Luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises has purchased small expedition ship World Discoverer for an undisclosed sum.
Before she enters service with the four-ship luxury line in spring 2008, she will undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment .
World Discoverer can accommodate approximately 140 guests (reduced from current 175), in ocean-view cabins, including Owner's Suites, Grand Suites, and 12 yet-unnamed suites that will be similar to the line's popular Silver Suites which offer a "club-like ambiance".
The 6,072-ton vessel has a strengthened hull appropriate for navigating waters in some of the world's most remote destinations, which will include Antarctica.
This addition to the fleet is in addition to Silversea's plans to purchase one 540-passenger, ultra-luxury vessel from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri with an expected delivery in the fourth quarter of 2009 with an option for a sister ship.
Chairman of Silversea, Manfredi Lefebvre said: "We are very excited about this acquisition, as it means we'll be able to further tap into that segment of the luxury travel market that is adventure driven.
"We have been looking into this segment for quite some time, and when we were informed about the opportunity to buy World Discoverer, we took immediate action in a matter of days.
"We believe that exploration cruises can combine extremely well with an utterly exclusive product.
"With the addition of World Discoverer, our current fleet increases to five ships and to six from 2009, offering a more-expansive cruise schedule that encompasses all seven continents."
The line's president Amerigo Perasso added: "We will be unveiling more details about World Discoverer, including the new name, in the next few weeks, when all the elements of the project will be finalised.
"However, at this time, I can advise that the refurbishment will extend to virtually every area of the ship.
"Although we will maintain much of the vessel's current configuration, which features all ocean-view accommodation, we will dramatically enhance and redesign a number of public spaces, as well as some of the accommodation, and even some aspects of the ship's external appearance.
"This will bring World Discoverer in line with our usual high standards, but with some modifications to better adapt the ship for the special needs of expedition cruises."
Phil from Save'n'Sail writes: "I am excited about this new Silversea addition and if any of our clients would like further information on this or any other expidition cruise, please call Kathy on 01253 401122.
Kathy has years of experience and is taking a party of people to Antarctica in 2008, if you would like information on this - again, please call Kathy or email at kathy@savensail.com
