Silverseas to offer more UK departures for 2011

With a record number of cruises either departing or arriving at British ports, Silversea’s decision to increase the number of sailings in and around Britain follows the success of this year’s programme, which with 12 ex-UK cruises is double that of 2009.

Four of Silversea’s six ships have offered UK departures during 2010, but high demand from customers has encouraged Silversea to boost its ex-UK programme to 15 voyages in 2011 with more one-way cruises to the Mediterranean.

“Our ex-UK sailings for this year have sold out and it really has been a success story,” said Anil Swarup, UK and Europe marketing director.

“Convenience is a big factor and the British Airways strike and the ash cloud have all helped – we have seen increasing demand for top-end UK cruises.

“Next year we will have even more sailings, including three round-Britain voyages and more varied itineraries.”
He added: “UK cruises just used to be the Baltic and around Britain, but we have ships that sail from the UK to places like Monte Carlo and Barcelona, with passengers flying back.”
Next year Silver Spirit, Silver Whisper, Silver Cloud and Silversea’s expedition ship Prince Albert II will offer cruises that either start or finish in the UK.
Four cruises start and finish at UK ports such as Tower Bridge, Southampton, Portsmouth and Leith (Edinburgh).

Several one-way sailings, such as Southampton to New York, Southampton to Barcelona, and Athens to Southampton also include free flights.

Prices start at £2,618 for a seven-night Hamburg-Southampton cruise aboard Silver Whisper on August 31, 2011, including flight and transfers.