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Silversea Cruises, the ultra-luxury and expedition cruise brand which recently joined Royal Caribbean Cruises, has just ordered three new ships.

Silversea signed a memorandum of understanding with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft to build two new vessels in a new “Evolution Class.” The first Evolution-class ship is expected to deliver in 2022.

Silversea also signed a contract with Dutch shipbuilder Shipyard De Hoop to construct a new expedition vessel, named Silver Origin, that will serve the Galapagos Islands itinerary currently sailed by Silver Galapagos. The new ship is expected for delivery in March 2020.

The orders underscore the enormous growth in cruising around the world, fuelled largely by the cashed-up “Baby Boomer” generation.

“We are delighted to have entered into an agreement with Meyer Werft on the Silver Evolution series and De Hoop for Silver Origin,” said Silversea’s executive chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio.

“With our guests in mind, we are pushing the boundaries of ultra-luxury cruising, as well as expedition cruising in the Galápagos Islands and beyond, redefining the concept of immersive travel.”

Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL), said RCL was “excited to get to work helping Silversea grow and realise its ambitions”.

RCL finalised its two-thirds acquisition of Silversea earlier this year.

Silversea’s flagship Silver Muse

“There is tremendous potential in the ultra-luxury and expedition markets of the cruise industry, and we believe discerning travellers will embrace the exciting designs Silversea is imagining for them,” Fain said.

The agreements are subject “to certain contingencies”, according to a statement issued yesterday, are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2019.

RCL now that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises and Silversea Cruises.  RCL is also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together, these brands operate a combined total of 59 ships with an additional 15 on order.

Edited by Peter Needham