Silversea offers luxury, adventure in one
If you’re down at Vancouver’s Canada Place cruise terminal on Monday, July 20, you’ll be treated to the sight of a very unique ship that is making its way to the West Coast for the first time.
Ultra-luxury line Silversea (silversea.com) is sending its newest expedition ship, the 120-guest Silver Discoverer, to Vancouver for the first time. Since acquiring her in 2013, this is her first season in B.C. and southeast Alaska, and she’ll be making two special voyages to the region: Voyage 9515 from Seward to Vancouver on July 8; and the return 12-day journey from Vancouver to Seward on July 20.
Silversea’s expedition cruises aren’t like other voyages you might have taken. On these, guests are whisked ashore to some of the world’s most remote and inaccessible places by way of durable zodiac rafts.
Hikes are made overland, and members of the highly talented expedition staff focus their efforts on educating guests about the region they’re sailing in, from the environmental impacts and considerations to historical context and politics.
After a long day a shore, guests return to a welcoming glass of champagne and a hot or cold towel, depending on the weather.
All accommodations are suites, and every suite boasts the dedicated services of a butler.
With this kind of contrast — rugged experiences during the day that would make the classic explorers of times gone by smile — coupled with luxury and elegance, Silversea’s expedition voyages are like a feast for the senses. It’s not just a vacation: it’s an experience.
Once Silver Discoverer departs Vancouver this summer, she sails up the coast and across the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean, destined for Japan — and some of her most fascinating 2016 itineraries. Departing Aug. 31 from Otaru, Silver Discoverer sails an exciting 11-day voyage around Japan that calls on more places than you could ever hope to see on a land tour in that same amount of time.
From the picturesque port of Hakodate to the solemn memorials at Hiroshima and Matsue’s famous Black Castle overlooking Lake Shinji, this is one of the most immersive voyages to Japan offered by any line.
Voyage 9519B, departing Sept. 11 from Kobe, takes a different approach, exploring a different side of Japan from the previous voyage.
Because of that, travellers can book both voyages back-to-back and end up with a 24-day journey through Japan, South Korea and Taiwan that only repeats a few ports of call.
Guests will get to see the underwater world of the Miyako Islands; visit one of the Three Famous Gardens of Japan; photograph the famous “floating” Torii Gate; and view the Taroko Gorge — among other adventures.
If the South Pacific is on your list, Silver Discoverer is sailing there, too.
Departing from Lautoka, Fiji on Oct. 14, this 12-day sailing weaves its way through some of the most remote and off-the-beaten path islands in French Polynesia before arriving in Papeete, Tahiti. It’s an itinerary that just wouldn’t be possible to experience on a land-based vacation.
Silversea’s other luxury expedition vessels, Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos, spend their summers in the High Arctic and the Galápagos Islands, respectively.
Until June 30, the line is also offering a new Silver Select promotion on select expedition and classic luxury cruises that includes a two-category suite upgrade or 50 per cent off a second suite.