Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2023

15 Photo: Silversea Cruises Silver Nova features the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, where guests can try making dishes inspired by the destinations or regions of the world they are visiting factors that sets us apart from others in the industry.” During a scouting mission to Antarctica, Silversea identified 42 potential new sites it can use for landings. “This means our guests can explore new places in the region,” says Muckermann. “We’ve also set about exploring the lesser-known Canadian Arctic, providing our guests with unique experiences that they cannot get elsewhere. “However, the reality is that there’s so much more of the world left to explore. We recently developed new programmes in the Indian Ocean, the South Pacific and the Arabian Peninsula. We’ve also worked with the South African government to open new destinations and have been granted access to smaller ports. This means that in 2024, we’ll become the first cruise player to offer a true expedition along the unspoiled South African coast.” Silversea’s efforts to expand its itineraries is largely being facilitated by what Muckermann terms as its “aggressive” shipbuilding strategy, which has seen it debut five new vessels in three years. In 2022, the brand expanded its fleet of classic ocean cruise vessels from four to six with the addition of sisters Silver Moon and Silver Dawn and also introduced both Silver Origin and Silver Endeavour to its ultra-luxury expedition fleet, which now comprises five ships. Silver Endeavour was acquired from Crystal Cruises and extensively renovated before entering service, while the 100-guest Silver Origin was the first of Silversea’s ships to be purpose-built for a specific destination. “As part of our shipbuilding strategy, we aim to introduce new vessels that are perfectly tailored for their purpose,” says Muckermann. “Silver Origin, for example, is designed for sailing in the Galápagos Islands and was christened there in an expedition-style naming ceremony while we admired it from Zodiacs in the archipelago.” Meanwhile Silver Endeavour is designed for the polar regions. “With the acquisition of Silver Endeavour, the KEYNOTE “ Immersive travel and luxurious comfort are at the heart of the Silversea product and enabling our guests to ‘travel deeper in luxury’ is our core mission”

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=