Silver Cloud Expedition is an all new way to explore

EXCLUSIVE

Silver Cloud Expedition is here. Silversea have spent big transforming their very first cruise liner Silver Cloud into the world’s world’s premier expedition ship.

Artists rendering of the Silver Cloud Explorer.

Silver Cloud Expedition will be a game-changer

Amber Wilson is the Managing Director of Asia-Pacific for Silversea. She gave us an exclusive insiders guide to the new Silver Cloud. “It will offer an entirely new way of doing expedition cruising”, she told us. “With a guest to space ratio higher than any other expedition ship and the ability to give more guests the chance to explore the natural beauty of the polar regions from Zodiacs than any other vessel, Silver Cloud Expedition will be a game-changer.”

Amber Wilson, managing director Asia-Pacific for Silversea Cruises.

Indeed, the Silver Cloud has had a bow to stern conversion. This was much more than just a cosmetic makeover. Her hull has been strengthened to enable her to sail the icy polar waters with impunity and the luxurious suites have been reconfigured as well. The decor has also be updated echoing that of the new Silver Muse.

The much-loved Silver Cloud entered dry dock in August 2017.

Silver Cloud Expedition gives guests more flexibility

Indeed, the arrival of Silver Cloud Expedition in the polar regions is likely to be a game-changer. Strict environmental regulations permit only 100 people on the ice at any time. However, this is not a problem for Silver Could Expedition. There are 18 Zodiacs on board. “In polar regions that means we can get 100 guests on the ice, while we take another group out on the water looking at the incredible wildlife”, Ms. Wilson explained. So guests get maximum time off the ship.

Silver Cloud Explorer promises to get more guest our exploring.

There will also be a permanent expedition team onboard Silver Cloud Expedition to answer questions and guide guests ashore. Guests will also now get a deeper insight into the rich natural environment with the installation of new lecture rooms.

Silver Cloud Explorer will take guests ashore in Zodiacs.

Guests are seeking new experiences

Silversea already have 3 expedition ships taking well-healed guests to rarely visited ports in places like the Galápagos archipelago and Antarctica. So the company is riding the wave of popularity in expedition cruising. “The expedition market has grown enormously and our offering in that market is unique – it’s ultra-luxury”, said Amber Wilson. “Our guests are very well travelled and more and more of them are looking for something new. Our expedition cruises give them that, which is why we already have a strong following in the market.”

All new suites

Silver Cloud Expedition has significantly fewer suites, just 132 will be available accommodating from 200-260 guests. Many of the old Vista Suites located forward on deck 4 have gone. There are six brand new Silver Suites and three Medallion Suites too.

There are twelve newly configured Silver Suites onboard Silver Cloud Explorer.

Artists rendering of the new Medallion Suite onboard Silver Cloud Explorer.

Read our expert view of the original Silver Cloud Veranda Suite.
Read our expert view of the original Silver Cloud Silver Suite.

Indeed, Silversea are justifiably proud of the fact that most suites on Silver Cloud Expedition will boast their own private balcony. “Many expedition ships don’t offer private verandas”, Ms. Wilson told us. “On the Silver Cloud Expedition almost every suite will have its own teak veranda. That’s something guests can really look forward to.”

Silver Cloud Explorer offers more veranda rooms and any other explorer vessel.

Classic voyages will still be on offer

Silver Cloud Expedition will also offer a limited number of ‘classic’ repositioning voyages each year. We think that with the reduced number of guests adding to the intimate and exclusive on board atmosphere, these non-expedition voyages will also be popular.

Silversea envisage a bright future for their new expedition ship. According to Amber Wilson, “Her conversion shows a huge commitment to the expedition market. We wouldn’t invest those moneys without seeing a significant longevity”. That’s good news for the many thousands of Silver Cloud devotees around the world.

To find out more about Silver Cloud Expedition visit this dedicated Silversea page.