The project will create more space in public areas and enhance Silver Spirit’s facilities. Passenger capacity will go from 540 to 608.
Welcomed by Palermo Mayor Leoluca Orlando, members of the international media, representatives of Silversea and Fincantieri, and other VIP guests watched as the vessel’s transformation got under way in Sicily on Saturday and Sunday.
Attendees witnessed the dissection of the 36,009gt ship, as well as the maneuvering of the vast new midsection into place. These important stages of the project reportedly ran with military precision, testament to the skill of Fincantieri Shipyard.
'Witnessing these breathtaking phases of the Silver Spirit lengthening project has filled us with pride and excitement,' Silversea chief marketing officer Barbara Muckermann said. 'This ambitious project will amplify the on-board features that matter most to our guests.'
According to Muckermann, the new Silver Muse, delivered by Fincantieri last year, has been the inspiration for a fleet-wide renovation program. She said Silver Spirit's lengthening and refurbishment will replicate the modern elegance of Silversea's newest vessel, to make for a more luxurious travel experience.
More than 500 workers will spend approximately 450,000 man hours completing the project, which is due to conclude on May 5, and will see Silver Spirit lengthened to 691.3 feet. Approximately 846 tons of steel, 360,892 feet of cabling, and 26,247 feet of piping will be put to use.
Silver Spirit’s capacity will increase by roughly 12%, resulting in an overall dining capacity increase of 15% and a 20% increase in outdoor seating, from 200 to 266.
A new eight-restaurant configuration will replace the existing culinary program, with varying dining concepts introduced. Atlantide, Indochine, Silver Note and Spaccanapoli—all from Silver Muse—will complement the existing Seishin, La Dame, La Terrazza and The Grill.
Outside, the pool area on the Sky Deck will increase in length, from 98 feet to 148 feet, and a new aerobics area will also be created. Inside, the Zagara Spa concept will be installed, along with a new free weights room to go with the upgraded fitness center. The Arts Café and Dolce Vita, two new lounges, will options.
All suites will be refurbished, and more will be added.
Prior to Silver Spirit’s arrival to Palermo, the ship docked at Chania, Crete, where Silversea made a charitable donation of used furniture to a number of the island’s worthy causes. As a destination visited by Silversea’s cruises and as an island in need, Chania was identified as a deserving recipient. In total, 11 containers were filled with 4,652 items, including sofas, chairs, curtains, computers and more.
The donated articles will be put to use by hospitals, nursing homes, schools and other institutions.
Silver Spirit is scheduled to resume service on May 6 with a seven-day cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona.
A time-lapse video of the lengthening is here.
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