Silversea Cruises today announced its highly anticipated return to service in the Galápagos Islands aboard the new ship Silver Origin, which arrived in San Cristóbal on April 30. With Silver Origin departing for its inaugural season on June 19, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line will welcome guests on all-new itineraries, enhanced to take them deeper into the archipelago and increase the quality and frequency of the experiences offered.
Full vaccination will be mandatory for passengers and crew boarding the Silver Origin from June 19, as part of a comprehensive set of science-backed protocols that will help safeguard the health and safety of passengers, crew, and visited communities.
“After working exceptionally hard on our healthy return-to-service plan, we are thrilled to be nearing the moment when our extended family reunites aboard our two newest ships, Silver Origin and Silver Moon,” says Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea. “We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Ecuador and the Governing Council of the Galapagos Islands for their continued cooperation and willingness to welcome cruise ships back to this remarkable archipelago. The first ship to join our fleet since Silversea Cruises joined the Royal Caribbean Group and the first destination-specific ship in our fleet, Silver Origin is uniquely elegant. After a long period at home, our guests are eager to continue exploring our planet, and few destinations inspire travelers with such unique natural beauty as the Galapagos Islands.”
“Our two new itineraries have been carefully crafted by our destination experts to optimize the cruise experience in this extraordinary part of the world,” says Fernando Delgado, Vice President and General Manager of Silversea Cruises Ecuador. “And with Silver Origin offering the highest ratio of expert guides to guests (1:10) and the highest ratio of Zodiacs to guests (1:12.5) in the region, travelers will enjoy the most iconic experiences on offer with unprecedented insight and access. We thank the Ecuadorian Government and the Galapagos Governing Council for their continued support and look forward to inspiring our guests to safeguard this magical destination for future generations.”
The Silver Origin will sail two alternating itineraries incorporating five inaugural calls, including the beautiful island of Santa Fe. Each itinerary will include stops at the iconic islands of Fernandina and Isabel—often described as the region's must-see destinations—and each will feature enriched shore excursions. Examples of itineraries include:
– WESTERN ITINERARY – San Cristóbal to Baltra. The Silver Origin will depart from San Cristóbal and stop at Kicker Rock, Bartolomé Island, Buccaneer Cove (Santiago), Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela), Punta Espinoza (Fernandina), Tagus Cove (Isabela), Elizabeth Bay (Isabela), Bahía de Correos (Floreana), Islote Campeón (Floreana), Punta Cormorán (Floreana), the Santa Cruz Highlands, the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Cerro Dragón (Santa Cruz), Guy Fawkes Island, and Borrero Bay (Santa Cruz), before arriving at Baltra. This varied itinerary showcases the geographical diversity of the Galápagos Islands, including a firsthand experience of the many ecosystems that exist within this small archipelago.
– NORTH-CENTRAL ITINERARY – Baltra to San Cristóbal. The Silver Origin will depart from Baltra, before calling at Daphne Major, Prince Philip Passage (Genovesa), Darwin Bay (Genovesa), North Seymour, Sullivan Bay (Santiago), Mangrove Point (Fernandina), Moreno Point (Isabela), Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Santa Fe Island, Gardner Bay (Española), Suarez Point (Española), Rodriguez Breeding Center (San Cristóbal), and Cerro Brujo (San Cristóbal), before arriving in San Cristóbal. Retaining the main points of interest of the original route, the enhanced North-Central itinerary will introduce experiences that will especially appeal to birdwatchers and nature lovers.
The Silver Origin, incorporating the latest technology and designed with a focus on the pillars of sustainability, the onboard destination, the expedition experience, authentic local culture, and comfort and service, will welcome travelers year-round to the unique Galápagos archipelago. The ship will offer guests the ultimate destination experience, inspired by Silversea's accumulated expertise and based on a deep respect for the fragility of the natural environment, while maintaining the cruise line's signature quality of service. Silversea's all-inclusive offering includes:
- International round-trip flights (with exceptions). A non-use credit will be offered if customers book their flights independently.
- Round trip flight between Ecuador and the Galapagos
- Two nights in a hotel in Quito before the cruise and one night in a hotel in Guayaquil after the cruise (depending on flight schedules)
- Night visit to Quito
- Transfers and baggage handling
- National Park and immigration fees
- Highly qualified expedition team, composed of experts in their field
- Guided tours by Zodiac, by land and by sea, and on-land activities
- Enrichment lectures led by our expedition team
- Backpack, water bottle, diving mask and snorkel provided
- Free use of wetsuits and diving fins
- Butler service in every suite category
- Tips on board
- Multiple restaurants serving varied cuisine and 24-hour in-suite dining service
- Drinks in the suite and throughout the ship, including sparkling and select wines, premium spirits, soft drinks and much more
- Unlimited Wi-Fi
Silversea will continue to work closely with governing bodies and relevant health authorities to adjust its health and safety protocols as new health recommendations are issued.
