Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas, said: "A world cruise is the trip of a lifetime for most travellers. For this far-reaching voyage, our onshore events and overland tours offer great opportunities for authentic experiences that spotlight local cultures and enable guests to gain a better understanding of the fascinating regions they will visit."

COMPLIMENTARY EVENTS

In addition to a gala Bon Voyage reception, dinner and overnight stay at the renowned Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel on the night prior to embarkation, other complimentary events that will be offered to guests sailing the full World Cruise include an exclusive evening of cocktails and dinner at Singapore's members-only China Club. Built atop the Capital Tower, the club offers panoramic views and an exotic '30s and '40s atmosphere where guests may revel in the glamour of a bygone era. And from Cape Town, guests will journey through the scenic Cape Winelands region to enjoy a wine tasting, gala dinner and overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Stellenbosch.

Plus, a complimentary Silversea Experience, Dinner in the Desert, will be offered in Walvis Bay. Set in the captivating atmosphere of the Namib Desert, this enchanting evening under the stars will include live music, a fire-spinning performance and sumptuous buffet-style dinner.

OPTIONAL OVERLAND PROGRAMMES

Also available is a collection of 14 optional mid-voyage land adventures, nearly half of which are brand new. These extended off-ship programmes will enable World Cruise guests to spend more time discovering the true culture, heritage and uniqueness of the exotic destinations they will visit. Each of the unique overland extensions includes deluxe accommodation (if overnight stays are required), porterage, all transfers, sightseeing and some meals. Prices range from US$999 to $7,999 per person, based on double occupancy. 

Briefly recapped below are the NEW overland tours that will debut on World Cruise 2013:

"Outback Odyssey" -- Venture into one of Australia's most remote areas, famous for its rugged beauty and one of the country's most enduring symbols, Ayers Rock, shrouded in myths and legends since time began. This five-day/four-night programme is offered from Adelaide on 8 February.

"Discover Laos" -- Explore the country's charming capital, Vientiane, and temple-filled Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated 2,296 feet (700 metres) above sea level amid a backdrop of scenic mountains. This two-and-a-half-day/two-night programme is offered from Ho Chi Minh City on 2 March.

"River Kwai & WW II Memorials" -- A visit to Kanchanaburi offers both scenic and serene natural beauty. But for many travellers the main draw is its link to the Second World War and the world famous River Kwai Bridge, commemorated in numerous books and films. This one-and-a-half-day/one-night programme is offered from Bangkok on 4 March.

"Myanmar: Golden Pagodas & Ancient Temples" -- Venture into Myanmar, the golden land formerly known as Burma, and discover one of the most fascinating destinations in Asia. Visit its exotic capital Yangon, with its magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, and take a trip to ancient Bagan. This three-and-a-half-day/three-night adventure is offered from Bangkok on 4 March.

"Kandy by Chartered Sea Plane" -- Journey by private air taxi into the centre of the Kandy plateau to explore the last royal citadel of ancient Ceylon. Nestled in a valley surrounded by hills and dense jungle, Kandy is the cultural heartland of Sri Lanka. This full-day adventure is offered from Colombo on 15 March.

"Pumba Private Game Reserve & Safari Lodge" -- Discover wildest Africa on a unique safari adventure in the heart of the Eastern Cape, renowned for its beauty and abundance of wildlife. The game reserve is home to lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants, and more than 250 species of birds. This two-and-a-half-day/two-night adventure is offered from Richards Bay on 31 March.

Click here for more information and complete details on the full collection of World Cruise overland tours or visit Silversea.com/worldcruise2013/landadventures.

Silver Whisper's World Cruise 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. Fares start at $49,999 (per person, double occupancy) for the full 115-day voyage, and shorter segments are available.

About Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises, which is chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, 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).

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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.

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
Carla Oscuro
Email: CarlaO@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)