53 One of Silversea’s priorities for 2023 – and beyond – will be to keep scouting new locations to create increasingly innovative itineraries. “After the past few years of restrictions, people are eager to explore again,” says Muckermann. “Luxury travellers continue to seek something different, moving away from material goods and towards once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And this is where Silversea excels.” Generally, Silversea has noticed a growing trend for longer voyages to remote destinations, such as the Arctic, the Galápagos and Antarctica. “We have just conducted an important scouting trip in Antarctica for this very reason,” says Muckermann. “We already offer our fly-cruise programme, Antarctica Bridge, for passengers who want to skip the Drake Passage when cruising in the region – another first in the ultra-luxury segment. “We resumed sailing in Asia in December 2022 and are now registering strong demand from our guests to return to that region too.” Silversea celebrated another first in January 2023, when Silver Shadow departed Sydney, Australia, for an artsinspired world cruise that will take guests to 66 destinations in 34 countries across five continents. “This marks the first time in our history that a world cruise has departed from the southern hemisphere,” says Muckermann. “Our 2024 and 2025 world cruises are set to follow this success thanks to innovative new concepts and itineraries. We’ll also be unveiling our 2025-2026 itineraries collection this year – watch this space for something very exciting!” Another of Silversea’s priorities is to maintain its aggressive shipbuilding strategy. The fleet comprises five ultraluxury expedition ships, including Silver Origin and Silver Endeavour which started service in 2022, and six classic ocean cruise vessels, including the new Silver Moon and Silver Dawn which also debuted last year. The 100-guest Silver Origin is the first of Silversea’s ships to be purpose-built for a specific destination and currently sails in the Galápagos Islands, while Silver Endeavour was acquired from Crystal Cruises and extensively renovated to incorporate the Silversea hallmarks of luxury. “We have introduced pioneering vessels tailored to sail in particular regions or on specific itineraries,” says Muckermann. “Silver Endeavour, the most luxurious expedition ship in the world, has had huge success with her Antarctica expeditions and we are looking forward to her inaugural Arctic season from June 2023. “We’ll continue to take this approach with Silver Nova and Silver Ray, which are set to join the fleet in 2023 and 2024, COVER STORY Silver Nova features an asymmetrical design and a horseshoe-shaped pool area on its starboard side to enable guests to make the most of the view Silver Origin takes 100 guests on expedition cruises in the Galápagos Islands
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