As a significant milestone for the luxury cruise industry, Silversea Cruises has proudly delivered its latest masterpiece, the Silver Ray. This cutting-edge vessel, part of the groundbreaking Nova Class, promises to redefine the standards of ultra-luxury and eco-friendly cruising.
A Grand Ceremony in Eemshaven
The official handover ceremony occurred on May 14 in Eemshaven, attended by top executives from Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Werft. Among the distinguished guests were Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group; Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea; Bernard Meyer, Chairman of the Meyer Group; and Bernd Eikens, CEO of the Meyer Group. The event was marked by traditional maritime ceremonies, including the flag-changing and signing ceremonies, heartfelt speeches, and a celebratory toast.
Innovation and Sustainability at Sea
The Nova Class represents a revolutionary approach to luxury cruising. Silver Ray, alongside her sister ship Silver Nova, boasts an asymmetrical design and expansive 4,000m² of exterior glass, offering guests unparalleled views and a deeper connection to the sea. These ships are among the most energy-efficient in the ultra-luxury and expedition cruise market, aligning with Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to reducing emissions and carbon intensity.
Maiden Voyage and Itinerary
Silver Ray will embark on her maiden voyage from Lisbon on June 15, 2024. Her inaugural season will be spent exploring the enchanting Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to the Americas in December 2024. This exciting itinerary promises guests an unforgettable journey with unique destinations and luxurious experiences.
A Vision for the Future
Jason Liberty expressed his excitement at the delivery of Silver Ray, stating, “We are thrilled to take delivery of Silver Ray, the newest ultra-luxury and expedition jewel in Royal Caribbean Group’s game-changing fleet. Delivering the best vacation experiences responsibly is at the heart of everything we do. We are fortunate to have the best people working together to dream and create unforgettable experiences for our guests, including the Meyer Werft shipyard team, whose partnership has enabled us to continue pushing boundaries.”
Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea, added, “Silver Ray, the second ship in our cutting-edge Nova Class, beautifully encompasses Royal Caribbean Group’s vision for the future of innovative ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel. In addition to being one of the most energy-efficient ships ever built, Silver Ray’s game-changing, outward-facing ship design enables greater access and connection for our guests to the incredible destinations we visit.”
A Collaborative Achievement
The delivery of Silver Ray, two days ahead of schedule, was a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Meyer Werft team and their partners. Bernd Eikens, CEO of the Meyer Group, commented, “The entire Meyer Werft team has worked hard with our partners to bring this ship to life, and today, we have delivered another great ship to Silversea.”
Luxurious Onboard Experience
Silver Ray and Silver Nova offer a transformative cruise experience with innovative designs and luxurious amenities. Guests can enjoy reimagined pool decks overlooking the starboard side and new outdoor venues like the Dusk Bar and the Marquee. The ships also feature the largest selection of bars, restaurants, and lounges in the ultra-luxury cruise sector, ensuring an exceptional onboard experience.
The Nova Class ships are among the most spacious ever built, with a space-to-guest ratio of 75 GRT per guest and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.3, including butler service for all suites. The ships also offer the Otium wellness program and the Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) culinary program, further enhancing the guest experience.
Technical Excellence
Following a 40km conveyance down the River Ems from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Silver Ray completed her technical and nautical sea trials in the North Sea on May 8. These trials were overseen by Captain Alessandro Zanello, the shipyard’s captain, and expert local pilots, ensuring that Silver Ray is ready to deliver the ultimate luxury cruise experience.
For more information about Silver Ray and to view her upcoming voyages, visit Silversea’s Silver Ray.
Written by: Christine Nguyen
