Silversea casts off for its 2025 Controtempo World Cruise

Experiential luxury and expedition cruise firm Silversea officially embarked on its 2025 World Cruise, Controtempo, inviting guests to journey offbeat to 59 destinations in 30 countries. 

Sailing from Tokyo on Monday, 13th January, and arriving in New York on 29th May, guests will experience many of the most iconic cities and off-the-beaten-path gems in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America during unconventional seasons, pairing exploration with destination immersion. 

Silversea president Bert Hernandez said: “Controtempo will open the world to even the most well-travelled guests like never before, allowing them to journey deeper into four diverse continents. Traveling from East to West, Controtempo will take guests closer to the authentic heartbeat of iconic and unique destinations, with more time ashore to experience the world’s most enriching destinations during unconventional seasons. And, sailing aboard Silver Dawn for the first time, our World Cruise guests will enjoy an enhanced onboard experience, including the best of our innovative S.A.L.T. culinary and Otium wellness programs. Together with our exclusive signature events, which we have specially curated to give our guests an experience they can’t get anywhere else, guests will explore the world in a new light.”  

Off-beat and eclectic

Staying true to its musical origins, Controtempo was designed to rediscover the world off-tempo and offbeat for a more in-depth and unexpected, authentic and unfiltered experience, offering unique perspectives on the world’s most iconic and off-the-beaten path destinations. 

Controtempo will offer a different perspective on each destination, through the eyes of local and authentic experiences, designed to unveil the local stories and secrets. 

For even the most well-travelled guests, Controtempo offers a new view of the world. 

Split across nine unique segments visiting a set of 59 destinations across 30 countries, guests will have the chance to discover some of the most iconic cities of the world including Tokyo and Paris, and off-the-beaten-path destinations, including 19 that are new to a Silversea World Cruise. 

Controtempo also represents the first time a Muse-Class ship has sailed a World Cruise. 

Built in 2021, Silver Dawn is the third ship in Silversea’s popular Muse Class, and features Silversea’s innovative culinary program S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste), and Otium, its pioneering spa and wellness program. 

Upon their arrival in Tokyo, guests were treated to a taste of what’s to come with Silversea’s seamless World Cruise experience with an airside meet and greet, hospitality suite hosted by Silversea leadership, and a Bon Voyage lunch celebration. 

Following the Bon Voyage celebration, guests arrived in the terminal, where they were met by Japanese drummers provided by the city of Tokyo as a sendoff to their Controtempo adventure.

A glorious look at the world

Guests will travel deeper through a collection of once-in-a-lifetime bespoke events, unique to Silversea’s World Cruises and Grand Voyages. 

During Controtempo, guests will have a unique look at the world through seven exclusive events including:  

• The Art of Departure: A Washoku Lunch (Tokyo, Japan) 

On January 13, 2025, World Cruise guests experienced the prelude to their journey with a special bon voyage luncheon at the legendary Happo-en, where they indulged in the season’s harvest through the art of washoku, a sensory feast of local dishes paired with fine Japanese wines. During the event, World Cruise guests were welcomed with a “Kagami Baraki,” also known as a Sake Barrel Ceremony, and a sake toast. The afternoon ended with a unique performance by the Hiroshima Junior Marimba Ensemble formed in 1991 by Mieko Asada. These children travelled from Hiroshima with the goal of appealing for peace through music and their worldwide performances have been celebrated by UNESCO. 

• Hoi An for Foodies (Vietnam)  

On February 1, 2025, Controtempo guests will prepare for an evening of sensorial discovery through the extraordinary flavours of Vietnam. Beginning with a serene sunset cruise along the rivers of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its timeless beauty and vibrant gastronomy and follows with an exquisite meal at one of three distinct restaurants, highlighting Hoi An’s celebrated culinary traditions. 

• Singapore: A Bird’s Eye View (Singapore)  

On February 7, 2025, guests will ascend to new heights of culinary discovery. Enjoying a perch 57 stories above the glittering cityscape of Singapore, guests will enjoy exclusive access to the iconic Sky Park Observation Deck, which has been privatized for Controtempo guests.   

• Dinner Between the Dunes (Namibia) 

Beneath the vast Namibian sky, an unforgettable evening unfolds amidst the golden dunes of the Namib Desert. Against the dramatic landscape, where guests will be treated to a feast of local specialties, served with fine South African wines, while the rhythmic beats of marimba music, the harmonies of a choir, and mesmerizing fire-spinners fill the night with magic.  

• An Evening with Marie Antoinette in Versailles (France) 

Guests will enjoy a spectacular gala evening and dinner at one of the most impressive Palaces in France, where they will experience rare private access to Versailles for a once-in-a-lifetime evening at the home of Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France. This 17th-century palace is world renowned for its opulent furnishing and superb gardens and seems like something from a dream. With Controtempo, guests will experience Versailles like never before as they go back in time for an evening of dance, elegance, and indulgence.  

• The World Through Our Eyes (Sweden) 

If a picture is worth a thousand words, this event is worth a million. In stunning Stockholm, guests will enjoy a photo exhibit created exclusively for Controtempo: ‘The World Through Our Eyes.’ A journey featuring faces, places and more, it’ll be accompanied by a culinary experience curated by up-and-coming Scandinavian chefs alongside a soundtrack that will celebrate Sweden’s most beloved export: ABBA. 

• An Iconic Musical Farewell (Boston, USA) 

Controtempo will end on a high note, with a farewell made of music, joy and memories. Guests will go on a musical journey around the world through an 80-minute concert that will inspire them, making the end of their journey unforgettable. Staged in the Boston Symphony Hall, the evening will musically celebrate the diverse ports of call guests have explored during their voyage.