By: Marcia Abramson
I am intrigued by the announcement by Silversea's Vice President for Sales and Marketing Bill Leiber that Theo Faberge, the only living grandson of Carl Faberge and heir to the artistic legacy of the House of Faberge, Imperial Jewelers to the Romanov Czars will host a program of special gala events. It is the "Romanovs Remembered" optional package to commemorate the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, the legendary city founded by Peter the Great in 1703. This will take place during Silver Whisper's "St. Petersburg Treasures" cruise sailing from July 7 to 14, 2003 from Stockholm to Copenhagen. Highlights of the cruise will be a fabulous three-day stopover in the regal city of St. Petersburg, with exclusive visits to the incredible Hermitage Museum, and the world famous Bolshoi Ballet. Guests participating in the "Romanovs Remembered" program will be treated to guided tours of Yusupov Palace, Grand Duke Vladimir's Palace, Peterhof Grand Palace and Catherine the Great's magnificent marble palace at Tsarkoe, the summer residence of the Czars. Their program will include a festive evening at the Peterhof Grand Palace. They will be greeted by a Military Brass Band prior to a guided tour of the opulent suites of the palace. Then, the Main Throne Room of the palace will be the locale for the lavish Theo Faberge Ball, commemorating the city's tricentennial celebration. I can visualize the famous Russian literary character Anna Karenina dancing in the arms of her lover, the captain in this beautiful venue. The tables will be set with the finest blue cobalt Russian porcelain and the cuisine will be extraordinary, a far cry from the standard Russian restaurant food. There will also be an assortment of souvenir gifts and enchanting orchestral music playing vibrant waltzes and mazurkas. The evening will be climaxed with the exciting ceremony of the Great Cascade of Fountains followed by a ballet concert and breathtaking fireworks. This purports to be a truly splendid and unforgettable experience. As the Silver Whisper departs St. Petersburg, guests will be invited to "Black Pearls and Ice," an inimitable shipboard caviar and vodka tasting. Another unique feature of this cruise will be the unveiling of Theo Faberge's Exclusive Silver Whisper Egg. Silversea commissioned the world-renowned artist to create the Silver Whisper Egg. The limited edition egg is crafted from mouth-blown lead crystal and hand-enameled in blue with a swirling design that evokes rolling ocean waves. The outer shell is topped with Theo Faberge's signature Romanov crown in sterling silver accented by a cabochon sapphire. In the Faberge family tradition, the creation features a miniature surprise - a model Silver Whisper sculptured in sterling silver and 24-karat gold. Additionally, under the ship model and hand-cut into the crystal base is a miniature compass. One Silver Whisper Egg is included in the price of a suite on this cruise. I understand that Theo Faberge's limited edition eggs can retail between $4,000 and $35,000, with one-of-a-kind pieces bringing as much as $155,000. Brad Ball of the Silversea briefed me on the origin of the Faberge egg which dates back to 1881. The Romanov Czar Alexander III ordered Carl Faberge, the court jeweler, to create a lavish bejeweled egg as an Easter gift for his wife, the Czarina Marie. Giving decorated eggs for Easter is an old Russian tradition and royalty had the egg designed with precious gems. Having experienced a sailing on the Silver Whisper, I can attest to the claim that this ship is the ultimate in luxurious cruising. For more information contact a travel agent or call (877) 215-9986 for a brochure.
© Copyright by Marcia AbramsonE-mail: mascribe@aol.com
