Silversea Cruises named "World's Best"

Silversea Cruises, known for its exotic worldwide itineraries, luxurious all-suite accommodations and gracious service, has been named the winner of Travel + Leisure magazine's "World's Best" award for 2008. This is the seventh time the ultra-luxury cruise operator has been honored with the highly coveted award.

Achieving an overall score of 88, Silversea topped the "Small-Ship Cruise Line" category, standing out on a list of companies operating the most elite and intimate ships - those accommodating no more than 400 guests.

Earlier this year the line was named the Number-One overall 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.

"It is an honor for us to receive this recognition from the readers of Travel + Leisure and our valued guests," said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea president and CEO. "Discerning travelers are seeking unique experiences and adventures without sacrificing the luxuries of life and this is the type of travel lifestyle we make it our mission to deliver."

Added Perasso, "Although this is the seventh time Silversea has taken first place in this poll, it's been a few years since our last win, so this achievement is especially significant for us. Clearly, it is a sign that the company is headed in the right direction and deserves to be recognized as the undisputed leader in our market segment."

Each year Travel + Leisure asks its subscribers to determine the "World's Best" awards by rating travel companies and properties based on certain characteristics. Cruise lines are evaluated in the six categories of cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities and value. The complete results of this year's survey appear in the magazine's August issue.

Travel + Leisure boasts a readership in the millions and is considered one of the top travel publications in the world. Since 1996, working in association with independent research firms, the magazine has made available to its subscribers a questionnaire that asks respondents to rate travel providers based on their recent travel experiences. For more information about the "World's Best" awards, visit travelandleisure.com/worldsbest.

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. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents.

For more information on Silversea Cruises, log on to Silversea.com.