October 31, 2019

Silversea Launches Pioneering Fund To Support Grassroots Conservation Efforts In The Galapagos Islands

(Miami, FL -- October 31, 2019) To safeguard the wellbeing of the Galapagos Islands for future generations, Silversea Cruises has launched a dedicated fund that will preserve the natural wonders of the archipelago. By supporting a diverse selection of projects each year, the Silversea Fund will strengthen the balance between humans and nature in the Galapagos, as part of a long-term conservation strategy. In addition to benefiting regional conservation efforts and enhancing their connection with this unique destination, the fund’s donors will enjoy savings on Silversea’s voyages, as the cruise line will match guests’ contributions in the form of a Future Cruise Credit to underpin its commitment to the cause.

Established in partnership with Galapagos Conservancy—the only US-based organization focused exclusively on protecting the Galapagos’ unique ecosystems and biological integrity—the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos will educate and support the archipelago’s local communities by financing projects related to youth empowerment; education and training; and science, technology and conservation. The fund welcomes both formal and grassroots project proposals from the Galapagos’ four inhabited islands: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana.

"The Silversea Fund for the Galapagos is a natural extension of our belief that sustainable tourism can open eyes and foster respect for our planet, particularly for such unique and diverse destinations as the Galapagos," says Fernando Delgado, Vice President and General Manager of Silversea Cruises Ecuador. "We will use education as a means to sustain the long-term conservation of the environment, leveraging on our strong relationships with the region’s local people. We are honored to have Galapagos Conservancy as our administrative partner for this initiative, and we know our guests will be excited to help protect the island's natural treasures by supporting the fund."

"We are dedicated to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands—a common goal that we share with Silversea Cruises,” says Johannah Barry, Founder and President of Galapagos Conservancy. “We are delighted to support the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos and our partnership will make a significant impact on the conservation efforts throughout the region, from a grassroots level upwards. The Silversea Fund will help to protect the natural environment, as well as the fauna that inhabits the archipelago, for generations to come.”

The Silversea Fund will build on the cruise line’s existing efforts to make a positive impact on the natural and economic environment of the Galapagos Islands, including its contribution to the Floreana Island Ecological Restoration Project. Guests traveling aboard Silver Galapagos (and those traveling aboard Silver Origin from July 2020) can donate to the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos during their voyage. For donations of between USD 500 and USD 1,000 per suite, donors will receive a Future Cruise Credit in a matching amount that may be applied towards any future voyage aboard any ship in Silversea’s ultra-luxury fleet.

Replacing Silver Galapagos, which currently welcomes guests exclusively in the Galapagos Islands, Silversea’s new Silver Origin will be the most elegant ship to ever sail the region when it launches in July 2020. The all-suite, 100-guest Silver Origin will be the first ship in Silversea’s fleet designed specifically for a given destination and will connect travelers to the Galapagos like never before. Built with the environment in mind, Silver Origin will feature a dynamic positioning system, which will be used when the ship is positioned over delicate seabed ecosystems to prevent the anchor from causing damage; incorporate in-suite freshwater purification systems that convert seawater into drinking water, thus drastically reducing the use of plastic on board; and meet the highest standards of energy efficiency in the segment.

To donate to the Silversea Fund and for more details about the Future Cruise Credit, visit the Galapagos Conservancy’s website: https://galapagos.bsd.net/page/contribute/silversea

Discover more about Silversea's cruises to the Galapagos Islands:
https://www.silversea.com/destinations/galapagos-islands-cruise.html

Find out more information about Silver Origin:
https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-origin.html

Read related content on Silversea’s blog, Discover:
https://discover.silversea.com/category/destinations/galapagos/

About Silversea
Silversea Cruises, in which Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio serves as Executive Chairman, is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise line industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit and Silver Muse – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos, and Silver Cloud, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, both Polar Regions and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of five new ultra-luxury ships: Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, Silver Origin, and two Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea's new blog Discover and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.

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Recent News from Silversea:

• General Sale Now Open: Silversea Offers Guests Unparalleled Variety with 197 New Itineraries for 2021-2022
General sales are now open on Silversea Cruises’ new summer 2021 & winter 2021/2022 itineraries. Designed by Silversea’s team of destination experts, the cruise line’s new voyage collection offers unparalleled variety, with many once-in-a-lifetime experiences to offer guests, from solar eclipse voyages in Antarctica to an immersive cruise to the Holy Land. The leading ultra-luxury cruise line has unveiled a total of 197 new itineraries, setting sail between January 2021 and April 2022, which incorporate calls to 528 destinations in 92 countries, with 28 maiden calls.

• Silversea Opens Sales for New Silver Origin - Designed Entirely for the Galapagos to Immerse Guests into the Destination
Travelers can now reserve their suites aboard Silversea’s new ship, Silver Origin, which has been designed entirely with the Galapagos Islands in mind and will be the most elegant ship to ever sail the region when it launches in summer 2020. The all-suite, 100-guest Silver Origin will embark on her maiden voyage in July 2020, unlocking the authentic beauty of the Galapagos by connecting guests with the destination through immersive experiences.

• Silversea Expands its Range of Immersive Shore Experiences Further with Two Exclusive Experiences
Departing in December 2019, two Silversea voyages will be enriched by immersive new shore experiences, which guests will enjoy on a complimentary basis. In Melbourne, the cruise line’s guests will discover Australia’s enthralling operatic culture at an exclusive performance from the country’s most beloved tenor, Mark Vincent; in Castries, St. Lucia, travelers will delve deeper into local tradition at a bespoke, entertainment-filled beach party at the iconic Pigeon Island National Landmark.