MONACO — After conducting the cruise industry’s first-ever remote sea trials in April, the Silver Origin, Silversea’s very first destination-specific ship, has at last been delivered.
The luxury cruise line has taken delivery of the ship from Dutch shipyard De Hoop in an intimate ceremony in Rotterdam on June 3. This marks the first in-person cruise ship delivery since the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a global lockdown.
“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. I am very grateful to all involved in the build, especially the professionals at De Hoop Shipyard,” says Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio. “In September 2013, Silversea became the first cruise line to launch an ultra-luxury ship in the Galapagos Archipelago. 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.”
The 100-guest Silver Origin will welcome travellers year-round in the Galapagos Archipelago starting August 2020. Here are some highlights:
THE MARINA
As a key point of entry to the ship/destination, the Marina features large comfortable couches, showers for guests to rinse their gear, and an innovative fold-out stern with special boarding facilities that can accommodate two Zodiacs at the same time. As Silver Origin will boast the highest Zodiac-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos, at 1:12.5, a large garage has been created to store six of the ship’s eight Zodiacs between decks 2 and 3, with the other two stored on the bow.
Basecamp offers immersive discovery onboard
BASECAMP
Considered one of Silver Origin’s most innovative spaces, Basecamp is the heart of the ship, where educational activities will take place. Guests will interact with Silversea’s team of expert guides to learn about rare wildlife and the history of the Galapagos Islands, before and after excursions. The centrepiece of Basecamp is a 624x162cm interactive digital wall – the largest interactive screen in the Galapagos. Through this program, which will change according to the itinerary, guests will be able to access destination-related content, including historical pictures provided by the Royal Geographical Society of London.
THE EXPLORER LOUNGE
Here is where guests can enjoy a cocktail or read a book from Silver Origin’s curated library. The space doubles as a lecture room and will host daily lectures and briefings, as well as live piano performances. Features include floor-to-ceiling windows, a large video wall with AV technology and wide HD screens, and a beautiful terrace with sofas, armchairs and a fire pit.
THE RESTAURANT & THE GRILL
In line with Silversea’s new S.A.L.T. program, Silver Origin’s guests will benefit from an immersive culinary philosophy that focuses on regional ingredients. The Restaurant (capacity 120) on Deck 4 and the Grill (capacity 100) on Deck 7 will each be able to accommodate all guests at once.
SPA & FITNESS CENTRE
Silver Origin’s fitness centre features state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows. The Spa boasts a dedicated treatment room for therapies and massages, while the Beauty Salon will offer a wide array of services, including hairdressing and manicure/pedicure.
The ship’s Observation Lounge is a cozy hideaway
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Located at the very front of the ship, the Observation Lounge is one of the coziest venues onboard featuring 180-degree, floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
GUEST SUITES
Silver Origin’s suites are among the most spacious and comfortable in the Galapagos. Silver Origin is the only ship in the archipelago to offer butler service for all suites, plus guests enjoy the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the region (1:1.11). All suites benefit from full room automation, which allows guests to control room conditions with the touch of a button, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. Select suites feature the Horizon Balcony, which converts to a floor-to-ceiling window. Most upper suites incorporate an ocean-view bathtub and shower, some of which are accessible from the balcony.
SUSTAINABILITY
The latest technological innovations means a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and fewer exhaust emissions. The ship’s dynamic positioning system will be used when positioned over delicate seabed ecosystems to prevent the anchor from causing damage; suites incorporate freshwater purification systems that convert seawater into drinking water, thus drastically reducing the use of plastic on board; and a wastewater treatment system will meet or exceed the strictest regulations in the market. Moreover, all waste will undergo a rigid segregation procedure on board and will be delivered to a local waste management enterprise for it to be recycled or shipped out of the islands.
