Silversea's Prince Albert II
by Judy Cuervo
August 15, 2008

This small cruise line has brought a new level of luxury to adventure cruises, so travelers can get close to nature without sacrificing any creature comforts.

Just when I thought I had this cruising thing all figured out, along comes Prince Albert II, the luxury-injected expedition ship launched this summer by Silversea Cruises.

I'm no stranger to Silversea; sailings aboard the line's traditional ships are among my most memorable holidays at sea. Until Prince Albert II, however, I'd completely missed the boat when it came to cruising's expedition segment.

Christened by namesake Prince Albert on June 12 in Monaco, Prince Albert II is a Lloyd's Register 1A ice-rated vessel. Originally known as World Discoverer II, the ship got a multimillion-dollar renovation that included refurbishment of its exterior, technological enhancements, and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces. This 6,072-ton vessel carries just 132 guests in 66 ocean-view cabins from 180 to 600 square feet; it sails to destinations ranging from world capitals to remote islands around the globe.

Except for that ice-rating thing, Prince Albert II didn't sound too different from the Silversea I know and love: A small, intimate ship carrying affluent guests in tasteful luxury, with no pesky bar bill, restaurant surcharges or gratuities awaiting them at journey's end.

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The first clue I had that there'd be a shipload of difference between traditional cruising and the expedition variety arrived with my documents. Like the documents of a traditional Silversea sailing, these arrived in an attractive silver box foil-embossed with the line's logo; inside, air and cruise tickets were encased in an elegant Silversea passport folder with matching luggage tag. Unlike the documents of a traditional Silversea sailing, however, these were accompanied by the Prince Albert II Essential Arctic Packing List -- the "gear" recommendations for a successful expedition.

Previously, I would have defined my shipboard "gear" as cosmetics, a swimsuit, hairspray and, perhaps, tweezers. For my upcoming expedition, my "gear" was to include, among other things, waterproof rain pants, thermal long underwear, gloves, and a pair of mid-calf to knee-high waterproof boots to keep my legs dry during "wet landings," i.e., wading through water after disembarking the motor-powered Zodiacs that take passengers from ship to land. In surveying the full page and a quarter of essentials, I found that the only thing I already owned was the lip balm.

By the time my Icelandair flight departed JFK, my luggage was stuffed with the suggested boots, long underwear, gloves and waterproof rain pants (all acquired via the Internet; I quickly discovered that seeking these items in department stores during a New York City heat wave was not only fruitless but had sales people pegging me as a bit of a nut). This was certainly a different cruise wardrobe with the bulk of it being sweaters, jeans, corduroy pants and heavy woolen socks instead of my pretty dresses and stiletto heels.

I joined Prince Albert II in Akureyri, Iceland, more than halfway through its 18-day Tromso to Reykjavik itinerary. At the pier, I saw a glistening ship with classic lines, and the words "Silversea Expeditions" boldly distinguishing it from the rest of the Silversea fleet.

From the moment I stepped on board, Prince Albert II had a cozy, homelike feel. After checking in at the quaint corner reception desk, I was escorted to my Silver Suite, a 430-square-foot beige and cream mini-apartment with a spacious living area, walk-in closet, bedroom, elegant marble bathroom with separate tub and shower, bowl sink and Bulgari amenities, two flat screen TVs (one in the bedroom and another in the living area) and two narrow French balconies accessed through the living area and bedroom, respectively. Atop my bed was a commemorative backpack and my Prince Albert II Inaugural Season parka, a gorgeous blue and red insulated jacket that, unlike those loaned to passengers on other expedition ships sailing the Arctic or Antarctica, was mine to keep.

The ship was all but deserted as I explored the decks and public rooms; my shipmates were out on excursions that, in keeping with Prince Albert II's all-inclusive format, are always complimentary. As I settled in, they were visiting Godafoss Waterfalls and other natural wonders of the area.