(TAN): Silversea Cruises has confirmed its return to Asia, with four ships — Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit and Silver Muse — scheduled to sail in the region between December 2022 and May 2023, the cruise company said in a statement.
The intimate, 596-guest Silver Muse will become the cruise line’s first ship to sail in Asia since March 2020 when she departs Singapore on December 2, 2022. Highlights of Silversea’s season will include calls in Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, among others, combining opportunities for deep travel to both iconic cities and lesser-visited destinations.
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“We are delighted to confirm our return to Asia from December 2022, offering guests the luxury of choice with four ships sailing in the region,” said Barbara Muckermann, chief commercial officer of Silversea Cruises. “Asia has long constituted an important sailing region for Silversea Cruises and our guests are eager to return to this enriching, rewarding continent with us. Including calls to destinations in Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and more—with convenient departures, many overnight calls, and late departures maximising guests’ opportunities to experience the soul of each—our upcoming Asia season represents one of the final pillars in our global return to service.”
Enjoying the finest service at sea aboard Silversea’s ultra-luxury ships, which are among the most intimate yet spacious ships to sail in the region, guests will be immersed into Asia’s varying cultures and landscapes, discovering the continent’s most enriching experiences, and engaging with local communities. Silversea’s upcoming Asia season, which comprises 25 voyages that range from 10 to 20 days, includes the following highlight itineraries:
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MUMBAI to SINGAPORE – Silver Spirit
December 20, 2022–January 5, 2023
Guests travelling aboard Silver Spirit’s first Asia cruise of 2022 will enjoy enrichments from celebrated travel writer Paul Theroux, who will accompany travellers from Mumbai to Singapore. A long-time collaborator of Silversea, Theroux will embark Silver Spirit over the festive period to host various onboard activities and interact with fellow travellers throughout the 16-day sailing. From Mumbai, travellers will dive deep into India’s rich culture in Cochin, before journeying to Sri Lanka’s Colombo on an overnight call, Trincomalee, Thailand’s Phuket overnight, Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur) in Malaysia, and Malacca, arriving in Singapore on January 4 for an overnight call.
HONG KONG to SINGAPORE – Silver Spirit
January 19–January 29, 2023
After time spent in iconic Hong Kong, guests will embark Silver Spirit on January 19, 2023, setting sail for Vietnam, with calls in Ha Long Bay overnight, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City for two nights, before arriving in Singapore. Over 10 days, the 608-guest ship will unlock unforgettable experiences for travellers, including a trip to the ancient town of Hoi An, a tour of the Mekong Delta, a descent into the Cu Chi tunnels, and an optional mid-voyage land programme to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, among others. A series of optional pre- and post-cruise land programmes will allow guests to journey deeper still.
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HONG KONG to HONG KONG – Silver Spirit
February 12–February 26, 2023
Departing round-trip from Hong Kong on February 12, Silver Spirit will meander through the Philippines’ maze-like islands, before setting her course for Vietnam, complementing calls to vibrant cities with explorations of more remote destinations. Over 14 days, guests will have the opportunity to explore Vigan (Salomague Port), Manila on an overnight call, Romblon Island, Coron (Palawan), Chan May (Hue/Da Nang), Da Nang, and Ha Long Bay overnight. During an immersive guided tour, travellers will discover the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan, including the Plaza Salcedo, the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, and the fascinating architecture of Calle Crisologo. Guests will explore the metropolis of Manila with guided tours to Rizal Park, Fort Santiago, and San Augustin Church, the Quezon Memorial Circle, and the American War Memorial, among other highlights of the old city. A beach escape in Romblon and a boat trip to discover the natural wonders of Coron (Palawan) will highlight guests’ time in the Philippines, before Silver Spirit heads to Vietnam, where captivating culture meets spectacular landscapes.
SINGAPORE to MUMBAI – Silver Spirit
March 8–March 24, 2023
Guests sailing aboard Silver Spirit from March 8 will experience the great diversity of Asia, journeying deep into Singapore, Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka, with overnight calls in Chennai, Colombo, and Mumbai offering the chance to spend longer in iconic cities. Destinations will include Phuket, Chennai, Trincomalee, Colombo, Cochin, New Mangalore, Mormugao (Goa), and Mumbai. In Trincomalee, guests will have the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site of the Rangiri Cave Temple of Dambulla, as well as visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa—also recognised by UNESCO—among a series of experiences that capture the soul of Sri Lanka. Guests will sample some of the finest seafood that the country has to offer during a visit to the Ministry of Crab in Colombo. Travellers will also have the chance to witness the breathtaking Angkor Wat temple during an optional five-night pre-cruise overland programme, or explore the Taj Mahal, Agra, and Delhi during an optional three-night post-cruise adventure.
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Silversea’s door-to-door all-inclusive offering is among the most comprehensive at sea, comprising private executive transfers between home and airport, international flights or business class upgrades at a reduced rate, in-country flights when required, pre- and post-cruise hotel when required, transfers and luggage handling, as well as all shore excursions. On board Silversea’s ultra-luxury ships, guests enjoy multiple restaurants that serve diverse cuisine and in-suite dining around the clock, with complimentary sustainable caviar; premium beverages in-suite and throughout the ship; butler service and onboard gratuities; and unlimited Wi-Fi.