Silversea’s fleet is on the brink of welcoming its latest addition, the Silver Ray, marking a significant step forward with its float out ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, on February 25, 2024. This event, a key milestone in maritime construction, heralds the ship’s progression towards completion, only 15 months after the initial steel cutting. Scheduled to grace the Mediterranean waters in June, Silver Ray will be the sixth ship to join the Silversea fleet within a mere three-year span.
The ship’s journey from the construction hall to the harbor basin was a meticulously orchestrated event, involving the flooding of the dock with around 100,000 cubic meters of water and the careful navigation by tugboats, culminating in the installation of its funnel and radar masts. Embracing maritime tradition, Captain Alessandro Zanello commemorated the occasion by welding a symbolic coin to the pool deck, a gesture of good fortune for the ship and its voyages ahead.
Barbara Muckermann, President of Silversea, expressed her excitement for the addition of Silver Ray to the Nova-class line, highlighting the enthusiastic reception of its predecessor, Silver Nova, and reaffirming Royal Caribbean Group’s dedication to innovation and luxury travel. Meyer Werft’s Project Manager, Thorsten Kroes, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s focus on finalizing the ship for its sea trials.
Reflecting Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to sustainability and luxury, the Nova-class ships, including Silver Ray, boast a 40% higher energy efficiency than international standards demand. Guests onboard will enjoy luxurious amenities, including new wellness experiences with Otium, culinary adventures with the S.A.L.T. program, and innovative design features that enhance the connection with the sea.
Before her service begins, Silver Ray will navigate the narrow Ems River for about 32 kilometers (20 miles) to the North Sea, a voyage that precedes her sea trials. Her inaugural season in the Mediterranean is eagerly anticipated, with plans to cross the Atlantic by December, further solidifying Silversea’s position in offering unparalleled vacation experiences.
