Silversea Cruises explores the Grandeur of Northern Europe on 16 Distinctive Cruises in 2006

This summer Silversea's luxury, all-suite ships Silver Cloud and Silver Whisper will offer an exclusive collection of 16 voyages showcasing the art, history and grandeur of some of Northern Europe's most celebrated destinations.

For guests aboard Silversea, this year's Northern Europe collection offers the possibility to journey sixty-one miles up the Gironde River to uncork the fine wines of Bordeaux; sail under the Tower Bridge into the heart of London; travel up the Neva River to call in the center of St. Petersburg; or cruise into Norway's narrowest nooks.

"For the well-heeled world traveler, there's no better way to explore the cultural and historic treasures of Northern Europe than aboard the award-winning, intimate ships of Silversea," said David Morris, Silversea's senior vice president of sales for North America. "Our ships offer a level of spaciousness, luxury and comfort that is unrivaled, combined with more in-depth destination experiences -- like our three-day, two-night stopovers in St. Petersburg. When you factor in our all-inclusive value, Silversea is the very best option for exploring Northern Europe this summer."

In addition to savings of up to 40%, guests can enjoy spacious, all-suite, ocean-view accommodations, most with private veranda, gourmet cuisine, personalized service, warm Italian hospitality, and Silversea's selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities. Plus, complimentary Butler Service is now available in the Grand, Royal, Rossellini and Owner's Suites.

Optional Overland Extensions

Silversea guests can extend their Northern Europe voyage with optional pre- and post-cruise land programs featuring deluxe accommodations, all transportation transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals. Prices range from $2,540 to $4,305 per guest. Highlights include:

- From Copenhagen or Stockholm, the five-night "Splendors of the Romanovs" explores the cultural and historic splendors of St. Petersburg and Moscow. Enjoy the magnificent treasures of the Hermitage Museum, including visits to the Gold Room and the Hermitage Theatre. Explore Peter and Paul Fortress, last resting place of the Romanovs, imposing St. Isaac’s Cathedral, lively Nevsky Prospect lined with palaces, churches and theatrical buildings and the world-renowned Mariinsky Theatre. Stroll the magnificent rooms of the Romanovs’ most lavish residences, including Catherine Palace, with the beautifully restored Amber Room and Amber Workshops, and Peterhof, the Versailles of the North. Highlights of Moscow include Red Square, the Kremlin, an exclusive visit to the Kremlin Palace and a performance at the Bolshoi Theatre.

- From Lisbon, "Portugal's Royal Past" three-night program offers a journey through Portugal’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the Roman ruins of Conímbriga, an important archaeological center dating back to the second century B.C. Discover Coimbra, the first capital of Portugal, where in 1290 King Dinis founded the third oldest university in the world. Visit the university's royal chapel and its spectacular library built in the 18th century and considered a masterpiece of baroque art. Tour the Palace of Queluz, a summer residence of the Portuguese royal family. Visit Santa Maria Church, a medieval church known for its remarkable collection of tiles and paintings. Overnight in regal palaces like the Palace Hotel in the heart of the lush Bussaco forest. The hotel was built as the last summer residence of the Portuguese monarchy.

Culinary Arts Cruises

Guests can taste and learn firsthand the secrets of enticing signature dishes created by award-winning chefs and authors on the following Culinary Arts Cruises:

- Silver Cloud's "Vintage Reflections" 12-day cruise from Barcelona to London, May 21 - June 2, 2006 (Voyage 1613). Hosted by: Javier Martínez, chef du cuisine at Michelin Three Star Can Fabes, a Relais Gourmand restaurant blending modern-day Barcelona with Catalonian inspiration. Sarah Edington, author and personal caterer to members of England's royal family, prime ministers and Archbishops of Canterbury. Her books include "The Captain's Table: Life and Dining on the Great Ocean Liners." Silver Sailing fares start at $5,727 per person (40% savings).

- Silver Cloud's "North Sea Explorer" 10-day cruise from Stockholm to London, September 13 - 23, 2006 (Voyage 1626). Hosted by: Katrina Markoff, founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat, a Chicago-based worldwide gourmet chocolate company. Having worked extensively in Southeast Asia and Australia, her chocolate creations combine exotic influences in a delicious East-meets-West theme. Silver Sailing fares start at $4,767 per person (40% savings).

- Silver Whisper's "Through the Pillars of Hercules" 14-day cruise from Amsterdam to Barcelona, September 15 - 29, 2006 (Voyage 4633). Hosted by: Sergio Torres, head chef of El Rodat's H'Anoa restaurant in Javea, Alicante, Spain. Silver Sailing fares start at $6,657 per person (40% savings).

Wine Series Voyages

Discerning travelers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling some of the world’s finest vintages and visiting world-famous wineries, cellars and vineyards on the following Wine Series Voyages, hosted by top wine experts:

- Silver Whisper's "Vintage Europe" 12-day cruise from Monte Carlo to London, July 17 - 29, 2006 (Voyage 4626). Hosted by: Michael Green, wine educator and Gourmet magazine's wine and spirits consultant. Green is often featured on Food Network, CNN and NPR. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $7,836 per person (20% savings).

- Silver Cloud's "From the Channel to the Bay of Biscay" 10-day cruise from London to Lisbon, September 23 - October 3, 2006 (Voyage 1627). Hosted by: Remington Norman, former Master of Wine and author of "The Great Domaines of Burgundy," Norman is a winner of the Andre Simon prize and member of the Académie Internationale du Vin. Silver Sailing fares start at $5,561 per person (30% savings).

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