Ally

The long-awaited order for a fifth Silversea ship is now ‘just weeks away,’ according to Aris Zarpanely, evp international markets.

Speaking at yesterday's London launch of the line's 2007 programmes, Zarpanely said final details of the contract were being hammered out but that he could confirm the new ship would carry 430 passengers and stretch six metres longer than Silver Shadow/Silver Whisper, with one extra deck.

Italy's Mariotti remains favourite to win the contract which would see delivery at the end of 2008 or early 2009.

Silversea is also still on track for its planned IPO.

Zarpanely said that 2006 had started well for the line and, although bookings had levelled off in recent weeks, UK sales were running nearly 30% ahead of 2005. ‘The UK market has, though, not been helped by price dumping by some lines, notably Swan Hellenic,’ he added.

Trudy Redfern, vp sales and marketing for the UK, said the travel agents' 2006 programme-launch incentive scheme, which had produced 700 extra passengers, was being repeated for 2007. The company is also introducing the ‘Travel Agents' Toolbox,’ which allows agents free access (via a designated Extranet service) to templates for Silversea flyers, advertisements and brochures.

Zarpanely said the rising price of fuel had added significantly to the company’s costs.

‘So far we have absorbed these but the situation is constantly under review,’ he said. ‘If fuel prices do not fall, we may have to look at the possibility of a surcharge come November or December when the ships start more fuel-intensive itineraries in long-haul destinations like South America.’

In 2008, Alaska will return to the Silversea programme and Zarpanely said the company is also planning cruises to India and between Japan and China (Shanghai). It is further likely to increase calls at Dubai.


(SeaTrade)