Discoverer is the latest addition to Silversea’s luxury expedition fleet

Luxury cruise line Silversea has today announced a new expedition ship, Silver Discoverer, will join its fleet in March 2014.
The 128-passenger vessel, formerly Clipper Odyssey, is to undergo a major refurbishment before making its maiden voyage for Silversea on March 1, from Bali. The ship will explore remote areas of the South Pacific before heading to the almost uncharted waters (in terms of western passengers) of the Russian Far East.
It joins Silver Explorer, which has been with Silversea for five years, and Silver Galapagos, which makes its maiden voyage in Silversea colours later this month.
The line also operates classic cruising aboard the ultra-luxurious Silver Cloud, Shadow, Spirit, Whisper and Wind.
Conrad Combrink of Silversea told a Press conference in London this morning: “We don’t use the word ‘cruise’ for this ship. It will operate expeditions. But not expeditions where passengers have to suffer, share bunks, or eat nothing more than boiled potatoes.
“This will be luxury all the way with all-inclusive excursions from the ship, drinks on board, butler service and Bulgari toiletries just as on our classic ships.” Conrad is not kidding when he talks of included excursions – even the helicopter trip from the ship to see Northern Australia’s vast Mitchell Falls is included in the fare.
Discoverer will carry 12 Zodiac inflatables and a glass-bottomed boat to take passengers close to marine life and wildlife. A marine biologist will join passengers on every voyage, and there will be 11 expedition staff on board in addition to the 87 crew.
Highlights of the 2014 itineraries include Australia’s Kimberley region and Russia’s wild Siberia and the Sea of Okhotsk.
Passengers heading for the South Pacific will be invited to bring school supplies and children’s clothing to donate to the islanders.