Every day Silversea ships navigate the world's oceans to connect people with distant lands and cultures. Along the way, we hope our guests make new friends and collect memories of unique experiences and spectacular sceneries that will promote a deeper understanding of our planet. As a global corporate citizen, we recognise the importance of supporting communities and protecting the earth's natural and cultural treasures. 

By working with like-minded tour operators, we strive to offer a variety of optional shore experiences that educate and promote interest in the welfare of local cultures and indigenous species. For instance, our guests can visit and learn about endangered animals in their natural habitats, such as African elephants at the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya, and Madagascar's black lemurs at their sanctuary on the island of Nosy Komba.

With a profound appreciation of our special dependence on the health of the world's seas, we are devoted to ensuring the safe operation of our vessels, maintaining full compliance with international environmental regulations, and developing plans for preventing pollution.

Some of the steps we take include:

• Employing latest diesel-electric propulsion design on Silver Spirit that will allow much of the engine power to shut down when power demand is less, reducing fuel usage and air emissions;
• Equipping Silver Spirit, Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow with state-of-the-art navigation systems that feature a speed pilot mechanism for automatic optimal control of speed in varying sea conditions, thereby achieving greater fuel conservation; 
• Maximising the use of LED illumination on Silver Spirit to reduce energy consumption;
• Using TBT-free, non-toxic hull coatings, such as silicone-based paints, to lessen frictional resistance and reduce fuel usage and emissions;
• Implementing a stringent waste management plan on all ships with crew members specially trained and responsible for sorting, processing, storing, recycling and disposing of rubbish;
• Using environmentally friendly cleaning products on all ships;
• Placing "Conserve Water and Energy" instruction cards in all suites enabling guests to notify their suite attendant when bed linens and towels need to be replaced, reducing the need for daily washings;
• Encouraging guests to keep their veranda doors closed to conserve energy;
• Providing waste bins on open decks and informing guests of our strict policy against throwing any rubbish overboard; 

• Donating unneeded beds, furniture and linens to charitable organisations to avoid creating more waste, while also extending a helping hand to those in need.

Moreover, Silversea is a member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), dedicated to managing respectable, environmentally friendly and safe expedition cruising in the Arctic. The company has also joined the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). This important organisation promotes and practises safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica. 

But we also take our social responsibility further by partnering with groups that share our commitment to serving the public good. Through a variety of joint programmes and fundraising efforts, we're proud to support the following organisations:

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

In 2006, following in the environmentally friendly footsteps of his forefathers, HSH Prince Albert II created the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which is dedicated to the protection of the global environment. Its focus is on three major challenges: climate change and developing renewable energies; the loss of biodiversity; improving universal access to clean water and fighting desertification.  Silversea is committed to raising awareness of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and is pleased to host onboard fundraising events to benefit the Foundation's projects.

For more information about the organisation, visit www.fpa2.com.

 

FAI -- Fondo Per L'ambiente Italiano (The National Trust For Italy)

In 1975, FAI -- Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano (the National Trust for Italy) was founded using the National Trust in England as its model. Its main goal is to conserve, care for and protect the irreplaceable artistic and natural heritage of Italy. After receiving properties via donation or legacy, FAI restores and manages them and opens them to the public for people to enjoy. Its properties range from ancient castles, villas and a monastery, to gardens, stretches of unspoilt countryside and coastline, and even an art deco barbershop.

 

Through Silversea's exclusive partnership with FAI, we are pleased to offer our guests optional shore excursions and land programmes to visit FAI properties, such as the magnificent Villa del Balbianello.  Situated on picturesque Lake Como, it was once the home of the explorer Guido Mozino, and its vast collections include Chinese, African and pre-Colombian art, 18th-century English and French furniture, and a museum with documents and mementoes of his expeditions.

For more information on FAI, visit www.fondoambiente.it

Maruzza Lefebvre D'Ovidio Foundation

The Maruzza Lefebvre D’Ovidio Foundation is an independent, family-run charity, established by Antonio and Eugenia Lefebvre D’Ovidio following the loss of Maruzza, their eldest daughter, in 1989.

Antonio and Eugenia passionately took up the vocation to aid people suffering the same fate as their daughter.  Her vision became their deepest desire -- to provide assistance and care for incurable patients, with consideration and respect for their moral principles, dignity and quality of life -- bringing light to Maruzza’s dream.

Silversea is proud to support the dedicated efforts of this non-profit organisation and to honour the memory of Maruzza, the beloved sister of Silversea’s Chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre D’Ovidio.

Under the leadership of Silvia Lefebvre D’Ovidio, Maruzza’s sister, the Foundation works together with local government organisations assembling specialised networks to promote excellence and equity in the provision of palliative care and support for persons affected by life-threatening or life-limiting conditions and their families, regardless of age, cultural, social and economic background.

Today, a major part of its energy and resources is dedicated to the diffusion of palliative care for children, babies and adolescents affected by incurable illness.  For these young patients in particular, it is essential that they spend their days in familiar surroundings where all their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs can be properly addressed, able to live their lives free from unnecessary pain and suffering.

Silversea has established a fundraising programme that promotes awareness of this important cause and allows Silversea guests to share in the Maruzza Foundation’s mission.

For more information, please visit www.maruzza.org or email foundation@silversea.com.