By Mike Coleman
Ultra-luxurious Silversea Cruises has partnered with celebrity speakers, iconic fashion house Ferragamo, and Men’s Vogue, Travel & Leisure and Bon Appetit magazines to wow guests during its 2008 world cruise.
The 110-day odyssey, featuring 25 countries and some 50 ports of call, departs Jan. 16 from Fort Lauderdale aboard the 382-guest Silver Shadow. The world cruise concludes in Fort Lauderdale, May 6.
“Our world cruise enrichment program is designed to entertain, engage and tap into the sophisticated tastes, pursuits and interests of our guests,” said David Morris, Silversea’s executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing.
That they have.
Iconic fashion house Ferragamo and Men’s Vogue magazine are teaming up to offer a “Tuscan Style” experience aboard the April 10, “Classic Compositions” segment, sailing nine days from Athens to Barcelona with calls in Sicily, Naples, Rome, Portofino, Livorno and Monte Carlo.
From Livorno, guests will enjoy a rare opportunity to go inside the Ferragamo family’s legendary fashion house, take a guided tour of the renowned Ferragamo Museum and shop in their only boutique in the world, which offers custom-made replicas of famous shoes worn by Hollywood legends.
Guests will also be treated to award-winning wines from the family’s own Il Borro vineyards, with lunch at one of their luxurious Florentine hotels. The Tuscan Style enrichment program also includes exclusive Men’s Vogue onboard events.
Television personality and Bon Appetit Executive Chef Cat Cora, meanwhile, is scheduled to host a culinary program on the March 26, “Melodies from an Ancient Sea” segment, sailing 15 days from Mumbai to Athens, with visits to some of the world’s most exotic destinations in Oman, Egypt and Jordan. Chef Cora will present Greek-inspired specialties as guests traverse the history-laden waters of the Aegean.
Celebrity film critic Rex Reed will host a Silver Screen Cinema program for the second consecutive year, an event developed in partnership with Travel & Leisure. A renowned author, actor, talk show host and film historian, Reed’s film reviews have appeared in nationally syndicated columns for decades. He’ll provide an insider’s view of Hollywood, complete with fascinating glimpses into the lives and careers of distinguished film professionals. Look for Reed to host screenings of cinematic classics aboard a segment to be determined by Silversea in the coming weeks.
Guests sailing the entire world cruise voyage will also enjoy additional perks. Look for Silversea to offer a one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation on the eve of departure and bon voyage event at The Breakers in Palm Beach; private transfer and baggage handling between airport, hotel and ship and a $2,000 onboard spending credit per suite.
Staying in touch with home has just been made all the more easy for world cruise guests. The line has expanded its wireless Internet access, enabling guests to now surf the Web and check e-mails from the comfort of selected suites and public areas.
Silversea is synonymous with luxury cruise travel. The line features three other intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind and Silver Whisper. Look for Silversea to make another big splash soon. A new 36,000-ton, 540-guest ultra-luxury vessel is scheduled to debut in late 2009.
