Many months have passed in awaiting more news from Silversea concerning its new expedition ship (originally acquired as World Discoverer II). Late February saw the announcement of its rather unusual name, HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to Prince Albert of Monaco, and of its itineraries through to the beginning of 2009.

You may not be aware that the Principality of Monaco, aside from being the world’s capital of wealth and luxury and home to Silversea’s global headquarters has long been recognised as a leader in marine environment research. Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanographic science and exploration, first explored the Arctic’s Svalbard archipelago in the early part of the last century, and founded the world renowned Oceanographic Institute. In 2006, Prince Albert II plotted a similar course on part of his journey to the North Pole, in an effort to add to the scientific body of work started by his ancestor and to draw attention to the effects of global warming on the Arctic regions. As a result, the Prince is the first incumbent head of state to have reached the northern most point on Earth.

The name is something of a coup for Silversea, although it may raise eyebrows in some quarters. It clearly gives the line the royal stamp of approval, and a high level of kudos within the elevated Monegasque social circle. The line’s owner, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, is a longtime Monaco resident, who since 2001 has served as Director and Chairman of the Silversea Cruise Holding Company Mr. Lefebvre also manages Lefco SAM, which is a Monaco-based company in charge of managing the assets and the companies belonging to trusts established by the Lefebvre family. These include holdings in real estate, hotel, finance investments, and venture capital projects.

The ship will set sail with a full complement of passengers on 12th June, following a naming ceremony in Monte Carlo and showcasing in London. The Maiden Voyage leaves from the heart of London. The Lloyd’s Register A1A ice-rated vessel is purpose-built for expedition cruising. An extensive renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy aims to bring the hardware up to Silversea standards, with the relatively small cabins of World Discoverer reworked to create guest accommodation similar to that offered on the existing Silversea fleet. Technological enhancements, as befit a vessel scheduled to travel into the ice of the Arctic and Antarctic, will also be a part of the refurbishment. In true expedition style, passengers will explore ashore by Zodiac, and a fleet of eight of the latest model will be carried on board. Every voyage will feature an expedition team of lecturers and leading experts who will share their insights on the natural, cultural and historical highlights of the areas visited.

The inaugural voyage from London commences an exciting programme of itineraries to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland finishing on the Eastern Seaboard of North America, tracking the first Viking settlements in the New World. Silversea will grasp the opportunity to show the ship on the East Coast before she heads for the Panama Canal and repositions down South America’s west coast, reaching Antarctica in time for the austral summer. As you would expect for an inaugural season launched this late, the programme is priced attractively, and fares include all drinks, gratuities, and shore excursions. The ship will carry 132 guests in 66 oceanview accommodations, many featuring private verandas, and ranging from 180 to over 600 square feet. Dining will be at a single seating, and the ship will also feature library (with computers and Internet access), boutique, beauty salon, fitness centre, full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools, and of course several lounges for enjoying drinks, music and entertainment, including a cigar lounge, like the Humidor on the line’s other ships.