Fincantieri Shipyard, Palermo – March 12, 2018. A spectacular display of naval engineering, Silversea's Silver Spirit has been cut in two at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo as part of its lengthening project. The next steps will be to reconnect the sections to the new , pre-built 15-meter (49-foot) segment inserted amidships . Aimed at enhancing the onboard guest experience, the ingenious lengthening project will create more space in public areas and improve Silver Spirit 's facilities .
The Silver Spirit was welcomed by Leoluca Orlando, the mayor of Palermo, members of the international press, representatives of Silversea and Fincantieri, and other VIP guests who were present at two ceremonies celebrating the ship's transformation that began in Sicily on March 10 and 11.
The excitement was palpable as those present at the shipyard witnessed the dismantling of the 36,009-ton vessel and the maneuvering of the new midsection into place. These crucial stages of the project were carried out with military precision, a testament to the quality of operations at the world-leading Fincantieri shipyard. A feat of maritime architecture rarely achieved, this type of lengthening has never before been used to extend a luxury cruise ship.
“Witnessing these impressive stages of the Silver Spirit fills us with pride and excitement,” commented Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “This ambitious project will amplify the integrated features that matter most to our guests. We are taking our flagship, Silver Muse, which was delivered by Fincantieri in April of last year, as the inspiration for a fleet-wide refurbishment program; the lengthening and refurbishment of Silver Spirit will replicate the modern elegance of our latest ship to deliver a more luxurious travel experience. We can’t wait to share the new and improved design of our beloved ship with our valued guests.”
More than 500 skilled workers will dedicate approximately 450,000 hours to complete the ambitious project, which will be finished on May 5, 2018, and will extend the Silver Spirit to 210.7m (691.3 ft). Approximately 846 tons of steel, 110,000m (360,892 ft) of cabling, and 8,000m (26,247 ft) of piping will be used in the extension, increasing the Silver Spirit by approximately 12%, resulting in a 15% increase in passenger capacity and a 20% increase in outdoor seating (from 200 to 266).
A new offering of 8 restaurants will replace the existing culinary infrastructure, with the incorporation of new cuisine concepts: Atlantide, Indochine, Silver Note, Spaccanapoli, will complement the existing Seishin, La Dame, La Terrazza and The Grill.
Outside, the deck pool area will be lengthened (from 30 to 45 meters / 98 to 148 feet) to provide additional space for relaxing in the sun, and a new fitness area will be created. Inside, the Zagara Spa concept will be installed, along with a new free weights room to complement the upgraded gym. The Arts Café and Dolce Vita, two new and sophisticated public spaces, will enhance the onboard entertainment options. All suites will be refurbished to ensure Silversea's high standards of quality.
Before the Silver Spirit in Palermo, the ship docked in Chania, Crete, where Silversea donated used furniture to several of the island's most important causes. As a frequent Silversea cruise destination and a "must-visit" island for the company, Chania was deemed worthy of the donation. A total of 11 containers were filled with 4,652 items from the ship, including sofas, chairs, curtains, computers, and more. The donated items will be used for social purposes in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other institutions across the island. Impacting the lives of many, Silversea's gesture will strengthen relations between the cruise line and the island's authorities at a time when Chania's social structures are in dire need of support.
The Silver Spirit will not only grow in length, but will also enhance its comfort. From improvements and a reimagining of the ship's public spaces to an increase in the number and quality of suites, every aspect of the lengthening project has been designed with guest enjoyment in mind. Building upon the elegant décor found aboard the Silver Muse, the Silver Spirit will benefit from enhancements to the beautiful design throughout the interior.
Departing on May 6, 2018, the Silver Spirit will resume service with a seven-day cruise between Civitavecchia (Rome) and Barcelona. Fares start at €3,800 ($5,600) per person with special discounts available for those who book before March 31.
The itinerary:
https://www.silversea.com/destinations/mediterranean-cruise/civitavecchia-to-barcelona-5811.html
More information about the refurbished Silver Spirit: https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-spirit.html
