Silversea Cruises Group Ltd. has announced the purchase of the expedition ship World Discoverer. The ship will undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment before it begins service in spring 2008. More details, including the new name, will be released in the next few weeks. After the planned refurbishment, World Discoverer will accommodate around 140 guests (reduced from current 175), in ocean-view staterooms, including Owner’s Suites, Grand Suites, and 12 yet-unnamed suites that will be similar to the line’s popular Silver Suites. The vessel’s crew complement will be 106, ensuring the highest level of service.

The 6,072-ton vessel also boasts a strengthened hull with the highest Lloyd’s Register ice-class notation (1A), appropriate for navigating waters, without an escort, in some of the world’s most remote regions, including Antarctica.