Silversea's Silver Cloud Has Embarked on Its Inaugural Expedition Voyage

Fresh from a $40 million refurbishment and conversion to an ice-class expedition ship, Silversea's ultra-luxury Silver Cloud set sail last week from Buenos Aires on her first-ever expedition voyage. Over the course of 16 days, the newly reimagined ship will explore the iceberg sculptures, calving glaciers, and rare and majestic wildlife of Antarctica, while her guests will enjoy such signature comforts as spacious all-suite accommodations with butler service, open bars and five dining options offering sumptuous cuisine, including the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant at sea.

"We are proud to celebrate this momentous occasion when the ship that launched Silversea on a path to redefine luxury travel now embarks on a new path to redefine expedition cruising," said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea's CEO.

The completely transformed Silver Cloud accommodates 254 guests (200 in polar waters) in exquisitely updated suites, most featuring a private veranda. Her elegantly redesigned public spaces include the new Tor's Observation Lounge, offering commanding views of the scenery, and refreshed boutiques stocked with essential expedition gear. Other amenities rarely found on an expedition ship include a heated, resort-style pool, the all-new Zàgara Spa, and the new Photo Studio, where a manager, state-of-the-art equipment and professional photo editing software are available to assist guests with their photography.

A fleet of 16 Zodiacs provides unprecedented opportunity for up-close exploration, while 10 kayaks offer a truly personalized experience of nature in the polar realms. Depending on the region, between 20 and 22 passionate and dedicated Expedition Team members are always at hand to share their considerable knowledge and insights. They give lectures in the multi-tiered Explorer Lounge, run workshops, lead Zodiac and kayak trips, and guide nature walks—all of which is complimentary.

Following her first season in Antarctica, Silver Cloud will trace a path up Africa's seldom-seen western coast to Northern Europe and the Norwegian Arctic, where she will spend the summer sailing glacier-filled bays and fjords in search of polar bears, whales, walruses and other amazing wildlife. Then, a series of expeditions to Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Central and South America will culminate with a return to Ushuaia for another season of exhilarating Antarctic expeditions.

For additional details about Silver Cloud expeditions, visit Silversea.com.

Images Courtesy of Silversea