The expedition cruise ship World Discoverer, which has been in and out of service in recent years, has been purchased by Silversea Cruises which intends to totally refurbish it and turn it into a luxury vessel to carry passengers on adventure cruises to Antarctica and other exotic destinations.

Built in 1989 as Delfin Clipper, the ship was purchased by Society Expeditions in 2001 to replace the original World Discoverer, which sank in the Solomon Islands in 2001. Since Society Expeditions ceased operations in 2004, the World Discoverer has been laid up in Singapore awaiting sale.

Silversea announced on Sept. 25th that the 6,072-ton vessel, which boasts a strengthened hull with the highest ice-class notation appropriate for navigating some of the world's most remote regions, will be almost completely refurbished (and renamed) before entering operation in March 2008.

"We're very excited about this acquisition, as it means we'll be able to further tap that segment of the luxury travel market that is adventure driven," said Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea's chairman. "We have been looking into this segment for quite some time."

After the planned refurbishment, the ship will accommodate 140 guests in ocean-view staterooms, including Owner's Suites, Grand Suites, and 12 yet-unnamed suites similar to the line's Silver Suites that Silversea said " will deliver an expedition cruise experience consistent with Silversea's award-winning luxury standards."

The ship will be equipped with state-of-the-art satellite communication systems, providing wireless Internet access in suites as well as public areas, cellular phone service, and flat screen TVs in all suites and staterooms.

"The mix of innovative land programs, top-quality lecturers, enrichment programs and exotic destinations will enable us to offer a very special experience that will appeal to the most discerning world travelers," said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea president..

" It just made good sense to grow our company with the addition of a vessel purpose-built for in-depth exploration and adventure in places far off the beaten path," he added. "World Discoverer is well suited to become the "best in class" for this type of operation."