John McLaughlin of Lloyd's List reported a very interesting story today regarding Silversea and its intention to exercise an option on a second ship build from Fincantieri.
In an effort to put a stop to rumors that Silversea wouldn't go through with the second ship build—the first being the 540-passenger Silver Spirit that was recently floated at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard—company CEO Amerigo Perasso talked with McLaughlin.
Perasso said, in part, "We are still interested, because ours is a long-term view. We have to look beyond the second half of this year and the first half of 2010. Hopefully, in the second half of 2010, we will begin to see signs of recovery."
The Silversea exec went on to say that he doesn't expect to take delivery of a second vessel for several years after the launch of the Silver Spirit, whose inaugural voyage starts on December 23, 2009. He also hinted that the cruise line may renegotiate the deal with shipbuilder Fincantieri due to falling commodity prices (i.e., a reduction in steel prices).
In the here and now, the line is well positioned to take advantage of fuel savings in the face of the weak global economy. The company is also making concerted efforts to meet and exceed the expectations of its guests. If Silversea can continue to do that, the line will be ready for whatever the future may bring.
For more information about Silversea, visit their website or talk with your travel agent.
Special thanks to reporter John McLaughlin for developing this story, which is available by subscription only at Lloyd's List.
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