Wow! Today luxury cruise line Silversea announced a new chapter in luxury cruising with its 2018 Couture Collection, an exclusive series of ocean and land adventures custom-designed for discerning and adventurous travelers.
The offering includes nine pre- and post-cruise land programs of five to 11 days in length designed to provide authentic and immersive travel experiences in the most remote and untouched regions of the Earth.
During the past few months Crystal Cruises, a luxury travel company operated by Genting Hong Kong, expanded into the skies with Crystal AirCruises, featuring a private-charter, lavishly outfitted Boeing 777 that promises “bespoke luxury to exotic worldwide destinations.” It appears that just when we thought the travel industry was only interested in millennials, some are more intent in attracting high rollers.
The head of Silversea, executive chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, says the new Couture Collection is designed to help seasoned luxury travelers access the least accessible corners of our planet through “carefully curated journeys that feature all the extraordinary touches of comfort and luxury for which Silversea is renowned.”
Collection features exclusive, high-end amenities
The collection, according to Silversea, was inspired by a survey of North American travelers, 87 percent of whom are from the United States, who voiced their “dream destinations” and most sought-after cultural experiences. The pre- and post-cruise Couture Collection includes exclusive amenities ranging from private helicopter service in Mongolia to vintage rail in India and Gulfstream jets in and out of Antarctica.
Prices average $34,000 per guest for each five- to 11-day adventure, with the 11-day South Pole itinerary at the high price range, starting at $78,000 per guest.
The Couture Collection programs are limited to small groups and include most meals, beverages and exclusive culinary events. Guests enjoy inclusive luxury accommodations at renowned boutique hotels, lodges and private tents specifically built for these experiences. Each bespoke adventure is fully escorted. Each program provides a perfect extension to select Silversea cruises, creating an unrivaled luxury travel experience, deeper on land.
Snapshot of the nine new offerings
Here’s a snapshot of the programs being offered:
Rwanda & Serengeti: Walking in the Footsteps of Giants
Come face-to-face with the power and beauty that is Africa with trips to the lush rainforests of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Be on the lookout for the majestic mountain gorilla during a two-day trekking experience. Go on a game drive seeking the Big Five from a custom 4x4 in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site best known for its amazing annual migration of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras. Prices for the eight-day trip start a $19,959 a person; departures on Nov. 20 or 27, 2018. It can be combined with Silver Discoverer expeditions departing on Nov. 16 or 27.
White Desert & South Pole: Standing on the Bottom of the Earth
On this expedition, participants explore the vast white desert of Antarctica, ice caves and tunnels. The travelers will also climb a glacial island and check out the remarkable colony of emperor penguins at Atka Bay. The tour follows in the footsteps of Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott to the South Pole. There’s a stay at Whichaway Camp and a fly in and out of Antarctica on a Gulfstream business jet. The 11-day journey starts at $78,000; departure on Jan. 2, 2018; it can be combined with Silver Spirit's Dec. 18, 2017, voyage. This is coming up fast!
Namibia & Rovos Rail
This choice to southern Africa includes a stop at award-winning Little Kulala Camp in the Kulala Wilderness Reserve, flightseeing over the Skeleton Coast and a hot-air balloon ride. From Pretoria to Cape Town, journey in luxury aboard the iconic Rovos Rail, known as the most luxurious train in the world. Savor the South African scenery from a carefully restored carriage that evokes the charms of a bygone era. Six days from $11,299; departures on Jan. 8 or March 14, 2018; can be combined with cruises on Silver Spirit (Jan. 15) or Silver Cloud (March 21).
India: In the Path of Powerful Titans
This one employs private flights throughout India where guests track tigers in Ranthambore wildlife reserve and travel by vintage rail to the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpu for dinner enhanced by views of Mehrangarh, an impressive centuries-old fort. There’s a visit to the ancient city of Jaisalmer ‘s Serai luxury camp and jeep or camel rides over desert dunes. Fares for the six days start at $32,799; departure on Oct. 23, 2018; can be combined with Silver Muse's Oct. 8 cruise.
Additional choices
Other choices include:
- Australia: Exploring the Unforgiving and Unforgettable Outback
- Iceland: Revealing the Legends of Fire and Ice
- Tibet: Standing on the Rooftop of the World
- Mongolia: Echoes of Genghis Khan
- Bolivia: A Short Walk onto Another Universe
Want to go?
As always, if any of these sound intriguing, contact a Cruiseable travel professional and they'll provide full details and get you the best prices available. Contact a Cruiseable travel expert at 1-877-322-3773 or email us.
