ATHENS — Silversea Cruises has christened its newest ship, a milestone event that will build momentum in its global return to service.

Taking place in the port of Piraeus (Athens) yesterday, July 28, Silver Moon was front and centre during its official naming ceremony, which was attended by Royal Caribbean Group’s Chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain, as well as Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea Cruises. Following maritime traditions, Reverend Father Ioannis Patsis, Vice President of Caritas Hellas, blessed the ship before Godmother Gaia Gaja of the Italian Gaja Winery broke a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow. 

With the christening, Silver Moon officially became the ninth ship in Silversea’s fleet. It also became the first ultra-luxury cruise ship to set sail following the pandemic when it embarked upon its inaugural season from Athens on June 18, undertaking a series of 10-day voyages in the Greek Isles.

Silver Moon

“Witnessing the official naming of Silver Moon – the first of Silversea’s christenings as part of Royal Caribbean Group – was a very proud moment indeed,” said Fain. “I commend Silversea’s leadership team, Captain Georgiev and Silver Moon’s crew, the team of Fincantieri, and everyone involved in the ship’s launch for their tireless efforts in bringing this long-awaited milestone to fruition.”

Martinoli added: “This is an extraordinary milestone in the history of our cruise line. As the first ultra-luxury cruise ship to set sail this year, Silver Moon leads the way in the return of ultra-luxury cruising. She represents our industry’s strength and resilience. Aboard the newest addition to our fleet, our guests will re-discover the world in unrivaled comfort and whispered luxury.”

Silver Moon is Silversea’s second Muse-class ship and is the sister ship to Silver Muse. Onboard, guests will find re-imagined public spaces, butler service in all suite categories and a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. Silver Moon also marks the debut of Silversea’s new culinary program, Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.), featuring three new onboard venues and special shore excursions that allow guests to experience the food and drink of each destination firsthand. 

Silversea is leading the way in the global restart of ultra-luxury cruising. The first of two ships in Silversea’s fleet to have returned to service, Silver Moon is joined by new ship Silver Origin, now sailing on all-new itineraries in the Galapagos Islands. Silver Muse will become the first ultra-luxury ship to set sail for Alaska when it departs from Seattle today, July 29. Then beginning July 30, Silver Shadow will undertake all-Icelandic circumnavigations out of Reykjavik.

Additional Silversea ships are expected to set sail in the near future. Silver Dawn, the line’s third new ship since 2020, is scheduled to depart on its maiden voyage in November 2021.