Watch Silversea’s amazing lengthening of the Silver Spirit

Watch Silversea's amazing lengthening of the Silver Spirit

Luxury line Silversea have revealed some amazing images and footage of the refurbishment of the Silver Spirit.

The ship has been cut in two as she is in the process of not only getting new and exciting features, but is also being lengthened.

The lengthening project will create more space in public facilities as well as enhancing the new onboard features which will be completed on May 5.

“Witnessing these breathtaking phases of the Silver Spirit lengthening project has filled us with pride and excitement,” said Barbara Muckermann, chief marketing officer of Silversea.

“This ambitious project will amplify the on-board features that matter most to our guests.  We are taking our flagship, Silver Muse – which was delivered by Fincantieri in April last year – as the point of inspiration for a fleet-wide renovation program.  The lengthening and refurbishment of Silver Spirit will replicate the modern elegance of our latest vessel to make for a more luxurious travelling experience.  We are eager to share the new and improved layout of our cherished ship with our valued guests.”

The line is adding to its list of restaurants with new dining concepts like Atlantide, Indochine, Silver Note and Spaccanapoli. They will complement the pre-existing Seishin, La Dame, La Terrazza and The Grill.

The pool area on the sky deck will increase in length (from 30 to 45m / 98 to 148 ft.) to offer additional space for relaxing under the sun and a new aerobics area will also be created.

Inside, the Zagara Spa concept will be installed, as will a new free weights room which will complement the upgraded fitness centre.

The Arts Café and Dolce Vita – two new, sophisticated public spaces – will improve the on-board entertainment options.  All suites will be refurbished as well.

Prior to her refurbishment, Silversea docked in Chania in Crete to donate furniture to a number of charities.

In total, 11 containers were filled with 4,652 items from the ship – including sofas, chairs, curtains, computers, and more.

The donated articles will be put to use for social welfare purposes in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and other institutions across the island.

 

The first-timers who bought a $200,000 round-the-world-cruise

The first-timers who bought a $200,000 round-the-world-cruise

Barry and Marcia Southern have never cruised before.  So they popped into their local Cruiseabout at Turramurra looking for a short trip to try it out.

What they came out with was a 102-night round-the-world Bridge-to-Bridge journey from Sydney to London, calling at 60 ports and 29 countries.

That’s some cruise test!

The Southerns are among some 200 Australians who set out on this week with 494 other passengers for Azamara Journey’s first ever world cruise.

“I’m so looking forward to it,” said Marcia, over a celebration breakfast with Captain Johannes Tysse.

Australians have fallen in love with world cruises. Almost every international line is now offering them with great success.

But Azamara’s will be special, given the line’s bold promise of lingering longer in ports and producing “Azamazing” evenings for its guests.

The cruise is divided into eight segments, but 46 passengers like the Southerns are staying the course until London on June 16.

The Southerns paid some $160,000 for cabin 8040 all the way, and booked a year out. Barry maintains that, with shore excursions and a side trip to the Taj Mahal, the venture will cost them $200,000.

The cruise takes in Singapore, Dubai, the Suez Canal, Rome, Barcelona , Lisbon and London with lots in between.

The ship was recently refitted and has new Broadway shows and menus for the trip.

Captain Tysse took time out to explain the Azamara difference.

He said in the Tasman Sea he discovered a lady who was having a birthday in the famous Prime C steakhouse.  But her seat meant she had her back to a gorgeous sunset.

The gallant captain turned the ship around so she could see the disappearing rays – and earned a round of applause as she dissolved in tears of joy.

“We’re smaller and we do things differently,” he said.

So what do you pack for a world cruise?

Marcia and Barry have six bags between them.  But Azamara have provided a handy graphic on how to pack with lots of useful information.

See below – and find out more at AzamaraClubCruises.com

 

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