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Demonstrating the broad range of experiences on offerSilversea Expeditions recently unlocked two standout travel experiences in vastly different marine environments: guests on Silver Discoverer were able to swim with basking whale sharks in the warm waters of Cenderawasih Bay, Western Papua while guests on Silver Cloud reached a remarkable 82 degrees north amid icy conditions.

Close to the equator on Sunday, 1 July, Silversea’s Silver Discoverer detoured from its planned route between Cairns and Darwin to facilitate a rare interaction with wildlife: with care and respect for the animals, guests enjoyed the opportunity to snorkel with a school of whale sharks. Silversea’s Expedition Team launched the ship’s tenders in order to reach the sharks, following Expedition Leader Dominic Del Rosario’s decision to change the ship’s itinerary after hearing of the opportunity. Flexibility has become a key characteristic of Silversea Expeditions’ voyages; adapting itineraries often enables guests to enjoy such extraordinary experiences as swimming with whale sharks. The breathtaking animals were inquisitive and swam close to Silversea’s guests.

In striking contrast, on Monday, 25 June, Silversea’s Silver Cloud reached her highest ever latitude. The most spacious and comfortable expedition ship afloat reached within approximately 480 nautical miles from the North Pole, to the great delight of the cruise line’s guests who gathered at the ship’s bow. The significant moment occurred on the second day of a 12-night voyage between Longyearbyen and Kristiansund, Norway. In foggy conditions and icy waters, and with a light wind of 0-10 knots, the ice class crossover ship reached the Arctic Ice Edge in the Arctic Ocean. The ship’s exact coordinates were recorded at 82° 55.5’ N, 017° 45.7’ E.  

Since being converted to an ice class expedition ship in November 2017, Silver Cloud best represents the union of adventure cruising and ultimate comfort that characterises Silversea Expeditions. She has unlocked many of the world’s most remote destinations for guests as Silversea Expeditions’ flagship. Today, her guest approval ratings are among the highest of Silversea’s entire fleet of nine – soon to be 11 – ultra-luxury ships. Silver Cloud offers large, luxurious suites; four fine dining options; a heated swimming pool; 16 zodiacs; 10 kayaks; and the highest space-to-guest and crew-to-guest ratios in expedition cruising. She will spend the summer months cruising in northern Europe, the Arctic, Greenland and Canada. Later in 2018, she will cruise in Antarctica.

“Silversea Expeditions is working hard to push the boundaries of exploration,” says Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s SVP Strategic Development Expeditions and Experiences. “Our goal is to deliver exceptional travel experiences to our guests in ultimate luxury; the unparalleled knowledge of our Expedition Team enables us to do exactly this. These two rare encounters exemplify the breadth of unforgettable, bucket-list experiences that are on offer.”