Silversea Cruises Showcases Galapagos-Specific Ship Launching in Summer 2020
by Daniel McCarthy /
Silversea this week unveiled more details of its forthcoming Galapagos-specific ship, Silver Origin, the first destination-specific ship from the luxury cruise line set to debut in Summer 2020. It was originally ordered last year.
Silver Origin will sail with 100 passengers in all-suite, all-balcony accommodations, with a focus on expedition and local culture both ashore and onboard. Silversea’s Expedition Team, which will be made up of experts certified by the National Park of Galapagos, will provide guests with daily briefings, lectures, videos and science information onboard. Guests will also get to enjoy Ecuadorian cuisine cooked by local chefs in two main restaurants, The Restaurant and The Grill.
For hardware, Silver Origin will offer a Zodiac-to-guest ratio of 1:12.5, giving guests the chance to experience an intimate Galapagos experience ashore while also providing Silversea’s signature luxury experience onboard. Overall, the ship will offer a 1:1.16 crew-to-guest ratio and a 1:10 guide-to-guest ration, which Silversea says is the highest in the region.
Basecamp. Photo: Silversea.
Basecamp, a lounge that connects with Origin’s Zodiac embarkation area, will be among the ship’s “most innovative spaces,” Silversea said. It will be home base for the ship’s Expedition Team and will feature an interactive digital wall that will give guests access to destination-related content.
The ship’s daily briefings and lectures will take place in the Explorer Lounge, a space that will later convert into a bar and piano lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Observation Lounge. Photo: Silversea.
The ship’s other lounge, the Observation Lounge, will sit in the front of the ship and will offer a library of books curated by Silversea destination experts.
For staterooms, Origin will have eight different suite categories for guests to choose from. While every room will offer a private balcony, some of the cabins will have a Horizon Balcony, a take on the French Balcony where floor-to-ceiling windows can convert to enclose 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,” Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s CEO, said in a statement. “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.”
The terrace at the Observation Lounge. Photo: Silversea.