Silversea Names New Galapagos Explorer

Silversea has announced Silver Galapagos as the name for its second small-sized expedition ship, which is currently sailing as the Galapagos Explorer II.

The new name signals the company's intent to maintain a consistent level of elegance throughout its fleet and will take effect following a full refurbishment in September 2013. The hull of the all-suite, 100-guest vessel has already been painted the same dark blue as  Silver Explorer, the company's other expedition ship.

Silver Galapagos  will be the only luxury expedition ship offering socially and environmentally responsible ecotourism to the Galápagos archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This important distinction enables Silversea to broaden its portfolio of expedition cruises tailored to tap into the rising interest in green tourism.

The 2013 Galápagos programme will go on sale next month, offering two new 7-day itineraries. These will begin operating in late September, sailing Saturday to Saturday on a round-trip voyage from Baltra Island. The two voyages will be as follows:

Saturday to Saturday – round-trip from Baltra Island: Silver Galapagos will trace a path across the western, southern and eastern islands, including Santiago, Bartolomé, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz.

Saturday to Saturday – round-trip from Baltra Island:  Silver Galapagos will encompasses the north-east, central and south-east islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal, Española and Plazas Sur.

This new schedule will offer travellers the chance to discover a wild, pristine paradise that has long been regarded as a natural laboratory of evolution. Through complimentary expeditions, guided by an experienced  expedition team (certified by the Galápagos National Park Service), Silversea guests will experience up-close encounters with an abundance of wildlife, including sun-basking iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins and Darwin's famous finches.

The programme will also offer guests the opportunity to swim and snorkel in tranquil clear waters, witness unique highland ecosystems, hike through lush mangrove forests and across volcanic fields, explore natural lava tunnels, watch for wild flamingos (in season), read cave inscriptions from the 1800s, and learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

In true Silversea Expeditions style, guests enjoy full-scale exploring from an enclave of luxury at sea, including spacious, ocean-view suites, sumptuous gourmet cuisine, a personalised butler service and a selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, notably complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, and all gratuities.

For bookings follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.

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