In a press release sent out today, Silversea announced that they have taken delivery of Silver Ray, the second ship in its innovative Nova Class. Boarding Silver Ray in Eemshaven on May 14, Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group’s president and CEO, celebrated the ship’s official handover with Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea; Bernard Meyer, Chairman of the Meyer Group, and Bernd Eikens, the Meyer Group CEO; executives from the Meyer Werft shipyard and Royal Caribbean Group; and Captain Alessandro Zanello. Attendees participated in storied maritime traditions, including flag-changing and signing ceremonies, commemorative speeches, and a celebratory toast.
Silversea’s Nova Class marks 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 and expedition cruise ships ever built, marking an important milestone on Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reduce emissions and carbon intensity. 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.
“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 Nova Class ships’ innovative design immerses guests into destinations from virtually all venues and suites, with far-reaching views at every turn. Their reimagined pool decks, which overlook the water on the starboard side, and all-new outdoor venues—the Dusk Bar and the Marquee—capture their unique openness to the destination. Among the most spacious cruise ships ever built, Silver Nova and Silver Ray have a space-to-guest ratio of 75 GRT-per-guest and offer one of the most personalized levels of service at sea, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.3, including butler service for all suites. Further enriching the onboard experience is the largest selection of bars, restaurants, and lounges in ultra-luxury cruising; Otium, the cruise line’s Roman-inspired wellness program; and the innovative culinary program, Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.).
Following a conveyance of approximately 40km down the River Ems from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg at the end of April, Silver Ray completed her technical and nautical sea trials in the North Sea on May 8 — under the watch of Captain Alessandro Zanello, the shipyard’s captain, and expert local pilots.
