Silversea Expedition Cruises
– Unlocking the mysteries of the Coral Sea, with Silversea’s Silver Discoverer
Departing 8th Feb 2015 from Auckland, New Zealand.
Silversea Expeditions Cruises offer journeys that are just as exhilarating as they are luxurious. A rare opportunity to discover diverse cultures & tribal life, see varied wildlife, and learn storied histories. Explore a number of World War II wreckages and memorials. See a sundry of terrains—from lagoon to mountainside, and from coral reef to mangrove. Sail alongside dolphins, see near-extinct birds and visit prehistoric reptiles, such as the Crested Gecko Rhacodactylus Ciliatus. Experience each island’s unique customs of craft, song and dance. [/jbox]
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Itinerary
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Silversea Expeditions Silver Discoverer
Route Map
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Explorer Suite Prices
from £6,150 pp
Cruise based on 2 persons sharing an Explorer Suite, including; Gourmet cuisine inspired by Relais & Châteaux Complimentary beverages served throughout the ship – including fine wines, champagnes, spirits, beer, bottled water, specialty coffees and soft drinks In-room bar and refrigerator stocked with your preferred beverage selections Complimentary 24-hour room service and in-suite dining served course-by-course from The Restaurant Complimentary guided excursions ashore, enrichment lecturers and destination consultants Fares include onboard gratuities [/jbox] [/jcolumns]About the Ship, Cruise Highlights, Ports of Call & Excursions
[jtabs] Silversea Expeditions Silver Discoverer ::Silversea Expeditions Cruises – Silver Discoverer
Silversea’s third expedition ship is expertly engineered to explore the most isolated archipelagos of the Pacific. Her small size and shallow draft allow close-up access to rugged coasts well beyond the reach of ordinary vessels. And she has been newly refurbished to help guests maximize their experience and build a genuine connection with the regions they visit. Spacious decks and panoramic public rooms mean the drama of the unexpected is never far from view. A fleet of Zodiacs allows exploration from the water or remote landings anywhere nature or curiosity dictate. Since many of our expeditions sail to some of the world’s most pristine coral reef systems, there’s a glass-bottom boat for underwater viewing along with a full complement of snorkelling equipment and a dive programme for advanced divers.
Click Here for Silver Discoverer – Deck Plans
Silversea Expeditions Dining
Flavours and aromas become as much a part of your experience as the sights you see and the cultures you encounter on your expeditions. Silver Discoverer offers four all-inclusive dining venues, each serving superb cuisine with a sophisticated level of attentive service and ocean views. No matter where you dine, you can arrive at your leisure and dine with whomever you choose, recount experiences ashore with fellow guests and discuss lecture topics with Expedition Team members while savouring fine cuisine and perfectly paired wines.The Restaurant
The Restaurant serves contemporary, international cuisine with sophisticated elegance and impeccable service. Menus feature local specialities unique to the voyage destination. The Restaurant offers open-seating dining, which means there are no assigned times, no assigned tables. You are free to dine when, where and with whom you please.The Grill
Poolside convenience for breakfast and lunch including fresh-from-the-oven pizza and lighter fare. When the stars come out, this popular eatery is transformed into an interactive dining venue where fresh seafood and prime cuts are grilled table side on a heated volcanic rock plate.Discoverer Lounge
Enjoy lighter fares for breakfast and lunch while relaxing in the casual atmosphere of the Discoverer Lounge. Large picture windows give way to natural light and passing views of the ever-changing scenery.In-suite Dining and Room Service
During your cruise, you can have breakfast delivered to your suite or a formal dinner ordered from The Restaurant menu. Lighter fare is always available from our 24 hour room service menu. [jtab/] Suites ::Silversea Expeditions Suites
All Silver Discoverer suites offer ocean view, butler service, mini-bar stocked with your preferences, a choice of bathroom amenities, down duvet covers, premium mattresses, Radio/Alarm with iPod docking station, plush robe, hairdryer, WiFi internet access (fees apply), flat-screen television with on-demand movies, music and satellite news programming and daily suite service with evening turndown. [jaccordion] Explorer Suite ::
Explorer Suite
As spacious as a View Suite, enjoy the passing scenery through two porthole windows. Each suite has an overall size of 186 SQ.FT. / 17.3 M2- Two portholes
- Sitting area
- Twin beds or queen-sized bed, including storage draws
- Marbled bathroom with walk-in shower
- Choice of bathroom amenities
- Writing desk
- Hair Dryer
- Wardrobe with personal safe
- Flat screen television with on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
- Radio/Alarm with Ipod docking Station
- Wifi available (fees apply)
View Suite
The perfect backdrop for breakfast in bed. Even guests who plan to spend only sleeping hours in their suite will appreciate the distinctive touches of this cosy Silversea accommodation. Each suite has a view window and overall size of 181 SQ. FT. / 16.8 M2- View window
- Sitting area
- Twin beds or queen-sized bed, including storage drawers
- Marbled bathroom with walk-in shower
- Choice of bathroom amenities
- Writing desk
- Hair Dryer
- Wardrobe with personal safe
- Flat screen television with on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
- Radio/Alarm with Ipod docking station
- Wifi available (fees apply)
Vista Suite
A quiet sanctuary. Enough living space to roam and relax. Two large view windows provide ocean views. Each suite has an overall size of 269 SQ. FT. / 25 M2- Two large view windows
- Sitting area
- Twin beds or queen-sized bed, including storage drawers
- Marbled bathroom with walk-in shower
- Choice of bathroom amenities
- Hair dryer
- Writing desk
- Wardrobe with personal safe
- Flat screen television with on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
- Radio/Alarm with Ipod docking station
- Wifi available (fees apply)
Veranda Suite
Sophisticated and welcoming, Veranda Suites are a favourite of returning Silversea guests. The private balcony surrounds you with panoramic views. Each suite has an overall size of 280 SQ. FT. / 26 M2 (including balcony 35.5 SQ. FT. / 3.2 M2), and several Veranda Suites can accommodate three guests.- Teak style balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
- Sitting area with convertible sofa that can accommodate an additional guest up to the age of 14 years old. Veranda Suites 601, 602, 603, 604 only)
- Twin beds or queen-sized bed, including storage draws
- Marbled bathroom with walk-in shower
- Choice of bathroom amenities
- Hair dryer
- Writing desk
- Wardrobe with personal safe
- Flat screen television with on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
- Radio/Alarm with Ipod docking station
- Wifi available (fees apply)
Medallion Suite
The Medallion Suite is Silver Discoverer’s most spacious with an overall size of 408 SQ. FT. / 38 M2 (including a Balcony 27 SQ. FT. / 2.5 M2). This is the ideal suite for socialising with friends or enjoying quiet time alone on your private balcony.- Teak style balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
- Living room with sitting area
- Twin beds or queen-sized bed, including storage draws
- Marbled bathroom with walk-in shower
- Choice of Bathroom Amenities
- Hair dryer
- Writing desk
- Wardrobe with personal safe
- Laundry service
- Two flat screen televisions with on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
- Radio/Alarm with Ipod docking station
- Wifi available (fees apply)
Voyage Highlights
This 14-day voyage into the Coral Seas will introduce you to the diversity this remote pocket of the world has to offer. Over the course of our journey, we will visit many islands—where we will meet welcoming locals who will invariably greet us traditionally with song and dance. Inhabitants are often proud of their indigenous culture and will enjoy sharing ancestral stories and legends with you. They will also serve as our guides, expertly showing us around their homeland by foot, canoe or bus. During this one-of-a-kind expedition, you will learn about the region’s significance during World II and will consequently see many monuments and wreckages that commemorate the destruction and significance of the catastrophic global conflict. In addition, this adventure promises world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities, an abundance of exotic wildlife against exquisite backdrops that encompass a number of terrains—from rocky hillsides to lush lagoons, and from active volcanoes to the magical, coral-reef underworld.Day 1 — Auckland, New Zealand
Embark the Silver Discoverer for this stunning Silversea Expedition – Unlocking the Mysteries of the Coral Sea. This afternoon, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and attend a safety briefing, and tonight we invite you to familiarise yourself with your new home away from home, meet some of your fellow travellers and enjoy the first of many memorable meals in The Restaurant.Day 2 — Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Famous for spectacular beaches, breath taking bays and an abundance of water activities, the Bay of Islands, commonly regarded as New Zealand’s “birthplace,” is a dynamic, sub-tropical region that is rich in tourism, fruit growing, dairy, wool-ranching, winemaking and crafts. Northland boasts sandy beaches, beautiful bays, crystal-clear waters and an abundance of islands—there are 144 of them in the aptly named Bay of Islands. Meanwhile, harbours cut deep into the coast, which is fringed by bush land and punctuated by the occasional village. Upon arrival at the Waitangi wharf our Maori Guide will escort us to the historical Waitangi Treaty Grounds where his/ her tribesmen will greet us with a traditional Maori welcome. Our guide will then proceed to take us on an exploration of the area upon which we will learn about New Zealand’s history, discovering the stories, personalities and events that shaped this magnificent and culturally rich country. During this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you will view the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe, stand on the spot where the Waitangi Treaty was signed, visit the historical Treaty House, and learn about the carvings in the carved Meeting House. Following our guided tour, you can opt to partake in a private workshop, to learn local skills and crafts, such as flax weaving, woodcarving and kapa haka (Māori song and dance, including the famous Haka). At midday we will be served an authentic hangi feast, which is cooked in an underground pit oven. The Māori guides and performers will join us to share our meal. Come the afternoon, we will undertake a Waka activity that provides a rare and unique insight into ancient Nga Puhi tribal customs, rituals and traditions. As we paddle a 50 ft. Māori Waka (canoe) on the tidal estuaries of the Waitangi River to the Haruru Falls, your Maori hosts will inform and entertain you with stories of their ancestors’ rich histories. Upon our return to the Waitangi wharf, we will say farewell to the new friends we made during our Bay of Islands Cultural Experience and return to the Silver Discoverer.Day 3 — At Sea
A leisurely day at sea is yours to enjoy. Begin perhaps with a late breakfast and another cup of coffee or tea during the first of the day’s lectures. Join the lectures and hear fascinating tales of adventure and learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields.Day 4 — Norfolk Island, Norfolk
Today is dedicated to the birdwatchers amongst us. Norfolk Island, with neighbouring Nepean Island, has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area because it supports the entire populations of White-Chested and Slender-Billed Norfolk Parakeets and Norfolk Gerygones, as well as over 1% of the world populations of Wedge-Tailed Shearwaters and Red-Tailed Tropicbirds. Norfolk Island also has a botanical garden, which is home to a sizeable variety of plant species.Day 5 — At Sea
As we continue sailing towards our next port of call, enjoy this rare opportunity to truly relax. Alternatively, share memories with fellow guests in the piano bar; review the abundance of photographs you have no doubt taken, and perhaps take a moment to reflect on (what we hope) has been the trip of a lifetime.Day 6 — Ile des Pins, New Caledonia
Welcome to Ile des Pins—an island that is teaming with animal life and home to unusual creatures such as the Crested Gecko Rhacodactylus ciliatus and the world’s largest gecko Rhacodactylus leachianus. The “Isle of Pines” is nicknamed l’île la plus proche du paradis (“the closest island to Paradise”), and it’s easy to see why. Divers and snorkellers will enjoy touring the lagoon where incredible species of fish and corals can be seen in the transparent water. Meanwhile, our by-foot explorers will enjoy a fascinating journey to penal colony ruins, which feature a water tower that was built by prisoners in 1874/75; renovated in 2005, it is still used by islanders today.Day 7 — Lifou, New Caledonia
Lifou, a French commune, not only has one of the most diverse landscapes in the Pacific Islands but is also the largest coral atoll in the Loyalty archipelago. As a consequence, our divers will be awestruck by the incredible coral reefs, teeming with brightly coloured marine life, that they’ll be able to see. Indeed, Jinek Bay, located just a short stroll from where the ship docks, is considered to be one of the Pacific’s highest quality reefs. Meanwhile, the above-water terrain does not disappoint, either. Here, our land-lovers can explore surrounds that include limestone caves, white-sand beaches and lush, green forests. Today is not the day to forget your camera as you are bound to be awestruck Lifou’s breathtakingly beautiful views—the northern coast of the island is made up of high, steep cliffs, whilst the southern side boasts pristine beaches that cradle stunning, turquoise waters. Life on Lifou offers visitors a glimpse of island charm—time seems to be measured by the positions of the sun and the tide, while residents preserve their traditional Kanak culture, which encompasses a tight, clan structure that have a close affinity for the land they have inhabited for thousands of years.Day 8 — Tanna, Vanuatu
With 20,000 inhabitants, Tanna is one of the more populous islands of Vanuatu, yet it is also one of the most traditional. Several kastom villages are found on Tanna, but the most famous is the Jon Frum cult, which completely rejected western objects and material wealth…until World War II. Learn more about this fascinating “cargo cult” and how its members believe that by building mock landing strips, as the early followers had observed during the war, they will attract planes that will bring them their rightful goods. In the morning we will see the John Frum Singers, be entertained by traditional dances, and perhaps have the opportunity for swimming or a visit to the island’s hot mud pools. In the afternoon, we will visit Mount Yasur – the island’s active volcano. Following our local guide, we will travel along a bumpy road that encircles the volcano, passing several small villages, before arriving at a trail that leads to the rim of the caldera. The volcano continuously rumbles and we will determine whether to go to the caldera’s edge depending on the level of volcanic activity on the day of our visit.Day 9 — Ambrym, Vanuatu
Ambrym, one of the larger islands in Vanuatu, is well known for its highly active volcanoes and their dominatingly wide caldera. Indeed, upon arrival you will no doubt notice how the black shores stand out against Ambrym’s lush vegetation. The highlight of any visit to Ambrym is the Rom dance, which is usually only performed during grade-taking ceremonies or men’s secret society meetings. It involves near-naked musicians and dancers clad in banana leaves and wooden masks, dancing in a mesmerising fashion. If it has not rained, the performance takes on a mythical air, as dancers ostensibly “disappear” into the clouds of dust raised by their stomping feet. For those who are interested, a full day trek to the volcano will be offered though at the cost of witnessing the alluring Rom dance.Day 10 — Luganville and Champagne Beach, Vanuatu
Luganville (called “Santo” by people from Vanuatu’s northern islands and “Kanal” by rural residents of the large island of Espiritu Santo) is the second largest city in the archipelago of Vanuatu (formerly known as New Hebrides). Here you will see, firsthand, the South Pacific’s rich island heritage, which spans over 3,000 years of Pacific region immigration. On Luganville’s main street, (which is unusually wide, thanks to a WWII general’s insistence that it should accommodate four trucks abreast), visitors will find interesting general stores, commercial shops and tourist boutiques. You may want to join a highlights tour of Luganville, to take in the city’s main sites and visit with the island women for a display of their unique water music rhythms. Alternatively, divers are invited to explore the WWII wrecks that lie at the ocean’s floor. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to go to Champagne Beach, so-named for the freshwater springs that bubble up through the white sand to create a variety of dancing, coloured lights (an all-natural consequence of the varying densities of salt- and fresh-water). This is undoubtedly a unique place to swim, cool off and watch the bright spectrum of fish that dart over the sand and amongst the rocks. We also hope to see the unique Water Music Women who stand waist-deep in the water in a half-moon pattern and use their hands to produce a wide range of musical sounds with the water. The crescent formation reflects the way the women have worked for thousands of years, standing in a semi-circle at the water’s edge, washing, bathing and collecting shellfish.Day 11 – Matautu Village, Tikopia Islands, Solomon
Life is but a dream in the remote island of Tikopia, located to the southeast of the Solomon Islands. A remnant of an extinct volcano, this small and high island covers an area only 5 km². Here it is very common to share one’s dreams, and considerable attention is paid to them, as they are believed to be designed from a supernatural force, and considered indicators of events to come in waking life. Besides the retelling of dreams, today we will be treated to some of the best dance performances on the entire trip. The locals are so friendly, that you will leave this place with many new friends. Another custom on Tiokopia is that you exit a house backwards on your hands and knees, as it is very rude to show your backside to your host when leaving his house. Just something to keep in mind when the locals invite you over. Not to worry, the huts have their doors very low to the ground. Become friends with some of the islanders and you may just get this very personal opportunity.Day 12 – Nembao Village, Utupua Island, Solomon Islands
Nembao, one of the main villages of Utupua Island, is our host for the day. Utupua is a high island surrounded by a coral reef with a land surface of 69.0 km², and its highest point located at 380 m. This is a day of pure tradition as we are welcomed by young local warriors and treated to a dance performance. We will have the opportunity to walk around the village and explore, to discover how the people of Utupua live. Hoping to see mudskippers and birdlife, we will board our zodiacs for a tour through the mangroves.Day 13 — Port Mary, Santa Ana, Solomon Islands
Today, Port Mary, the small bay in front of the main village of Ghupuna, welcomes us with beautiful white-sand beaches, large, lush trees, and traditional houses built of local timber and leaf. Santa Ana’s leaf houses were built flush to the ground until the 1970s but are now mostly built on stilts. Dozens of curious children will greet us, and we hope to arrange a local reception with dances by the island’s local students. If you’re on the lookout for a truly unique souvenir, Santa Ana is renowned for its small, ornately crafted ceremonial food bowls, dance sticks and fishing floats.Day 14 — Honiara, Solomon Islands
Following breakfast, disembark Silver Discoverer. Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation. [jtab/] Expedition Cruise Ship Team ::Chris Stanley, Photographer and Videographer
Chris Stanley is a Canadian cinematographer and editor who has produced some of the most inspiring travel videos in more than 30 countries across six continents over the last five years. Trained in Digital Cinema at The Art Institute of Vancouver, Chris founded Amber Pacific Studios in 2007. Since then, he’s produced eye-catching HD videos that range from travel television programs and music videos to corporate production work and promotional videos for tourism boards.Craig Ward, Marine Biologist and Dive Instructor
Craig Ward is a Dive Instructor & Marine Biologist. He has specialized in Marine education throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly; the Northern Great Barrier Reef, the Kimberley, South East Asia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. He has taught hundreds of people to dive and has provided in-depth knowledge of the reef to novices and scientists alike.Kara Weller, Expedition Leader and Biologist
Kara Weller has always had a passion for travel and for the biology of the natural world. Growing up in Alaska, she first became interested in wildlife when bears and moose constantly visited the woods next to her house. Kara has earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in wildlife biology, with research experiences that range from studying whales in the Bering Sea to mouflon sheep in Eastern Europe.Lars Maltha Rasmussen
Lars has worked with bird monitoring and scientific research for more than 25 years. He has a scientific interest in seabirds and a thorough knowledge of many aspects of arctic wildlife and ecology. He is currently based in Copenhagen, counseling in environmental impact assessment, conservation management, bird ecology, and Arctic environment. Since 2010, Lars has guided in the Arctic on tours in Svalbard, East Greenland, and West Greenland.Louis Justin, Lecturer
Louis Justin shares his knowledge of geography and the history of exploration as a lecturer aboard expedition ships. His interest for the natural world enables him to discuss subjects such as geophysics, navigation, weather, volcanoes, and related sciences. Lecturer, tour manager and expedition leader, Louis organises voyages and leads itineraries to the world’s most secluded wilderness and cultural jewels.Olive Andrews, Research Scientist
Olive Andrews’ compass has been fixed on marine mammals since she was eighteen, when she joined a whale research expedition on a tall ship. Nowadays, Olive is a research scientist at the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC) and Director of Whaleology, a consultancy where she leads international programmes dedicated to research and the conservation of whales. She leads marine research and tourism operations from the tropics to the poles.Stefan Kredel, Geologist
Kredel has cycled throughout Europe, traversed Nepal’s Annapurna Circle, hiked the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, and explored copper, gold and diamond mines in Austria, Italy, South Africa, and his native Germany. He has travelled extensively throughout Iceland, Greenland, and the North Pole regions.Thomas Hammerich, Geologist
It was Thomas Hammerich’s love for geology and paleontology, and a specialty in Marine Geology, Subduction Zones and Volcanology, that led him to the sea. The Neumuenster, German native has participated in travel exhibitions and international science & arts expos. Thomas is also a lecturer at the annual international Fleugel-Course at the University of Erlangen, Nürnberg. He also reviews articles for international science magazines and works as a consultant.Will Wagstaff, Ornithologist
For 25 years now, Will Wagstaff has been a freelance wildlife tour guide based on the Isles of Scilly in southwest England. He leads daily walks, boat trips, and weekly digital presentations on the islands’ wildlife. He was a bird recorder for thirteen years, regularly contributes to magazines, and has appeared as a local expert on television and radio. In 2001, Will published the first guidebook to the Falkland Islands. [/jtabs][jbox title=”Contact Us to Book” icon=”//mulberrytravel-1d41c.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads//2014/11/ABTA-Mulberry-Travel-Logo-small.jpg”] [jcolumns]
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