Luxury Cruise and Land Industry News Blog

Published on: January 7, 2009

Silversea Cruises’ new Silver Spirit will operate a 91-day “Grand Inaugural Voyage” departing on Jan. 21, 2010. The long voyage follows an 11-day “Holiday Spirit” maiden voyage sailing from Barcelona on Dec. 23, 2009, to Lisbon, and a 16-day “Maiden Crossing” departing Lisbon on Jan. 3 to Fort Lauderdale. After completing its inaugural season, Silver Spirit will spend the summer in the Mediterranean and then reposition to the Caribbean for fall and winter cruises.

The “Grand Inaugural Voyage” will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles and twist back to New York. The ship will visit Rio de Janeiro in time for Carnaval, journey around the Cape Horn, explore the Mexican Riviera, transit the Panama Canal and conclude with a Statue of Liberty event in New York Harbor. The voyage will visit more than 45 ports in over 20 countries and island destinations across two continents, with overnight stays in Fort Lauderdale, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Lima, Acapulco and Los Angeles. In addition, guests on the full voyage will be invited to attend the naming ceremony, a gala dinner event on the eve of departure with accommodations aboard ship, exclusive shoreside events, and a VIP evening at the Rio Carnaval. Also included are commemorative gifts and a $2,000-per-suite onboard spending credit. A complimentary business-class air upgrade is also available for guests who purchase Silversea’s optional air program.

Silversea will begin accepting reservations on Jan. 12 (January 5 for Venetian Society Members). An area of the company’s website is now dedicated to Silver Spirit. “As the New Year begins and the construction of our new ship moves forward steadily, I am delighted we’re able to reveal some of the highlights of her much anticipated inaugural season,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea’s president and CEO. “When Silver Spirit sets sail, she will embody the hallmarks of Silversea’s understated elegance and distinct luxury with even more spacious suites, expansive spa facilities and enticing epicurean venues.”

Fares for the full Grand Inaugural Voyage start at $39,187 per person, double occupancy, and include “Extended Voyage Savings” of 5 percent, plus enhanced “Early Booking Incentive” and new “Extended Advance Payment Bonus” discounts applicable to voyages in 2010. (The company plans to announce more details about these new savings options shortly.) The 36,000-ton Silver Spirit will accommodate 540 guests. Ninety-five percent of the suites will feature a private veranda. The ship will boast one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea today, 67. The onboard décor will lend a sophisticated 1930s Art Deco ambience to the public spaces, highlights of which include an indoor/outdoor spa measuring 8,300 square feet, three whirlpools, and six dining venues including Seishin, a Japanese restaurant, and the Stars Supper Club, featuring live music, dancing and nightclub-style entertainment. A new full-color, 36-page brochure showcasing Silver Spirit’s inaugural season will be available in the coming weeks. Contact your travel agent or Silversea at 877-215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.