By
Alex Smith |
Silversea Cruises has taken delivery of Silver Origin from Shipyard De Hoop in Rotterdam, marking the first in-person cruise ship delivery since the Covid-19 pandemic prompted a global lockdown.
Silversea executives including chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, president and CEO Roberto Martinoli and chief marketing officer Barbara Muckermann attended the ceremony. Joined by representatives from Shipyard De Hoop, attendees toured the completed ship for the first time and were present for the official flag ceremony.
"It was a very proud moment for me to attend Silver Origin's official delivery ceremony in person, and to welcome Silversea's first-ever destination-specific ship to our fleet,” said Lefebvre d’Ovidio. "In September 2013, Silversea became the first cruise line to launch an ultra-luxury ship in the Galapagos Archipelago. 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."
Silver Origin will offer cruises for up to 100 guests year-round in the Galapagos Archipelago. It incorporates several environmentally friendly features to comply with Galapagos National Park Directorate regulations, along with any future rules that might be introduced. The ship’s dynamic positioning system will be used when positioned over delicate seabed ecosystems to prevent the anchor causing damage, while suites incorporate freshwater purification systems that will convert seawater into drinking water.
"It has been extremely rewarding to work on this project, and we are proud for having been able to deliver the ship in spite of the external challenges," says Patrick Janssens, CEO of Shipyard De Hoop. "The delivery ceremony marked a momentous moment for both parties and delivering Silver Origin to Silversea's executives here in Rotterdam was a great pleasure. We wish the cruise line every success for the future and we look forward to seeing this beautiful ship in the Galapagos Islands where she belongs."