By Anne Kalosh.
For those who yearn to explore the earth’s far corners but still demand the greatest creature comforts, it probably doesn’t get any better than cruising on SILVER CLOUD. When it comes to all-suite accommodations, Relais & Châteaux dining and butler service—even in the polar regions—this newly converted ship has it all.
Built in 1994 as Silversea’s original ship, SILVER CLOUD was transformed for expedition service during a two-month dry dock at Palumbo Malta Shipyard. The line spent a bundle—$40 million—to strengthen SILVER CLOUD into an ice-class vessel.
This entailed structural, mechanical and electrical modification and the renewal of many systems to meet all relevant safety requirements. Sixteen new Zodiacs and 10 kayaks were installed. Accommodations and public areas were fully renovated, too, and an observation lounge was built on.
In late November SILVER CLOUD got off to an unfortunate start when its maiden Antarctica voyage was cut short by a mechanical failure. Repairs were completed in Argentina, and it looks like smooth sailing since then. The ship will be cruising to the White Continent on voyages of nine nights and longer round-trip from Ushuaia through February.
Capacity is 254 passengers but limited to 200 in polar regions so everyone can go off to explore at the same time. There is space for 223 crew, with 217 carried in polar regions. This makes for a very high standard of personalized service, a Silversea hallmark.
Passengers kayak from the ship in Antarctica. * Photo: Silversea Cruises
A team of up to 22 expedition experts lead adventures off the ship and give daily presentations and lectures in Explorer Lounge that are streamed live into the suites. A dedicated Photo Studio provides the latest digital equipment and professional photo-editing software for classes offered by the ship’s resident photo expert.
SILVER CLOUD’s all-suite accommodations feature generous private verandas, marble baths and butler service for everyone. Other luxury touches include Bvlgari bath amenities, sumptuous Pratesi bedding with a nine-option pillow menu and plush Etro bathrobes. Walk-in wardrobes, refrigerators and stocked bar setups are standard.
The new Tor’s Observation Lounge—named after Silversea Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio’s fellow shipowner and pal Torstein Hagen of Viking Cruises—offers commanding, 180-degree views.
Among the five dining options is La Dame, a Relais & Châteaux restaurant featuring a six-course French menu (reservations are $60 per person). There’s even a Connoisseur’s Corner for fine cognacs and premium cigars. (Perfect after a day out in the fresh air?)
Other amenities include a Zàgara Spa and a new fitness center with Technogym equipment.
At the conclusion of its Antarctica season, SILVER CLOUD is scheduled to embark on a journey from the southernmost tip of South America to the southernmost point of South Africa. From there, the ship will travel up Africa’s western coast to northern Europe and Arctic Svalbard. Summers will be spent in the High Arctic, cruising around Iceland, Greenland and Arctic Canada.
Following a mini-season spent in Central and South America, SILVER CLOUD returns to Antarctica again late next year.
Penguin patrol in Antarctica. * Photo: Silversea Cruises
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I would love to learn more about ways that tourism can enhance the cleanliness Purity and pristine Landscapes of these beautiful places that are increasingly populated by tourists and their legacy of disruption. I can’t help but feel like places such as this should be reserved for those willing to not only withstand harsh conditions but also undergo a voluntourism training that requires they play a role in protecting this place in exchange for the honor of seeing it. Are there such programs and if so I’d love to read more about them?
It’s a great idea, though not easy to universally enforce. The lines would have to take the lead and voluntarily join a coalition of sorts …. We’re going to do some investigating to see if anything like this is offered. Stay tuned!