March-December 2014
Silversea’s third expedition ship, the Silver Discover, is expertly engineered to explore the most isolated archipelagos of the Pacific. Her small size (128 guests) and shallow draft allow close-up access to rugged coasts well beyond the reach of ordinary vessels. And she has been newly refurbished to help guests maximize their experience and build a genuine connection with the regions they visit.
Spacious decks and panoramic public rooms mean the drama of the unexpected is never far from view. A fleet of Zodiacs allows exploration from the water or remote landings anywhere nature or curiosity dictate. Since many of our expeditions sail to some of the world’s most pristine coral reef systems, there’s a glass-bottom boat for underwater viewing along with a full complement of snorkelling equipment and a dive programme for advanced divers.
We’ve also taken great care to assemble a truly outstanding Expedition Team, composed of experts in the culture, history and wild life of the destinations, to present informal talks, guide Zodiac outings and lead small-group explorations ashore. While back on board, every creature comfort awaits: an ocean-view suite, in-suite bar and the head-to-toe pampering of a butler; elegant lounges and open bar where fellow travellers gather to swap tales about their day’s adventures; and cuisine that meets Silversea’s standards of culinary excellence — which are lofty, indeed. Imaginative menus in The Restaurant feature both regional offerings and dishes inspired by Relais & Châteaux. Additional amenities include a sun-catching pool deck, an internet cafe, a fitness centre, and a beauty and massage centre — particularly alluring after an adventurous day ashore.
Secrets of Southeast Asia
For today’s traveller, the great adventure lies East – east to Indonesia, islands of infinite diversity and home to some of the most intrepid travel destinations on the planet. There are the rain forests of Borneo, the richest and most biodiverse on Earth and last stronghold for such wild and wonderful creatures as the pygmy elephant, the shy Borneo rhino and the remarkable orangutan, “old man of the jungle.” There’s Sulawesi, home of the Torajan people with their captivating villages, dramatic death rituals and timeless traditions. And there are spectacular underwater wonders throughout the archipelago; Indonesia is truly, the global epicentre of marine bodiversity.
Also the Philippines are another diver’s nirvana — not only reefs, but wrecks from WWII. And for a change of pace, you can splash down in an underground river through soaring caverns and the occasional sound of a bat; the Puerto Princesa underground river is one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature!”
Japan’s remote islands and coastal Siberia present a tableau of cultural and natural wonders – forests of cedars, a thousand years old; smouldering volcanoes; samurai castles; and a subtropical wonderland called the “Galapagos of Japan.”
For Southeast Asia sailings March 1, May 24, September 21, click here.
Remote Landscapes Under The Southern Cross
Whether you choose the blazing sun and seascapes of The Kimberley or the spectacular icescapes of New Zealand’s islands, you’ll experience some of the most pristine landscapes this planet has to offer. For adventure of a truly epic spirit, the Kimberley has few equals. Here you can glide so close to a waterfall you can feel the mist in your face, or search for raptors in vast wetlands while the world’s largest alligator lurks just beneath the surface. And while sweeping views are certainly abundant in every corner of The Kimberley, it is the glory of the details, viewed close up, that bring you the most rewarding memories – cruising so close to a whale you can see the barnacles on his back, or browsing through a rock art gallery painted over 20,000 years ago.
Dramatic scenery and incredible wildlife spectacles vie for your attention in New Zealand’s rarely visited Sub-Antarctic Islands. Silver Discoverer visits all five island groups — each an island unto itself. The geographical isolation from the mainland and each other has shaped the remarkable biodiversity; and all are epicentres of evolution. Here you can cruise within feet of a rare, Yellow-eyed Penguin, admire a Wandering Albatross lifting his enormous wings to take flight, or witness the raw power of an 800-lb (400 kg) bellowing sea lion bull staking out his territory.
Wyndham is our gateway to the breathtaking Bungle Bungle mountain range in Purnulul National Park, a World Heritage Site — and with good reason. For more than 350 million years, nature has shaped geological formations of giant orange and black striped domes rising out of the ground, a landscape unlike anything you have ever seen. Known to the local aborigines for hundreds of years, the Bungles were only discovered by the outside world in the mid 1980’s. Silver Discoverer guests will have the possibility to participate in an inclusive over flight for an aerial view of these glorious panoramas, as well as seeing the majestic, man-made Lake Argyle, and Argyle Diamond Mine, area from the air (applicable to all Kimberley region voyages except 9407).
For Australia and New Zealand sailings April 2, April 12, April 22, May 2, May 22, November 22, December 6, December 22, click here.
Journey to Paradise
The islands at the western end of the Pacific are some of the most idyllic on Earth, lush, tropical edens with a dazzling diversity of cultural and natural landscapes. There are four states in Micronesia, each with its own distinctive culture and rich traditions, yet with common cultural bonds such as the importance of the clan system, and a traditional lifestyle centred on gardens, reefs and ocean ancestors.
Oceania’s biodiversity is simply astonishing. This is a geologically complex region of unique ecosystems and species, above and beneath the warm tropical waters, and you will have plenty of opportunity to experience both with our frequent Zodiac outings. You can search for the Bird of Paradise in Papua New Guinea, dive on WWII wrecks in the Solomon Islands, swim with Spinner dolphins and join Sing-Sings and Welcoming Ceremonies to experience the exuberant hospitality of these warm-hearted people.
Further east lie the emerald isles of Polynesia — Fiji and Tonga with their jaw-dropping beauty, the Marquesas, jewels of French Polynesia, and the lush islands of Samoa. Accept the challenge of a Cook Island warrior. Swim and snorkel in the gin-clear lagoons of Tahiti. Dive in the Marove Lagoon, James Michener’s “8th Wonder of the World. While in complete contrast are the motu-laced calderas of the Tuamotu Archipelago – exquisite low lying atolls offering some of the best diving in the world.
For Micronesia, Melanesia & Polynesia sailings March 17, October 6, October 20, November 3, click here.
East Asia and Russian Far East Expedition Cruises
Because of its remoteness and impassable ice floes in winter, the Sea of Okhotsk is one of the world’s least-explored and most biologically productive seas. The Kuril Islands are a haven for huge colonies of seabirds. Northern fur seals and Steller sea lions haul out on rocky outcrops. The Stellar Sea Eagle soars overhead, and even whales, once hunted almost to extinction, are now returning to these frigid waters.
On the Kamchatka Peninsula, the world’s largest brown bear hunts along rivers churning with salmon that roar through taiga forests. It is a “Land of Fire and Ice,” a geothermal wonderland for photographers. In the Kronotsky Reserve, geysers gush across a bubbling landscape of smouldering, snow-capped volcanoes, thermal springs and boiling mud pots.
Several expeditions continue from Kamchatka across the Bering Sea to the Aleutians and to the Alaska and Kenai peninsulas, some of the most inaccessible places in North America. These nutrient-rich waters support vast populations of fish, birds from every continent on earth, and countless numbers of whales, dolphins, sea lions and fur seals, and an expedition through this wilderness will surely be a trip of a lifetime!
For East Asia and Russian Far East sailings June 14, July 2, July 19, July 31, August 14, September 1, click here.
All-Inclusive Expedition Amenities
Silver Discoverer is designed for discerning travellers who like to explore the great outdoors while enjoying gracious comfort and gourmet cuisine indoors. Enjoy exceptional amenities on your Silversea Expedition:
All Ocean-View Accommodations
Our accommodations are some of the largest at sea, featuring luxurious amenities that can be customised to your individual preferences.
Butler Service For All Suites
Enjoy the services of a highly trained butler. Silversea is the only cruise line with butler service for all suites.
Complimentary In-Suite Beverages And Throughout The Ship
Select wines, premium spirits and speciality coffees, as well as juices and soft drinks are complimentary in all bars and lounges. Your suite’s refrigerator and bar are also stocked with your preferred beverages including wines and spirits. Your butler will replenish them upon request.
Gratuities Always Included
Onboard gratuities are included in your cruise fare, assuring a level of service motivated only by a desire to see you smile. Not including spa and salon treatments.
Open-Seating Dining
Dine when and with whomever you please during breakfast, lunch and dinner. No assigned times, no assigned tables.
In-Suite Dining And Room Service
You can have breakfast delivered to your suite or a formal dinner ordered from The Restaurant menu. Lighter fare is always available from our room service menu.
Complimentary Adventures Ashore
Unearth fascinating dimensions of culture, history, science and the environment through a diverse collection of complimentary shoreside experiences and distinctive onboard events.
Expert Expedition Team
Travel with historians, biologists, anthropologists, geologists, botanists, ornithologists, naturalists, photographers and destination experts at your side as you discover remote and remarkable environments.
Casual/Informal Attire
No tuxedos or formal evening dress required.
Menus Inspired By Relais & Chateaux
Silversea’s preferred culinary partner.
Complimentary Parka
For guests aboard expedition voyages bound for the Russian Far East & New Zealand Sub-Antarctic.
Water-Resistant Backpack And Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Professional gear for your authentic expedition.
Ship-Wide WiFi
Fees apply.
About the Silver Discoverer
The Silver Discoverer deck plan (pfdf file)