By
Rebecca Gibson |
Silver Origin is to be one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships ever built when she debuts in summer 2020, according to operator Silversea Cruises.
The 100-passenger vessel, which is the first in Silversea’s fleet to have ever been purpose-built to sail in the Galapagos Islands, will have green technologies to minimise her environmental impact. A dynamic positioning system will allow Silver Origin to automatically maintain position to protect the sea floor, while her advanced waste water treatment systems will meet or exceed the strictest regulations. In addition, the ship will have fresh water purification systems in each suite to reduce guests’ consumption of single-use plastic bottles.
“The natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands makes it one of the world’s best cruise destinations,” says Fernando Delgado, vice president of Silversea and general manager of Ecuadorian tourism company Canodros. “Silver Origin will enhance Silversea’s award-winning cruise experience here, raising it to an even more incredible level for guests’ enjoyment. I am excited to personally welcome Silver Origin to the region and introduce the ship to our valued guests and trade partners.”
Inspired by “understated Italian elegance” and the unique natural environment of the Galapagos Islands, Silver Origin will feature colourful public spaces designed by HBA Miami.
Highlights will include the Observation Lounge at the front of the ship; a library with an extensive destination-focused book collection curated by Silversea’s destination experts; and an Explorer Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, a bar, and a large video wall and wide HD screens in different seating areas. The latter venue will be used for daily briefings and lectures from the ship’s expedition team, which comprise experts certified by the National Park of the Galapagos. The Basecamp lounge, which will be the main social space on the ship, will also have a large, interactive digital wall where the expedition team to share destination-related images, videos, excursion previews and scientific presentations with guests. Plus, there will be a Zodiac embarkation area for shore excursions.
Silver Origin will also have two dining venues – The Restaurant and open-air eatery The Grill – both of which will be able to accommodate all guests at full capacity. Local expert chefs will prepare dishes with fresh local ingredients to showcase Ecuadorian culinary heritage and guests will also be offered regional wines.
All eight categories of the all-suite, all-balcony accommodation will be created by GEM – Design for Cruise Ships, which previously designed interiors on Silver Muse. Guests in certain categories will benefit from the Horizon Balcony, which can be enclosed with a floor-to-ceiling window to create additional space and provide more shelter from the elements. In 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 will elevate our industry-leading offering in the Galapagos Islands, unlocking meaningful experiences for guests, as they travel in ultimate luxury,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea CEO. “Ever since the early planning phases, every decision on Silver Origin has been made to strengthen the connection between our guests and this spectacular, unique destination.”