BACKGROUNDER

Silversea is a luxury cruise company reflecting generations of maritime and travel experience. In the early 1990s, the Lefebvre family of Rome, former owners of Sitmar Cruises, conceived and organised a unique cruise company pledging to build and operate the highest quality ships in the ultra-luxury segment. The name "Silversea" was chosen because it connotes quality and luxury as well as capturing the romance and special sensations of the sea.

Silversea launched its first ship, , in 1994, followed by in 1995, in 2000, and in 2001. The fleet was purpose-built for the ultra-luxury market, establishing a new class of smaller, intimate vessels that could slip into more exotic ports off the beaten path. These elite vessels were specifically designed for fewer guests, with more space and the highest levels of personalised service, delivered by mainly Italian and other European officers overseeing an international staff.

In December 2009 Silversea took delivery of its next generation of ultra-luxury vessel, . At 36,000 grosse tonnes (gr)t, and accommodating just 540 guests, this intimate ship has spacious suites—with 95% featuring a private veranda—and one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea today. The onboard decor lends a sophisticated 1930s Art Deco ambience to the public spaces, highlights of which include an indoor/outdoor spa measuring over 8,300 square feet (770 square metres), a resort-style pool, four whirlpools, and a choice of six dining venues including Seishin, showcasing Asian-fusion cuisine, and the innovative Stars Supper Club, offering trendsetting menus and all-night entertainment.

Debuting in April 2017, the simply divine , at just 40,700 grt, accommodates 596 guests in 298 sumptuously appointed suites. Possessing unprecedented flexibility in her accommodation, there are more connecting suites for families and friends, and more larger, higher-category suites than any other vessel. Guests can enjoy a delectable diversity of cuisines offered at eight restaurants, providing more dining options than any other ultra-luxury ship. Plus, Silver Muse redefines open-air cruising with an abundance of outdoor spaces, including three open-air restaurants and lounge areas.

The company launched Silversea Expeditions in June 2008 with the debut of its first expedition ship, (formerly Prince Albert II). The move heralded the beginning of a new mode of adventure travel—where the exhilaration of exploration cruising is paired with the unmatched comfort of Silversea’s signature lifestyle.

In June 2012 Silversea purchased Canodros S.A., the premier Ecuadorian tourism company operating in the Galápagos Islands, and their upmarket expedition ship, Galapagos Explorer II. The all-suite, 100-guest ship was renamed and launched for Silversea as Silver Galapagos in late September 2013, offering year-round expedition cruises in the Galápagos.

A third expedition ship, Silver Discoverer, set sail for Silversea in April 2014. Exploring some of the world's most remote, most pristine, and least explored regions, this all-suite, 120-guest ship quickly earned her place in Silversea's award-winning fleet, being named "Best Luxury Cruise" by USA's TravelChannel.com—within a few months of her debut.

In November 2017, Silver Cloud will be the fourth ship to join Silversea's expedition fleet. Destined mostly for polar waters, the innovative ship that launched the ultra-luxury cruise line will be converted into an ice-class vessel during an extensive refurbishment scheduled to start in August 2017. The all-suite expedition ship will accommodate 260 guests and also sail on itineraries to non-polar regions. When sailing Arctic and Antarctic itineraries, the guest complement will be restricted to 200.

Today, with its fleet of nine ships and a cruise programme that encompasses all seven continents and over 800 destinations, Silversea is recognised as the defining elite luxury experience and is regularly lauded by leading consumer and trade publications. In the US, Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and awarded "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Global Traveler (2016). Other awards include "Best Adventure Cruise Line" by UK's World of Cruising magazine (2016); "Best Expedition Cruise Ship" by Australia's Cruise Passenger magazine (2015); and "Best Luxury Cruise Company" by UK's Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards (2016).

Silversea caters to the cosmopolitan world traveller and maintains branch offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore and Germany. The company's headquarters are based in Monaco.

Media inquiries: Siren Communications Dena Gouweloos T: 416-351-0777 E: [email protected]