Silversea Cruises has purchased Canodros, an Ecuadorean tourism company that operates in the Galapagos Islands.
Silversea plans to add Canodros’ ship, the Galapagos Explorer II, to its fleet after the 100-passenger vessel undergoes a refurbishment in September 2013.
The acquisition will enable Silversea to expand its one-ship Silversea Expeditions brand. The brand’s existing ship, the Silver Explorer, is regularly deployed in the polar regions. Silversea said the acquired ship will offer year-round expedition cruises in the Galapagos.
After the renovation, Silversea will rename the ship. Until that time, the Galapagos Explorer II will continue its planned schedule of cruises and will continue to be operated by Canodros.
Canodros will also continue handling, sales, marketing and reservations for the Galapagos Explorer II.
Silversea said the Galapagos Explorer II has 50 suites, 24 with private balconies. Public spaces include a restaurant, piano bar, library and Internet station, main lounge, outdoor bar, two outdoor whirlpools and a marine observation deck.