Silversea has reaffirmed its dedication to premier ultra-luxury and expedition travel with the delivery of Silver Ray ship, the second vessel in its pioneering NOVA Class.
On Tuesday, May 14, in Eemshaven (Netherlands), Jason Liberty (Royal Caribbean Group/RCG’s president and CEO) officiated the ship’s handover ceremony alongside Bert Hernandez (president of Silversea); Bernard Meyer (Chairman of the Meyer Group), Bernd Eikens (CEO of the Meyer Group), as well as executives from the Meyer Werft Papenburg shipyard and RCG; and the ship's Master (Captain Alessandro Zanello). The ceremony included traditional maritime practices such as the flag-changing and signing ceremonies, commemorative speeches, and a celebratory toast.
The Nova Class represents a significant evolution in luxury maritime design, featuring an asymmetrical structure and 4000 m2 of exterior glass, providing an unprecedented connection to the sea. Silver Ray, joining the sistership Silver Nova, stands among the most energy-efficient vessels in the ultra-luxury and expedition segments, a testament to RCG's commitment to reducing emissions and carbon intensity.
Silver Ray is set to embark on her maiden voyage from Lisbon (Portugal) on June 15th, with her inaugural season in the Mediterranean, before crossing to the Americas in December 2024. The Nova Class's innovative architecture offers guests immersive views from nearly all venues and suites, complemented by reimagined pool decks and new outdoor venues such as the Dusk Bar and the Marquee.
Boasting a space-to-guest ratio of 75 GRT-per-guest, Silver Nova and Silver Ray are among the most spacious cruise ships ever built. They deliver highly personalized service with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.3, including butler service for all suites. Enhancing the onboard experience are the extensive selection of bars, restaurants, and lounges, the Roman-inspired wellness program Otium, and the Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) culinary program.
Silver Ray's journey from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg included a 4 0km conveyance down the River Ems and successful technical and nautical sea trials in the North Sea on May 8, overseen by Captain Alessandro Zanello and expert local pilots.