Silversea is considering bringing its new Evolution-class vessel to Southampton for a launch event in 2022.
The luxury line’s next two ‘classic’ ocean ships – Silver Moon and Silver Dawn – are both being built by shipbuilding company Fincantieri in Italy before being deployed in the Mediterranean.
But Silversea believes there is an opportunity in 2022 to bring its first Evolution-class ship to the UK as the 600-passenger vessel is being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany – rather than in Italy.
Silversea has previously held major events in the UK, such as when Silver Muse came to Southampton in August 2017 and Silver Cloud arrived at Tower Bridge in 2019, although it has never held a christening in the country.
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Silversea chief executive Roberto Martinoli said: “The UK is one of the most important markets for us and is the second largest market after the US.
“The UK is an important source market and also for our ships which call in the UK on itineraries that go towards the Baltics. We will certainly be thinking about bringing the ship to the UK.”
Chief marketing officer Barbara Muckermann revealed the line’s UK managing director Peter Shanks has requested the Evolution-class vessel to sail directly to the UK from Germany in 2022.
“We have never had a christening in Southampton in our history so it would be a great occasion,” Muckermann added.
Deployment of the ship, which the line says will be an “evolution” of the Muse-class, will be decided towards the end of this year, Martinoli added.
The line signed an agreement with Meyer Werft to build two Evolution-class vessels last year.
“Meyer Werft is an obvious choice for a supplier tonnage and Fincantieri was not available at that time,” Martinoli said. “Meyer Werft is a viable alternative and the yard had slots available. We did not hesitate to take advantage of that.
“We are talking about two yards which are extremely reliable, and both provide great tonnage.”