Silversea Introduces Purpose-Built Galapagos Ship

Silversea Cruises shared details about its first purpose-built ship for a destination – the 100-guest, all-suite Silver Origin, which will operate in the Galapagos Islands starting in summer 2020.

The environmentally friendly cruise ship will combine destination expertise led by certified expedition guides with luxurious surroundings and service.

Details about the new ship were shared by Silversea CEO Roberto Martinoli at a press conference during the Seatrade Cruise Global 2019 convention in Miami Beach.

“This is our first design in cooperation with (new ownership) RCCL,” Martinoli said. “The exterior is purpose-built for Galapagos, and we will carry no more than 100 passengers due to regulations. It is more yacht-like than a ship. It will be really beautiful and very much in line with the rest of our fleet.”

Onboard, guests will learn about the fascinating islands and their wildlife through daily briefings, lectures, videos, and scientific information. The ship will serve authentic local cuisine, prepared by Ecuadorian chefs; and various other luxurious enhancements. Offering the highest Zodiac-to-guest ratio in the region, at 1:12.5.

The interior design will feature understated Italian elegance influenced by the Galapagos’ natural environment – bright, colorful motifs and regional materials will accentuate the design.

The ship includes a lounge called Basecamp, where guests can gather before and after excursions and also use to board the Zodiac motorized rafts. Basecamp will feature a large, interactive digital wall, through which guests can access destination-related pictures, videos, excursion previews and scientific presentations.

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the Explorer Lounge will host daily briefings and lectures by the ship’s expedition team. The venue will feature a large video wall and wide HD screens, as well as a bar and piano.

Located at the front of the ship, the Observation Lounge will offer a library, which will be curated by Silversea’s destination experts. The ship will also have a small spa, salon and fitness equipment.

Silver Origin will have eight suite categories, all with a private balcony, while certain suite categories will feature an innovative Horizon Balcony, which can convert to enclose the balcony with a floor-to-ceiling window for added space and shelter from the elements. Plus, a first for Silversea, selected suite categories will incorporate an ocean-view bathtub, as well as an ocean-view shower that is accessible from the balcony.

Silver Origin’s two dining venues – The Restaurant and The Grill – each of which will be able to accommodate all guests at full capacity. Authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and regional wines will complement international cuisine. The Restaurant will feature natural light and views, while The Grill is an open-air venue with the line’s signature Hot Rocks concept that lets guests cook their meat or seafood.

State-of-the-art technology designed specifically for sailing the Galapagos Islands includes a dynamic positioning system to automatically maintain position to protect the sea floor; freshwater purification systems, installed in each suite, will reduce the consumption of single-use plastic bottles; an advanced wastewater treatment system will meet or exceed the strictest regulations in the market; and Silver Origin will meet the highest standards of energy efficiency in the segment.

Silversea says the Silver Origin will have the highest crew-to-guest ratio (1:1.16) and the highest ratio of qualified guides per guest (1:10) in the Galapagos Islands. This will extend to the in-suite experience, as Silver Origin will be the only ship in the Galapagos Islands to offer butler service to all suites.

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