Silversea launches Special Golf Cruises for 2009

Silversea's 2009 Silver Links program offers golfers the chance to combine their passion for the game with their love of adventure on 13 golf theme cruises featured aboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper.

The Silver Links voyages offer optional golfing excursions in multiple ports arranged and escorted by the ship's golf professional. From the breathtaking Pacific scenery of the Cape Kidnappers Golf Club in Napier, to the narrow fairways and mountain terrain of the elegant Monte Carlo Golf Club, to the rolling hills and lush landscape of the St. Lucia Golf and Country Club, guests will have a chance to perfect their game at some of the world's most challenging and revered championship courses in 30 countries and island destinations throughout the South Pacific, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Mexico.

"The popularity of golf is increasing every year, and more and more golfers are looking for an international golf experience," said Steve Odell, Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific. "With our Silver Links program, avid golfers of all levels can combine a luxury vacation with the chance to enjoy guided golf excursions and priority tee times at some of the world's most celebrated courses."

The escorted, optional golfing excursions vary in price from course to course and include transfers to and from the select golf courses, pull or power-drive carts (where available), green and any applicable caddy fees. Should guests choose to leave their clubs at home, Nike Golf clubs and golf essentials are available for rental or purchase. Golf clubs can be rented for as little as US$45 per day with multiple-day and equipment packages available.

On each of these voyages rich in golf destinations, guests will also have the opportunity to advance their game aboard ship with the help of a certified PGA-classed golf professional, who is available to organize personalized instruction, specialty group clinics, demonstrations and even putting contests. While some group activities are complimentary, there is a fee for private lessons.

Golfers have the option to further hone their skills aboard ship with sophisticated split-screen swing analysis utilizing the most advanced V1 digital coaching system, the same software selected by PGA.com as their preferred instructional technology. The cost for private swing analysis starts from US$30.

Guests aboard Silver Links voyages will also be able to enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations, most with private veranda, award-winning 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.

Sample of Silver Links Voyages and Golf Courses for 2009

- Silver Shadow departs January 4 on a 9-day Caribbean sailing (#3901) from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados calling in Tortola, Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada and Bequia. Optional golf excursions visit Cedar Valley Golf Club (St. John's); St. Lucia Golf and Country Club (Castries); and Sandy Lane Country Club (Bridgetown). Silver Sailing cruise fares start at US$3,537 per person.

- Silver Whisper departs January 4 on a 14-day South Pacific sailing (#4901) from Auckland to Sydney calling in Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart, Burnie and Melbourne. Optional golf excursions visit Titirangi Golf Club (Auckland); Cape Kidnappers Golf Course (Napier); Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club (Wellington); Royal Hobart Golf Club; Royal Melbourne Golf Club and Sydney's Camden Lakeside Country Club. Early Booking Incentive cruise fares start at US$9,005 per person.

- Silver Shadow departs February 18 on a 17-day Panama Canal crossing (#3906) from Antigua to Los Angeles calling in Cartagena, San Blas Island, Costa Rica, Puerto Quetzal, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. Optional golf excursions visit La Iguana at Los Sueños (Puntarenas); Fairmont Pierre Marquis Golf Club (Acapulco); and Puerto Vallarta's El Tigre Golf Club. Early Booking Incentive cruise fares start at US$7,906 per person.

- Silver Whisper departs May 19 on a 9-day Mediterranean sailing (#4912) from Athens to Barcelona calling in Santorini, Malta, Sicily, Sorrento, Rome, Monte Carlo and Porquerolles. Optional golf excursions visit Il Picciolo Golf Club (Catania); Le Querce Golf Club (Rome); and the Monte Carlo Golf Club. Advance Payment Bonus cruise fares start at US$6,236 per person.

- Silver Whisper departs August 15 on a 7-day Mediterranean sailing (#4924) from Monte Carlo to Barcelona calling in Sardinia, Antibes, Sète, Porto Mahon and Palma de Mallorca. Optional golf excursions visit Monte Carlo Golf Club; La Grande-Motte Golf Club (Sète); Son Parc Golf Club (Mahon); and Son Vida Golf Course (Palma de Mallorca). Silver Sailing cruise fares start at US$4,896 per person.

-- Silver Shadow departs December 2 on a 9-day Caribbean voyage (#3931) from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados calling in Grand Turk, Samana, La Romana, St. Lucia and Grenada. Optional golf excursions visit Casa de Campo's Teeth of the Dog (La Romana), St. Lucia Golf and Country Club and Bridgetown's Sandy Lane Country Club. Silver Sailing cruise fares start at US$3,657 per person.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Promotions, New Hotels, Golf, Cruises, Silversea Cruises