provides a bridge instructor or a golf pro for lessons at the practice nets on each ship. However, partly as a function of relatively low passenger capacity, few educational opportunities are available. Each of Silversea Cruises ships has a well-stocked library, a fitness center, and a Steiner-managed spa.
Meals in the main dining room are served open seating, with lunch available between 12:00 and 1:30 p.m., and dinner at any time between 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Alternative dinner is available at 7 p.m. in La Terrazza, free of charge (reservations are required) and in the upscale Le Champagne between 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Le Champagne applies a $200/$30 charge, which depends on the chosen dining option ($200 is for a multi-course degustation menu with wine pairings).
IMPORTANT: As there are no organized kids programs, Silversea ships are inappropriate for families with young kids.
Silversea passengers are generally, as on most small luxury ships, somewhat older than those found on bigger, mainstream vessels. In terms of nationality, about 50% are North Americans, with the other 50% coming from all over the world (mainly the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia). Many travelers are retirees with the resources and leisure to make Silversea their line of choice.
Perhaps because they provide the space for more facilities (cigar bar, wine bar, computer center, expanded spa, not to mention larger and better-equipped show lounge), Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow attract a younger clientele. Still, Silversea is not the cruise line for the 20- and 30-something travelers.
For season 2016-2017, Silversea Expeditions partnered with Technogym for selected Wellness-themed cruises. By this partnership, on all Silversea expedition vessels were offered fitness and wellness-themed onboard events and complimentary amenities and services, including spa treatments, classes (Yoga, Pilates, fitness), enrichment lectures, healthy cooking demos gym sessions (with personal trainers and Technogym equipment).
Since January 2019, Silversea upgraded fleetwide company's in-cabin TV programming by adding 2 new channels - National Geographic (NatGeo / science-travel documentaries) and Sport 24 (live sports events).
Since March 30, 2022, Silversea offers to all customers as standard (ticket price-inclusive) private executive transfers.
- The offer is part of the July 2021-signed partnership between Silversea and Blacklane GmbH (Berlin-based global chauffeur service provider / via mobile app-website-phone).
- The partnership deal was signed by Roberto Martinoli (Silversea's CEO) and Jens Wohltorf (Blacklane's CEO).
- All passengers are provided complimentary with the option of being collected (by a private chauffeured vehicle) from their homes and transferred to their local airport (located up to 50 mi / 80 km away) or directly to the cruise ship. The same service is also offered on return journeys.
- Silversea's private chauffeur transfers are available in 200+ cities in 50+ countries.
(NEW) Otium wellness program
In October 2021 Silversea announced the brand's wellness program "Otium", with planned inauguration in 2022 on the newbuild Silver Dawn. The program is inspired by the patricians' lifestyle in Ancient Rome, providing customized leisure time experiences.
- Otium Sleeping (Italy-manufactured premium Egyptian cotton linens, custom-made mattresses and pillows)
- Otium Bathing (walk-in showers, bathtubs, plush bathrobes, bath salts and candles, personalized playlists/your-choice music, in-cabin dining /caviar canapes, chocolate truffles, champagne)
- Otium Balcony (cashmere blankets, gourmet bites and appetizers, cocktails and hot beverages, misting system, sun creams) - on the cabins' balconies
- Otium Comfort Food (24-hour premium dining options, movie nights with gourmet popcorn, pre-dinner drinks)
- Otium Spa (enhanced spa treatments and massages menu, services by wellness experts, in-spa dining/wine-champagne and gourmet snacks)
Otium is an abstract term meaning temporary "leisure time" during which a person can enjoy food, games, resting, contemplation, intellectual discussions.
Cruise ship W-Fi and Internet
Since April 2018, all Silversea ships offer free and unlimited Wi-Fi access - regardless of cabin category. Previously (between January 2016 - April 2018) Silversea customers received 1 hour of complimentary Wi-Fi per day.
By the new policy, Silversea provides each standard suite passenger with free and unlimited Internet access. Booking larger suites (Silver to Owner grades) offers free and unlimited internet for up to 2 mobile devices pp (simultaneously). Unlimited premium internet package upgrades are also offered.
In August 2022, the shipowner RCG-Royal Caribbean Group signed a deal with SpaceX/Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (2002-founded by Elon Musk) for using Starlink's satellites to provide faster and low-latency Internet connections across the global fleet (Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, and Silversea ships). Fleetwide Starlink installations were scheduled to be completed in 2023-Q1.
Silversea Antarctica Fly-Cruise Package 2021
In December 2019, Silversea Cruises announced the company's first fly-cruise program to Antarctica named "Antarctica Bridge". The ultra-luxury flight+cruise packages provide travelers with the fastest and most direct travel to Antarctica. Starting December 2021, all 12 fly-cruise itineraries are on Silver Explorer. Antarctica Bridge bookings were opened on December 10, 2019, with fares from USD 17,500 per person (with double occupancy).
The new packages are inclusive of two direct flights between Punta Arenas (Chile) and King George Island (Antarctica). The 1240 km long flight is over Drake Passage and on a Silversea-chartered plane adapted to land on King George Island. The business-class flight takes 2 hours (in each direction), avoiding ~4 days of sea navigation on the return leg of the cruise. An in-flight entertainment program includes information briefings on the Zodiacs (cruise ship's high-speed boats used for landings) and IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators). After the first flight follows 5 full Antarctica cruising days.
Silversea's Fly-Cruise Antarctica deals (Antarctica Bridge itineraries) are inclusive of:
- (Day 1) international flight to Santiago, domestic flight (economy-class) from Santiago to Punta Arenas, welcome cocktail reception and gala dinner (in Punta Arenas)
- (Day 2) pre-cruise hotel overnight in Punta Arenas
- (Day 3) private charter flight to Antarctica (King George Island)
- (Days 3-9) Silver Explorer cruise
- (Day 9) private charter flight from Antarctica (King George Island) to Punta Arenas, with post-cruise hotel overnight
- (Day 10) domestic flight (economy-class) from Punta Arenas to Santiago, international flight from Santiago
Complimentary to all cruisers are provided expedition gear (parkas, waterproof trousers, expedition backpacks, water bottles). For rental are offered rubber boots and walking poles. Airport-hotel transfers and luggage services are complimentary if the international flights are booked through Silversea.
(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021
Due to the COVID pandemic, RCG suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (RCI-Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, Silversea, Azamara) worldwide by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 13, 2020, through June 2021.
Silversea Galapagos 2021 program restarted on June 19 (Silver Origin).
Silversea Alaska 2021 program restarted on July 29 ((Silver Muse).
Next are listed Silversea's first departure dates in 2021 by ship/destination - ORIGIN (June 19/Maiden Voyage, Galapagos), MOON (June 18/Maiden Voyage/Mediterranean from Piraeus-Athens), SHADOW (July 30/Iceland from Reykjavik), SPIRIT (Sept 3/UK-Baltic from Southampton), CLOUD (Nov 14/Antarctica), EXPLORER (Nov 10/Antarctica), MUSE (July 29/Alaska from Seattle), WIND (Nov 20/South America-Antarctica), WHISPER (Nov 17/Caribbean), DAWN (March 18, 2022/Maiden Voyage).
All affected bookings received full refunds (100%), including on prepurchased through Silversea cruise packages and services. With rebooking are offered 125% refunds in FCC (future cruise credit) to be used on itineraries that depart up to April 30, 2022. The FCC must be redeemed by January 1, 2021. Changing the FCC to a monetary refund (100%) must be done by December 31, 2020.
Silversea's Cancellation Policy was extended to allow penalty-free cancellations up to 48 hours prior departure (all itineraries departing up until December 1, 2020, and receive an FCC.
Itinerary of Silversea Cruises
According to independent cruise market research, Silversea continues to be rated the number one luxury cruise line by ship capacity. With a fleet of 9 vessels, the company is also the dominant player on the Mediterranean luxury cruising market, especially during summer months. The second biggest by passenger capacity line is Crystal Cruises (Los Angeles USA-based). The third biggest luxury line is RSSC-Regent Seven Seas, followed closely by Seabourn.
- Silversea's "flight and cruise" package deals (by the line's Silver Sky program) are inclusive of the luxury cruise fare, discount round-trip airfare (Economy Class) and airport-pier-airport transfers.
- Silversea's "hotel and cruise" package "Silver Shore Simply Hotel" offers overnight 5-star luxury hotel stays with the option of adding transfers or upgrades. The upgraded cruise and hotel package ("Silver Shore Grande Hotel") offers 1-3-nights landmark hotel stays (or at a boutique property) and is inclusive of private transfers (airport-hotel and hotel-pier).
Silversea Expeditions scuba diving cruises feature some of the most remote destinations in the world and top diving sites in the Indian and western Pacific oceans. In addition to a divemaster on board, Silversea Expeditions' cruises feature experts including marine biologists, ecologists, environmentalists, and geologists.
Silver Explorer/now Exploris One sailed the first-ever Pacific Coast explorations of Silversea as part of the Americas 2018 program, all the way between Ushuaia Argentina and Vancouver BC Canada.
IMPORTANT: In late January 2021, Silversea announced that its oldest boat - the 33-year-old Silver Explorer, is sold and in September 2023 leaves the fleet. The ship is now operated by Exploris Expeditions (Paris France-based new cruise brand) starting operations in December 2023.
Silversea Expeditions
Follows a list of expedition-themed voyages operated by Silversea Expeditions' fleet (Silver Galapagos, Silver Explorer, Silver Cloud, Silver Origin, Silver Endeavor/Crystal Endeavor).
- "Photography Expedition Cruises" include photo walks, onboard workshops, and lectures led by professional photographers.
- "Birding and Ornithology Expedition Cruises" are offered on itineraries in Alaska and Galapagos (wildlife viewing themed).
- "Culinary Expedition Cruises" provide an array of ashore and onboard culinary-themed events.
- "Diving Expedition Cruises" by Silversea's scuba diving program are led by a professional expedition team and certified divemasters.
- "Wellness Expedition Cruises" allow passengers to improve their well-being while cruising to destinations in the South Pacific Ocean and Southeast Asia. Dedicated wellness specialists host an onboard fitness training program that includes Pilates, yoga, and stretching. Also included are cooking demonstrations and daily wellness lectures focused on balanced nutrition. Also, price inclusive are spa massage treatments.
Galapagos cruise itineraries
Silversea alternated two 7-night Galapagos Islands itineraries (Saturday to Saturday) approved by Galapagos National Park Service. Both are operated by the 100-passenger ships Silver Galapagos and Silver Origin (starting May 2020). The itinerary is between the homeport islands Baltra and San Cristobal.
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
Day 1 | Departing from San Cristobal Island |
Day 2 | Santiago Island |
Day 2 | Bartolome Island |
Day 3 | Fernandina Island |
Days 3-4 (overnight) | Isabela Island |
Day 5 | Floreana Island |
Days 6-7 (overnight) | Santa Cruz Island |
Day 8 | Arriving in Baltra Island |
The modified north-central cruisetour itinerary departs Baltra for San Cristobal with a newly added circumnavigation of Isla Daphne Grande (Daphne Major). The voyage explores Darwin Bay and El Barranco (on Genovesa Island), Galapaguera Cerro Colorado and Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island), Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez (Espanola Island), El Eden, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), as well as Seymour Norte, Rabida and Plaza Sur.
Departing from San Cristobal for Baltra, the enhanced western cruisetour itinerary has new points - Cerro Dragon and Playa Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island) and circumnavigation of Roca Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock / San Cristobal). The itinerary also includes Punta Vicente Roca, Caleta Tagus and Elizabeth Bay (on Isabela Island), Post Office Bay, Islote Champion and Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island), Los Gemelos, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), Bartolome, Playa Espumilla and Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island).
Silver Origin circumnavigates Kicker Rock and Daphne Major - both best-rated for exotic birds viewing. Flamingos can be seen at Las Bachas Beach. Wildlife viewing opportunities also include land- and marine iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins, finches.
All Silversea Galapagos shore tours/expeditions are complimentary and guided by an experienced certified team, On the ship, passengers enjoy premium butler service, gourmet cuisine, complimentary wines and spirits and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Itineraries 2024-2025-2026
The company's 2024-2025 (March-May) collection comprises 341x voyages visiting 695 ports and islands (in 120 countries) with 25 maiden ports. Deployments include both polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic), the South Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, Africa, South America/Galapagos.
Program 2024-2025 includes the inaugural season of the newbuild Silver Ray - the second NOVA-class unit (sistership to Silver Nova).
Summer 2025 voyages
Silversea's summer 2025 schedule lists a total of 206 voyages (departures between March and November 2025). The fleet of 12 ships will visit 409 ports/destinations (in 60 countries) including 24 new/maiden calls.
The summer 2025 season offers 66 overnight port visits and 421 late-night port departures, allowing tourists to fully enjoy the destination's cuisine, culture and nightlife.
The two Grand Voyages in 2025 are in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe/North Atlantic. The 54-day Grand Mediterranean 2025 voyage (by Silver Spirit) spans offers a comprehensive exploration of the region's renowned port cities as well as lesser-visited destinations.
The Mediterranean 2025 program groups 84 voyages on 6 ships, including the fleet's newest member - Silver Ray.
The Galapagos Islands offering has also been expanded with 26 voyages (on Silver Origin) with revised itineraries that visit the islands Isabela and Fernandina plus the new destination Isla Lobos (off San Cristobal) offering unique opportunities for snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, and bird watching.
Summer 2025 collection also includes 14 adventure-themed voyages to the Arctic and Greenland, including Silver Endeavour's first Northwest Passage crossing.
In October 2023, Silversea initiated an exclusive pre-sale for its winter 2025-2026 (September-April) collection, encompassing 150+ itineraries to 200+ destinations, including 9 maiden ports.
The program's highlights include:
- Two new Grand Voyages: "The Grand South Pacific Expedition 2025" and "The Grand Australia 2025".
- Deployment of the newest ships for 17 Australian voyages.
- 38 expeditions to Antarctica (on three vessels), with additional voyages to the British oversea territories South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
- Expanded Caribbean and Central America schedule, with 43 sailings (four ships) and 2 new homeports.
- 25 voyages (ship Silver Origin) in the Galapagos, including two holiday sailings.
- 7 South American voyages featuring three scenic cruises to Antarctica (ship Silver Whisper).
- 6 voyages to Africa and the Indian Ocean, providing opportunities for safaris in South Africa.
5 sailings offer stops in 14 Asian destinations (ships Silver Nova and Silver Moon), offering experiences like Japan's cherry blossoms and extended port stays in megapolices like Tokyo and Osaka.
Itineraries 2023-2024 Grand Voyages
In late-August 2021, Silversea opened general sales on a total of 280 voyages scheduled for 2023-2024. The program also includes two Grand Voyages.
- 62-day "GRAND AFRICA AND ARABIA 2024" (Jan 27 thru Mar 29/roundtrip from Cape Town South Africa), ship Silver Spirit. Prices started from EUR 31100 (USD 36400) per person with double occupancy.
- 66-day "GRAND MEDITERRANEAN 2023" Oct 6 thru Dec 10/Lisbon Portugal to Piraeus-Athens Greece), ship Silver Moon. Prices started from EUR 30200 (USD 35370) pp.
The company expanded its global coverage by deploying 10 ships to 690+ ports/destinations (125 countries on 7 continents) - out of 900+ total ever-served by the company.
Planned for the period March 2023 through May 2024, Silversea's itinerary collection includes 60+ maiden ports, 197 port overnights, 60+ B2Bs/ back-to-back voyages. The next video shows Conrad Combrink (Silversea Expeditions' Senior Expeditions Leader) introducing the 2023-2024 program.
Itineraries 2025-2026 Grand Voyages
In October 2024, Silversea announced 160+ new voyages scheduled for 2026. The itineraries span 33 countries and group 150+ destinations (including 5 maiden ports) and 99 UNESCO sites.
Scheduled between March 15th and December 9th, 2026, the voyages align with key global events like the Military Tattoo (Edinburgh), the Monaco Grand Prix, and the D-Day Commemoration (Normandy France).
A 50-day Grand Voyage in the Mediterranean (ship Silver Spirit, leaving from Lisbon) visits 40 destinations in 12 countries, including 48 UNESCO sites.
In 2026, Silversea's 6-ship fleet has scheduled 102 voyages in Southern Europe/Mediterranean and 25 in Northern Europe and the UK/British Isles.
Two ships are deployed in Alaska (Silver Moon and Silver Whisper) with 30 scheduled cruises, while Silver Shadow visits destinations in Canada and New England USA during the fall foliage season.
Silversea Cruises related cruise news
- Cruise Industry
Silversea begins 2024-2025 Antarctic cruises with expanded itineraries
Silversea started Antarctica 2024-2025 winter season with Silver Endeavour ship embarking on an 18-day expedition to South Georgia, the South...
November 15, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Silversea unveils 2026 Voyage Collection with 160+ Global Journeys
Silversea Cruises has announced the release of 160+ new ocean voyages for 2026, now open for general booking. These itineraries will span 33...
October 20, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Port San Diego California starts 2024-2025 season with 75 cruises
The Port of San Diego (California, USA) has officially commenced its 2024-2025 season in partnership with longtime homeporting operator HAL-Holland...
October 4, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Silversea to open exclusive hotel in Puerto Williams for Antarctic travelers
Silversea Cruises has announced the development of a 150-room hotel in Puerto Williams (Chile) the world’s southernmost city, to enhance the...
October 4, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Silversea’s ship Silver Nova wraps up inaugural Alaskan season
MS Silver Nova, the first of Silversea's two NOVA-class vessels, has successfully completed her inaugural season in Alaska. This innovative vessel...
October 1, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Silver Nova to debut as Asia-Pacific’s most luxurious cruise ship in 2024
Silver Nova, the first of 2 groundbreaking Nova-class vessels from the ultra-premium travel brand Silversea, will make her debut in the Asia-Pacific...
September 18, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Virtuoso expands cruise ship tours for Canadian advisors throughout 2024
Virtuoso, the leading global network of travel agencies specializing in luxury and experiential vacations, recently organized four Cruise Ship Tour...
July 29, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Silversea opens bookings for World Cruise 2027 (The Three Oceans) on Silver Dawn ship
Silversea’s 149-day World Cruise in 2027 ("The Three Oceans") on Silver Dawn ship is now open for booking. It will visit 80 destinations...
June 29, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Silversea names Silver Ray (second NOVA Class ship)
Silversea has officially named Silver Ray, the second vessel in its innovative NOVA Class, marking Bert Hernandez's first naming ceremony as the new...
June 13, 2024 - Cruise Industry
RCG-Royal Caribbean Group introduces industry-first Loyalty Status Match across all brands
RCG-Royal Caribbean Group has announced a significant enhancement to its guest experience by introducing a Loyalty Status Match program across its 3...
June 1, 2024 - show more news