This expedition ship offers guests innovative itineraries in an upscale environment. The former World Discoverer II, the ship was previously operated by the now-defunct Society Expeditions. Purchased by Silversea, she underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation and emerged as the Prince Albert II for her first voyage in June 2008. The ship's name honors the Prince of Monaco, who is passionate about exploration and environmental conservation.
A spiral staircase was added to the dining room leading upstairs to the newly renovated Panorama Lounge and Humidor, where guests can enjoy cigars and cognacs. Flat-screen TVs were added throughout the ship, and new carpeting was installed in most of the common areas and in the guest rooms. The swimming pool was removed from the ship and in its place are two hot tubs, lounge chairs, tables and chairs. The refurbished Observation lounge is the setting for afternoon tea and also contains a lending library with a collection of best sellers. An Internet cafe and library were added along with a beauty salon and spa.
Passengers are about 50% European and 50% North American. Announcements are made primarily in English. Age groups vary with the cruise but the manifest usually includes a preponderance of seniors, well acquainted with the Silversea luxury brand. Most are couples; there are never many young children aboard, and the ship has no facilities specifically for them.
Designed for navigating waters in some of the world's most remote regions, the Prince Albert II has a strengthened hull with a Lloyd's Register ice-class rotation. The cruise routes focus on polar adventures in Antarctica with roundtrip departures from Ushuaia and the less-traveled regions of Polynesia from the southernmost Austral Islands to the Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands and Tahiti.
Most shore excursions are included in the all-inclusive price and are the highlights of the ship's offerings. Select voyages also offer optional shore excursions for purchase. The staff, well educated and highly-trained, comprises scientists, geologists, biologists, naturalists, historians and ornithologists. The excellent enrichment lectures given before ports of call include slide presentations. The ship carries eight inflatable Zodiacs which allow guests to explore places that would otherwise be inaccessible. They are exceptionally efficient where there are no piers such as Antarctica and in shallow waters surrounding tropical gardens in the South Pacific. Passengers are given a familiarization session and crew members assist with boarding; elderly people with disabilities are handled with care by the staff.
This ship has seven decks. Although it has no swimming pool, it has two whirlpools. The fitness center on Deck 4 houses a treadmill, exercise bicycle, cross trainer and weight training machine. A small spa and beauty salon is on board, and so is a gift shop. The Panorama Lounge on Deck 5 serves tea and tapas. A large bar and well-stocked library are in the lounge, where a pianist plays nightly. The theater on Deck 6 has excellent audio and visual equipment and is used for enrichment lectures and cocktail parties. On Deck 5 are a library and the roomy computer center with four PCs; it charges a fee for Internet access. A doctor and nurse are on 24-hour call in the medical center when the ship is at sea. Smoking is allowed in designated areas.
The restaurant on Deck 4 is the main dining venue; it serves outstanding Continental cuisine with menus by Relais & Chateau. Complimentary wines, champagnes and spirits are served with meals and throughout the ship. Dining is open seating. All menus have a wellness option (many desserts on the wellness menu weigh in at less than 30 calories and are delicious). The Outdoor Grill on Deck 6 serves lunch and snacks. Room service is complimentary and runs 24 hours. Dress is casual and informal, but jeans and shorts are not permitted in the restaurant.
The staterooms range in size from 175 to 275 sq ft. They have portholes or windows, a sitting area, twin or queen beds, a writing desk and a flat-screen TV. The marbled baths are equipped with tub and shower combinations. All staterooms and suites have fine bed linens, premium firm mattresses, robes and slippers, expedition binoculars, hair dryer and a personal safe. The mini-bar is stocked with liquor and beverages according to the preferences of guests. The 20 premium suites range in size from 350 to 675 sq ft. Select suites have double French balconies or large private verandas. Turndown service is offered, and housekeeping visits suites twice a day.
A good choice is the Silver Suite, comprising 460 sq ft. A part of the ship refurbishment, this suite joined two previously standard rooms. It includes a walk-in closet, a living room with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest, a sitting area, two large picture windows with ocean views, and two flat-screen TVs. The marble-clad bath has a full-size tub and separate shower, a personal safe and a vanity table.
Silversea has an agreement with the Foundation of H.S.H. Prince Albert II to compensate for its greenhouse gas emissions. Printed material on board is recycled. The ship encourages the re-use of bed linens and towels to conserve water and energy.
One especially nice feature about Silversea is its all-inclusive fare that covers all onboard gratuities, complimentary beverages, fine wines and spirits and the majority of shore excursions. The expert naturalists and special guest lecturers give passengers a unique cruising experience and an intimate opportunity to interact with scholars and scientists. The service is superlative and the shore excursions are well-planned.
Tips: Passengers should bring along cameras, memory cards, spare glasses or lenses, sunscreen, head coverings, ponchos, umbrellas and shoes that can get wet—for any wet landings from the zodiac—as well as plenty of casual clothing for explorations. Bring along zip-lock bags to protect cell phones and cameras.
