Silver Origin—Galápagos-inspired, with Italian style details, new

First newbuild under RCL umbrella

Due out in summer 2020, Silver Origin is the first ship design undertaken since Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. acquired a 66.7% equity stake in the luxury line, Silversea CEO Roberto Martinoli said.

“It’s more yacht-like than a ship,” he said. “It’s really beautiful and very much in line with the rest of our fleet.”

Martinoli and other executives shared Silver Origin details in a news conference at Seatrade Cruise Global. The vessel is under construction at Dutch Shipyard De Hoop, which is also building Galápagos ship Celebrity Flora for sister brand Celebrity Cruises.

Abundant guides, Zodiacs and butlers

Silver Origin will boast a high crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.16, with one expedition guide per 10 passengers. In addition, the ship will have one Zodiac for every 12.5 passengers. All suites will have butler service.

The expedition team—certified by the National Park of the Galápagos—will present daily briefings, lectures, videos, and scientific information.

The destination immersion continues in authentic local cuisine, prepared by Ecuadorian chefs, and the understated Italian décor will be influenced by the natural environment with bright, colorful motifs and regional materials. Silver Origin’s public spaces were designed by HBA Miami, while GEM – Design for Cruise Ships, the team behind the interior design of Silver Muse, oversaw the suite interiors.

Basecamp

Public areas will include Basecamp, an elegant lounge that connects with the ship’s Zodiac embarkation area. It will have a large, interactive digital wall—through which travelers can access destination-related pictures, videos, excursion previews and scientific presentations.

The Explorer Lounge will host daily briefings and lectures from the ship’s expedition team. It will have floor-to-ceiling windows, a large video wall, wide HD screens and a bar and piano.

Bathrooms with a view

Silver Origin will have eight suite categories, all with private balcony. Certain suite categories will feature a “Horizon Balcony,” which can convert to enclose the balcony with a floor-to-ceiling window for added space and shelter from the elements. Plus, a first for Silversea, select suite categories will have windows in some bathtubs and showers for views while bathing. All suites will also have a mineral water station to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles.

The two dining venues, The Restaurant and The Grill, will both be capable of accommodating all guests at full capacity. The menu will feature fresh, local ingredients and regional wines. The Grill is an open-air venue that can be partially enclosed; it will also host Silversea’s Hot Rocks concept that lets guests cook their steak or seafood on hot lava rocks.

Silver Origin will have a dynamic positioning system that will let the ship automatically maintain position to protect the sea floor. It also will have an advanced wastewater treatment system to meet or exceed the strictest regulations in the market.

Replaces Silver Galapagos

Silver Origin will replace Silver Galapagos, which has operated in the Galápagos Islands for five years.

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