Ship Statistics, Company History & Meet The Captain
Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises
Builder: Visentini/Mariotti (Italy)
Entered Service: 2001
Gross tons: 28,258
Length: 610 feet (186 meters)
Width: 81.8 feet (24.8 meters)
Draft: 19.6 feet (6 meters).
Propulsion: 2 Wartsila diesel engines..
Speed: 21 knots
Registry: Bahamas
Passenger Decks: 7
Cabins: 286 (two handicapped cabins, Nos. 8116, 8042)
Space Ratio 74* (*Space ratio derived by dividing ship’s gross tonnage—a volume measurement of its interior space—by its lower berth capacity.)
Passengers: 382
Crew 295
Staff: 260 (International)
Officers: Italian
Crew/Guest Ratio 1 crew to 1.3 guest
US CDC Vessel Sanitation Rating: 97
Launderettes: 2
Electrical Appliances: 110 volt (American current); 220-volt (European current)
Handicapped Suites: 2
Ship Currency: US Dollar
Medical Center: Fully equipped. Staff physician and nurse on 24-hour call. Fees charged for services and medications.
Attire on Board: Casual clothing for daytime. For casual evenings, open-neck shirts, slacks and sports outfits are appropriate (no shorts). For informal evenings, dresses or pantsuits for women; jackets for men (tie optional). For formal evenings, tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark suit for men; evening dress or cocktail dress for women.
Venetian Society: Those who have take a cruise on a Silversea ship are automatically eligible for membership in the Venetian Society (VS) and all its benefits and privileges that include special savings on a wide range of cruises throughout the year. The number of cruise days accrued, and at certain milestones, earn even more savings, and often complimentary cruises. The name Venetian represents the citizens of Venice and reflects Silversea’s Italian heritage. Venice is also the place where the superstructures for the four Silversea ships were built. If VS members introduce their friends to Silversea, they will also receive special savings. When friends sail with you as a sponsoring VS member, you will receive bonus rewards including a$250 per suite onboard-spending credit on designated VS voyages and the chance to earn double days on all voyages.
Website: www.silversea.com
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Silversea is a privately owned cruise company reflecting generations of maritime and travel experience. In the early 1990s, the Lefebvre family of Rome, former owners of Sitmar Cruises, conceived and organized a unique cruise company pledging to build and operate the highest quality ships in the ultra-luxury segment. The name "Silversea" was chosen because it connotes quality and luxury as well as capturing the romance and special sensations of the sea.
Silversea launched its first ship, Silver Cloud in 1994, followed by Silver Wind in 1995, Silver Shadow in 2000 and its newest ship Silver Whisper in 2001. The fleet was purpose-built for the ultra-luxury market, establishing a new class of smaller, intimate vessels that could slip into more exotic ports off the beaten path. Designed for fewer guests, more space and the highest levels of personalized service, the ships are crewed by Italian officers and an international staff.
The company’s chief executive officer is Albert Peter who took up his position in 2001. He is credited with achieving the cruise line’s high rate of customer satisfaction and for the introduction of innovative products— Acqua di Parma, Davidoff, Loro Piana, Relais & Châteaux and Viking Range—that enhance the cruise experience while tailoring the company to appeal to the discriminating world traveler seeking a white-glove cruise vacation and unique land adventures.
Today, Silversea is recognized as defining a elite luxury experience and is regularly lauded by leading consumer and trade publications. It continues to garner five-star ratings from the Berlitz Guide to Ocean Cruising’ Five- Stars Club and accolades from the Unofficial Guide to Cruises—two books on the market that provide the best information on cruises.
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Captain Gennaro Arma
Born in Sorrento, Italy, on the Amalfi coast, 43-year-old Captain Gennaro Arma graduated in 1979 from Nino Bixio College, one of the oldest and most prestigious maritime schools in Italy. By the age of 18, he was already a junior officer and signed on as a cadet aboard his first vessel, a cargo ship.
In 1998, Captain Arma joined Silversea Cruises as staff captain (second in command) and two years later was appointed captain of the line’s mother ship, Silver Cloud for 2000 and 2001. After that he was captain on the Silver Shadow and the Silver Whisper.
As Master of Silver Whisper, Captain oversees more than 280 crewmembers from over 37 nations. He is responsible for the guidance and navigation of the vessel, including maneuvering the 28,258-ton ship safely in and out of ports. He also meets weekly with ship department heads to ensure the smooth operation of the vessel.
Captain Arma loves to travel in his spare time (but not by boat!) and is interested in archeology and history, though his favorite pastime is spending as much time as possible with his family in southern Italy.
In 2001, he became a member of the Royal & Ancient Polar Bear Society of Hammerfest, Norway.