Silver Origin naming ceremony takes place in Galápagos

The expedition-inspired ceremony in San Cristobal began with a bagpipe performance – a Royal Caribbean Group tradition – as passengers took to water on the ship’s Zodiacs, raising a glass of champagne as it was officially welcomed into Silversea’s now 10-strong fleet.  

‘My heartfelt congratulations to the Silversea team on this milestone,’ said Jason Liberty, in what was his first ship christening as Royal Caribbean Group’s new president and CEO. ‘Silversea’s efforts to support long-term conservation here in the Galapagos Islands speak to our commitment to the environment. Our approach is built on the mantra: that respect for the oceans is not a choice, it’s a way of life.’

Liberty’s co-host for the February 25 event, Silversea Cruises’ president and CEO Roberto Martinoli, added, ‘It was a very proud moment to officially welcome Silver Origin to our fleet.

‘Beyond just visiting the most beautiful corners of our planet, Silversea aims to enrich each destination. This is especially true in the Galápagos Islands. Silver Origin is our strongest means to inspire travellers to safeguard the wellbeing of this beautiful archipelago for future generations.’

He went on to thank Liberty for his attendance and Royal Caribbean Group for ‘their invaluable support.’

Of the ship’s godmother, Martinoli said, ‘We are honoured to welcome Johanna Carrión to the extended family as the official godmother of Silver Origin. Johanna’s tireless efforts to champion conservation in the Galápagos make her the perfect ambassador for our cruise line.’ She was escorted by capt. Karin Chacon to make her address, with Bishop Patricio Bonilla blessing the ship.

Barbara Muckermann, chief commercial officer, Silversea Cruises and Fernando Delgado, vp, Silversea Cruises Ecuador also co-hosted the event.

Godmother Johanna Carrión

Raised in the Galápagos, Carrión is the executive director and CEO of the Scalesia Foundation – a non-profit organisation supported by Silversea Cruises that champions the long-term conservation of the Galápagos through education. ‘It is a great honour to be selected as the godmother of Silver Origin,’ proclaimed Carrión. ‘Silversea’s support for the Scalesia Foundation helps to safeguard the wellbeing of the Galápagos Islands for generations to come. I look forward to strengthening the collaboration between Silversea Cruises and the Scalesia Foundation, as we continue to foster long-term conservation through education on sustainability.’

A recent donation from the cruise line to Scalesia covers 50% of scholarships for 30 students at the Tomas de Berlanga School. Operated by the Foundation, it offers education to inhabitants of the Galápagos with a focus on sustainability principles.

Silversea Cruises’ Silversea Fund for the Galápagos supports a selection of educational projects each year with the long-term aim of safeguarding the Galápagos Islands’ ecosystem.

Silver origin

The 100-passenger Silver Origin is Silversea’s first destination-specific ship. The all-suite, all-balcony expedition vessel welcomes travellers year-round in the archipelago and has been built with state-of-the-art technology, including a dynamic positioning system that protects the delicate seabed and an advanced propulsion system.

All suites feature a freshwater purification system to reduce plastic bottle usage. Silversea offers reef-safe sunblock to all passengers onboard.