Ultra-luxury cruise operator Silversea announced the success of an unprecedented educational cruise program, the 2008 World Leaders Symposium.  Held aboard the all-suite Silver Whisper in March, the 2008 symposium, titled “Rising Global Powers:  China and East Asia,” brought nearly 250 participants to the East Asian cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Nagasaki.  Onboard guest speakers included former U.S. President George H.W. Bush; former U.S. Secretary of Defense William J. Perry; and leading China scholar and author Jonathan D. Spence.

Participants in the “Rising Global Powers:  China and East Asia” symposium enjoyed a luxurious journey aboard Silver Whisper and enriching events and tours ashore, including:

— a visit to the Joint Security Area of the DMZ between North and South Korea, led by former U.S. Secretary of Defense William J. Perry;

— a gala event at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing with former President George H.W. Bush, Mrs. Bush, and U.S. Ambassador to China Clark Rundt;

— panel discussions featuring leaders in the environment, media, and business in China (including the CEOs of Intel-China, Boeing-China, and PepsiCo-China);

— unique excursion options, such as a visit to Beijing’s Olympic Stadium with the architect who designed it; regional cooking lessons; and a visit to a traditional Chinese-medicine hospital.

2009 WORLD LEADERS SYMPOSIUM ABOARD SILVER WIND

Silversea has also been selected to host the 2009 World Leaders Symposium, “The Middle East in the 21st Century,” which will take place next March 19 to April 3 aboard the line’s newly refurbished Silver Wind.  Participants will travel to the Persian Gulf states of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman with former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, former U.S. Secretary of Defense William Perry, and other leading scholars and historians.  This unique symposium will be produced by leading luxury educational tour operator High Country Passage.

Aboard Silver Wind, guests will enjoy a generous all-inclusive shipboard policy, impeccable service from a courteous and efficient staff, and unparalleled onboard amenities.  The ship’s all-suite accommodations include ocean views and a wide range of features, from walk-in closets to 24-hour room service. All bathrooms have marble tiles, shower/bathtub combinations, hair dryers, and terrycloth robes.  Of the ship’s 147 suites, 111 feature private verandas. There are seven suite categories, ranging in size from the 240 square-foot Vista Suites to the 1,314 square-foot Grand Suites.

Silver Wind’s public venues include the top-deck Panorama Lounge, offering spectacular ocean views, and the two-deck-high Show Lounge. There is a small, well-stocked library, Internet Center, card room, gym with stair climbers and treadmills, a pool and two whirlpools, jogging track, full-service spa, and beauty salon.  Three restaurants–The Restaurant, Saletta, and La Terrazza–take advantage of Silversea’s relationship with the Relais & Chateaux network of exclusive inns and restaurants, whose chefs contribute recipes to create distinctive menu selections.