Jun 8, 2020 · Business

Silver Origin, purpose-built for the Galapagos, joins the fleet

Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, has taken delivery of its first-ever destination-specific ship, Silver Origin, from Dutch shipyard De Hoop.

“The ship demonstrates how fruitful our collaboration has been, while providing an indication of the great success to come,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President & CEO. “With Silversea’s destination expertise and the invaluable support of the RCL group, we have pushed the boundaries of ultra-luxury travel in the Galapagos with Silver Origin.”

Integrating the latest state-of-the-art technology and designed with a focus on the pillars of sustainability, destination on board, expedition experience, authentic local culture, and comfort and service, the all-suite, all-balcony, 100-guest Silver Origin will welcome travellers year-round in the unique Galapagos Archipelago. The ship will provide guests with the ultimate destination experience, inspired by Silversea’s accrued expertise and founded on a deep respect for the fragility of the natural environment, while maintaining the cruise line’s trademark quality of service.

 
THE MARINA: AN EXCEPTIONAL ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE

Silver Origin will have the highest Zodiac-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos at 1:12.5.

BASECAMP: IMMERSIVE DISCOVERY ON BOARD

Basecamp will host educational activities in which guests will interact with Silversea’s team of expert guides—all permanent residents of the Galapagos and certified by the Galapagos National Park—to learn more about the rare wildlife, remarkable landscapes and captivating history of the Galapagos Islands, before and after excursions.

THE EXPLORER LOUNGE: AN ELEGANT SPACE TO UNWIND

Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the destination inside, while a large video wall with state-of-the-art AV technology and wide HD screens in different seating areas will optimize guests’ expedition experience.

THE RESTAURANT & THE GRILL: AN IMMERSIVE CULINARY PHILOSOPHY

Locally-inspired culinary experiences—both on board and ashore—will strengthen travelers’ connections with the unique culture, landscapes and people of the Galapagos, as well as those of Ecuador.

SPA & FITNESS CENTRE: STATE-OF-THE-ART RELAXATION

The Spa, with a dedicated treatment room for therapies and massages, is the ideal place in which to relax after a day of exploration on the islands.

OBSERVATION LOUNGE: A COSY HIDEAWAY

Located at the very front of the ship, the 75m2 Observation Lounge is one of the coziest venues on board, offering an elegant hideaway with incredible views on the destination thanks to 180-degree floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

GUEST SUITES: AMONG THE MOST SPACIOUS IN THE GALAPAGOS

Guests will enjoy the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the region (1:1.11) for unparalleled levels of personalized comfort. All suites benefit from full room automation, which allows guests to control room conditions with the touch of a button.

ADDRESSING SUSTAINABILITY

Built with the environment in mind as 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% reduction in fuel consumption and fewer exhaust emissions. The ship’s dynamic positioning system 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; and a wastewater treatment system will meet or exceed the strictest regulations in the market.