Silversea Cruises will enhance its global fleet via the conversion of its Silver Wind ship to an ice-class, ultra-luxury expedition vessel.
The move signals confidence in the growing popularity of ultra-luxury expedition travel to the wildlife-rich and pristine glaciers regions of Antarctica.
Silver Wind is currently undergoing refurbishments at the Remontowa shipyard in Gdansk (Gdynia, Poland) following a major upgrade back in 2018. The redesign of the ship includes an ice-strengthened hull for sailing in polar waters and state-of-the-art technology upgrades. Silver Wind will be outfitted with an advanced wastewater treatment plant, new fuel-saving boilers, and new food waste treatment facilities.
The ship will debut as the line’s 4th expedition vessel of 9 ultra-luxury ships. Commencing her maiden voyage on November 20, Silver Wind is slated to set sail on a 22-day voyage to the White Continent, providing passengers with a prime viewing position in Antarctica for a solar eclipse on December 4, 2021.
Silversea Cruises' Silver Wind will benefit from enhancements enabling immersive expeditions in both Polar Regions and in the most remote tropical waters of the globe. Taking vacationers closer to the action, the ship will be fitted with ice-detector sonars, designed for use on icebreakers; a strengthened hull; 14 kayaks; and 24 Zodiacs.
With a reduced passenger capacity of 274 guests, Silver Wind will deliver one of the most personalized expedition experiences at sea, with up to 28 expedition experts onboard who will share their knowledge during lectures, on experiences ashore, and on guided Zodiac tours.
Further enhancing guests' expedition experience, a Photo Studio (formerly the Casino), a Mudroom, and a water-heating system in the swimming pool highlight Silver Wind’s amenities.
Following the comprehensive refurbishment of the vessel in 2018, which featured the enhancement of most public areas, an array of refreshments is expected to enrich passengers’ comfort in the suites and public spaces. The upper suites will be entirely refurbished, with brand new carpets and furniture, along with new walk-in showers complementing the bathtubs. The Vista and Veranda suites will be updated, including the installation of walk-in showers.
Many of the public areas will be refreshed, with re-painted ceilings and walls in the Observation Lounge, the Panorama Lounge, the Reception area, La Dame, and La Terrazza. The Gym & Beauty Salon will also be refreshed.
Silver Wind is scheduled to depart on her maiden voyage as an expedition ship - a 22-day sailing to Antarctica - on November 20, 2021, spending an inaugural season exploring the White Continent. Not only will passengers marvel at the landscapes and wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island, but they will be perfectly positioned to experience the solar eclipse on December 4.