SILVERSEA cruises has announced that its newest ultra-luxury ship, Silver Spirit, is set to debut in lavish style with a Grand Inaugural Voyage in January next year.

On this extraordinary 91-day journey, dubbed 'The Spirit of South America', Silver Spirit will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles and twist back to New York on a fascinating itinerary.

Highlights of the voyage include a visit to Rio de Janeiro in time for Carnival, a journey around the end of the earth at Cape Horn, an in-depth exploration of the Mexican Riviera, a crossing of the Panama Canal and an unforgettable Statue of Liberty event in New York Harbour.

Speaking about Silver Spirit's much anticipated inaugural season, Silversea President and CEO Amerigo Perasso said: "As the construction of our new ship moves forward steadily, I am delighted to reveal some of the highlights of her much anticipated inaugural season.

"Silver Spirit, when launched in a year from now, will embody the hallmarks of Silversea's understated elegance and distinct luxury with even more spacious suites, expansive wellness facilities and epicurean venues."

On their magnificent Spirit of South America odyssey, guests onboard Silver Spirit will visit more than 45 ports in over 20 different countries and island destinations across two continents, enjoying overnight stays in Fort Lauderdale, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Lima, Acapulco and Los Angeles.

In addition, they will also be invited to attend the naming ceremony, a gala dinner event on the eve of departure with accommodation aboard ship, exclusive shore-side events in select ports of call, such as a VIP evening at the Rio Carnival, not to mention special commemorative gifts and a $2,000 spending credit per suite to enjoy the voyage to the full.

A complimentary Business Class air upgrade is also available for guests who purchase Silversea's optional air programme.

Other highlights of the inaugural itineraries include an 11-day Holiday Spirit maiden voyage on December 23, 2009, sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon, and a two-week grand Atlantic Crossing to Southampton from New York on April 23, 2009.

Silver Spirit will spend the summer in the Mediterranean and then reposition to the Caribbean for autumn and winter cruises.

The 36,000-tonne vessel will indulge her 540 guests with the largest suites in the fleet - 95 per cent will feature a private veranda - and with one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea today, 67, provides 6,700 cubic feet of space per guest.

The onboard décor will lend a sophisticated 1930s Art Deco ambience to the public spaces, highlights of which include an indoor/outdoor spa, measuring no less than 8,300 square feet, three whirlpools (two adjacent to outdoor pool, one in spa area), enriching performances in The Show Lounge and a choice of six dining venues including Seishin, a Japanese restaurant, and the innovative Stars Supper Club, featuring live music, dancing and nightclub-style entertainment.