The Silver Ray, the newest ship in the Silversea fleet, set sail from Fort Lauderdale on January 20 to begin its inaugural Grand Voyage: a 71-day circumnavigation of South America. Celebrations began with an exclusive farewell dinner at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale on January 19.
“The entire Silversea team wishes our guests aboard Silver Ray, our newest ship, a wonderful journey on this 2025 Grand Voyage to South America,” said Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea. “This 71-day voyage will include four exclusive events with experiences such as wine tastings among vineyards in Valparaíso, prime seating at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, and a sophisticated evening celebrating Bajan culture in Bridgetown.”
38 destinations, 17 countries, 17 days and 11 nights at destination
During this voyage, guests will explore 38 destinations, combining remote and iconic locations in 17 countries. Crossing the Panama Canal, this journey will take them through South America's highlights, as well as natural wonders such as the Chilean fjords, Garibaldi Glacier, and the lush Amazon rainforest. To connect travelers with vibrant Latin American culture, Silver Ray will spend three nights in Rio de Janeiro, allowing guests to experience the famous Carnival firsthand. Before returning to Fort Lauderdale on April 1, 2025, travelers will also explore some of the most captivating destinations in the Eastern Caribbean, with stops in Bequia, Castries (St. Lucia), St. John's, St. Kitts (Basseterre), St. Thomas, and San Juan.
The festivities for the Grand Voyage South America 2025 kicked off with a special event in Fort Lauderdale on January 19 at the Bonnet House estate. Guests enjoyed cocktails served by socialite and traveler Evelyn Bartlett, followed by a gala dinner featuring South American specialties.
In addition to the farewell reception, travelers on the Grand Voyage South America 2025 will be able to enjoy unique experiences that highlight local customs and traditions:
- Vineyards and Wines – Valparaiso, Chile (February 8, 2025) –Exclusive visit to the prestigious Kingston Family Winery in the Casablanca Valley, founded in the 1900s by Carl John Kingston.
- The Greatest Show on Earth – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (March 2-3, 2025) – Travelers will experience the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival from exclusive seats in the Frisas section of the Sambadrome, with prime views of the samba school parade.
- A Bajan Evening - Bridgetown, Barbados (March 23, 2025) - Outdoor dining at St. Nicholas Abbey, a historic plantation dating back to 1658.
After circumnavigating South America, the Silver Ray will join Silver Moon and Silver Shadow in the Caribbean starting March 23, 2025. Between March and May 2025, there will be nine voyages in the region, while in November and December 2025, 13 additional itineraries will be offered aboard four ships, followed by another 19 voyages in January and February 2026. Among the most anticipated destinations for travelers are Bequia (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Soufrière (St. Lucia), Little Bay (Montserrat), and St. John.
Among the most spacious ships ever built, the Silver Ray offers one of the most personalized experiences at sea, with a space index of 75 TRB per guest and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.3, including butler service in all suites.
To further enrich the Grand Voyage South America 2025 experience, passengers will enjoy the largest selection of bars, restaurants, and lounges on luxury cruise ships, the Otium wellness program inspired by Ancient Rome, and the innovative SALT (Sea and Land Taste) culinary program, with activities such as:
- Manta, Ecuador: visit a sustainable farm, fishing, gathering ingredients and cooking with a renowned chef.
- Arica, Chile: gastronomic tour with visit to local markets, olive oil tasting and meze tasting.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: Masterclass in Argentine barbecue with spectacular views.
- Santarem, Brazil: exploring the unique flavors of the Amazon, with local seafood barbecue.
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