Silversea has launched its biggest ship to date but vowed future vessels would be no larger than the newly launched 596-passenger Silver Muse.
Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio said the line had plans to build three new ships but would not confirm their size or whether they would be expedition or classic vessels.
“Anything larger than this [Silver Muse] and you lose one of the main elements of ultra-luxury cruise – the ratio of staff to guests and the intimate experience,” added chief executive Roberto Martinoli, who said new ships would be delivered in 2020, 2021 and 2023.
While the nature of the future builds for the line, which has three expedition ships, is yet to be revealed, it said Silver Cloud would be converted to ice-class in the meantime to meet growing demand for expedition sailing.
Silversea’s chief marketing officer Barbara Muckermann said: “We offer the most luxurious expedition ships at sea and Silver Cloud will be even more of an example of that.”
Silver Cloud will be the line’s fourth expedition ship after a “multi-million-dollar” refurbishment between August and October with the hull strengthened to enable polar sailings.
To ready the trade for the relaunch of Silver Cloud on November 15, there will be four roadshow events from May to boost key travel sellers.
It was also confirmed that Silver Muse will be in Southampton on September 11, with an agent event and overnight stays planned.
“We want people to understand our products,” said Lisa McAuley, UK commercial director.
“We are keen too, for agents to find out more about expedition, as there is huge potential for those who get behind selling it.”
Connie Georgiou, head of sales and partnerships, said she would be arranging for agents to try an expedition cruise this year.
She said 10 of the Silversea Advocates were due to be hosted on a VIP cruise on one of the classic ships at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Silversea is planning to launch a new-look marketing campaign this summer with its 2019 World Cruise set to be one of the first elements to benefit from the new focus.
