Silversea Circles the Globe Once Again

Silversea Cruises invited a select group of travel media including TravelAge West to a December press conference in New York City to announce its new “Rhythms of the World” itinerary for 2008. Set to depart from Ft. Lauderdale on Jan. 16, 2008, the 110- day cruise will be the second around the world sailing for the 382-passenger Silver Shadow.

Silversea hopes to build on the momentum generated by the line’s 2007 world cruise. The ship is virtually sold out, with 145 guests booking the cruise in its entirety. The remaining suites have been reserved by guests coming aboard on each of the nine segments.

Strength of bookings for the 2007 world cruise made it apparent to Silversea executives that there is a much larger market for longer vacations than they originally believed. According to Silversea spokesperson Brad Ball, one of the key factors for the increase is the availability of wireless onboard technology and other high-tech tools that were unavailable a few years ago.

“Nowadays professional working people are able to stay away for longer periods of time while still being able to get their work done and remain in touch with the home office,” said Ball.

Another key selling point for Silversea’s world cruise is an expanded enrichment program that will feature a celebrity guest aboard each segment. The lineup for the 2007 world cruise includes Walter Cronkite, William F. Buckley, Richard Reeves and Rex Reed. Silversea expects to announce an equally illustrious group for its 2008 itinerary.

Silversea executives believe that the enrichment program differentiates it not only from other premium cruise lines, but also sets it apart from top-of-the-line land-based resorts.

“Our guests will have opportunities to mingle with the celebrity guests both onboard and on shore excursions and have the kind of unique personal interaction that they would never get by staying at an upscale hotel,” noted Ball.

Among the highlights of the 2008 “Rhythms of the World” itinerary are calls at islands never previously visited by Silversea. Those ports include Majuro in the Marshall Islands, Pohnpei in Micronesia, Apra Harbor in Guam and historic Iwo Jima. There will also be extended overnight calls in Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Mumbai and Barcelona.