After a long silence from Silversea on the subject of its newbuild, at last an announcement was made at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami Beach in March that its newest all-suite ship will be named Silver Spirit.

Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, the 540-guest vessel is scheduled to join the fleet in December 2009. Italian architect Giacomo Mortola is overseeing the design of the 36,000-tonne, ultra-luxury vessel.

Silversea’s first two ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, at 17,000 GRT and carrying 290 passengers apiece, were joined some five years later by Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper at 28,000 GRT and carrying 390. Following the same pattern, Silversea continues to commit to larger vessels, whilst planning to retain the intimacy of the earlier ships. One way to do that is through a range of significant enhancements, such as a new supper club, an Asian-themed restaurant and an expanded spa facility.

As on the existing ships, all accommodation will be spacious with sea view, and an increased proportion of the Silver Suites which are so popular with Silversea regulars. All but 12 suites will have verandas.

As on the existing ships, dinner will be offered at a single open seating in the Restaurant, whilst the Wine Restaurant gives guest the opportunity to enjoy some very special wine and food pairings. Of course as always the Pool Grill will offer casual poolside dining.

The new Spa at Silversea was launched aboard Silver Shadow’s World Cruise last year. On the new ship, increased space will be available, and guests will enjoy an aesthetically pleasing sanctuary where they can relax, de-stress and detox with an expanded menu of treatment options.

As always on a ship with a high guest to space ratio, the spaciousness will translate not only into comfortable private accommodations, but also a range of lounges and social points enabling you to select your venue to suit your mood. A new Lobby Bar styled along the lines of a European hotel will feature Italian coffees complemented by champagne, wine and spirits—all served at no charge.

Meanwhile regulars will particularly welcome news of major dry-dock refurbishments planned for Silver Cloud (1994) and Silver Wind (1995) which are in need of work to bring their interiors in line with the style of the newest ship. For Silver Wind , the month-long refurbishment will take place this November and Silver Cloud’s in May 2009.
The work will include major suite upgrades, including new bathrooms, carpets, flat screen TVs and other appointments, whilst verandas will also be spruced up, and virtually all public spaces and corridors will see new furnishings and carpets.

A new ocean-view spa and fitness centre, Observation Lounge and eight new large suites will be major changes for the two small ships.

This commitment from Silversea to upgrading the smaller ships, alongside the new build programme and the introduction of the Expedition ship Prince Albert II, are all indications from Silversea that after a long fallow period, the line is looking to the future. Likewise the renewed commitment to its culinary and marketing partnership with Relais & Châteaux is a welcome sign that things are getting back on track.

New signature dishes will be created for ‘La Collection du Monde,’ a sampling of specialties created through the collaboration of Jacques Thorel, grand chef Relais & Châteaux of L’Auberge Bretonne (La Roche-Bernard, Brittany), and Silversea’s own chefs.

Other features will include new wine-inspired menus for Silversea’s Wine Restaurant by Relais & Châteaux and new cross-marketing initiatives. The organizations also will work together to design shore experiences with a culinary and wine focus.
A cornerstone of the alliance is Silversea’s Culinary Arts program with Relais & Châteaux chefs. Under the agreement, passengers can expect to see additional new rising stars join a roster that includes Anne Desjardins of L’Eau à La Bouche (Ste-Adèle, Québec) and Eyvind Hellstrøm of Bagatelle (Oslo).

Silversea’s 2009 programme is currently on sale, and the brochure is expected in the next month. Likewise the regular Mundy Silversea Experience brochure will be available shortly