On Friday, June 14, 2024, Silversea Cruises celebrated a significant milestone in its 30th anniversary year with the christening of Silver Ray, the second vessel in its innovative Nova Class. The ceremony, held at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy, was attended by esteemed guests, including Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Bert Hernandez, Silversea’s newly appointed president.
Dr. Josefina Olascoaga, an esteemed ocean scientist and Professor of Ocean Science at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, had the honor of being Silver Ray’s godmother. She joined Alessandro Zanello, the ship’s captain, in officially naming the vessel with the traditional champagne bottle break on the hull, a time-honored maritime ritual.
The festivities included a bagpipe performance, a customary tradition of Royal Caribbean Group, along with live dance performances and renditions of the U.S. and Portuguese national anthems.
“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, 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.”
Silver Ray is the second ship in Silversea’s Nova Class, which exemplifies Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to elevating ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel. Joining sister ship Silver Nova, Silver Ray boasts an asymmetrical design and extensive exterior glass spanning 4,000 square meters, offering guests unparalleled views of the surrounding environment. It stands as one of the most energy-efficient vessels in its class, a milestone towards Royal Caribbean Group’s goal of net zero emissions.
Silver Ray will depart on its maiden voyage from Lisbon on June 15, 2024, and will debut in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to the Americas by December 2024.
Silversea Cruises has been at the forefront of ultra-luxury cruising for 30 years, hosting nearly 800,000 guests who collectively accrued over 13 million Venetian Society cruise days. Since pioneering the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise concept with Silver Cloud in 1994, Silversea continues to innovate, offering intimate, all-suite accommodations with balconies, exceptional service including butler service in every suite, and a comprehensive all-inclusive experience with complimentary beverages and gourmet dining options. Its commitment to immersive, enriching travel experiences remains unparalleled, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry.
