Silversea Cruises welcomes first destination-specific ship

i By June 11, 2020 No Comments

Top executives from Silversea Cruises were on hand at De Hoop Shipyard in Rotterdam, The Netherlands to take delivery of the Silver Origin, the line’s first-ever destination-specific ship.

Custom-built to operate in The Galapagos Archipelago, the all-suite, all-balcony, 100-guest Silver Origin will be based year-round in the archipelago.

The delivery ceremony was attended by Silversea chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio; Damien O’Connor, senior vice-president, Hotel Operations & Onboard Revenue, Silversea; Barbara Muckermann, chief marketing officer, Silversea; and representatives from De Hoop Shipyard.

“In September 2013, Silversea became the first cruise line to launch an ultra-luxury ship in the Galapagos Archipelago. We have invested our accrued know-how into the design of Silver Origin. 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,” says Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio.

Designed for the destination

The Silver Origin’s design combines the latest state-of-the-art technology with a focus on the pillars of sustainability, destination on board, expedition experience, authentic local culture, and comfort and service.

One of the most energy-efficient ships in its class, Silver Origin incorporates environmentally low-impact features to comply with future rules and regulations, in addition to the Galapagos National Park Directorate regulations. The latest technological innovations mean a 15 percent reduction in fuel consumption and fewer exhaust emissions.

Other sustainability features/initiatives include:

  • Dynamic positioning system that 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;
  • a wastewater treatment system that will meet or exceed the strictest regulations in the market;
  • and 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.

Additionally, Silversea Cruises has launched the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos. This dedicated fund will support educational projects to safeguard the wellbeing of the Galapagos Islands for future generations.

The onboard experience

Each of the ship’s spaces was designed specifically with the Galapagos in mind by Hirsch Bedner Associates Miami.

The spaces include:

  • The Marina: The key point of entry to the ship/destination, the zodiac embarkation area features large comfortable couches, as well as showers for guests to rinse their gear, racks to conveniently store wetsuits and other equipment, and a fold-out stern with special boarding facilities that can accommodate two Zodiacs at one time. The ship’s zodiac-to-guest is 1 to 12.5.
  • Basecamp: At nearly 6,000 square feet, Basecamp is the heart of the ship. It will host educational activities and give guests the opportunity to interact with Silversea’s team of expert guides, all of whom are residents of The Galapagos and certified by the Galapagos National Park. The centerpiece of the room is a 624x162cm (approx. 20′ x 5’) interactive digital wall. Featuring bespoke software created by strategic-design studio Sketchin with input from Silversea’s Expedition Team, it will give guests access to destination-related content, including historical pictures provided by the Royal Geographic Society of London, videos with exclusive aerial and underwater shots, excursion previews and scientific presentations.
  • The Explorer Lounge: This 5,100+ square-foot space features floor-to-ceiling windows, a large video wall with state-of-the-art AV technology, wide HD screens in different seating areas, and a terrace with comfortable sofas and armchairs and a fire pit. It will be double as a lecture room as well as a venue for live piano performances.
  • The Restaurant & The Grill: In line with Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) program, the Silver Origin’s f&b options will deliver an immersive culinary philosophy, centred on regionally-grown ingredients, Ecuadoran cuisine, and a farm-to-table approach. With capacities of 120 and 100 respectively, the Restaurant (Deck 4) and the Grill (Deck 7) will be able to accommodate all guests at once.
  • Observation Lounge: Located at the very front of the ship, this 800-square-foot lounge features 180-degree floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
  • Guest Suites: Silversea reports that the ship’s suites are among the most spacious and comfortable available in the Galapagos. The Owner’s Suite, for example, is 1,722 square feet and has a large verandah offering sweeping views of the destination. All suites have full room automation, which allows guests to control room conditions with the touch of a button. The suites are decorated in neutral tones and natural materials that complement the Galapagos’ environment. All suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony, while select suites feature the innovative Horizon Balcony, which converts to a floor-to-ceiling window at the touch of a button. Most upper suites incorporate an ocean-view bathtub and shower, some of which are accessible from the balcony.

The ship also has a fitness centre with Technogym equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows; a spa, with a dedicated room for therapies and massages; and a beauty salon offering a wide array of services, including hairdressing and manicure/pedicure.