Silversea Group has purchased Canodros SA tourism firm in Guayaquil, Ecuador, along with its expedition ship the Galapagos Explorer II, which will be the seventh vessel in the company fleet.

Adding the 100-passenger, all-suite ship to its existing expedition vessel, Silver Explorer – already deployed in polar regions – allows the cruise company to expand the Silversea Expeditions brand and offer a year-round cruises in the Galapagos Islands.

The 4077-ton Galapagos Explorer II will continue being operated by Canodros SA under its planned cruise schedule to September 2013, when the 100-passenger, all-suite ship will be refurbished to ensure consistency across the Silversea fleet.

Guests aboard the Galapagos Explorer II are currently accommodated in 50 suites with ocean views, including 24 with private balconies. Public spaces include a restaurant, piano bar, library and Internet station, main lounge, outdoor bar, two whirlpools, and a marine observation deck.

More details regarding future plans for the Galapagos Explorer II are expected after its renovation and re-naming.