SILVERSEA’S Silver Spirit has emerged from drydock with an extra 15m in length after a US$70 million transformation that has added 34 new cabins and a series of new dining options.
The ship had been cut in two in March as part of a complex operation in the Fincantieri shipyards in Palermo, Sicily (travelBulletin April), then extended with a new 1,000-ton section that was inserted into its mid-section.
After another two months of works to rejoin the sections and complete an interior refit from bow to stern, Silver Spirit is now operating a new season of European cruises before heading to North America in September.
The new-look ship is modelled on Silversea’s flagship Silver Muse.
P&O spotlights PNG in 2019/20
P&O Cruises will offer six cruises dedicated to Papua New Guinea during its 2019/20 program, visiting destinations including Alotau, Kitava Island, Rabaul, Kiriwina Island and the Conflict Islands.
The season features one cruise to Papua New Guinea on Pacific Aria departing from Sydney in mid-November 2019 and five 10-night New Guinea Island Encounter cruises sailing from Brisbane.
The cruise line also confirmed Pacific Aria will sail from Brisbane instead of the previously anticipated port of Cairns.
The reshuffle follows the news that Pacific Eden will leave the fleet in April 2019 to join Cruise & Maritime Voyages, with P&O noting “such a significant change to the make-up of the fleet means that Pacific Aria will be needed elsewhere”.
Seabourn Ovation christened
Seabourn has officially named Seabourn Ovation in a festive ceremony in the harbour of Valletta, Malta.
A series of celebratory events took place, including a performance by the ship’s godmother, actress and singer Elaine Paige.
Paige then made a traditional blessing and released a bottle of champagne that was broken against the ship.
During the festivities a full orchestra ensemble performed on the Pool Deck and the evening was capped off with a fireworks display.
