Silversea Cruises is a luxury cruise line that operates six luxury, all-suite cruise ships that sail itineraries all around the world throughout the year. The line maintains branch offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Singapore. The company's headquarters are based in Monaco and is owned by the Lefebvre Family of Rome, Italy. Silversea was founded in April 1994, with one ship. At the time, many doubted that a niche company like this could survive in a mass-market business area. Their first ship, Silver Cloud was followed in January 1995 by a twin ship, the Silver Wind. In September 2000, the line launched Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper in January 2001. Both of these ships were enlarged versions of the original two ships, but carrying about 100 more passengers. In December 2009, Silversea launched the Silver Spirit.