MIAMI — Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., has successfully acquired Silversea Cruises in a blockbuster deal that includes two-thirds stake of the luxury line.

The deal closed yesterday after receiving the green light from regulators for RCL to purchase 66.7% equity stake in Silversea Cruises, based on an enterprise value of approximately US$2 billion.

With Silversea joining the RCL lineup alongside Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, TUI Cruises and Pullmantur Cruceros, the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. fleet now numbers 59 ships with an additional 15 on order.

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio will remain Executive Chairman of Silversea and retain a 33.3% stake.

“We’re excited to join the Royal Caribbean family and ready to begin this next chapter as part of an industry leader that is uniquely qualified to support Silversea’s future growth,” said Lefebvre.“This partnership enables us to realize our vision of being the uncontested leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition, taking our guests to more than 1,000 destinations aboard some of the world’s most luxurious vessels.”

In June, Travelweek spoke with Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer Barbara Muckermann who confirmed that prices for Silversea cruises are not expected to change following the acquisition.

“RCCL has been pursuing this investment to keep Silversea and Silversea Expeditions at their respective price points,” she said. “The current offering works complementary to RCCL’s portfolio.”

With yesterday’s official acquisition, the two companies also announced Project Invictus, a multi-year initiative that will include product upgrades and revitalizations to ships. The first enhancements will roll out on the Silver Muse ton Aug. 19 where an upgraded champagne and caviar offering will be initiated. Immediately thereafter, these and other enhancements will be implemented fleet wide.

“Our intent is to solidify our already strong leadership position with an exciting array of upgrades that thrill our guests,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea CEO.

As for ship enhancements, the planned renovation of the Silver Whisper in December 2018 will be much more comprehensive than initially anticipated and will include a partial refit of all guest cabins.

Moreover, the Silver Wind will enter into an enhanced dry dock in December. Both the Wind and Whisper will be part of the plan for a fleet-wide ‘Musification’, which draws inspiration from the design of the line’s successful flagship, Silver Muse. The plan will be completed shortly after with an enhanced dry dock of the Silver Shadow.