<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_A8KVQ3xIXHg/R9rU7jOvK7I/AAAAAAAAAmU/oE-4C8bMASo/s1600-h/SilverCloud%26Wind.jpg"><img src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_A8KVQ3xIXHg/R9rU7jOvK7I/AAAAAAAAAmU/oE-4C8bMASo/s400/SilverCloud%26Wind.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Miami Beach played host to the annual Seatrade Cruising Shipping Convention this past week and several luxury lines, including <a href="http://www.silversea.com">Silversea Cruises</a>, made statements to the press. Company execs unveiled plans for a massive dry-dock refurbishment of both the <span>Silver Cloud </span>and <span>Silver Wind</span>. The goal is to bring the interiors stylistically in line with the new 540-passenger <span>Silver Spirit</span>, scheduled for delivery in December 2009. The <span>Silver Wind</span> will spend November 2008 in dry dock, while the <span>Silver Cloud </span>will be retrofitted in May 2009.<br /><br />Suites are in for many upgrades, including new bathrooms, carpets, flat-screen TVs, and more. According to Silversea, “Verandas will also be spruced up.” It will be interesting to learn what that exactly means.<br /><br />Additional enhancements will include a new ocean-view spa and fitness center on Deck 9, a new Observation Lounge, eight new large suites on Decks 7 and 8, reduction of Vista Suites on Deck 4, and a new guest elevator connecting Decks 8 and 9.<br /><br />“These will be the most comprehensive construction and refurbishment initiatives ever undertaken for <span>Silver Cloud</span> and <span>Silver Wind</span>,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea’s president and CEO. “The projects underscore our firm commitment to keep Silversea at the forefront of ultra-luxury cruising.”<br /><br />This is a smart move since many of Silversea’s competitors are expecting delivery of new ships during the next few years. It’s wonderful to see Silversea reacting to the feedback of their passengers and customizing ships to meet the needs of all luxury cruise enthusiasts.<br /><br />Don’t forget that Silversea also recently added the expedition ship <span>Prince Albert II </span>to its fold, so the company’s itineraries now encompass all seven continents.<br /><br /><span"font-size:85%;"><span>Photo courtesy of Silversea.</span></span>