Expedition ship Prince Albert II to feature polar expeditions

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises announced in February that its new expedition ship (originally acquired as World Discoverer II ) will be renamed HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to Prince Albert of Monaco.  

The name is fitting for a ship that will be dedicated to the exploration and conservation of the planet’s oceans, wildlife and indigenous cultures.  The Principality of Monaco is home to Silversea’s global headquarters and is 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.  

Silversea’s expedition ship will set sail on June 12 from London on an inaugural season of voyages of 10 to 21 days focusing on polar adventures.  Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages.

From mid-August to November 2008, HSH Prince Albert II will journey from the east coast of North America through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles before heading south to Ushuaia. Along this special repositioning route are opportunities to explore the Sea of Cortez (with an extension to Copper Canyon), Falklands and South Georgia Island.  Pricing starts at £1,966, per person, double occupancy, and includes shore excursions as well as Silversea’s signature all-inclusive amenities.
 
After the ship’s refit, the ice-class vessel will carry just 132 guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many featuring private verandas.  With staterooms and suites ranging from 180 to over 600 square feet, it will provide some of the largest accommodations of any expedition ship. 18 suites will each feature more than 400 square feet of luxury.  

Guests will also enjoy many amenities found on larger ships, such as a single-seating main dining room, library (with computers and Internet access), boutique, beauty salon, fitness centre, full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools.  The ship will also feature several lounges for enjoying drinks, music and entertainment, including a cigar lounge, like the Humidor on the line’s other ships.

The HSH Prince Albert II will also be equipped with state-of-the-art satellite communication systems, providing bow-to-stern wireless Internet access, enabling guests with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs to surf the Internet and check e-mails from the comfort of their suites as well as public areas. 

Cellular phone service will also allow guests to stay in touch using their own cell phones even when the ship is miles away from land.  All suites and staterooms will feature flat screen monitors offering interactive TV and video options.  In the ship’s lounges, the latest audio-visual equipment, complete with high-definition video screens, will display live lectures hosted by the ship’s world-class expedition and lecture staff as well as visiting destination experts.

For further information Visit www.silversea.com/HSHPrinceAlbertII for more details on the HSH Prince Albert II’s inaugural schedule.

Report by Chitra Mogul