Silversea has purchased an Ecuadorian tourism company and its upmarket expedition ship.
Canodros operates in the Galapagos Islands and operates the 4077-ton Galapagos Explorer II.
Silversea plans to add Galapagos Explorer II to its fleet of six ships next year, after the all-suite, 100-guest vessel undergoes a major refurbishment in September 2013 and is given a new name.
Until then the ship will be operated by Canandros and continue on its planned schedule of cruises..
The acquisition expands the Silversea Expeditions brand that currently operators on ship, Silver Explorer that is regularly deployed in the polar regions.
The line wants to add the second vessel to offering year-round luxury expedition cruises in the Galapagos archipelago thereby broadening its portfolio of itineraries.
All of the ships 50 suites feature ocean views and 24 include 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.
Guests currently booked on Galapagos Explorer II, and travel agents or tour operators with clients booked on the ship, should continue to liaise through their normal channels with Canodros.
In the coming months, Silversea will announce more details concerning plans for the ship after it is renovated and renamed.