By
Alex Smith |
Silversea Cruises is converting its 274-guest ship Silver Wind into an ice-class expedition vessel, allowing it to sail cruises in polar regions.
Silver Wind is currently undergoing refurbishments at the Remontowa shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland, following a previous upgrade in 2018. The redesign will include an ice-strengthened hull, along with ice-detector sonars. A total of 24 zodiacs and 14 kayaks will be stored onboard the ship, while a Photo Studio, a Mudroom and a water-heating system in the ship’s swimming pool will be added. The ship will also be equipped with a new advanced wastewater treatment plant, food waste treatment facilities and fuel-saving boilers.
The upper suites onboard the ship will be refurbished with new furniture, carpets and walk-in showers. Vista and Veranda suites will also be updated, including the addition of new walk-in showers. Several of the ship’s public areas will be renovated, with re-painted walls and ceilings in La Dame, La Terrazza, the Observation Lounge, the Panorama Lounge, and the Reception area.
“We are converting our beloved Silver Wind into one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea to further expand and diversify our cold-water cruise offering,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s president and CEO. “With the backing of the Royal Caribbean Group, we are significantly investing in our ultra-luxury fleet to meet the burgeoning guest demand for voyage options in such breath-taking, remote destinations as Antarctica, and we have more exciting enhancements to come.”
Silver Wind will be the fourth expedition in Silversea’s nine-ship fleet. She is scheduled to depart on her first voyage following the renovations on 20 November 2021. The 22-day sailing to Antarctica will visit the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and allow guests to view a solar eclipse on 4 December.