Silversea Cruises has officially begun the construction of Silver Ray, the second ship in the Nova class, holding a traditional steel cutting ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany on Wednesday.
Silver Ray is set to join her sister ship, Silver Nova, as one of the most environmentally conscious ships ever built when she launches in the summer of 2024.
“We are proud to have started constructing Silver Ray in collaboration with Meyer Werft, as we continue to push boundaries in sustainable cruise travel,” said Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO of Silversea Cruises.
“As part of Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea has long stood at the forefront of innovation when it comes to environmentally conscious cruising. The launch of the Nova class represents a giant leap forward in this regard and we are introducing pioneering technologies.”
Off the back of this major milestone, Silversea has also set a new launch date for Silver Nova, which, due to the global situation, is now expected to join Silversea’s fleet on 14 August 2023, instead of its initial July launch date, sailing round-trip from Fusina (Venice) on her maiden voyage.
“Given the worldwide issues that have affected the construction of Silver Nova, it has been decided to amend her launch date by approximately one month—in order to uphold the signature level of experience that our discerning guests have come to expect when travelling with Silversea.”
The cruise line said it has informed affected guests and travel advisors of Silver Nova’s revised launch date, offering travellers a saving of 10 per cent when booking an alternative voyage before 30 November 2022; a Future Cruise Credit, valued at 100 per cent of the total booking amount paid; or a cash refund option.
Silversea’s Nova-class ships are set to become the world’s first low-emissions cruise ships with advanced hybrid technology that utilise fuel cells, batteries, and dual-fuel engines that use liquefied natural gas, emitting zero local emissions while in port.
A first for Silversea, each will incorporate a horizontal layout and an innovative asymmetrical design, with public spaces and suites spanning the entire length of each ship, and each will enrich guests’ travels with an unprecedented openness to the destination.
