Silversea Teams Up with Save Venice

Silversea Teams Up with Save Venice
One of Italy's -- and the world's -- most romantic and magical cities, Venice is featured on no less than ten Silversea itineraries this summer. On each of these mostly seven-day voyages, guests will enjoy an overnight stay aboard Silver Wind or Silver Whisper docked in Venice.

Mehta continued, "By partnering with leading local tour specialists, like Bassani S.p.A. in Italy, to develop our land programs, we are able to offer specially tailored destination experiences that are culturally enriching and also provide an opportunity for Silversea and our guests to participate in a greater cause. We appreciate the efforts of Bassani in making it possible for us to lend a hand to organizations like Save Venice and Chorus, and the communities they serve."

Save Venice, an American non-profit group based in New York and Venice, with chapters in Boston and California, is dedicated to preserving the city's artistic heritage and has restored over 350 works of art and architecture in Venice. It publishes a colorful, 24-page book of hunts and puzzles designed to enhance visits to Venice by encouraging the visitor to focus on various architectural details and art objects that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through Silversea's cooperation with Save Venice, the books are available for sale for 25 euros on all voyages calling in Venice this summer. Proceeds from the sale go to support the various projects of Save Venice.

In addition, when guests purchase one of Silversea's optional pre- or post-cruise land programs featuring at least a one-night stay in Venice, they automatically receive a copy of the "Save Venice Hunts & Puzzles" book in their hotel room. For more information on Save Venice, visit www.savevenice.org.

The non-profit Chorus (Associazione per le Chiese del Patriarcato di Venezia), based in Venice, is committed to the safeguarding, conservation and restoration of the architectural and artistic heritage of the churches of Venice -- home to more than 1,000 works of art. Embracing the principle of "conserve by use," it promotes visits to 16 Venetian churches through the sale of its Chorus pass. Priced under ten euros, the pass includes a map and fact sheet, and is an economical option that encourages travelers to visit as many churches as possible -- without having to pay the entry fee at each church. All Silversea guests purchasing an optional pre- or post-cruise land program with at least a one-night stay in Venice will receive the Chorus pass. Additional information on Chorus is available at www.chorusvenezia.org.

Every day Silversea ships navigate the world's oceans to connect people with distant lands and cultures. As a global corporate citizen, Silversea appreciates the importance of supporting communities and protecting the earth's natural and cultural treasures. Through a variety of joint efforts and fundraising programs, the company also supports FAI -- Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano (the National Trust for Italy), whose mission is to conserve, care for and protect the irreplaceable artistic and natural heritage of Italy; the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, dedicated to the protection of the global environment; and the Maruzza Lefebvre D’Ovidio Foundation, which provides extensive palliative care and support for persons affected by life-threatening or life-limiting conditions and their families. To learn more about these organizations, visit www.fondoambiente.it, www.PA2F.org and www.maruzza.org.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper -- and launching in December, Silver Spirit -- all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents.

In the U.S., Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI). International awards include "World's Leading Luxury Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2007) ; "Five Star Diamond Award" from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2009); "Number One" small-ship line in the Readers' Choice" survey conducted by Britain's Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Spain's Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel & Style Magazine (2009); and "Best Luxury Cruise Operator" according to Asia's Travel Weekly (2008).