Atherton, a Michelin star chef in his own right who has also worked for Pierre Koffmann, Nico Ladenis, Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsey, will cook guests a unique four course meal. Though the menu remains in development, Atherton is known around the world for his signature dishes that includes his Scallop Sashimi.

Guests will also be treated to a tour of one of Ha Long Bay's markets with Atherton, where he will give guests tips of choosing fresh fish and meat as well as tips on planning a menu.

Mike Bonner, Silversea General Manager UK, Ireland & Middle East, commented: "Jason Atherton is one of the finest chefs of his generation. He is producing high-quality, much sought-after world-class food at his restaurants in Europe and Asia and we are delighted to welcome him on Silver Shadow to cook for our guests. This voyage will be the ultimate in fine dining in 2013."

Jason Atherton added: "I am very excited to be boarding my first ever sea journey and cooking for these distinguished guests. It will not only be a first for me but also a great challenge to deliver Michelin-star cuisine on board one of Silversea’s premier ships. The market trip will provide me with the opportunity to pass on years of experience to the guests who join me, from cooking tips to choosing fresh fish and meat, as well as menu planning. It will also be a lot of fun!"

Silversea already offer one of the most luxurious experiences at sea, with some of the finest cuisine in cruising, but this guest appearance really will be the icing on the cake for anyone onboard.

Written by Charlie Hamilton-Beaufort
© Iglucruise

The cruise line are known to be looking to expand their luxury expedition cruising, and earlier this month announced that they were looking to acquire an expedition ship with an ice-breaker hull. So, it is no surprise to see they have acquired another ship to offer cruises to off-the-beaten-track locations.

The Galapagos Explorer II is a different kettle of fish to the ship mentioned earlier this month, the 100 passenger, 4,077 tonne ship showcases that they are putting a real emphasis on expedition cruising. Silversea also acquired upmarket Ecuadorian tourism company Canodros and will continue to operate their new ship under its current name until September 2013, when she will be given the full Silversea treatment.

The former Renaissance ship already boasts 50 suites, a restaurant, piano bar, main lounge, outdoor bar and two outdoor whirlpools — so anyone cruising onboard her in the next 15 months won't be short changed!

Steve Odell, Silversea's Senior Vice President, UK, Europe and Asia Pacific, told Cruise Critic: —This has been in the making for several months and this is one of the areas that we have been keen to expand into. No one is offering a luxury cruise experience to the Galapagos Islands of the standards of Silversea... ——.

For the time being bookings will continue to be taken by Canodros and it will retain is Ecuadorian crew. Once the ship officially enters the Silversea fleet next year she will be renamed, though its unclear what the plans are for Canodros or her crew as yet.

Source: Cruise Critic

Written by Charlie Hamilton-Beaufort
© Iglucruise

The cruise line had already announced plans to build a new luxury ship, but following the success of Silver Explorer they are now looking to expand their exploration cruises, as well as their luxury offering. Silver Explorer recently cruised around the British Isles taking in Portsmouth, Lyme Regis, Dartmouth, Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland, before arriving in Greenock to raise the profile of the ship.

Mike Bonner, the cruise line's General Manager, said: "We want to expand this side of the portfolio but it is expensive to build a new ship so we are looking for a ship to convert... Expedition cruising is growing hugely."

New itineraries are being considered for 2014, with the additional ship in mind, including the Northwest Passage and the Pacific Islands. These would compliment Silver Explorer's current itineraries that take the ship to Antarctica in winter and the Arctic in summer.

This frugal approach to acquiring a ship for conversion and refitting, as opposed to custom building two new ships, shows the cruise line are being financially sensible in the current climate.

Written by Charlie Hamilton-Beaufort
© Iglucruise

Silversea's 2013 itineraries includes a 115 day world cruise, from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, onboard Silver Whisper. The cruise will visit 52 ports in 28 countries including some of the less visited coasts of Australia and Africa, as well as the iconic cities of Asia and the beaches of Bali. During 2013 Silver Spirit is set to return to the South Pacific and the isles of French Polynesia, as well as visiting Hawaii.

The new expedition cruises, will again reach off the beaten track destinations. Visiting the Polar circle or the penguin colonies of the world, have to remain among the highlights of cruising onboard Silver Explorer. The exploration-style ship will also visit Central America, Patagonia and new ports of call, such as Canada's Hudson Bay.

As ever, Silversea will be offering a selection of special offers on these sailings including free flights — in some cases business class — and complimentary spending money of up to $1000 per suite. With luxury cruising onboard elegant, intimate ships and offering world class cuisine and service, Silversea's most popular sailings will no doubt be selling quickly.

Written by Stephen Adam
© Iglucruise

Due to the record number of cruises departing from British ports in 2011 Silversea hope to educate more travel agents and passengers on the brand. They are keen to invite more agents onboard to experience the ships, including their latest arrival, the Silver Spirit.

The cruise line's decision to extend their UK programme is on the back of a successful 2010. With 12 sailings this year the number is double that of 2009 and 15 sailings for 2011 shows a steady increase.

Anil Swarup the UK and Europe marketing director said “Our ex-UK sailings for this year have sold out and it really has been a success story... Convenience is a big factor and the British Airways strike and the ash cloud have all helped, we have seen increasing demand for top-end UK cruises... Next year we will have even more sailings, including three round-Britain voyages and more varied itineraries.”

He added: “UK cruises just used to be the Baltic and around Britain, but we have ships that sail from the UK to places like Monte Carlo and Barcelona, with passengers flying back.”

Next year will see four of Silversea's ships sailing from the UK. Silver Spirit, Silver Whisper, Silver Cloud and their expedition class ship Prince Albert 2 will offer itineraries from ports such as Tower Bridge, Southampton, Portsmouth and Leith.

Written by Troy McGuire