Significant improvements to an already high self-imposed level of luxury are due to be rolled out across the Silversea Cruises fleet, with the line committing US$170 million (A$222.4m) to a fleet-wide refurbishment program which will begin in coming weeks.

Of the first three ships scheduled to enter dry dock for the improvements, two will be sailing in Australian waters within the next 12 months.

Beginning with the 382-passenger Silver Whisper, the improvements due to be fitted have been influenced by the line’s customers, Silversea says. Silver Whisper will undergo its refurbishment before the end of the year, in time to set sail on the brand’s annual World Cruise which will see it arrive in Australian waters in early February 2017.

While most of the upgrade program focuses on public spaces, staterooms and suites will also be refurbished, with a key highlight seeing bathrooms fitted with dark emperor marble flooring to present an elegant and regal look. On the upper decks, the main swimming pool area will be re-tiled, while new chaise lounges will increase the comfort level for guests.

Both of the Relais & Châteaux accredited and recognised dining outlets which feature on much of the fleet – The Restaurant and La Terrazza – will see brand new carpets, hard-wood parquet flooring and new furniture to further enhance the luxurious and glamorous feel.

Improvements will also be made to each ship’s communications infrastructure, with two new satellite antennas installed to boost onboard internet speeds through greater bandwidth. This technological enhancement will also work in concert with new interactive televisions which will be fitted to each stateroom and will offer on-demand movies.

Similar work will be carried out to sister ship Silver Wind in October while from the Expedition fleet, Silver Discoverer will also see its passenger experience boosted in a slightly different way, in line with the demands of its more active and adventurous clientele. The Restaurant will be updated with a new colour scheme, while more aesthetic changes will come to the pool area through new furniture. Silver Discoverer spends a large portion of its year cruising in Australia’s Kimberley region between Broome and Darwin.

The existing breakfast venue will be turned into more of a lounge and lecture theatre to which guests can retreat after an exciting day of exploring various remote parts of the world. This will be further boosted by new Audio Visual equipment to improve the quality of lectures and presentations from resident experts.