July 20, 2022
SILVERSEA® CONTINUES TO INNOVATE: NEW 136-DAY CONTROTEMPO WORLD CRUISE 2025 GOES OFF-SEASON, OFF-TEMPO, AND OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Calling in 59 destinations in 30 countries, guests will journey aboard Silver Dawn for the first time on a Silversea World Cruise
(Monaco -- July 20, 2022) Silversea Cruises® has opened an exclusive pre-sale on its Controtempo World Cruise for 2025, inviting guests to journey offbeat to 59 destinations in 30 countries across four continents. Unveiled by the cruise line’s executives during a special live-streamed event, the 136-day Controtempo World Cruise will depart Tokyo for New York on January 13, 2025, unlocking some of the world’s most iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations during unconventional seasons, with immersive experiences that introduce local people and the most compelling stories. Guests will journey aboard Silversea’s ultra-luxury Silver Dawn℠ for the global voyage, marking the first time a Muse-class ship has hosted a World Cruise.
The Controtempo World Cruise 2025 was unveiled to selected guests and travel partners during a virtual premiere, which featured a video starring Fernando Barroso de Oliveira—Silversea’s President’s Ambassador to the Venetian Society. Incorporating a 10-song soundtrack composed especially for the event, inspired by each region on the voyage, the video depicts Fernando walking through a sample of the voyage’s destinations. He reveals the authentic experiences that await guests in each region, highlighting the draw of discovering the world off-season and through local eyes. At the video’s conclusion and following a brief presentation, attendees posed their questions to Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises; Barbara Muckermann, Chief Commercial Officer, Silversea Cruises; and Fernando.
“Feeding the incredibly high demand for extended voyages, our destination experts have designed our new Controtempo World Cruise 2025 to sail offbeat, enabling the world’s most experienced travellers to rediscover the world in a whole new light,” says Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “Controtempo, a musical term that means ‘off-tempo’, will take guests closer to the authentic heartbeat of iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations. We will be travelling to an unusual rhythm, from East to West, with more time ashore in unconventional seasons. For the first time, we will host our World Cruise aboard our beautiful Silver Dawn—a slightly larger ship with a capacity of 596—which pays testament to the high demand we are seeing for extended voyages. Most importantly, guests will enjoy an enhanced experience aboard Silver Dawn, with the choice of eight restaurants; eight bars and lounges; our immersive culinary programme, S.A.L.T.®; and our indulgent wellness programme, Otium℠. This is the invitation to gain a different perspective on the world, in true Silversea style.”
OFFBEAT IN 59 DESTINATIONS, 30 COUNTRIES, AND FOUR CONTINENTS
Incorporating 33 overnight calls, seven exclusive events, three optional overland programmes, and 19 maiden calls, the Controtempo World Cruise 2025 is set to unlock new, immersive experiences for Silversea’s well-travelled guests. As well as some of the most iconic cities in the world, from Tokyo to Paris, the itinerary will include remote destinations that are new to a Silversea World Cruise. The voyage will be divided into 10 segments:
TOKYO TO HONG KONG – January 13 - January 27
Following a special welcome gala event in Tokyo, Silversea’s World Cruise will depart from Japan’s capital city for the first time in the cruise line’s history, travelling offbeat during the winter season. An optional pre-cruise overland programme will spotlight some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, experiences, and traditions over five days, from witnessing the famous Japanese snow monkeys of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, to riding Japan’s bullet train in first class, meeting a Bonsai Master, and relaxing in natural heated mineral baths, among other experiences. Overnight calls in Osaka, Xiamen, and Hong Kong will provide opportunities to travel deeper, while maiden calls in Kagoshima, Naha, and Beppu will uncover hidden Japan for well-heeled travellers. From Beppu on January 19, guests sailing on the full World Cruise will enjoy an exclusive optional experience at the famous onsen town of Kannawa, where an expert therapist will guide guests on how best to enjoy the hot springs.
HONG KONG TO SINGAPORE – January 27 - February 7
Silver Dawn will subsequently journey between Hong Kong and Singapore, unfurling the past and present traditions and cultures of Southeast Asia, with a focus on the storied history of Vietnam during the cool season. Overnight calls will unlock the natural beauty of Halong Bay, famed for its towering limestone karsts; the imperial city of Hue and Da Nang, the ‘city of bridges,’ over two days; and the vibrant buzz of Ho Chi Minh City, the city that never sleeps, over two nights. On February 1, guests will discover the spirit of the Cham during an exclusive event at the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary in the mountainous terrain outside of Da Nang—a lesser-visited region. Learning of the influence of the Champa people on Southeast Asia, travellers will have the opportunity to discover the 70 temples and pillars that were constructed by the Champa civilisation between the 4th and the 13th centuries. They will enjoy live performances and a curated Vietnamese dinner, amid the backdrop of illuminated temples.
SINGAPORE TO MUMBAI – February 7 - February 24
In Singapore on February 7, travellers will witness the contrast of old and new during a specially curated evening, enjoying 360-degree views from 57 stories up at the Marina Bay Sands, while sampling the very best of Singapore’s famed street food. Singapore Sling cocktails, first concocted at the iconic Raffles Bar; traditional song and dance; and live cooking demonstrations will enrich the occasion. Between Singapore and Mumbai, guests travelling aboard Silver Dawn will have the opportunity to journey deeper in land, with an optional three-day tour on the iconic Eastern & Oriental Express to explore rural Malaysia and Kanchanaburi for a River Kwai Bridge cruise; as well as 11 days in Sri Lanka and India. Overnight calls in Singapore, Phuket, Chennai, Trincomalee, and Mumbai, meanwhile, will uncover the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Garlands, rose petals showers, a feast fit for the Maharajas, and live theatrical performances await guests in Mumbai on February 23, during a bespoke Bollywood production—reserved exclusively for guests on the World Cruise.
MUMBAI TO ISTANBUL – February 24 - March 16
The voyage’s fourth segment will see guests journey to the Holy Land, including Jerusalem as well as Egypt, for the first time on a Silversea World Cruise since 2018. An overnight call in Jeddah will provide the chance to explore one of Saudi Arabia’s major cities—an historical gateway to Mecca. Travellers will discover the Souq Al Alawi, the Al-Tayebat Museum, the Corniche, and Jeddah Tower, which is set to become the world’s tallest building. After a call in Aqaba to witness the archaeological site of Petra, an overnight in Luxor will showcase the best of Egypt’s ancient history. Travelling deeper into Egypt’s storied past, world-cruising guests will journey in the footsteps of the Pharaohs on an overland experience from Ain Sukhna on March 8-9. From a private tour of the 500-roomed Abdeen Presidential Palace to an immersive walking tour of Cairo’s bazaars and an exclusive gala dinner, the range of experiences will allow guests to experience the capital city through new eyes.
ISTANBUL TO NAPLES – March 16 - March 25
An in-depth exploration of the Eastern Mediterranean in the springtime awaits guests between Istanbul and Naples. Maiden calls in Thessaloniki and Volos—a gateway to Greece’s oldest acropolis, Sesklo—highlight the voyage’s fifth segment, as well as overnight calls in the vibrant cities of Istanbul and Siracusa (Sicily). In Istanbul, guests will relax in the Turkish baths, sampling the region’s diverse cuisine. Hidden gems, such as Nafplion, complement calls in iconic destinations, such as Rhodes, for a rounded experience of the Eastern Mediterranean.
NAPLES TO LISBON – March 25 - April 3
Another first for a Silversea World Cruise, guests will spend a night in Naples—the capital of Italy’s Campania region—on a segment that leads to Lisbon. A cultural hub with royal palaces, castles, and ancient ruins, Naples houses some of Christianity’s oldest frescoes, as well as being the birthplace of pizza. Time at sea between Naples and Malaga offers travellers the chance to delve deep into the Mediterranean’s rich food cultures, with onboard culinary enrichments through S.A.L.T.—Silversea’s immersive culinary programme. An overnight call in Malaga will uncover the artistic city that gave the world Picasso. Travellers will next discover Cadiz’s old city, which harbours many cultural gems, from Roman theatres to neoclassical cathedrals.
LISBON TO SOUTHAMPTON – April 3 - April 12
Silver Dawn will sail between Lisbon and Southampton on the seventh segment on the Controtempo World Cruise 2025, taking travellers deep into Europe’s western coast with calls in Portugal, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. In Lisbon, guests will admire the city’s multi-hued houses and ornately tiled artworks, connecting with the destination through food and drink. Three overnight calls in Bordeaux—the largest urban environment to be recognised as a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site—will unlock France’s famous wine culture. A new destination for a Silversea World Cruise, Guernsey’s Saint Peter Port boasts stunning beaches and rugged cliffs.
SOUTHAMPTON TO STOCKHOLM – April 12 - April 30
Journeying between Southampton and Stockholm, Silversea’s guests will discover some of the most iconic cities in the North and Baltic seas on overnight calls during the voyage’s eighth segment—Rouen, Hamburg (for the first time on a Silversea World Cruise), Copenhagen, Tallinn, and Helsinki. From the city of Rouen, travellers will journey to Versailles to attend an exclusive Marie Antoinette-inspired event at the Palace of Versailles. Staying at a local hotel, guests will travel back in time for an evening of indulgence, with dancing, court jesters, and champagne. The following day, travellers will explore Paris before returning to Silver Dawn. In Amsterdam, guests will have the opportunity to tour the endless tulip fields at the best time of year, guided by a third-generation tulip grower, to learn about this staple of local culture. Copenhagen, one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities, will welcome guests with a rich culinary culture and 15 Michelin-starred restaurants.
STOCKHOLM TO REYKJAVIK – April 30 - May 13
The penultimate segment of the Controtempo World Cruise 2025 will see guests travel between Stockholm and Reykjavik for an in-depth exploration of Nordic culture. Lesser-visited cities such as Bergen—with its UNESCO-listed wooden buildings of Bryggen—and the Faroe Islands’ Torshavn will contrast with the iconic capitals of Stockholm, Oslo, and Reykjavik. During overnight calls in Oslo and Reykjavik, travellers will gain insight on the fascinating maritime history of Norway in one of Scandinavia’s most vibrant cities, as well as the incredible nature that surrounds Iceland’s capital. On April 29, guests will attend an exclusive photo exhibition in Stockholm that will display images from destinations around the world, curated especially for Silversea’s guests.
REYKJAVIK TO NEW YORK – May 13 - May 29
One of the most eagerly anticipated segments of the voyage, travellers will journey between Reykjavik and New York to round off the experience—arriving on May 29, 2025. The line’s well-travelled guests will have the opportunity to visit many destinations in Greenland, Canada, and New England for the first time on any Silversea World Cruise, contrasting remote settlements with vibrant cities: among calls in Qaqortoq, Nuuk, St. John’s, Halifax, Boston, and New York will be three overnights. An overnight in Greenland’s capital, Nuke, will provide insight on Inuit history and traditions, while an overnight in St. John’s will allow travellers to discover the natural beauty of Newfoundland. An optional three-day overland experience from St. John’s will uncover the wonders of Prince Edward Island. During an overnight call in Boston, Silversea’s guests will attend Controtempo’s farewell event at the historic Cyclorama—exclusive to guests on the World Cruise.
SILVER DAWN: AMONG THE MOST LUXURIOUS SHIPS AT SEA
The 596-guest Silver Dawn will host Silversea’s World Cruise 2025 to enhance the experience for guests. Silversea’s newest ship, the ultra-luxury vesselmaintains the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite, sea-view accommodations that are a hallmark of the industry’s leading cruise line, while introducing elements of innovation, with eight restaurants; eight bars and lounges; Silversea’s acclaimed culinary programme, S.A.L.T.; and the cruise line’s Roman-inspired wellness programme, Otium.
Culinary immersion will feature heavily throughout the voyage, with S.A.L.T. facilitating a deep dive into the world’s richest culinary cultures, built around the theme of ‘The Essential Tastes of the World.’ Areas of discovery will include the science of Umami in Japan and the art of fermentation in Scandinavia, among others.
Please note: the pre-sale for the Controtempo World Cruise 2025 opens today to all Venetian Society members, while sales open to the general public on August 2, 2022.
Find out more information about Silversea’s Controtempo World Cruise 2025 here
Watch the video of Silversea’s Controtempo World Cruise 2025, starring the cruise line’s President’s Ambassador to the Venetian Society, Fernando Barroso de Oliveira:
https://youtu.be/Psu-Cct9r5s
Following the creative direction of Jose Vuolo, Silversea’s Global Creative Director, the cruise line would like to thank the following for their roles played in the production of the exclusive World Cruise 2025 virtual premiere: Fernando Barroso de Oliveira for his special contribution; THEMONK for art direction and screenwriting; ZETA for production; Susanna Zerbini, Executive Producer; Massimo Sbaraccani, Director and Editor; Alessandro Dominici, Cinematographer; Paolo Monzeglio, Set Designer; Mattia Geraci and Federico Poglio (Gamera), for the LED background production; Lucia Gallotti, stylist; Milena di Gerolamo, make-up; and Theta.cool for music and sound design.
About Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Dawn, Silver Shadow℠, Silver Whisper®, Silver Spirit®, Silver Muse®, and Silver Moon℠ – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Origin®, Silver Wind®, Silver Explorer®, and Silver Cloud®, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galápagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of two new ultra-luxury Nova-class ships. Silversea Cruises is one of five cruise brands owned by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL).
About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is one of the leading cruise companies in the world with a global fleet of 63 ships traveling to approximately 1,000 destinations around the world. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner and operator of three award-winning cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, and it is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, the brands have an additional 10 ships on order as of June 30, 2022. Learn more at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com or www.rclinvestor.com.