Silversea Cruises Reveal Name of New Expedition Ship

Silversea Cruises have today revealed that their new expedition cruise ship will be called HSH Prince Albert II as a tribute to Prince Albert of Monaco. The new name is appropriately represents exploration and conservation of the oceans - as Monaco has long been recognised as a world leader in marine environment research, as well as being home to Silversea’s headquarters. The naming ceremony will take place in June 2008, before the adventure ship sets sail on the 12th.  Prince Albert I was a pioneer in oceanographic science - founding the Oceanographic Institute and first explored the Arctic’s Svalbard archipelago in the early 1900s. In 2006, Prince Albert II made a similar journey on his trip to the North Pole, intending to add to the scientific work of his ancestor. The Prince is the first current head of state to have travelled to the most northern point on Earth.  

"We are deeply honoured to have our new expedition ship named after His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco," said Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea's Chairman.  "His passion for environmental conservation is well known and we are committed to supporting his mission by offering travellers the chance to discover and appreciate some of the world's most remote and unspoiled regions."
 
During the cruise ship’s inaugural season, HSH Prince Albert II will venture from London on voyages of between ten and twenty-one days, which will focus on polar trips. She will firstly sail to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland, then reposition for South America. From August to November 2008 the cruise ship will sail from America’s east coast along to Panama Canal to LA before heading to Ushuaia.