Silver Shadow in Sydney, Australia.
Photo courtesy of Silversea
Finding a truly unique itinerary can be challenging. Many can come frustratingly close to providing a total immersion experience, but without achieving that sense of adventure and exploration that sets them apart from the rest.
In 2011, Silversea seeks to provide that thrill of exploration without any compromises as their elegant Silver Shadow sets sail, roundtrip from Sydney, on an incredible thirty-day circumnavigation of Australia.
Departing on January 19, 2011, the intimate Silver Shadow will sail past Sydney's famous opera house and begin her counter-clockwise voyage around the great land 'down under.' To say her itinerary is outstanding is an understatement; indeed, land-based travelers would be hard-pressed to see as much of Australia as Silver Shadow's 382 fortunate guests will experience in just one month.
Where exactly does she travel? The better question, perhaps, is where doesn't she? The full itinerary:
| Date | Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| 19 Jan 2011 | Wed | Sydney, Australia | 11:00 PM | |
| 20 Jan 2011 | Thu | Day At Sea | ||
| 21 Jan 2011 | Fri | Brisbane, Australia | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 22 Jan 2011 | Sat | Day At Sea | ||
| 23 Jan 2011 | Sun | Whitsunday Islands, Australia | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| 24 Jan 2011 | Mon | WILLIS ISLETS | 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| 25 Jan 2011 | Tue | Port Douglas | 8:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| 26 Jan 2011 | Wed | COOKTOWN | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| 27 Jan 2011 | Thu | Day At Sea | ||
| 28 Jan 2011 | Fri | Day At Sea | ||
| 29 Jan 2011 | Sat | Darwin, Australia | 8:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| 30 Jan 2011 | Sun | Day At Sea | ||
| 31 Jan 2011 | Mon | Day At Sea | ||
| 01 Feb 2011 | Tue | Broome, Australia | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 02 Feb 2011 | Wed | Day At Sea | ||
| 03 Feb 2011 | Thu | Exmouth, Australia | 7:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| 04 Feb 2011 | Fri | Day At Sea | ||
| 05 Feb 2011 | Sat | Fremantle (Perth), Australia | 8:00 AM | |
| 06 Feb 2011 | Sun | Fremantle (Perth), Australia | 1:00 PM | |
| 07 Feb 2011 | Mon | Albany, Australia | Noon | 6:00 PM |
| 08 Feb 2011 | Tue | Day At Sea | ||
| 09 Feb 2011 | Wed | Day At Sea | ||
| 10 Feb 2011 | Thu | PORT LINCOLN | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 11 Feb 2011 | Fri | Adelaide, Australia | 8:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| 12 Feb 2011 | Sat | Day At Sea | ||
| 13 Feb 2011 | Sun | Geelong, Australia | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| 13 Feb 2011 | Sun | Melbourne, Australia | Noon | |
| 14 Feb 2011 | Mon | Melbourne, Australia | 6:00 PM | |
| 15 Feb 2011 | Tue | Day At Sea | ||
| 16 Feb 2011 | Wed | Hobart, Tasmania, Australia | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| 17 Feb 2011 | Thu | Day At Sea | ||
| 18 Feb 2011 | Fri | Sydney, Australia | 8:00 AM |
As if to sweeten the deal further, passengers can choose to enhance their voyage with two incredible overland experiences that are offered mid-cruise:
Kangaroo Island Luxury Eco-Expedition: if the diverse array of wildlife in Australia is a 'must-see' on your list, you don't want to miss out on this experience. Known as the Galapagos of Australia, Kangaroo Island, this overland journey allows passengers the ability to see kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and even the rare Cape Barron Geese - all in the ultimate luxury of the South Ocean Lodge . This excursion is offered from Adelaide, and rejoins the ship at Melbourne, for a cost of $4,799.
The Koala: native to Eastern and Southern Australia.
Photo courtesy of Silversea
Australia Frontiers and Train Journey: being such a vast country, it's no surprise that rail travel was considered a necessity early on. On this unique, six-day journey aboard the luxurious India Pacific train, passengers will be able to experience the breathtaking majesty of Australia's unique landscape in the ultimate comfort. Along the way, visit the mining town of Coober Pede and enjoy a wine and culinary adventure in the famed Barossa Valley. This excursion is offered from Perth, and rejoins the ship in Adelaide, at a cost of $7,799.
The Kangaroo, Australia's national symbol, can be seen
in person on the "Kangaroo Island Eco Expedition"
overland excursion offered on this voyage.
Photo courtesy of Silversea
On any other line, this itinerary would be worth the price of admission. Silversea, however, isn't just 'any other line' - they have been rated as the "World's Best" by Conde Nast Traveler, nine times and counting, and have won countless awards for service, cuisine, and overall cruise experience. The line prides itself on its culinary experiences, its unique selection of rare and vintage wines, and its commitment not just to unique itineraries, but original enrichment programs tailored to each destination.
The lineup of guest speakers slated to sail on this voyage is impressive. Eleven speakers in total, each with their own specialty, help to bring Australia to life through their knowledge on Australian film, art, nature, academia, wine making and culinary delights.
The perfect spot on Silver Shadow to enjoy sunsets
during the circumnavigation of Australia.
during the circumnavigation of Australia.
Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders
Pricing for this month-long voyage starts at just $17,637 per person. Sound like a lot? It's not - when you factor in what you get in return. You have thirty days aboard one of the most luxurious ships afloat - the Silver Shadow, where every stateroom is a suite. You won't find any inside cabins on this ship. We had the opportunity to tour Silver Shadow back in June, and have to confirm the line really knows what its doing. As we reported then, the sense of camaraderie - and excitement -between passengers and crew was infectious. Everyone was on a first-name basis, and everyone was there to have a good time.
A true departure from mainstream lines if there ever was one.
With Silversea, most of your beverages - alcoholic or otherwise - are covered. Gratuities are included. Meals are first rate, and service is polished, attentive, and friendly.
Perhaps most importantly: this isn't a voyage that is repeated each week. This is a unique, one-off experience that simply isn't offered on any other line of this calibre. When many people book a run-of-the-mill Caribbean cruise, they pay for a vacation. For the fortunate passengers aboard Silver Shadow, they will be embarking on something more profound:
A once-in-a-lifetime experience; one that will be treasured always.
For more information on this exciting voyage, including a detailed itinerary and complete pricing and availability, head over to Silversea's website. This is a one-of-a-kind cruise; those who wait until the last minute to book may find themselves disappointed.
For more information on the Silver Shadow, be sure to check out our two part Photo Tour of the impressive ship, right here on From the Deck Chair.
Silver Shadow Tour - Part 1
Silver Shadow Tour - Part 2
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