PAPENBURG — Travel advisors enjoyed a front row seat at the keel laying ceremony of Silversea’s new Silver Ray last week in Germany.

Taking place March 23 at the MEYER WERFT shipyard in Papenburg, the ceremony marked the official start of the assembly of the 728-guest ship, which upon completion will be Silversea’s second ship in its Nova class.

The sister ship to Silver Nova, Silver Ray is expected to enter service in summer 2024.

Noting how this marked one of the few times travel advisors have attended the keel laying of an ultra-luxury ship, Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO of Silversea Cruises said: “We were delighted to welcome select members of our valued trade community to the MEYER WERFT shipyard in Papenburg to witness this milestone in the build of Silver Ray. Anticipation is building for the introduction of our pioneering Nova class ships, with Silver Nova set to join the fleet this summer.”

Muckermann added that the sister ships – Silver Nova and Silver Ray – will be among the most sustainable ultra-luxury cruise ships ever launched, and that all Nova class ships will boast an asymmetrical design and a horizontal layout for the first time in Silversea’s history.

Before the ceremony, attending guests were given a tour of Silver Nova, which is nearing completion at the MEYER WERFT shipyard. Joining Silversea’s fleet this summer, Silver Nova – along with Silver Ray – will feature public spaces and suites that span the entire length of the ship.

For more information on Silver Ray and upcoming itineraries go to https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-ray.html.

Keel laying ceremony of Silver Ray