Silversea is a 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 the 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. These elite vessels were specifically designed for fewer guests, more space and the highest levels of personalized service, delivered by mainly Italian and other European officers overseeing an international staff.  All-ocean view suites, most with private veranda, and open seating dining options so guests dine when, where and with whom they desire, add to the very special ambiance created onboard. But what is also unique is that they incorporate the favorite amenities found on larger ships, such as an elaborate show lounge featuring nightly entertainment, casino, spa and state-of-the-art fitness facility.

Today, Silversea is recognized as the defining elite luxury experience and is regularly lauded by leading consumer and trade publications.  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 survey from the independent New York-based Luxury Institute, topping 19 other well-known cruise companies, including traditional, expedition and river cruise lines.

Additionally, the line has won numerous international awards, including "World's Leading Luxury Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2007); "Five Star Diamond Award" from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); "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 Small Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel Magazine (2007); and "Best Luxury Cruise Operator" according to Asia's Travel Weekly (2008).

The company's first expedition ship, Prince Albert II, debuted in June 2008, heralding the beginning of a new mode in exploration cruising -- where an ultra-luxurious ambiance is just as important as an exotic and enriching itinerary.   

In late 2009, Silversea is planning to take delivery of Silver Spirit, a new 36,000-GRT, 540-guest, ultra-luxury vessel, currently under construction at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard.

Silversea caters to the cosmopolitan world traveler and maintains branch offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Singapore.  The company's headquarters are based in Monaco.