By
Alex Smith |
Silversea Cruises has christened its new ship Silver Origin in a ceremony in San Cristobal on the Galápagos Islands.
Guests embarked on Silver Origin’s Zodiac boats and toasted the ship as she was officially welcomed to the cruise line’s fleet, before Johanna Carrión, conservationist and permanent resident of the Galápagos Islands, was revealed as the ship's godmother. Carrión is the executive director and CEO of the Scalesia Foundation, an educational charity supported by Silversea Cruises that advocates for the long-term conservation of the Galápagos through education.
"It is a great honour to be selected as the godmother of Silver Origin," said Carrión. "Silversea's support for the Scalesia Foundation helps to safeguard the well-being of the Galápagos Islands for generations to come. I look forward to strengthening the collaboration between Silversea Cruises and the Scalesia Foundation, as we continue to foster long-term conservation through education on sustainability."
A bagpipe performance initiated the naming ceremony, which was co-hosted by the new president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group Jason Liberty alongside Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO of Silversea Cruises; Barbara Muckermann, chief commercial officer of Silversea Cruises; and Fernando Delgado, vice president of Silversea Cruises Ecuador. Escorted by Captain Karin Chacon, Carrión made her first address to Silver Origin's guests as the ship's godmother, before Bishop Patricio Bonilla blessed the vessel.
"It was a very proud moment to officially welcome Silver Origin to our fleet," said Martinoli. "Beyond just visiting the most beautiful corners of our planet, Silversea aims to enrich each destination. This is especially true in the Galápagos Islands. Silver Origin is our strongest means to inspire travellers to safeguard the well-being of this beautiful archipelago for future generations.
The 100-guest Silver Origin was designed specifically for sailing in the Galápagos Islands and features technologies including a dynamic positioning system, an advanced propulsion system and a freshwater purification system for all suites. The ship will offer sailings of the archipelago year-round.
"My heartfelt congratulations to the Silversea team on this milestone," said Liberty. "Silversea's efforts to support long-term conservation here in the Galápagos Islands speak to our commitment to the environment. Our approach is built on the mantra that 'respect for the oceans is not a choice, it's a way of life’."