In a landmark event for the cruise industry, Silversea has officially delivered its newest ultra-luxury vessel, Silver Ray, the second ship in the innovative Nova Class. This momentous occasion was celebrated with grandeur on May 14 in Eemshaven, marking a significant milestone for Silversea and its parent company, Royal Caribbean Group.

The ceremony was graced by prominent figures, including Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group; Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea; Bernard Meyer, Chairman of Meyer Group; Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Group; and Captain Alessandro Zanello. The event was steeped in maritime tradition with flag-changing and signing ceremonies, heartfelt speeches, and a celebratory toast, underscoring the importance of this new addition to the fleet.

Silver Ray epitomizes Silversea’s unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled luxury and eco-conscious travel experiences. Featuring an asymmetrical design and 4,000m² of exterior glass, it offers guests an unprecedented openness to the world. As the sister ship to Silver Nova, it is among the most energy-efficient ultra-luxury and expedition cruise ships ever built, reflecting Royal Caribbean Group’s dedication to reducing emissions and carbon intensity.

Silversea celebrates the delivery of Silver Ray.

Jason Liberty expressed his excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to take delivery of Silver Ray, the newest ultra-luxury and expedition jewel in Royal Caribbean Group’s game-changing fleet. Delivering the best vacation experiences responsibly is at the heart of everything we do. We are fortunate to have the best people working together to dream and create unforgettable experiences for our guests, including the Meyer Werft shipyard team, whose partnership has enabled us to continue pushing boundaries.”

Echoing this sentiment, Bert Hernandez remarked, “Silver Ray, the second ship in our cutting-edge Nova Class, alongside sister ship Silver Nova, beautifully encompasses Royal Caribbean Group’s vision for the future of innovative ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel. In addition to being one of the most energy-efficient ships ever built, Silver Ray’s game-changing, outward-facing ship design enables greater access and connection for our guests to the incredible destinations we visit. As far as firsts go, I feel honoured that my first delivery as president of Silversea is to welcome Silver Ray to our fleet alongside Jason, my Royal Caribbean Group colleagues, and the wonderful Meyer Werft team. I can’t wait for our guests to experience everything this remarkable ship offers.”

Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Group, highlighted the significance of the early delivery, stating, “The delivery of Silver Ray, two days earlier than scheduled, marks an important milestone for us. The entire Meyer Werft team has worked hard with our partners to bring this ship to life and today, we have delivered another great ship to Silversea.”

The Nova Class ships are designed to immerse guests into their destinations, with virtually every venue and suite offering far-reaching views. The reimagined pool decks on the starboard side and all-new outdoor venues—the Dusk Bar and the Marquee—enhance the ship’s connection to the surrounding environment. Silver Ray promises an unparalleled level of personalised service with a space-to-guest ratio of 75 GRT-per-guest and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.3, including butler service for all suites.

Adding to the luxury experience, Silver Ray boasts the largest selection of bars, restaurants, and lounges in ultra-luxury cruising. Guests can indulge in Otium, the cruise line’s Roman-inspired wellness program, and the innovative culinary program, Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.), which offers a unique gastronomic journey.

Following a conveyance of approximately 40 kilometres down the River Ems from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg at the end of April, Silver Ray completed her technical and nautical sea trials in the North Sea on May 8, overseen by Captain Alessandro Zanello and expert local pilots.

Silver Ray will embark on her maiden voyage from Lisbon on June 15. She will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to the Americas in December 2024. This new addition to the Silversea fleet signifies a new era in ultra-luxury and sustainable cruising.

For more information about Silver Ray and her upcoming voyages, visit Silversea’s Official Website.

The introduction of Silver Ray is a testament to Silversea’s dedication to luxury, innovation, and sustainability. As the world eagerly anticipates her maiden voyage, Silver Ray is poised to set new standards in the cruise industry, offering guests an unmatched blend of elegance, comfort, and eco-conscious travel.

Written by: Michelle Warner

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