Silversea Cruises has welcomed Silver Ray, the second vessel in its revolutionary Nova Class, doubling its commitment to providing top-tier ultra-luxury and expedition cruise experiences. The official delivery ceremony was held in Eemshaven, the Netherlands, on May 14. Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea, marked the ship’s official delivery in the presence of representatives from Meyer Werft shipyard and Royal Caribbean Group. The event featured traditional maritime ceremonies, including flag-changing, signing events, speeches, and a celebratory toast.
The Nova Class from Silversea represents a pioneering approach to luxury cruising. Its asymmetrical design and 4,000m2 of exterior glass create an unparalleled openness to the sea. Silver Ray joins its sister ship, Silver Nova, as one of the most energy-efficient luxury expedition cruise ships ever created. This achievement aligns with Royal Caribbean Group’s mission to reduce emissions and carbon intensity.
Silver Ray’s maiden voyage will commence from Lisbon on June 15, followed by a season in the Mediterranean and a transatlantic crossing to the Americas in December 2024. “We are thrilled to take delivery of Silver Ray, the newest ultra-luxury and expedition jewel in Royal Caribbean Group’s game-changing fleet,” said Liberty. “Delivering the best vacation experiences responsibly is at the heart of everything we do. We are fortunate to have the best people working together to dream and create unforgettable experiences for our guests, including the Meyer Werft shipyard team, whose partnership has enabled us to continue pushing boundaries.”
“Silver Ray, the second ship in our cutting-edge Nova Class, alongside sister ship Silver Nova, beautifully encompasses Royal Caribbean Group’s vision for the future of innovative ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “In addition to being one of the most energy-efficient ships ever built, Silver Ray’s game-changing, outward-facing ship design enables greater access and connection for our guests to the incredible destinations we visit. As far as firsts go, I feel honored that my first delivery as president of Silversea is to welcome Silver Ray to our fleet alongside Jason, my Royal Caribbean Group colleagues, and the wonderful Meyer Werft team. I can’t wait for our guests to experience everything this remarkable ship has to offer.”
“The delivery of Silver Ray, two days earlier than scheduled, marks an important milestone for us,” said Bernd Eikens, CEO of the Meyer Group. “The entire Meyer Werft team has worked hard with our partners to bring this ship to life and today, we have delivered another great ship to Silversea.”
The innovative design of the Nova Class ships allows guests to immerse themselves in their destinations from virtually every venue and suite, offering expansive views at every turn. The reimagined pool decks, positioned on the starboard side, and new outdoor venues—the Dusk Bar and the Marquee—enhance the ships’ unique openness. Silver Nova and Silver Ray are among the most spacious cruise ships ever constructed, boasting a space-to-guest ratio of 75 GRT per guest and an exceptional level of personalized service, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.3, including butler service for all suites.
The onboard experience is further enriched by the largest selection of bars, restaurants, and lounges in ultra-luxury cruising, the Roman-inspired wellness program Otium, and the innovative culinary program Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.). After traveling approximately 40km down the River Ems from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg at the end of April, Silver Ray successfully completed her technical and nautical sea trials in the North Sea on May 8, overseen by Captain Alessandro Zanello, the shipyard’s captain, and expert local pilots.
