Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is introducing a $1,000 per suite “Onboard Spending Credit” promotion on select voyages in Alaska, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean this summer.

The $500 per person (or maximum $1,000 per suite) Onboard Spending Credit is being offered for a limited time on new bookings made on or before March 31, 2009. The special promotion is available on the following:

ALASKA: Silver Shadow cruises departing May 28 through September 12 (Voyages 3912 – 3923).

NORTHERN EUROPE: Silver Cloud cruises departing May 30 through September 19 (Voyages 1911 – 1923).

MEDITERRANEAN: Silver Wind cruises departing April 15 through June 26 (Voyages 2911 – 2920) and Silver Whisper cruises departing May 19 through June 20 (Voyages 4912 – 4916).

To take advantage of the Onboard Spending Credit offer, the guest or travel agent must request promotional code WWSBC500 at the time of booking.

Always willing to go the extra mile in matters of flexibility and choice, the Silversea promotion allows guests to apply the Onboard Spending Credit toward their onboard purchases without limitations; this includes any spa treatments and shore excursions (none are excluded). In addition, the offer can be combined with other available discount promotions, including Early Booking Incentive, Advance Payment Bonus, Silver Sailing, and Free Air programs.

For example, the Onboard Spending Credit is available on Silver Wind’s May 14, 7-day Mediterranean cruise (#2915) sailing from Barcelona to Nice with calls in Valencia, Corsica, Livorno (overnight stay) and Antibes. Promotional cruise fares start at $3,196 per person — a savings of 50% — plus free roundtrip economy air transportation is also available from select U.S. and Canadian gateway cities.

“This new summer promotion is designed to reward travelers with an extra perk that provides added value and flexibility,” said David Morris, Silversea’s executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. “With the Onboard Spending Credit they have the freedom to apply the savings toward a rejuvenating spa treatment, a sumptuous gourmet dinner in our Relais & Châteaux Wine Restaurant or an enriching shore experience — the choice is theirs.”

The Onboard Spending Credit is being launched simultaneously with the introduction of new branding and other enhancements to the line’s shore excursions. The changes have been created to emphasize the new flexibility, unique qualities and personalized service that characterize the tours. Under the new umbrella name of “Silver Shore,” the optional tour programs include:

** Silver Shore Excursions — intimate and rewarding small-group touring.

** Silver Shore Collection — unique and exclusive in-depth explorations of local history and culture.

** Silver Shore Expedition — adventurous and educational tours for the active explorer.

** Silver Shore Concierge — during the cruise, the Tour Manager and, on many sailings, the new Destination Specialist (a position created in conjunction with the upgraded Silver Shore programming) are available to assist with knowledgeable suggestions, personalized planning and hassle-free coordination of all private, independent touring, including sightseeing, sporting activities, and securing behind-the-scenes or after-hours access to exclusive designer shops, museums, cathedrals, and more.

Starting in the next few months, the Silver Shore Concierge service will also be available in advance of sailing. The company will announce more details about this enhanced service at a later date.

** Silver Shore Privato — private car service that can be reserved on board or in advance of sailing via Silversea.com/MyVoyage.

Guests might choose to apply their Onboard Spending Credit toward a “Silver Shore Privato” tour of fascinating St. Petersburg. They’ll spend the day exploring the city’s history, opulent palaces, and museums at their own pace, in a private, air-conditioned car with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. Or, in Alaska, they might use their credit toward an exhilarating “Silver Shore Collection” air adventure over the spectacular Misty Fjords by private aircraft, or use it to explore Juneau’s glacier-carved fjords at their own leisure aboard a private catamaran with personalized itinerary. These are just a few of the exciting optional Silver Shore adventures that await guests this summer.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard five intimate, all-suite vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, and Silver Spirit, 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.