Prince
Albert II
Exploring in Silversea Style
by Linda Coffman
March 2008
—
Mention "Monaco" and
most people probably remember American-born Princess Grace or
envision a yacht-strewn harbor, the legendary Monte Carlo
Casino, or well-dressed spectators sipping champagne while Grand
Prix race cars whiz past. What they might not think of is its superb
Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, founded in 1910 by Prince Albert
I.
Aside from being a world hub of wealth and indulgence, the
Principality of Monaco has long been recognized as a leader in
marine environment research. In addition to founding the museum,
Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanographic science and
exploration, first explored the Arctic's Svalbard archipelago in
the early part of the last century. In an effort to add to the
scientific body of work started by his ancestor, the principality's
current ruler, Prince Albert II plotted a similar course during part of
his 2006 journey to the North Pole. As a result, the Prince is the
first incumbent head of state to have reached the northern most
point on Earth.
It comes as no surprise that Silversea Cruises chose to name their
latest vessel—an
exploration ship—for
Prince Albert II of Monaco. Known worldwide for ultra luxurious
cruises, Silversea's Prince Albert II will set an
adventurous course on June 12, following a naming ceremony in Monte
Carlo. Launching at the same time is the introduction of a new mode in
exploration cruising—where
a luxurious ambiance is just as important as the eye-opening
educational experiences it will provide.
To ensure the 6,072-ton
Lloyd's Register 1A ice-rated ship will deliver expedition
cruise experiences consistent with Silversea's luxury standards,
extensive rebuilding of the vessel includes exterior design modifications,
state-of-the-art technological enhancements, and a comprehensive
upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces.
Luxury Accommodations
 |
| A 413-sq ft Silver Suite |
 |
|
Verandah Suite at 215-sq ft |
Prince Albert II
carries just 132
guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many featuring private
verandas or French balconies. With staterooms and suites offered in
eleven categories ranging
from almost 200 to 650 square feet, the ship provides some of the
largest accommodations found on any expedition vessel. Eighteen suites
that afford third passenger capacity
feature more than 400 square feet. Six Silver Suites (at 430 square
feet) can be combined with an adjacent Verandah Suite (215 square
feet) to create two-bedroom 645 square feet suites, which sounds huge
until you consider that the ship's
two Owners Suites (540 square feet) can be combined with adjacent
Medallion Suites (358 square feet) to total a whopping 898 square
feet.
All accommodations feature flat screen, interactive televisions with video options.
Luxurious Spaces
Guests will also enjoy many of the amenities found on Silversea's
larger ships, such as an elegant single-seating main dining room,
library with computers and Internet access,
boutique, beauty salon, fitness center, and full-service spa. The ship also
has lounges for enjoying
drinks, music, and entertainment, including a cigar lounge like the
Humidor on the line's other ships. The only thing missing is a
swimming pool, although
two Jacuzzi pools offer superior sea views from their stern-facing
location.
 |
| Library,
with computers and Internet Cafe |
The Prince Albert II is also equipped with state-of-the-art
satellite communication systems, providing bow-to-stern wireless
Internet access, enabling guests with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs
to surf the Internet and check for email from the comfort of their
suites as well as public areas. Cellular phone service allows guests to stay in touch using their own cell phones even when
the ship is miles away from land.
In the ship's lounges, the latest audio-visual equipment,
complete with high-definition video screens, displays live
lectures hosted by the ship's world-class expedition and lecture
staff as well as visiting destination experts.
 |
|
Observation Lounge |
A new fleet of eight, latest-model Zodiac boats
with Yamaha four-stroke engines (for lowest possible emissions),
enable
Prince Albert II's guests to get up-close for exploration and
access to some of the world's most remote landscapes.
With a crew to passenger ratio of nearly one-to-one, superlative
service aboard
Prince Albert II is
assured.
Complimentary
perks include hosted adventures ashore, a parka (on
polar voyages), and a backpack. Those extras are, naturally, in
addition to what Silversea guests have
come to expect, such as gratuities
included in the fare,
complimentary wines, champagnes, and
spirits served throughout the ship, exquisite cuisine, and 24-hour
room service.
A World of Discovery
Guests aboard Silversea's Prince Albert II will be inspired by
the varied and constantly adapted itineraries that will make the
most of the natural opportunities created by the landscapes around
them. There is so much to explore that they can sail for up to 48
days on back-to-back voyages without repeating a Zodiac landing
site. This is not soft adventure; this is full scale exploring from
an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style.
"Silversea's Prince Albert II will be the perfect option for those
adventure-seekers who prefer a genuine expedition ship experience
enhanced with the comforts of a true luxury product," said Amerigo
Perasso, Silversea president. "Adventure travel is also about having
experiences that are intellectually enriching, so every voyage will
feature a carefully selected expedition team of lecturers and
leading experts who will share their insights on the natural,
cultural and historical highlights of some of the most pristine and
secluded regions on Earth."
Prince Albert II's Inaugural Season of 10 to 21 day voyages
are focused on polar exploration. Sailing first to the Arctic
Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, the ship
will then reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and
winter voyages. From mid-August to November 2008, the Prince Albert
II will journey from the east coast of North America through the
Panama Canal to Los Angeles before heading south to Antarctica.
Along this special repositioning route are opportunities to explore
the Sea of Cortez (with an extension to Copper Canyon), Chilean
fjords, Falklands and South Georgia Island.
Additional
Information:
Silversea
Cruise Line Profile
Silversea
Cruise Reviews
Computer-generated
artist's renderings of Prince Albert II
are courtesy of Silversea Cruises
