Exciting news yesterday from Silversea, as the ultra-luxury brand announced that it has purchased Canodros S.A., a premier Ecuadorian tourism company operating in the Galapagos Islands, along with their upscale expedition ship Galapagos Explorer II, which first sailed in 1990 as Renaissance III for now-defunct Renaissance Cruises.

Measuring 288 feet in length, Galapagos Explorer II will be renamed and undergo a major stem-to-stern refurbishment in September 2013 before joining Silver Explorer as part of Silversea’s highly-popular Expeditions product.

Between now and September 2013, Galapagos Explorer II will continue to operate her published itineraries for Canodros S.A. All reservations, sales and marketing for the ship until September 2013 will continue to be handled by the Guayaquil, Ecuador-based company.

At 4077-tons, Galapagos Explorer II offers 50 suites with ocean-views and 24 that include private balconies. As she is currently configured, she features a restaurant, piano bar, main lounge, library and internet station, an outdoor bar, two whirlpools and a marine observation deck. Expect Silversea to add “the Silversea touch” to the ship when she enters service following her 2013 refit.

When she entered service for Renaissance in 1990, then-Renaissance III was one of the most luxurious ships afloat, with staterooms adorned with gorgeous wood panelling and other elegant touches. She is not to be confused with the larger R3, now sailing for Princess Cruises as Pacific Princess.

Silversea plans to release full details about plans for the ship’s renovation and renaming in the coming months.