Crossing the equator four times, the World Cruise itinerary will follow the tropical belt to 52 destinations in 28 countries with overnight stays in several key ports. The warm-weather journey will explore a realm of far-flung cultures and scenic wonders including New Zealand and Australia's remote west coast; the idyllic isles of French Polynesia; fascinating Asian cities of Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore; and Africa's rarely seen western coast.

Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas, said: "We're delighted to offer our World Cruise guests an onboard enrichment programme that is as extraordinary as the exotic destinations and ancient cultures they will visit. We're lining up professors and celebrated personalities from around the globe to share insights on a diverse range of topics that will both entertain and enlighten our guests."

To complement what is arguably the ultimate globetrotting experience, Silversea has already tapped the following guest lecturers:

Mary Higgins Clark: Known as America's Queen of Suspense, this worldwide bestselling author -- whose books have sold over one hundred million copies in the US alone -- will sail Voyage 4304, 25 February - 8 March, Hong Kong - Singapore.

Lynne Truss: This humourist and author, whose bestselling book Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation has sold over three million copies, is slated to sail Voyage 4303, 4 - 25 February, Sydney - Hong Kong.

Nigel West: Renowned military historian specialising in intelligence, counterintelligence and security issues, whose many books include At Her Majesty's Secret Service, will sail Voyage 4307, 5 April - 1 May, Cape Town - Fort Lauderdale.

Terry Waite: In 1987, negotiating the release of hostages in Beirut as special envoy for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Waite was himself taken hostage and held in captivity for 1,763 days. He is slated to sail Voyages 4301 - 4302, 5 January - 4 February, Los Angeles to Sydney.

Michael Buerk: One of Britain's leading broadcast journalists, BBC news correspondent and presenter for more than thirty years. His coverage of the Ethiopian famine alerted the world to the tragedy. He will sail Voyages 4301 - 4302, 5 January - 4 February, Los Angeles to Sydney.

Tony Leon: A former member and leader of the opposition in South Africa's parliament, in 2009 he was appointed the country's ambassador to Argentina. He will sail Voyage 4306, 24 March - 5 April, Mauritius - Cape Town.

Philip Hurst:  Historian and world affairs expert, this former deputy director of The Australian Institute of International Affairs will sail Voyage 4307, 5 April - 1 May, Cape Town - Fort Lauderdale.

Thomson Smillie:  This opera impresario, who has produced over one hundred operas and stage directed over thirty productions with companies in Europe and North America, will sail Voyages 4301 - 4302, 5 January - 4 February, Los Angeles to Sydney.

Dr Mark H Elovitz: The internationally acclaimed world affairs commentator and lecturer, who served as a professor of law, a litigator, government advisor, historian and US Air Force officer, will sail Voyage 4306, 24 March - 5 April, Mauritius - Cape Town.

Click here for more information on World Cruise 2013 or visit Silversea.com/worldcruise2013.

About Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises is recognised as an innovator in the luxury cruise line industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit -- all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of Silver Explorer, Silversea Cruises' itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, both polar regions and over 400 fascinating destinations in between.

In the US, Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and awarded "Best Cruise Line for Luxury Small Ships" by Luxury Travel Advisor (2011). International awards include "Best Innovation in Products and Services" from the Italian Innovazione Marketing Oggi Awards (2009); "World's Leading Small Ships Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2010); "Five Star Diamond Award" from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2011); "Number One" small-ship line in the Readers' Choice survey conducted by Britain's Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2010); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" Excellence Award by Spain's Cruise News Media Group (2009); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel & Style Magazine (2011); and "Best Luxury Cruise Operator" according to Travel Weekly China (2010).

# # #

For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent.
For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (US) 877.215.9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

Pictured above: Mary Higgins Clark (left) and Lynne Truss.

This press release was accurate at the date of issuance. It is the reader's responsibility to verify its continued accuracy, as information contained in the release may have changed.

Media Relations Contacts:

Americas
Brad Ball
Email: BradB@Silversea.com
Phone: (954) 713.4030 (USA)

Gina Finocchiaro
Email: GinaF@Silversea.com
Phone: (954) 713-4029 (USA)

Asia Pacific
Cait Gargett
Email: CaitS@Silversea.com
Phone: +61 2 9255 0600 (Australia)

Continental Europe, Russia, Ukraine
and CIS Countries, Israel, Africa
Jerome Danglidis
Email: jeromed@Silversea.com
Phone: +49 69 133 83 637 (Germany)

UK, Ireland and Middle East
Sara Larmer
Email: SaraL@Silversea.com
Phone: +44 (0) 844 770 9050 (UK)