Silversea's New Shore Tour Offers Exclusive Access to Sardinia's Famed Yacht Club Costa Smeralda

The Italian island of Sardinia is included on the itineraries of several cruise lines sailing the Mediterranean. Cruise passengers on ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises have an interesting shore excursion option that will give them a peek into the yachting lifestyles of the rich and famous at the renowed Yacht Club Costa Smeralda on Sardinia.
Silversea Cruises' Shore Excursion to Costa Smeralda


(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- June 23, 2005) On select voyages in 2005 and 2006, ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is offering guests an exclusive new optional excursion to the prestigious Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, located on the northern coast of the Italian island of Sardinia, along the famous Costa Smeralda, or Emerald Coast.

"This new tour provides a rare glimpse into the fascinating luxury and sporting lifestyle of the renowned Yacht Club Costa Smeralda," said Jim Droney, Silversea's director of land programs. "It offers a unique opportunity for our guests to interact with sailing enthusiasts, while enjoying a poolside drink or taking a stroll along piers lined with some of the world's most elegant yachts and classic sail boats."

Considered a yachtsman's paradise and playground of the rich and famous, the Costa Smeralda is a ruggedly beautiful region of powder-white beaches, mysterious hidden coves, twisted cork trees and whispering pines -- all surrounded by the crystal-clear, emerald-green waters of the Mediterranean. Nestled in a quiet cove amid this spectacular display of nature is the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. Founded in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan, who is still the president, the YCCS is a non-profit club for those passionate about the sea and marine sports. Today, it plays host to the most prestigious events in international sailing, including the Sardinia Cup, the Swan World Cup and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.

Silversea's three-and-a-half-hour excursion to the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is offered on cruises calling in Poltu Quatu, which means "hidden port" in the Sardinian dialect. It is the latest addition to the "Silversea Collection"of exclusive shore experiences, and includes a guided tour of the YCCS Clubhouse and collection of ancient maps, sailing memorabilia and trophies. Guests can relax with an apéritif at the club before enjoying a casual lunch at the Ristorante Terrazza. The tour debuts on Silver Wind's sold-out cruise of July 1, 2005, and will also be offered on the following voyages:

• Silver Shadow departs August 5, 2005 on a 7-day "In the Wake of Medieval Adventurers" voyage (3523) from Venice to Barcelona with calls in Zadar, Croatia; Valletta, Malta; Ustica and Poltu Quatu, Italy; and Mahon (Minorca), Spain. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $4,076 per person.
  
  
• Silver Wind departs April 18, 2006 on a 7-day "Artistic Impressions" voyage (2611) from Barcelona to Rome with calls in Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Livorno, Poltu Quatu, Amalfi and Sorrento, Italy. Advance Payment Bonus fares start at $3,356 per person.
  
  
• Silver Whisper departs May 29, 2006 on "The Romantic Mediterranean," a 7-day voyage (4619) from Nice to Rome with calls in Marseille and Calvi (Corsica), France; and Livorno, Sorrento, and Poltu Quatu, Italy. Advance Payment Bonus fares start at $4,076 per person.
  
  
• Silver Wind departs August 15, 2006 on a 7-day "Focus on Mediterranean Isles" voyage (2625) from Barcelona to Genoa with calls in Ibiza and Mahon (Minorca), Spain; Poltu Quatu, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Calvi (Corsica), France. Advance Payment Bonus fares start at $4,396 per person.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. For the eighth year, Silversea was named "Number One" small-ship line in the 2004 "Readers' Choice" survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. For the sixth time, Silversea was selected "World's Best" small-ship line in the 2004 Travel + Leisure readers' poll.

Press Release Source: Silversea Cruises
Dateline: June 2005