Tag Archives: Silversea

Cunard announces plans for its first new ship in 12 years

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Cunard announces plans for its first new ship in 12 years

Cunard has announced plans to add a fourth ship to its fleet – its first new ship in 12 years.

The new 3,000 passenger ship, which will be built at the Fincantieri shipyard, was announced as Cunard marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of the legendary QE2.

The new ship will join the fleet in 2022, joining Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

It will be the first time since 1998 that the brand has had four ships in service at the same time. The new build will be the 249th ship to fly the Cunard flag, according to the line.

Simon Palethorpe, senior vice president of Cunard, said: “We have only recently marked the 50th anniversary of one of Cunard’s much-loved ocean liners, the legendary QE2.

“What better way to celebrate her important role in Cunard’s past than by announcing our commitment to Cunard’s future with the commissioning of a new ship. Cunard offers unrivalled luxury ocean experiences and the new ship firmly underpins our plans to continue our growth across international markets.”

The news of Cunard’s expansion comes just a week after Silversea announced a new ship order.

Silversea said the move signalled buoyancy in the market. These two announcements are the latest sign of the strength of the luxury cruise sector, with Ritz-Carlton recently announcing its plans to enter the cruise sector with three yachts. Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises has three ships on order, Ponant has four, and Crystal Cruises, Scenic, Seabourn and Star Clippers also have new vessels set to launch.

Silversea orders ship to be delivered in 2017

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Silversea said the new Silver Muse will become its flagship vessel.

Silversea Cruises has ordered a 596-passenger ship from Fincantieri that the luxury line is calling its new flagship vessel.

To be called Silver Muse, the 40,000-gross-ton ship is expected to be delivered in the spring of 2017. It will be Silversea’s largest ship and the ninth in its fleet.

“This ship contributes to our ambitious growth plans that will ensure our continued leadership in ultra-luxury cruising,” Silversea CEO Enzo Visone said in a statement.

Silversea’s most recent new ship is the 540-passenger Silver Spirit, delivered in December 2009. It has acquired several small expedition-style ships since then. Silversea said additional specifications and details of the new ship would be announced in the near future.

Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Crystal Cruises are among the luxury lines with new ships in the works.

Silversea makes free WiFi available to all guests

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Starting with voyages departing in January, every Silversea Cruises guest will get at least one free hour of WiFi per day, and guests staying in high-end accommodations will receive unlimited WiFi.

The policy applies to all cruises, including expedition sailings. Silversea called its offer unprecedented in the industry.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, for example, offers complimentary WiFi on some voyages, to gold-level Seven Seas Society members, and to suite passengers, with the amount of wireless access dependent on the category.

Seabourn also offers complimentary WiFi packages to Seabourn Club members at and above the Silver level and in some suite categories.

Crystal Cruises will offer free WiFi to Crystal Society members starting this fall.

Passengers in Silversea’s Owner’s, Grand, Royal, Silver and Medallion suites on the line’s ocean ships will receive unlimited WiFi. On expedition ships, unlimited WiFi applies to the following accommodations:

  • Silver Explorer: Owner’s, Grand, Silver, Medallion and Expedition suites.
  • Silver Galapagos: Silver, Deluxe Veranda and Veranda suites.
  • Silver Discoverer: Medallion, Veranda and Vista suites.