In the heart of Monte Carlo’s harbor this morning, the expedition ship Prince Albert II officially joined the Silversea fleet during a naming ceremony in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. As in the time-honored tradition, the dedication included a blessing of the ship by H.E. Monsignor Fabrice Gallo, Prelate of the Pope of Rome.
Guests listened attentively to heartfelt speeches and then raised their glasses in a toast when the red and white ribbon (representing the heraldic colors of the Grimaldi family) was cut by HSH Prince Albert II, marking the launch of a new era in expedition cruising — one that will offer authentic and respectful adventures from a base of easy-going luxury.
Fresh from a multimillion dollar renovation, the Prince Albert II boasts the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship. An unmatched selection of 20 premium suites has been created especially for the discriminating traveler with 350 to 675 square feet of luxurious living space, double private French balconies or large private verandas, and additional elite amenities including butler service. All 66 ocean-view accommodations are tastefully appointed and have private marble bathrooms with bathtubs. The Prince Albert II welcomes her first guests on June 12 as she sets sail from London on an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 22 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.
Filed under: Silversea Cruises Posted by Michael on 03/17/08
We have a few automotive weekends coming up and as a result I try a very bad impression of Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear, however I’m not very good at it and as a result Patricia launches us right into the news.
We get started with several NCL stories: Norwegian Majesty is getting a new itinerary, Freestyle 2.0 launches March 30, and we’ve got a few hints as to what’s in store for NCL’s F3 ships.
The US Coast Guard was searching for a woman that reportedly jumped from the Costa Mediterranea last Monday.
Royal Caribbean will be refunding fuel surcharges for many guests as part of a settlement they reached with the Florida Attorney General - and Carnival may do the same soon. Regent is announcing a fuel surcharge as well.
Crystal’s introducing some super deluxe excursions.
Caribbean Princess is heading back to New York for the summer of 2009.
Silversea has announced the name for their newest ship and also that Silver Cloud and Silver Wind will be getting extensive refurbishments.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)
Filed under: Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Podcast, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises Posted by Michael on 03/13/08
Silversea Cruises announced major dry-dock refurbishments planned for its 296-guest sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind to bring their interiors in line with the style of its newest ship, the 540-guest Silver Spirit (scheduled for delivery in December 2009). For Silver Wind, the month-long refurbishment will take place this November and Silver Cloud’s in May 2009.
Plans for both ships call for major suite upgrades, including new bathrooms, carpets, flat screen TVs and other appointments. Verandas will also be spruced up. And virtually all public spaces and corridors will see substantial enhancements of furnishings and carpets.
Most dramatic of the upgrades, however, will be the addition of a new ocean-view spa and fitness center on Deck 9, a new Observation Lounge, eight new large suites on Decks 7 and 8, reduction of Vista Suites on Deck 4, and a new guest elevator connecting Decks 8 and 9.
“These will be the most comprehensive construction and refurbishment initiatives ever undertaken for Silver Cloud and Silver Wind,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea’s president and CEO. “The projects underscore our firm commitment to keep Silversea at the forefront of ultra-luxury cruising.”
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Silversea Cruises Posted by Michael on 03/13/08
Silversea Cruises announced that its newest all-suite ship will be named Silver Spirit. Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, the 540-guest vessel is scheduled to join the fleet in late 2009. Renowned Italian architect Giacomo Mortola is overseeing the design of the 36,000-ton, ultra-luxury vessel. The company also revealed a number of architectural details.
With a total of 270 all ocean-view suites, the new ship will maintain the line’s reputation for intimate yet spacious ships and will increase the number of accommodations in the most popular suite categories. Silver Spirit will feature more of the quick-to-sell-out Silver Suites, with a total of 26, and more Veranda Suites, 222. There will also be six Grand Suites and two Owner’s Suites. All but 12 suites will have verandas.
When the newest addition to Silversea’s fleet sets sail, the ship’s privileged complement of guests will not only experience the line’s hallmark easy-going luxury, warm Italian hospitality, highly personalized service and all-inclusive amenities, but also a few innovations that will raise the bar in luxury travel. Plans call for an exciting new supper club, offering sumptuous gourmet cuisine served in an intimate, club-like ambiance, and a new Asian restaurant.
The new ship will also feature those dining venues that have become favorites of Silversea guests, such as The Restaurant, the elegant main dining room; The Wine Restaurant, where the menu celebrates the most rarefied vintages; and the Pool Grille, offering casual poolside dining.
SPACIOUS NEW SPA
The new Spa at Silversea, which premiered aboard Silver Shadow’s World Cruise last year, will be rolled out aboard the new vessel in grand style with dramatically more space available to incorporate new design elements. Guests will enjoy an aesthetically pleasing sanctuary where they can relax, de-stress and detox with an expanded menu of treatment options.
And Silver Spirit will feature many of the same public lounges found on the line’s existing ships, including an Observation Lounge, Vista Lounge (similar to Panorama Lounge on current fleet), Show Lounge, Humidor and Pool Bar, plus a new Lobby Bar styled along the lines of a European hotel, featuring Italian coffees complemented by champagne, wine and spirits — all served at no charge.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Silversea Cruises Posted by Michael on 03/03/08
This week our second show of the week is our news show, and after a few slow weeks things are starting to pick up news wise.
Silversea has announced that they are naming their newest ship HSH Prince Albert II.
Norwegian Jade will be deployed in Europe until at least 2010 - which means that Pride of Hawai’i will not be returning until at least after 2010.
Oceania has started releasing the details of the new Oceania Class.
Princess is sending 6 ships to Europe in 2009, and Regent has announced their 2009 Antarctic itineraries.
Finally Hawai’i is considering sulfur emissions limits for Kaua’i.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Podcast, Silversea Cruises Next Page »
