SILVERSEA REVEALS ENRICHMENT LINE-UP FOR CIRCUMNAVIGATION VOYAGE OF AUSTRALIA

Silversea has revealed an exciting line-up of guest lecturers, wine experts and celebrated chefs for its first ever 30 day circumnavigation voyage of Australia, departing Sydney on 19 January 2011 aboard the ultra chic 382-guest Silver Shadow.

The enrichment programme will include luminaries from the worlds of film, art, wildlife, world affairs, winemaking and cuisine, including film director John Stainton, artist Noel Miller, biologist Prof. Craig Franklin, world affairs expert Dr. Mark Elovitz, Penfolds wine specialist Jamie Sach, gourmet providore Simon Johnson, and Relais & Chateaux chefs Mathew Macartney of Chateau Yering and George Francisco of Jonah's Whale Beach.

One of Australia's best known historians and commentators, Prof. Geoffrey Blainey, will be onboard from 19 to 29 January between Sydney and Darwin. Blainey has published 30 books and fronted a history of Australia, The Blainey View, on ABC Television.

From 25 to 29 January, between Port Douglas and Darwin, Mathew Macartney, Executive Chef at the Yarra Valley's famed Chateau Yering will be presenting his modern Australian cuisine and sharing the secrets of his signature dishes in the ship's culinary theatre.

Between Darwin and Adelaide on 29 January to 11 February, Prof. Craig Franklin will join the voyage to impart his knowledge of Australian marine wildlife. Franklin is a biologist and Professor in Zoology at The University of Queensland and has carried out extensive research into native species ranging from turtles to crocodiles.

Award-winning artist Noel Miller will also be on this sector, lecturing on Aboriginal art. Miller is renowned for his landscapes of the Australian outback, as well as his charcoals, which are highly prized by collectors.

For wine connoisseurs, renowned Australian winemaker (TBA) will be onboard from 19 to 25 January, Sydney to Port Douglas. From Darwin to Port Lincoln from 29 January to 10 February, Silversea's wine ambassador, the widely published food writer Lyn Farmer, will be onboard. And between Perth and Port Lincoln from 6 to10 February, Jamie Sach, chief spokesperson for the iconic Penfolds Wines, will share his extensive knowledge of the wine industry with guests.

Epicurean expert Simon Johnson will provide an insight into Australia's rich abundance of artisan produce from 11 to 14 February, as Silver Shadow sails from Adelaide to Melbourne. New Zealand born Johnson began his career as a chef, before opening a showroom in Sydney with Australia's first specialist in-store fromagerie. This soon transformed into a retail store, of which there are now eight across the country.

Between 13 and 18 February, from Geelong to Sydney, George Francisco, Head Chef of the acclaimed Jonah's Whale Beach in New South Wales will present cooking demonstrations to guests, sharing the culinary expertise that has seen him garner the restaurant Sydney Morning Herald Chefs Hats in 2009 and 2010.

John Stainton will be aboard the Melbourne to Sydney sector from 14 to 18 February, lecturing on Australian film. The notable film producer and director was a close friend of Australian naturalist Steve Irwin and directed all of Irwin's documentaries, as well as his highly successful movie for MGM, Collision Course.

Throughout the 30 day voyage, commentator Dr. Mark Elovitz will present his insights into world affairs. During his colourful career, Elovitz has served as a litigator, a government advisor, an historian, a U.S. Air Force Officer, and as the anchor of a World Affairs TV show. He served in Washington during the Carter and Reagan Administrations as a government advisor on public policy and is currently Director of the Centre for Strategic Geopolitics, a world affairs think tank.

Finally, Australian destination consultant and world traveller Ian Denton will also be onboard for the whole cruise, broadcasting commentaries on local features, wildlife, flora and fauna.

Silver Shadow's circumnavigation voyage will visit Australia's state capitals, as well as lesser known ports, taking in spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, ancient culture and gourmet hotspots. Travelling from Sydney up Australia's east coast, ports of call include Brisbane, the Whitsunday Islands, the Willis Islets, Port Douglas, Cooktown, Broome, Exmouth, Perth (Freemantle), Albany, Port Lincoln, Kingscote, Adelaide, Geelong, Melbourne and Hobart, arriving back in Sydney on 18 February.

All-inclusive cruise only fares for the 30 day luxury adventure start from AU$20,667* per person, double occupancy. Silversea's generous fare includes all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet meals; complimentary wines, Champagne and spirits, and all gratuities.

* Subject to availability, terms and conditions. Port charges are included. Enquire with us regarding availability and bookings.