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Silver Explorer

Silver Explorer Overview

Silver Explorer

Silver Explorer (formerly HSH Prince Albert II) is a world-class expedition vessel with a 1A1 Ice Class rating. She will carry 132 guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many featuring private verandas, 18 of which have more than 400 sq. ft. of luxury.

Carrying 8 zodiac boats and other landing craft will allow her guests to visit even the most remote island locations. Providing a full expedition staff including lecturers and leading experts on the nature and culture of the places she visits.

Fitted with all of the most modern navigation, safety and environmental features, she will offer all of the world famous Silversea amenities, cuisine, program inclusions, and highest level of individual service.

Silver Explorer Inclusions:

ALL OCEAN-VIEW ACCOMMODATION - The largest average size accommodation of any expedition ship, each with private bath and an elegant ambience of unrivalled luxury.

SUPERLATIVE SERVICE AND GENUINE HOSPITALITY - Crew to guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1.

COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGES SERVED THROUGHOUT THE SHIP - Choose from a premium selection of fine wines, champagnes, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks — all with Silversea’s compliments.

BEVERAGE CABINET STOCKED WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS - Besides the chilled bottle of champagne that awaits you, every accommodation includes a beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of beverages.

GRATUITIES INCLUDED - All onboard gratuities are included in your cruise fare.

OPEN-SEATING DINING - When and with whom you dine is up to you.

GOURMET MENUS BY RELAIS & CHATEAUX -Silversea’s preferred culinary partner.

CASUAL RESORT ATTIRE - No tuxedos or formal evening dress required.

COMPLIMENTARY 24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE - A late-night snack or full breakfast, lunch or dinner delivered at your request — with no charge and no tipping.

COMPLIMENTARY, HOSTED ADVENTURES ASHORE - Unearth fascinating dimensions of culture, adventure, history, science and the environment through a diverse collection of complimentary shoreside experiences and distinctive onboard events.

A FULL SPECTRUM OF EXCITEMENT AND ENRICHMENT - Travel and interact with leading explorers, notable scholars, renowned authors, photographers and destination aficionados at your side as you learn the nuances of these exotic environments.

COMPLIMENTARY PARKA (FOR POLAR VOYAGES) AND COMPLIMENTARY BACKPACK - Professional gear for your authentic expedition.

OPEN BRIDGE POLICY - Visits are welcome 24 hours a day except when in port and weather permitting.

Silver Explorer
Ship Statistics
Year Built
Year Refurbished2008
Year Entered Present Fleet
Previous NameHSH Prince Albert II
Country of RegistryBahamas
Tonnage (GRT)6,072
Passengers132
Max Passengers158
Passenger Decks5
Number of Crew117
Officers NationalityInternational
Cruise Staff NationalityInternational
Silver Explorer
Staterooms
Total Staterooms66
Suites with balcony0
Suites without a balcony0
Oceanview without a balcony0
Oceanview with balcony0
Accommodations inside0

Select a deck to view the deckplan.

Deck 7

Deck 7 Deck 7

Stateroom Key

  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1

Deck 6

Deck 6

Stateroom Key

  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1

Deck 5

Deck 5 Deck 5

Stateroom Key

  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1

Deck 4

Deck 4 Deck 4

Stateroom Key

  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1

Deck 3

Deck 3 Deck 3

Stateroom Key

  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1
  • Owner's Suite - O1

Activities & Services

Activities & Services

Silver Explorer is a purpose-built expedition ship unlike any other. Designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations, Silver Explorer lets you venture deep into regions where other vessels cannot go whilst enjoying a privileged lifestyle that is simply second-to-none.

Onboard, join in intellectual conversations with other discerning world-travellers while you savor cosmopolitan ambience and many special amenities usually found only on larger ships.

Tipping PolicyAll onboard gratuities included for all guests.
Onboard AmbianceResort Casual

O1 - Owner's Suite

Available as a one-bedroom configuration, or as two bedrooms by adjoining with adjacent Medallion Suite.
  • Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed
  • Marbled bathroom, with full-sized bath and separate shower
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
  • Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
  • Writing desk(s)
  • Flat screen television(s) with interactive video, on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Direct-dial telephone(s)
  • WiFi Internet access (fee applies)
  • Complimentary butler service
  • Complimentary laundry service (does not include drycleaning or press only)

G1 - Grand Suite

  • Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Separate dining area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed
  • Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
  • Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
  • Writing desk(s)
  • Flat screen television(s) with interactive video, on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Direct-dial telephone(s)
  • WiFi Internet access (fee applies)
  • Complimentary butler service
  • Complimentary laundry service (does not include drycleaning or press only)

SL - Silver Suite

  • Silver Suite available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two bedrooms by adjoining with adjacent Veranda Suite
  • Two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling glass doors (Silver Suite)
  • Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest)
  • Sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed
  • Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
  • Vanity table with hair dryer (Silver Suite)
  • Writing desk(s)
  • Flat screen television(s) with interactive video, on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Direct-dial telephone(s)
  • WiFi Internet access (fee applies)
  • Complimentary laundry service (does not include drycleaning or press only)

DS - Discoverer Suite

  • Two large picture windows providing panoramic ocean views (Discoverer Suite)
  • Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest)
  • Sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed
  • Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
  • Vanity table with hair dryer (Silver Suite)
  • Writing desk(s)
  • Flat screen television(s) with interactive video, on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Direct-dial telephone(s)
  • WiFi Internet access (fee applies)
  • Complimentary laundry service (does not include drycleaning or press only)

ME - Medallion Suite

  • Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
  • Sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed
  • Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower
  • Writing desk
  • Flat screen television(s) with interactive video, on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Direct-dial telephone(s)
    • – WiFi
  • Internet access (fee applies)
  • Complimentary laundry service (does not include drycleaning or press only)

EX - Expedition Suite

  • Two view windows (Expedition Suite)
  • Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest)
  • Sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed
  • Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
  • Vanity table with hair dryer (Silver Suite)
  • Writing desk(s)
  • Flat screen television(s) with interactive video, on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Direct-dial telephone(s)
  • WiFi Internet access (fee applies)
  • Complimentary laundry service (does not include drycleaning or press only)

VI - Vista Suite

  • Large picture window providing panoramic ocean views (Vista Suite — Midship)
  • View window (Vista Suite — Forward Deck)
  • Sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed
  • Marbled bathroom with tub/shower combination
  • Writing desk
  • Flat screen television(s) with interactive video, on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Direct-dial telephone(s)
  • WiFi Internet access (fee applies)

VS - View Suite

  • View window
  • Sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed
  • Marbled bathroom with tub/shower combination
  • Writing desk
  • Flat screen television(s) with interactive video, on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Direct-dial telephone(s)
  • WiFi Internet access (fee applies)

EC - Explorer Class

  • View window (Explorer Class)
  • Sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed
  • Marbled bathroom with tub/shower combination
  • Writing desk
  • Flat screen television(s) with interactive video, on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Direct-dial telephone(s)
  • WiFi Internet access (fee applies)

AC - Adventurer Class

  • Two portholes
  • Sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed
  • Marbled bathroom with tub/shower combination
  • Writing desk
  • Flat screen television(s) with interactive video, on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Direct-dial telephone(s)
  • WiFi Internet access (fee applies)

VR - Veranda Suite

  • French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors (Veranda Suite)
  • Sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed
  • Marbled bathroom with tub/shower combination
  • Writing desk
  • Flat screen television(s) with interactive video, on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Direct-dial telephone(s)
  • WiFi Internet access (fee applies)

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

Silversea-Silver Shadow Review

Alaska - 8/2011

I have sailed on the Silver Shadow before and like the size and number of passengers (380). The food was superb and the wait staff were the best I've encountered. The only downside was the entertainment which wasn't great but the lounges had cabaret type entertainment.

This year Silversea has added butlers to every category stateroom.  They still have cabin stewards but the butlers are very helpful in that they pick up and deliver your laundry and dry cleaning and deliver your room service. They restock your private bar and  make your dinner reservations at the alternative restaurants. They often bring you cookies and tea in the afternoon.

On Silversea ships there is a lounge on Deck 5 which is the meeting place for everyone for cocktails and appetizers before dinner in the restaurant on Deck 4. There is also an observation lounge where coffee and tea are available in the mornings and tea and refreshments are served in the afternoons.. This is where most lecturers speak during the day.

It is easy to meet fellow passengers on the ship because of the size and number of passengers on the ship.

Pros: The quality food and complimentary wine and spirits is valued by luxury travelers

Cons: This type of food and service costs more than a premium or mass market cruise

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

The Small Ship Experience

Mediterranean - 5/2011

Silver Cloud - Lisbon to Rome

I had the privilege of sailing on Silver Cloud, Silversea's smallest ship holding 296 passengers.  This is the smallest ship on which I have sailed and it was a delight.  On a small ship, you really feel at one with the sea and fortunately, I don't get seasick.   It's so relaxing to sit on your balcony and be so close to the ocean.  

One would not know Silver Cloud is Silversea's oldest ship.  She is in immaculate shape in every way.  My veranda stateroom was spacious with plenty of storage space, plus the large walk in closet.  Rosie, my butler was extremely attentive - polishing shoes without being asked, bringing afternoon snacks after a long day in port without ordering them and restocking the refrigerator to my specifications - including a bottle of rose wine from La Terrazza that we had sampled at lunch.  Each night's dinner was a sumptuous feastl alternating between The Restaurant and La Terrazza, always able to get the desired time and table, even though the ship was almost  full.  I dined poolside in Cadiz after a long but wonderful day in Seville, enjoying the view of the port and a spectacular sail away at 11 pm.    The service was always gracious and friendly, the sommeliers eager to share their extensive knowledge about the different complimentary wines served each night.  This was a 9 day cruise with only one sea day, but there were plenty of activities on the sea day for those that wanted to participate. 

In Palma de Mallorca, I took a bicycling shore excursion offered by Silversea which was excellent.  The guide, Jean, met our small group of 14 at the ship and we walked a short distance to our bicycles equipped with helmets.  We rode along the harbor, marvelling at the enormous yachts, and then headed into the old town.  Jean occasionally stopped to give us insights about the cathedral and the town's history, and there was even time to shop for Mallorca pearls.  I returned to the ship in time to have a quick bite in La Terrazza and then headed back to town on Silver Cloud's complimentary shuttle.

Each port was better than the last and I was dismayed to realize it was Portofino and the last day of the cruise.  The seas were rough but the Cloud's crew did an excellent job of getting the guests safely on and off the tender to ensure they could experience this exquisite port.    It was with great sadness that I bid goodbye to my wonderful, luxurious home away from home in Rome and we look forward to returning to Silver Cloud soon.      

  

Pros: Service, staff, food, intimate atmosphere

Cons: Miniature golf on deck 5 lobby

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

Our Best Cruise Ever

Europe - 5/2010

We cannot give enough praise for Silversea. The gourmet food, gracious service, luxurious accommodations, variety of dining and entertainment were above and beyond the best.               

Starting in London, we stayed at the Lanesborough. When you walk into your luxurious suite, you feel you are in someone’s gracious home. Our butler offered to help us unpack, but unnecessary since we were staying only one night. He brought some much needed coffee to help the jet lag and we headed out to see the sights. The concierge was most helpful in recommending an excellent seafood restaurant within walking distance, One on One. The suite was excellently appointed with a huge bath and luxurious bedding. We didn’t want to leave, but Silver Spirit beckoned.
 
The Ship
 
We arrived at the ship and embarked immediately with no waiting.   Escorts were waiting to take us to our suite. By the time we took a quick tour of the ship, our luggage arrived. The welcome bottle of champagne was most appreciated.
 
Silver Spirit is large enough to provide multiple dining and entertainment venues and small enough to be intimate. It is understated elegance with rich dark woods, red and gold carpeting and tasteful artwork and sculptures. 
 
Silver Spirit is all suites. Our suite was very roomy with a veranda, living area and walk in closet. The bathroom was large with separate tub and shower. There is a choice of Bulgari, Acqua di Parma or Neutrogena bath amenities. Bedding was luxurious and the walk in closet had plenty of room for the contents of our six suitcases. Personalised stationery is included.      
 
Our butler, Royden, was a delight. He kept our suite stocked with coffee, milk and our choice of wine. You can also order afternoon tapas to be delivered to the room. He made our dining reservations for each evening. 
 
Dining
 
With seven dining venues, there is plenty of choice. Open seating dining allows you to eat when you want and with whom you want. We had no problem obtaining reservations and a table for two on any night.
 
La Terrazza provides buffet service for breakfast and lunch, with outdoor seating when weather permits. At night, the buffet disappears and La Terrazza is transformed into an intimate, romantic Italian restaurant. This was our favorite venue.
 
The Restaurant is sophisticated and elegant. We had lunch once and dinner three times in The Restaurant, all excellent meals. Our favorite wine steward, Jeremy, was passionate and knowledgeable. He introduced us to many new, excellent wines. If you do not like the house wine that is being served, you can ask for something different and Silversea will graciously provide it.
 
Le Champagne, the Relais and Chateaux Specialty Restaurant, offers a special six-course food and wine pairing dinner for $200 per person. It is worth every penny. Our sommelier, Sylvain, was very knowledgeable, and gave us wine pairing notes for the future. One of our top dining experiences ever.
 
Stars Supper Club offers live music and dancing in a night-club style environment. The menu is a succession of tapas, with 5 different wines. The jazz duo was excellent and we only regret we forgot to come back another evening. Unique touches include Himalayan pink salt and black salt from Hawaii, plus a unique selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegar in test tubes.   
 
Seishin is Asian fusion cuisine. You can have the three-course or five-course dinner. In the middle of the room is the sushi master where you can watch him making his creations. 
 
Hot Rocks is not to be missed. Located on deck 10 overlooking the pool, it is an innovative, unique dining experience exclusive to Silversea. You make your salad selection and then choose your entrée ranging from fish to steak. After the salad course, the waiter brings a hot lava rock and you cook your entrée at the table. You can slice off bites as they get done and continue cooking the rest. A welcome change of simple fare after the sumptuous dining in the other venues. 
 
The Pool Grill serves light fare at breakfast and lunch from the menu, a relaxing alternative to the buffet in La Terrazza.   
 
Additionally, coffee and soft drinks are available through the day in Observation Lounge on Deck 11 and the Bar on Deck 5.
 
Evening Activities
 
Not being production show people, we attended only one show – a tribute to Elton John. It was well done.
 
Panorama Lounge offers music and dancing in the evenings, or weather permitting you can sit outside – our preference. There are sofas and chairs in several groupings, or very comfortable round deck chairs for two.   
 
The Bar on Deck 5 also has music, but sadly, we kept forgetting to stop by.
 
You don’t need a dinner reservation for Stars Supper Club to enjoy listening and dancing to the jazz duo.
 
Connoisseur’s Corner has an excellent assortment of Davidoff and Cuban cigars.
 
Observation Lounge is a quiet, relaxing night and day spot. A nice serene place to read up on destinations during the day, watch sailaway or just unwind after dinner.
 
A highlight of the trip was a dinner buffet Poolside with music and dancing. There was a wide variety of salads, vegetables and meat dishes. At the end, the Cruise Director assembled the entire ship’s staff to be presented to a standing ovation from the guests. You don’t realize how many people seamlessly and graciously make your cruise a dream come true until you see them assembled all at once.   
 
Ports
 
St. Malo – Sadly, we missed Mont St. Michel as a marathon prevented access that day. St. Malo is a charming walled village, and we enjoyed walking around. Being a Sunday, most of the shops were closed.
 
Bordeaux – Our favorite port and fortunately, there was an overnight. The ship travels 100 km up the Garonne River to dock right in town. We spent one day exploring the town, having lunch in an outdoor cafe with a view of Cathedrale St-Andre. The next morning, we did Silversea’s Bicycling through the Vineyards, another trip highlight. We bicycled through vineyards hundreds of years old, past chateaux and stopped at Chateau Carbonnieux, dating back to the 12th century for a tour of the winery and wine tasting. Then we boarded buses back for the half hour drive to the ship.         
 
Lisbon – We arranged a private car and driver tour through Portugal Deluxe which is highly recommended. We were met at the gangway by our delightful English-speaking guide, Telma, who introduced us to Fernando, our driver. We were whisked away in a roomy sedan to St. George’s Castle, the 16th century Jeronimo’s Monastery and Belem Tower, followed by the monument to the great explorers. We continued along the coastline to Cascais and stopped for a wonderful lunch of sea bass baked in salt, ending in Sintra with a port tasting at Loja do Vinho. It was a magical day.
 
Cadiz – The ship docked right in town, and we walked all over the city, including out to Castillo de San Sebastian, a 17th century fort. Also a Sunday, all shops were closed. The old town is full of narrow winding streets, many of them pedestrian streets, and it’s easy to lose your bearings. After hours of walking, we went back to our suite and ordered tapas from our butler. We sat on our veranda and enjoyed the view of beautiful Cadiz.
 
Gibraltar – It’s about a 15-minute walk to Main Street lined with hundreds of shops, a tax-free haven. However, we bought nothing and hired a taxi from the Tourist Office to take us to the top of The Rock for spectacular views, especially looking down on our beautiful ship docked. The cost was about $100, and we could have waited for another couple to join us to bring the cost down to $70, but we didn’t want to be tied to anyone else’s schedule. We stopped at St. Michael’s Cave, The Great Siege tunnels and the World War II tunnels. Our driver was very knowledgeable and spoke excellent English. The Barbary apes were cute, but we were warned they would bite and steal handbags so we kept our distance. The story goes that Gibraltar would always be part of the United Kingdom as long as there were apes there. The ape population was almost decimated in the early 1900’s and Prime Minister Churchill, being superstitious, ensured the ape population was restored after being down to four apes. The airport runway is curiously cut in half by the only road leading into Gibraltar from Spain. When an airplane lands, the road is closed.
 
Malaga – We hired a private car and driver through Made for Spain, also highly recommended. We were met by Paul, a charming Welshman, and driven in style in a Mercedes 500 to Granada. At the Alhambra, we met Maria, our delightful guide who took us through the 11th century Alhambra, another trip highlight. 
 
Barcelona – We spent an extra two days soaking up the lovely architecture and Gaudi creations. We arranged a private car and driver through Plus Travel, which receives high marks. Our driver, Carlo, spoke excellent English and took us to Parc Guell, the Sagrada Familia – two famous Gaudi creations – and to Parc Montjuic for spectacular views of the city and port, followed by the Olympic Stadium and Port Olympic. The next day, we walked all over the city and went to the top of La Pedrera, another Gaudi creation with the curious statues on the roof. We dined our last night at Barca de Salamanca, a recommendation of our driver, Carlo, on traditional paella and flan.
 
         

Pros: Everything

Cons: None

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

4/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

PA II West coast of South America

Ecuador, Peru Chile - 10/2009

An intimate ship with all the standard luxuries of the larger ships.

The ship is more casual. There were no tuxes or suits on board. The rooms even on Deck 3 were very gracious in size and decor. One problem-temperature control on Deck 3 is an issue. Rooms cannot be cooled down sufficiently.

The staff was great and the expedition staff enthusiastic and  there were familiar faces from other Silversea vessels. We missed having an opportunity to dine in a different venue on a 14 night trip. Flexibility is advised as much of the zodiac activity is subject to weather conditions.

Pros: Size, itineraries, staff

Cons: No pool, no secondary dining room, not much exterior space.

Reviewer Recommended? y

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