Silversea takes delivery of the new Silver Origin
Silversea Cruises has taken delivery of its first-ever destination-specific ship, Silver Origin, from the Dutch shipyard De Hoop. An intimate ceremony, held on Wednesday June 3, 2020, marked the first in-person ship delivery in the industry since the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a global lockdown. An amazing achievement considering that the small shipyard in the Netherlands managed to complete the Silver Origin under these current incredible circumstances.
Silver Origin will soon sail to Ecuador and on to her new, permanent home in the Galapagos Islands, where she will sail year round to unlock the charms of this unique destination in utmost luxury and comfort. With this mission in mind, Silversea have leveraged on the knowledge acquired during many years operating their award-winning service in the archipelago. 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 carries just 100 travellers, meaning it’s small enough to allow for the intimate exploring that is necessary to enjoy a true Galapagos experience. It’s clever design has incorporated unparalleled creature comforts that is consistent with other Silversea ships, meaning Silver Origin is all-suite, butler service and with the largest accommodations in the region. In a first for Silversea, some suite categories have ocean-view bathtubs and showers that can be accessed from balconies. It’s also introducing the new Horizon Balcony, which transforms balconies from outdoors to indoors with just a touch of a button.
As days are often busy on a Galapagos cruise, hiking through lava tunnels and snorkelling with manta rays among other activities, the luxury of ultra-relaxation, via a spa, and beauty salon, not to mention a fitness centre if you’re not quite worn out enough, is a tempting lure. So, too, is the chance to simply read a book while watching the sunset from the ship’s Observation Lounge, sipping a cocktail on the Explorer Lounge’s beautiful terrace, complete with cosy armchairs — and a firepit. Or dining alfresco at The Grill, the ship’s outdoor restaurant, complete with an Ecuadorian twist, cooked on Silversea’s signature Hot Rocks concept. Given that Silversea is very rooted in the culinary arts, expect great dining that will open your taste-buds to new flavours. Guests can enjoy a celebration of Ecuadorian food culture, in line with Silversea’s new S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) approach, working with local ingredients, sourced from the Galapagos when possible, that will take guests deeper into local culture. Even the chocolate, for instance, is an Ecuadorian product!
Silver Origin will cruise year-round in one of the most remote places on Earth, so during construction incorporating environmental technology was critical. From the bridge, the ships officers have access to a dynamic positioning system, which enables the ship to stay stationary without dropping anchor while positioned over a delicate seabed. Energy efficiency was a focus, too. Incorporated into the design and build of Silver Origin is a 25 percent reduction in hull resistance, and a 15 percent reduction in fuel consumption. An in-suite water purification system also helps reduce consumption of single-use plastics onboard. And because ships primarily anchor in the Galapagos and guests spend a lot of time on and in the water, the ship’s Marina is equipped with an improved arrival/departure experience. There’s comfortable seating, showers to clean your gear, and dedicated storage. Silversea has designed racks to conveniently store wetsuits and other equipment, and a fold-out stern with special boarding facilities that can simultaneously accommodate two Zodiacs. The marina has a large garage with hydraulic doors, hatches and cranes to store the ship’s eight Zodiacs.
Another first for Silversea is the Silver Origin’s ‘Basecamp’. This venue has been exclusively designed to recreate the wonders of the Galapagos onboard. It’s here where you’ll hang out with Silversea’s team of Ecuadorian guides, learning about the history, landscapes and wildlife of the region — before you head out to explore. Basecamp’s centrepiece is a massive interactive digital wall and plans to spotlight historical context from the Royal Geographical Society of London, aerial and underwater videos, and excursion previews.
Silver Origin will begin sailing from Baltra and San Cristóbal in August, with fares from $13,410 per person, which includes return airfare from Australia, internal flights between Ecuador and the Galapagos Island, 2 night pre cruise luxury hotel accommodation and city tour in Quito, Ecuador and all transfers between airport, hotel and port.
For more details contact Travel Masters or The Travel Studio.
