With Silver Wind's return, all 10 Silversea ships are in service

This came with Silver Wind's May 28 departure from Piraeus on 14-day cruise to Lisbon. The ship, newly converted for expedition service, will subsequently undertake voyages to Northern Europe and the British Isles, before reaching Reykjavík to begin a summer of Arctic explorations that include a Northwest Passage crossing in August.

In October, Silver Wind will skirt the Pacific Coast of the US, Central America and South America, en route to the 2022/23 Antarctica season.

Pandemic milestones

Silversea's restart began on June 18, 2021, when the new Silver Moon entered service. Other milestones since the cruise industry's March 2020 shutdown include operating a 2022 world cruise, Silver Wind's conversion and launching new culinary and wellness programs.

Throughout, Silversea's growth trajectory continued with the delivery of three new ships.

Strong comeback with Royal Caribbean support

'After leading the global return of ultra-luxury cruising, we have come back stronger than before with the support of Royal Caribbean Group, with a more all-inclusive door-to-door service, three news ships and various product enhancements,' Silversea President/CEO Roberto Martinoli said.

'It is especially gratifying to have our beloved Silver Wind embark on her first voyages as an ice-class expedition vessel, complete with Zodiacs and kayaks ...' he added. Silver Wind was built in 1995 as the line's second ship, following 1994's Silver Cloud (also subsequently converted for expedition service).

Silver Wind conversion

A refurbishment completed in November saw Silver Wind transformed into an expedition vessel with an ice-strengthened hull. This was the second phase of a major renovation started in December 2018 to refresh the interiors with new furniture, carpets and wall treatments, as well as new walk-in showers to complement the bathtubs in select suites.

Silver Wind is now equipped with 24 Zodiacs and 14 kayaks, a dedicated mudroom, a photo studio and a heated swimming pool. Up to 28 expedition experts will be onboard.

Also added were a new advanced wastewater treatment plant, new food waste treatment facilities and new fuel-saving boilers.

Restart recap

New ships Silver Moon and Silver Origin departed on their maiden voyages June 18 and June 19, 2021, in Greece and the Galápagos, respectively. The following month, Silver Muse became the first ultra-luxury ship to return to Alaska, while Silver Shadow welcomed passengers in Iceland.

Silver Spirit headed to Northern Europe in September, while expedition vessels Silver Explorer and Silver Cloud became the first ultra-luxury ships to return to Antarctica in November, and Silver Whisper welcomed travelers in the Caribbean the same month.

Silversea's newest ship, Silver Dawn, embarked on its inaugural Mediterranean in April this year.

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