October 12, 2009 - Silversea's special collection of Grand Voyages, extending from 30 to 91 days, are designed exclusively for the traveller who relishes a more leisurely pace.
These unique odysseys combine the luxury of sailing on intimate, elegant ships with expanded journeys to diverse regions of the world, featuring visits to must-see traditional ports, as well as exotic destinations that are off the beaten path.
Says Trudy Redfern, UK managing director: "Our Grand Voyages are perfectly suited to the traveller who has the time and passion to indulge in travel on a grand scale. You can explore the most desirable ports of the Mediterranean for 35 days, sail for 40 days around South America and the Caribbean, or take a diverse 64-day voyage that spans from Capetown to Istanbul - and unpack only once."
Highlighting the Grand Voyages are generous savings incentives and for voyages of 50 or more consecutive days, complimentary Business Class air upgrades through the optional Silversea Air Programme.
Of special note is Silver Spirit's Grand Inaugural Voyage, a 91-day extended journey designed to introduce Silversea's newest ship to the Americas. Departing Fort Lauderdale on January 21, Silver Spirit is set to explore over 20 countries and 45 ports for the very first time. She will set a southward course to Rio (for an unforgettable evening at Carnaval), sail around Cape Horn and through the majestic Chilean Fjords before heading to the Mexican Riviera. Guests have the option to personalise their voyage by disembarking in Los Angeles, or sailing through the Panama Canal to Fort Lauderdale, or continuing up America's colonial coast to New York City.
In addition to complimentary excursions and other exclusive onshore events, the array of special amenities available to guests sailing 70 or more days aboard the Grand Inaugural Voyage includes such complimentary perks as private car transfers, luggage forwarding service, business class air upgrade, a commemorative gift, and Onboard Spending Credits of up to $2,000 per suite. Fares start at £25,838 per person, based on double occupancy.
Here is a small sampling of the Grand Voyages for 2010:
AFRICA & MEDITERRANEAN: Silver Wind departs February 2 on a 64-day Reflections of Time voyage from Capetown to Istanbul, sailing around the southern tip of Africa and northward along the continent's Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean with calls in 16 countries, including exotic Morocco and The Gambia. Guests will also enjoy such marquee cities as Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome and Athens. Other highlights include overnight visits in Richards Bay, Walvis Bay and Lisbon. Best-available fares start at £15,405 per person.
FAR EAST: Silver Whisper departs January 3 on a 42-day Exotic Mystique voyage from Auckland to Hong Kong with calls in New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam. Highlights include overnight stays in Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City. Best-available fares start at £11,267 per person.
MEDITERRANEAN: Silver Spirit departs August 21 on a 35-day Mediterranean Treasures voyage from Istanbul to Lisbon with calls in Turkey, Ukraine, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. Highlights include a three-day, two-night stopover in Venice. Best-available fares start at £12,253 per person.
SOUTH AMERICA: Silver Cloud departs January 20 on a 40-day Sambas & Sunsets voyage from Santiago to Fort Lauderdale with calls in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, French Guiana, Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, and St Thomas. Highlights include the Chilean fjords, Cape Horn and overnight stays in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. Best-available fares start at £10,333 per person.
All cruise fares listed above are the current best-available starting fares for a Vista Suite, which are cruise-only rates (based on double occupancy) that may include Silver Savings, Extended Voyage Savings of 5% and Venetian Society savings of 5%. These fares include port charges and handling fees that can range from £500 to £1,300 per person on these sailings, depending on the itinerary. Silver Savings fares are capacity-controlled, subject to availability and are likely to increase as the sailing date approaches.
For complete itineraries and voyage details, visit the Silversea website.
