(13 March 2013) The renowned Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers), founded nearly 200 years ago to advance geographical science, is to enhance Silversea voyages even further by providing detailed scientific and historical information to guests embarking on some of the greatest journeys around the globe.

The Society, based in London, and whose Royal Patron is Queen Elizabeth II, is partnering with leading luxury expedition cruise operator Silversea to share some of the world's most important geographical research and archive material with guests travelling on Silversea expedition ships, including Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos.

There are more than two million items in the Society's historic Collections, including over one million maps, 500,000 photographs, 250,000 books and journals, manuscripts, and iconic artefacts which date back as far as 1482.

The Society has always been a notable supporter and communicator of the work of geographical explorers and scientists, including that of Charles Darwin, Dr David Livingstone, Robert Falcon Scott, Sir Ernest Shackleton and Sir Edmund Hillary. Its support for geographical research to understand our changing world -- its environments, peoples and places -- continues actively today, informing issues that range from sea level change to migration.

Silversea guests will benefit from a wide range of specialist visual and written content from the Society, enabling guests to learn even more about their expeditions to destinations including Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos, South America, Africa and Europe.

Founded in 1830, the Royal Geographical Society is a respected professional body for geography and geographers and is one of the largest and most innovative geographical societies in the world, as well as the biggest in Europe. Its objective is to advance geographical science. To do so, it champions and supports field research and scientific expeditions, enhances geographical and environmental education, and raises public understanding of the world.

Enzo Visone, CEO of Silversea Cruises, said: "This is a partnership which will bring incredible historic and current geographical information to our guests, as well as unite two experts in their respective fields. Silversea Expeditions are known for being the best exploration voyages worldwide -- they will retain their world-class position with this valuable partnership with the Royal Geographical Society."

Dr Rita Gardner, director of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), added: "We are delighted to enter into partnership with Silversea, extending the Society's work to embrace and enthuse Silversea guests with our understanding of the wonderful and changing world in which we all live and that they will experience, enjoy and discover through their travel experiences.

Silversea recently announced the introduction of voyages to Galápagos. Its year-round schedule of 7-day expedition voyages aboard the 100-guest, all-suite Silver Galapagos will begin operating in late September 2013 and feature the following options:

• Western Itinerary: Sailing Saturday to Saturday roundtrip from Baltra Island, Silver Galapagos will trace a path across the western, southern and eastern islands, including  Santiago, Bartolomé, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, San Cristóbal, and Santa Cruz.

•  North Central Itinerary: Sailing Saturday to Saturday roundtrip from Baltra Island, this itinerary encompasses the northeast, central and southeast islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal, Española, and Plazas Sur.

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 the expedition ships Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos (debuting late 2013), Silversea Cruises' itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, both polar regions and over 500 fascinating destinations in between.

About Royal Geographical Society (with IBG):
The Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830, our Royal Charter of 1859 is for 'the advancement of geographical science'. Today, we deliver this objective by developing, supporting and promoting geography through research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, and public engagement, while also providing geographical input to policy. We aim to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of our world. We hold the world's largest private geographical collection and provide public access to it. We have a thriving Fellowship and membership and offer the professional accreditation 'Chartered Geographer' www.rgs.org

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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.

For more information on the Royal Geographical Society, visit www.rgs.org

 

Media Contacts:  

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
press@rgs.org

Silversea Cruises
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)