Silver Moon, Silver Origin, and Silver Dawn. Three new ships in the next 20 months. For the first time in many years in shipbuilding and the cruise industry, we are seeing a trend that seems unstoppable. Orders for new midsize and smaller ships are beginning to surpass those for large vessels.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 51 – December 2019
Time is proving right cruise lines like Silversea and other luxury cruise companies that have been saying that "bigger" is not necessarily better.
Silversea was founded by the Lefebvre family in 1994, beginning operations with two small boutique yachts: the Silver Cloud and the Silver Wind, each around 17,400 tons and with a capacity for just over 200 passengers, attended by almost the same number of crew members. The European cruise line of dreams was born, offering the finest cruise experience aboard its two elegant white vessels. Its product was characterized by undeniable class, luxury, and exclusive services, making it one of the most prestigious cruise lines in the world; always with an unmistakable and select European flair, and international touches. Convinced that passengers increasingly want to avoid oversized ships, Silversea is shaping its future with a vision of significant growth and a world full of challenges.
Their product was characterized by undeniable class, luxury, and exclusive services.
The acquisition of two-thirds of the company by the American group Royal Caribbean in mid-2018 has given it renewed vigor to remain a leading luxury cruise line in the future. With a significant capital injection, the Invictus project is being launched, laying the foundation for the Silversea of the future. The immediate challenge is to unveil its three exciting new ships within the next 20 months: Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, and, in the exploration segment, Silver Origin, a completely redesigned concept for the waters of the Galapagos.
Silver Moon and Silver Dawn
will both be sister ships to the first in the series, the Silver Muse, which is already in service. In such a diverse fleet, the Silver Muse, and later the Moon and Dawn, represent a kind of standardization. The 2000s saw a boom in the luxury sector, with new competitors. Until then, with the exception of Crystal Cruises, no one had dared to expand their ships. Regent, Oceania, Viking, and Seabourn designed and launched larger ships. Additional square footage was needed to adapt to the changing luxury market, which was looking for more options, especially in dining, and a less restrictive product.
Then came the Silver Muse, whose slogan was essentially: Simply Divine; although it was a lengthened Silver Spirit. In just a few years, the tonnage had increased from 17,400 to the 40,700 of the Silver Muse. Too risky a gamble? No, its customers were soon to fall in love with the new ship.
Once again, Silversea had hit the mark. The Silver Muse was so appealing that its success was immediate, setting the standard for the future. Soon, the company would coin a new term: “Simple Elegance.” The Silver Moon will be the second in the “Muse class,” entering service in August 2020; and the Silver Dawn, which will be virtually identical to the Moon, will enter service in September 2021, although further details about potential improvements are unknown. Essentially, the two new ships retain the traditional facilities of the Silver Muse, such as the Observation Lounge (now called Tor’s Observation Lounge), the Panorama Lounge, and the Venetian Theatre. Soft colors, beige and earth tones, and ambiances bordering on elegant minimalism characterize most of the facilities, adhering to the motto: “less is more.” The new decorative direction becomes clear upon entering the Dolce Vita Bar, which is a kind of continuation of the entrance lobby. Not only for its natural, neutral tones and colors, but also for its devastatingly Scandinavian simplicity. A breath of fresh air, in a new world.
The purchase of two-thirds of the company by the American group Royal Caribbean in mid-2018 gives it renewed energy to continue being a leading luxury company in the future.
Larger pools, more space for passengers, and significant changes to its restaurants. The grand main restaurant has been divided in two. On one side, Atlantide serves as the main restaurant, in addition to the Asian-inspired Indochine, featuring a fusion of culinary cultures from India, Thailand, Vietnam, and more. Also located on the ship is the Japanese restaurant Keiseki, and the former Le Champagne is now called Le Dame, offering the finest French signature cuisine. Upstairs, Silver Notes functions as an intimate venue for select dinners with shows, and Art's Café offers snacks at any time. There's also the new Spaccanapoli pizzeria and the famous poolside grill, with the unique experience of cooking sublime ingredients on hot stones. La Terrazza remains, with its superb Italian cuisine and gourmet buffet for breakfast and dinner, now resembling a luxurious gastropub. It's worth noting that the company constantly experiments with over 100 culinary concepts across all its cruises.
The Silver Moon will retain the layout of the Silver Muse, but with significant changes. First, the Dolce Vita Bar will be reconfigured. The Atlantide has been enlarged to accommodate 230 guests, and Le Dame will feature elements from the French luxury crystal brand Lalique. Since 1888, Lalique has adorned the finest rooms and most luxurious ships in the world. Handcrafted crystal panels will be installed. The swimming pool has been enhanced with U-shaped steps. The Connoisseur's Corner is being reinvented. Not only will it continue to offer the finest spirits and cigars, but it will also include a Wintergarden: a sheltered outdoor area.
Where we see significant changes, not present on the Silver Moon, is in the SALT (Sea and Land Taste) program, which aims to elevate cuisine to something even more sublime. The concept will begin its pilot phase on the Silver Moon in August 2020. Led by the renowned Adam Sachs, editor of the famous food magazine Saveur, the program seeks to pay homage to gastronomy, going further and delving into the origins of each dish. It's about exploring the gastronomy of the destination.
The SALT program aims to pay homage to gastronomy by going further and getting involved in the origins of each dish.
Delight your palate, return to authentic, local ingredients, and celebrate the gastronomy of each destination, immersing yourself not only in its production but also in its connection to local culture. Connect the flavors of each destination with its history, art, and more. This will be done on several levels: with cooking classes on board and on land with renowned chefs. Gastronomic adventures will include markets, tastings, and above all, learning to understand a people through their cuisine. The Silver Moon features three new culinary spaces: the Salt Kitchen, where you can savor delicious regional menus; the Salt Bar, for tasting spirits, wines, and cocktails from the countries visited; and the Salt Lab, where passengers will experiment with ingredients, techniques, tastings, and demonstrations.
Looking at the accommodations, common features include spacious suites with warmer, more neutral, and inviting furnishings. Marble predominates in the bathrooms, and the open-plan layout creates a particularly tranquil atmosphere. Fewer suites have windows, while more have balconies. The smallest suite is 31 square meters, and most average around 36 square meters. Among other amenities, you'll find a minibar stocked with your favorite drinks, Pratesi linens, Dorelan mattresses, Bulgari toiletries, Etro bathrobes, slippers, marble bathrooms, spacious walk-in closets, unlimited Wi-Fi, 106-cm TVs, home radios, USB charging ports, and more.
In the larger Royal, Silver, Grand, and Owner Suites, all of the above is added, plus a premium Illy coffee machine, a Bose Sound Touch 30 sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, complimentary laundry service, luxury chocolates, afternoon canapés, and dinners at the captain's table. These suites can reach up to 129 square meters in size. In all cases, elegant butlers will pamper you to the fullest.
Traditional Cruises vs. Exploration Cruises:
The company offers two types of cruises: traditional and exploration. Traditional cruises are still sought after by most Silversea customers, offering the luxury that has always characterized the company, sailing to the most popular and traditional destinations: the Mediterranean, major Asian cities, and world cruises. Currently, the majority of the company's cruises, which visit 900 destinations, are on the seven seas.
Exploration cruises visit incredibly exotic places and make contact with tribes with the help of expert guides.
As always, with the hallmark of great luxury and quality. For 2020 and 2021, the focus will be on further personalizing the product, offering unique experiences specially designed to move guests. Intimate and welcoming ships, spacious yet making you feel right at home. Superior service and sublime cuisine.
Manfred Lefebvre d'Ovidio, the company's founder and CEO, himself defines his concept of luxury: "To travel is to discover, and luxury is the freedom to envelop that discovery in supreme comfort." Wise words indeed. In other words: classic ships, the finest chefs, butlers, enviable ratios, and the scent of Bulgari in their marble bathrooms (to name just a few), all contributed to a truly artisanal cruise experience. And above all, to offer unique experiences, on unique ships, with the most select product possible.
And then come the explorations, so popular these days. Silversea passengers are experienced and seasoned explorers, eager to discover endless, largely uncharted seas. Tired of overcrowded ports, these discerning cruisers seek unique experiences. To explore, discover, and learn, where the destination takes center stage. These are carefully curated destinations where one is immersed in their unique character through immersive experiences. These are highly sought-after cruises, requiring ships meticulously equipped for exploration in challenging waters, difficult ports, and ports of call with numerous obstacles. Therefore, on each exploration ship, glamour (though it certainly exists) is not the primary focus; rather, versatility is paramount, along with being environmentally friendly and sustainable.
The new Silver Origin will be destined for the Galapagos Islands, a paradise of delicate endemic flora and fauna.
Conrad Comibrink, Vice President of Strategic Expedition and Destination Development, defines expeditions as unique experiences in places no one has ever set foot in, immersing oneself in the environment. In other words, grand adventures that make exploration cruises truly unique. To interact with the destination, expert crews of tour guides are essential, trained in specialized schools within the company. For example, it's not enough for them to master disciplines like geography, history, biology, science, ecology, etc.; they must also be bold, ambitious, multilingual, and open-minded. Their training includes immersive experiences, such as living with local tribes, so they can effectively bridge the gap between passengers and the local people. Living outdoors, among wildlife, allows them to understand the challenges that arise.
Likewise, they must have knowledge of environmental sustainability, first aid, Zodiac navigation, or water sports, in order to expertly showcase the destination and be able to resolve any specific problems that may arise. The list of destinations is endless: Arctic expeditions, navigating the mighty rivers of South America, living with the Zulu people, or exploring the small islands of Polynesia or Melanesia. Venture into the rugged landscapes of eastern Russia. Furthermore, one destination that Silversea has invested in, and which is becoming especially popular, is the Galapagos Islands.
A pristine and magnificent place on the Ecuadorian Pacific coast. A World Heritage Site since 1978 and a Biosphere Reserve since 1985, it is a fragile environment where only 200,000 tourists are permitted each year. Unique landscapes, endemic flora, and species such as hammerhead sharks, whales, iguanas, and the famous giant Galapagos tortoise dominate the landscape. The company made a significant investment by acquiring a local company a few years ago and currently operates the Silver Galapagos; however, it is preparing a magnificent new vessel to replace the current ship.
Within these more immediate future plans, the Silver Origin is designed to blend seamlessly into the delicate environment of the archipelago, so as not to disturb its native flora and fauna. In addition to being environmentally friendly in terms of emissions, it incorporates innovations such as cabin air purifiers to minimize the use of plastic bottles, dynamic positioning to respect the sensitive seabed, and offers one of the highest energy efficiency and waste management systems in the industry. It will enter service in the summer of 2020 and will be a blend of discretion and European elegance, with a fusion of elements from the archipelago.
It will offer ample open spaces and local decorative elements to blend seamlessly with the Galapagos Islands, reinforcing Silversea's commitment to the environment. Designed by HBA Miami and GEM-Design for Cruise Ships, it will feature a spectacular Basecamp, serving as a starting point for exploration while also functioning as a multi-purpose lounge. Large interactive screens will project multimedia presentations about the cruise experience, along with a bright Observation Lounge and a restaurant helmed by local chefs, bringing the destination to life on every passenger's palate. Furthermore, it will be the only ship in the area with a near 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratio and the only one to offer butler service in every suite. It will have a crew of 90 for 100 passengers, six decks, and a gross tonnage of 5,800.
When it enters service, it will offer eight-day, all-inclusive itineraries in both the North Central and West Galapagos. These will include flights from the mainland, pre- and post-cruise accommodations, visits to the city of Quito, transfers, onboard beverages, and excursions.
Dream Routes:
New initiatives will be tested, such as Dine Around Town, offering dining at iconic restaurants on land, and Your Day, Your Way, which includes minivan rentals with private drivers. The Silver Moon will offer enhanced destination extension programs. The Machu Picchu Explorer is particularly noteworthy. The Silver Moon will make its maiden voyage on August 6 from Trieste to Rome and will remain in the Mediterranean until October 30, when it will cross the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale. It will then operate in the Caribbean and cross the Panama Canal to circumnavigate South America starting in January 2021. This circumnavigation, called Grand South America 2021, will visit 37 destinations in more than 20 countries. After returning to the Mediterranean, it will sail from Athens to Dubai on November 21.
The Silver Dawn, meanwhile, will enter service in September 2021, and currently has a schedule only through December 2021. Its maiden voyage will be on September 22, from Rome to Venice. It will make a few sailings in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic on November 19 to Fort Lauderdale.
