Silversea Cruises, in a momentous celebration, has christened its latest Nova-class ship, Silver Ray, during a grand naming ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal.
This significant event not only marked the addition of a new ship to the fleet but also commemorated the cruise line’s 30th anniversary, a testament to Silversea’s enduring success and its unwavering commitment to the future of luxury cruise travel.
Ship godmother and ocean scientist Dr María Josefina Olascoaga was joined at the ceremony by Bert Hernandez, the newly appointed president of Silversea. He celebrated his first naming ceremony in the role alongside Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, owner of the Silversea brand, which launched in 1994 with the debut ship Silver Cloud.
“Welcoming Silver Ray to our global fleet represents that latest commitment from Royal Caribbean Group to continue building the Silversea brand and delivering the very best experiences in ultra-luxury and expedition travel,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.
“It is fitting that we are celebrating Silver Ray’s naming in the same year that Silversea celebrates 30 years of excellence, connecting our past with our future as we continue to lead in luxury travel and industry innovation,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “I am incredibly grateful to all involved, most notably to Captain Zanello and his crew who will bring this ship to life, and I proudly welcome Dr. María Josefina Olascoaga to the family as Silver Ray’s Godmother.”
Godmother of Silver Ray – Dr. Maria Josefina Olascoaga
Silversea has named Dr María Josefina Olascoaga as the Godmother of Silver Ray, honouring a prestigious maritime tradition with a lifelong title. Dr Olascoaga is an ocean scientist and Professor of Ocean Science at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. She also co-leads OceanScope, a unique collaborative programme that equips Royal Caribbean Group ships with oceanographic instruments to monitor vital ocean data. Her extensive research on ocean currents and their impacts makes her an ideal Godmother for this innovative ship, embodying a spirit of curiosity and profound understanding of the ocean.
Second Nova Class Ship – Silver Ray
Strengthening Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to unlocking the very best experiences in ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel, Silversea’s Nova Class ships mark a new take on luxury at sea, introducing an unparalleled openness to the world with an asymmetrical design and 4,000m2 of exterior glass. Silver Ray joins her sister ship, Silver Nova, as one of the most energy-efficient ultra-luxury cruise ships ever built, representing an important milestone on Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to net zero emissions. Due to embark on her maiden voyage from Lisbon on June 15, Silver Ray will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to the Americas in December 2024.
Three-decades of history
In its three-decade history, Silversea’s ultra-luxury ships have welcomed almost 800,000 guests who have amassed roughly 13 million accumulated Venetian Society cruise days. Since pioneering the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise concept with the launch of Silver Cloud in 1994, the industry-leading brand has consistently pushed boundaries to unlock unique travel experiences for its guests. Many of the brand’s early characteristics continue to set its offering apart: guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere on all-suite ships, with balconies in virtually all accommodations and some of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea; unparalleled service standards, including butler service in every suite; a comprehensive all-inclusive offering, with complimentary drinks served throughout the ship and exceptional culinary experiences in a range of restaurants on every ship; and a wealth of immersive experiences in the most enriching destinations around the world.
