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Exciting news yesterday from Silversea, as the ultra-luxury brand announced that it has purchased Canodros S.A., a premier Ecuadorian tourism company operating in the Galapagos Islands, along with their upscale expedition ship Galapagos Explorer II, which first sailed in 1990 as Renaissance III for now-defunct Renaissance Cruises.
Silversea has acquired a new expedition vessel, the Galapagos Explorer II, which will undergo an extensive refit and renaming in September, 2013. Photo courtesy of Canodros S.A.
Measuring 288 feet in length, Galapagos Explorer II will be renamed and undergo a major stem-to-stern refurbishment in September 2013 before joining Silver Explorer as part of Silversea’s highly-popular Expeditions product.
Between now and September 2013, Galapagos Explorer II will continue to operate her published itineraries for Canodros S.A. All reservations, sales and marketing for the ship until September 2013 will continue to be handled by the Guayaquil, Ecuador-based company.
The Reception Area aboard Galapagos Explorer II, as it currently appears. Photo courtesy of Canodros S.A.
At 4077-tons, Galapagos Explorer II offers 50 suites with ocean-views and 24 that include private balconies. As she is currently configured, she features a restaurant, piano bar, main lounge, library and internet station, an outdoor bar, two whirlpools and a marine observation deck. Expect Silversea to add “the Silversea touch” to the ship when she enters service following her 2013 refit.
A postcard view of Renaissance III during her time with Renaissance Cruises from 1990 to 1998. Photo courtesy of Simplonpc.co.uk.
When she entered service for Renaissance in 1990, then-Renaissance III was one of the most luxurious ships afloat, with staterooms adorned with gorgeous wood panelling and other elegant touches. She is not to be confused with the larger R3, now sailing for Princess Cruises as Pacific Princess.
Silversea plans to release full details about plans for the ship’s renovation and renaming in the coming months.
For more information on Silversea’s Expeditions product, why not read our recent Live Voyage Report from onboard Silver Explorer! More information on Galapagos Explorer II can be found by visiting the Galapagos Explorer website, while historical information on Renaissance III can be found from the Simplon UK website.
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[...] a second vessel was a no-brainer to us. People love this product. Aaron Saunders provides details of the new expedition vessel on From the Deck [...]
[...] a second vessel was a no-brainer to us. People love this product. Aaron Saunders provides details of the new expedition vessel on From the Deck [...]
[...] a second vessel was a no-brainer to us. People love this product. Aaron Saunders provides details of the new expedition vessel on From the Deck [...]
[...] introduce a second vessel was a no-brainer to us. People love this product. Aaron Saunders provides details of the new expedition vessel on From the Deck [...]
[...] introduce a second vessel was a no-brainer to us. People love this product. Aaron Saunders provides details of the new expedition vessel on From the Deck [...]
Galapagos Explorer II is a beautiful ship. My husband and I sailed on her in 2007, and had an incredible time in the Galapagos. Thanks for the update that Silversea has purchased Canodros S.A. I hope they maintain the same level of excellent service. We hope to return in 2014.
Glad you had a wonderful time aboard Galapagos Explorer II, Annette! Knowing Silversea, they seldom make a big move like this without thinking everything through first – my guess is that Galapagos Explorer II will flourish under their management.