SILVER DISCOVERER GOES OFF THE BEATEN TRACK WITH MUD BATHS, VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS AND TRIBAL RITUALS

Silversea’s third expedition ship, Silver Discoverer, will launch on 2^nd April with voyage itineraries that delve deeper into unseen cultures and make remote regions that are relatively untouched by Western influences more accessible. 

The ship will sail through Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia, East Asia and Russian Far East, Southeast Asia, The Kimberley region of North-West Australia and New Zealand Sub-Antarctic. The new itineraries, which have been created by Silversea’s Director of Expedition Planning & Strategic Development Conrad Combrink, have a specific focus on ports of call that never before been visited by other cruise lines. 

Conrad Combrink has spent the last few years exploring these regions to create the collection of unique and diverse experiences the new ship will offer. During his time in the region he has enlisted the support of native tribes and local authorities to secure future visiting permits exclusively available for Silversea guests. 

Speaking about the new itineraries Conrad commented, “Since the launch of the Silversea Expedition product in 2008 we have seen an upward trend for more adventurous travellers who want to see the most remote parts of the world, without giving up on life’s luxuries. Reflective of this, we expanded the expedition fleet to include Silver Galapagos, which launched in September 2013 and also noticed that there were very few expedition vessels operating in the Pacific region. We therefore took the decision to launch Silver Discoverer to offer guests new experiences in more diverse locations such as these whilst still offering Silversea’s high level of luxury onboard.”

Some of Silver Discoverer’s unique experiences will include:

PULAU TIGA, BORNEO, MALAYSIA – HAVE A MUD BATH NEXT TO ACTIVE MUD “VOLCANOES”
The small, unpopulated island in Kimanis Bay, off the Western coast of Malaysia, is famous for its active mud “volcanoes” at the highest part of the island. The mineral-rich mud is thought to have therapeutic properties and visitors are encouraged to slather themselves in it before diving into the ocean for a dip.
HOW Silver Discoverer departs from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on 12/09/2014 for a 15 day cruise. Prices start from £7,150 per person based on double occupancy in a Explorer Suite. 

TUN SAKARAN MARINE PARK, BORNEO, MALAYSIA – DIVE WITH THE BAJAU LAUT
The Tun Sakaran Marine Park (also known as the Semporna Islands Park), just 20 kilometres off the Semporna mainland, is the largest marine park in Sabah and boasts the greatest concentration of coral reefs in Malaysia. Guests have a unique diving opportunity with a Silversea marine biologist as well as the Bajau Laut (sea gypsies), the indigenous nomadic tribe of boat dwellers. 
HOW Silver Discoverer departs from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on 21/09/2014 for a 15 day cruise. Prices start from £7,150 per person based on double occupancy in a Explorer Suite.  

WAITANGI WHARF, BAY OF ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND – SHARE A TRADITIONAL HANGI FEAST WITH MAORIS
The Bay of Islands, commonly regarded as New Zealand's birthplace, is a dynamic, sub-tropical region which is made up of 144 Islands fringed by bush land and punctuated by the occasional village. During a day of exploring the Waitangi wharf, guests are treated to an authentic hangi feast, which is cooked in an underground pit oven and shared with the Maori tour guides. The group will also undertake a Waka activity that provides a rare and unique insight into ancient Nga Puhi tribal customs, rituals and traditions before paddling in a 50 ft. Maori Waka (canoe) on the tidal estuaries of the Waitangi River to the Haruru Falls. 
HOW Silver Discoverer departs from Auckland, New Zealand on 08/02/2015 for a 13 day cruise. Prices start from, £6,150 per person based on double occupancy in a Explorer Suite.  

WAIKELO, SUMBA, LESSER SUNDAS, INDONESIA – EXPERIENCE A TRADITIONAL BURIAL CEREMONY
Sumba has resisted the advances of the modern age making it a fascinating island to explore, especially West Sumba where ancient tribal rites are best preserved. During the visit to villages, the group will witness a funeral rite ceremony where by the Sumbanese honour the dead by dragging massive stone graves a great distance to construct mausoleums for the departed. The group will also witness a fierce martial arts performance on horseback and also observe the process of making Indonesia’s famous ikat textiles, including the opportunity to purchase ikat directly from the weavers.
HOW Silver Discoverer departs from Koror Palua, on 10/03/2015 for an 18 day cruise. Prices start from £8,550 per person based on double occupancy in a Explorer Suite. 

PALMERSTON, COOK ISLAND – EXPLORE THE ISLAND INHABITED BY THE DESCENDANTS OF WILLIAM MARSTERS, THE ENGLISH ADVENTURER  
On arrival at Palmerston Island, guests will be greeted by the entire Palmerston community and will be witness to a number of speeches, prayers and church songs. During the tour of the island, small groups will be introduced to the church, the school, the underground gardens and “Duke’s Pool” where there will be an opportunity to swim and snorkel. Silver Discoverer's marine biologist will point out the varied species found in the lagoon waters, including colourful reef-fish, sea cucumbers, rays, and sea turtles. 
HOW Silver Discoverer departs from, Lautoka, Fiji, on 14/10/2015 for a 12 day cruise. Prices start from, £7,150 per person based on double occupancy, in a Explorer Suite. 

BORA BORA, SOCIETY ISLANDS – TAKE A SNAPSHOT PHOTO FROM A HELICOPTER FLYOVER
A helicopter flight circling Bora Bora will enable guests to witness spectacular views of lagoons fringed with white sandy beaches and multiple islets. The helicopter will fly low over the reef to see rays and sharks skimming through the water before climbing over the islands green peaks. The onboard guide is on hand to share historical knowledge and local legends.
HOW Silver Discoverer departs from Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia, on 04/11/2015 for a 14 day cruise. Prices start from, £8,450 per person based on double occupancy, in a Explorer Suite.

WHITE ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND – STEP FOOT ACROSS THE CRATER FLOOR OF NEW ZEALANDS ONLY ACTIVE VOLCANO
New Zealand’s White Island is unique in that 70% of its volcanic activity remains under the sea, making this massive volcanic structure the largest in New Zealand. Guests will be guided through the history of the volcanic formations, whilst viewing the surreal spectacles: hissing fumaroles, lava bombs, glittering yellow sulphur crystals, bubbling mud pots and a spectacular steaming lake. 
HOW Silver Discoverer departs from Auckland New Zealand, on 20/12/2015 for a 14 day cruise. Prices start from, £8,750 per person based on double occupancy, in a Explorer Suite.