Silver Cloud Sets Sail for Antarctica

Silversea Cruises has officially expanded its Silversea Expeditions brand with the launch of the newly converted Silver Cloud.

Following the cruise ship’s transformation into an expedition vessel, the ship is now off on its first 16-day journey to Antarctica.

"We are proud to celebrate this momentous occasion when the ship that launched Silversea on a path to redefine luxury travel now embarks on a new path to redefine expedition cruising," said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea's CEO, in a press release.

The Cloud was Silversea’s very first ship when the line was founded back in 1994. Following $40 million worth of refurbishments and ice-class conversions—no small task for a ship of its size—it has been renewed to carry 254 guests (200 in polar regions) for adventure luxury travel. At 16,800 gross tons, it is a sizable expedition ship but one with an excellent passenger space ratio of 66, or exceptionally 84 when its capacity is reduced.

Private suites, (most with verandas), have been updated as have been the ship’s public venues.

Tor's Observation Lounge is redesigned and named after Chief Executive Officer of Viking Cruises Torstein Hagen, just as Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant on Viking Cruises is a nod to Chairman of Silversea, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio. The two executives are friends.

The onboard stores have also been redone to stock expedition gear, and the new Photo Studio is on hand with photographic assistance from a manager, equipment and editing software perfect for expeditionary imaging.

READ MORE: Silversea to Refurbish Silver Whisper and Silver Wind

Besides the plushly enhanced all-suite accommodations with butler service, the ship also pampers guests with a heated, resort-style pool, as well as at the new Zàgara Spa.

Beverages are additionally poured freely at open bars while fine dining is served via five options including the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant at sea.

Of course, the Silver Cloud’s improvements are mostly focused on off-board adventures. Thus, a fleet of 16 Zodiacs have been added to the list of amenities in addition to 10 kayaks. The crew is augmented by 20 to 22 Expedition Team members to impart their knowledge to guests and enrich the overall experience with complimentary lectures, workshops, Zodiac and kayak trips and nature walks.

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The Cloud is currently cruising from Buenos Aires to Antarctica where it will encounter calving glaciers, iceberg formations and breathtaking wildlife.

After its initial season in the polar area, the ship will skirt the western coast of Africa up towards Northern Europe and the Norwegian Arctic for a summer discovering bays and fjords, as well as polar bears, whales, walruses and more.

Later, the ship will sail to Iceland, Greenland, Canada and Central and South America before returning to Ushuaia for another Antarctic season.

Silversea’s newest introduction leads at a time when the expedition cruise market is set to boom with ever more variety of ships for potential travelers to choose from.

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