History

Silversea was founded in Monaco in 1994 by a joint venture between V-Ships (the Vlasov Group) and the Lefebvre family of Rome — both parties had previously co-owned Sitmar Cruises. From its very first sailing, Silversea pioneered a model that changed the luxury cruise industry: all-inclusive fares that covered gratuities, beverages, port charges and shore excursions in a single price. The first ship, Silver Cloud, launched in 1994 and set standards of cuisine, service and suite design that established Silversea as the benchmark for small-ship luxury cruising.

The Experience

Silversea operates exclusively small ships — typically 200 to 600 guests — a deliberate choice that enables intimate service and access to smaller ports inaccessible to large cruise vessels. All accommodations are suites with ocean views. The cuisine is developed with Relais & Châteaux and features destination-inspired menus. The staff-to-guest ratio approaches one-to-one. The line operates a butler programme on all ships, with dedicated butlers providing in-suite dining, unpacking and packing services, and shore excursion coordination.

Destinations

Silversea's itineraries cover every ocean and continent, from the Mediterranean and Caribbean to Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos, and around the world. The expedition division — launched in 2007 with the acquisition of a purpose-built expedition ship — operates in some of the world's most remote environments. Silversea expedition ships carry expert naturalists, historians and scientists who accompany guests ashore by Zodiac inflatable craft.

The Fleet

Silversea's core fleet includes Silver Muse (2017), Silver Moon (2020), Silver Dawn (2021), Silver Nova (2023) and Silver Ray (2024) — the newest Evolution class ships featuring an innovative asymmetrical hull design. The expedition fleet includes Silver Origin (Galápagos specialist), Silver Wind, Silver Cloud, Silver Endeavour (former Crystal Endeavour, acquired 2022) and Silver Explorer. In 2020, Royal Caribbean Group acquired full ownership of Silversea for approximately $1.65 billion.

Prices

Silversea's all-inclusive pricing varies significantly by ship, itinerary and season. Entry-level suite fares on the Mediterranean begin around $500 per person per night. Expedition sailings to Antarctica or the Arctic typically start at $1,500–2,500 per person per night. Grand Voyages (around the world) and Antarctic sailings are the most sought-after bookings in luxury cruising. The line's Door-to-Door All-Inclusive package adds private transfers and business class flights.