PHOTOS: Virtual tour of Silversea's new Silver Origin

On June 5th, Silversea Cruises held a guided tour of the brand-new Silver Origin, which was delivered on June 3rd in Amsterdam at the De Hoop shipyard.

While the tour was virtual (delivered by Silversea executives to Canadian travel agents), this was the first in-person cruise ship delivery since the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a global lockdown.

Silversea top executives—including Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, chairman; Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO; Damien O’Connor, SVP hotel operations and onboard revenue; and Barbara Muckermann, chief marketing officer—attended the ceremony in Rotterdam, and were also in attendance for the virtual FAM tour of the ship, and on hand to answer any questions from agent partners.

“In September 2013, Silversea became the first cruise line to launch an ultra-luxury ship in the Galapagos Archipelago,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio. “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.”

About the Silver Origin

The all-suite, all-balcony, 100-guest Silver Origin will welcome travellers year-round in the unique Galapagos Archipelago.

There are currently two itineraries: the seven-night Baltra to San Cristobal (North Central Itinerary) and the seven-night San Cristobal to Baltra (Western Itinerary). All voyages are scheduled to resume from Aug. 22nd, 2020.

All of the spaces on board the Silver Origin have been designed with the region in mind, and incorporate tons of natural light by using floor-to-ceiling windows. The Observation Lounge, for example, provides a relaxing daytime environment for lectures or live piano performances, while doubling at night to provide a beautiful outdoor terrace with comfortable sofas and armchairs, including a round central sofa with a fire pit where guests can unwind from the day with a hand-crafted cocktail.

As a result of COVID-19, some things on board have changed, though the overall guest experience has not, Lefebvre d’Ovidio said.

The buffet, for example, will remain open, but instead of self-serve, guests will be served by the crew, who will bring the food directly to the table.

Silversea Cruises also has the highest guide-to-guest ratio—one guide for every ten guests. 

Recognizing that the Galapagos are home to such a fragile and unique ecosystem like no other, the Silver Origin was crafted with the environment in mind, and the majority of its features reflect this. 

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 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and fewer exhaust emissions. On board, there is also an advanced wastewater treatment plant and a segregation of waste for recycling.

Provisions in the onboard restaurants are locally-sourced, when possible, and meals are prepared by top Ecuadorian chefs.

All guests receive a reusable metal water bottle that allows them to take advantage of the in-suite freshwater purification systems, and reduces the need for plastic water bottles. The bathroom amenities will all include bottles made from 100 per cent recycled plastic and 100 per cent biodegradable products.

There are 51 suites, five of which are connecting, but very single suite has its own private balcony, guaranteeing every guest an up close look at the stunning, natural beauty of the Galapagos. Those who book an upper suite will enjoy soaking in an ocean view soaker bathtub. Butler service is also offered to every suite.

Giving back to the Galapagos

Silversea Cruises has set up the Silversea Fund for Galapagos, aimed to safeguard the wellbeing of the Galapagos islands for generations to come.

Responsible tourism is key for a place like the Galapagos, and this fund is part of a long-term conservation strategy. Guests who donate to the fund will enjoy savings on every voyage, and Silversea will match all contributions in the form of a future cruise credit.

The donations to the fund are also tax-deductible.

See the photos

For more information on the Silver Origin, and to discover more about life on board, click here.

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