By
Alex Smith |
Silversea Cruises has begun construction of Silver Ray, the second ship in its Nova class, with a steel cutting ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg Germany.
Silver Ray is expected to be delivered by Meyer Werft in summer 2024, joining her sister ship Silver Nova in the Silversea fleet. Both ships will be powered by hybrid technology that utilises fuel cells, batteries and dual-fuel engines that can use LNG fuel. Each will also feature an asymmetrical design, with public spaces and suites spanning the entire length of the ship.
“We are proud to have started constructing Silver Ray in collaboration with Meyer Werft, as we continue to push boundaries in sustainable cruise travel,” says Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO of Silversea Cruises. “As part of Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea has long stood at the forefront of innovation when it comes to environmentally conscious cruising. The launch of the Nova class represents a giant leap forward in this regard and we are introducing pioneering technologies.”
Silversea has also set a new launch date for Silver Nova, which will now begin sailing on 14 August 2023 with a round-trip maiden voyage from Fusina, Italy.
“Given the worldwide issues that have affected the construction of Silver Nova, it has been decided to amend her launch date by approximately one month – in order to uphold the signature level of experience that our discerning guests have come to expect when travelling with Silversea,” said Martinoli.