Silversea Cruises has taken delivery of its new ship Silver Origin, which has been designed specifically for the Galapagos.
It is the first ‘in-person’ cruise ship delivery since travel restrictions were implemented across the globe as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The line said it held an ‘intimate’ ceremony at Dutch shipyard De Hoop on Wednesday June 3, 2020.
Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, president and chief executive Roberto Martinoli, senior vice president, hotel operations and onboard revenue, Damien O’Connor, and chief marketing officer Barbara Muckermann, attended the ceremony in Rotterdam with representatives from De Hoop, and toured the ship.
“It was a very proud moment for me to attend Silver Origin’s official delivery ceremony in person, and to welcome Silversea’s first-ever destination-specific ship to our fleet,” said Lefebvre d’Ovidio. “In September 2013, Silversea became the first cruise line to launch an ultra-luxury ship in the Galapagos Archipelago. We have invested our accrued know-how into the design of Silver Origin.
“Every element of the ship has been designed with the destination in mind and tailored to enhance the experience for travellers, while fostering a deep sense of respect for this magnificent ecosystem and everything that inhabits it.”
Martinoli added: “We welcome the beautiful Silver Origin to our fleet as the first ship since the start of our collaboration with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
“The ship demonstrates how fruitful our collaboration has been, while providing an indication of the great success to come. With Silversea’s destination expertise and the invaluable support of the RCL group, we have pushed the boundaries of ultra-luxury travel in the Galapagos with Silver Origin.”
He praised colleagues and the shipyard for “overcoming many challenges to complete the ship”.
Patrick Janssens, chief executive of De Hoop Shipyard, said: “It has been extremely rewarding to work on this project, and we are proud for having been able to deliver the ship in spite of the external challenges.
“The delivery ceremony marked a momentous moment for both parties. We look forward to seeing this beautiful ship in the Galapagos Islands where she belongs.”
Every cabin on the 100-guest ship has a balcony and the ship will sail in the Galapagos all year round.