Meyer Werft and Silversea celebrated the keel laying of Silver Ray ship on March 23rd, hosting select Travel Advisors for the "coin ceremony" at the shipyard in Papenburg (Germany).
A shipbuilding tradition, the keel laying marked the start of the ship’s assembly. The 2nd vessel in the company’s pioneering Nova class, the 728-passenger Silver Ray is due to enter service in the summer of 2024, joining her sistership, Silver Nova, as one of the most sustainable in her class.
Barbara Muckermann (Silversea’s President & CEO) and Jan Meyer (Managing Director, MEYER WERFT), were among the attendees as the commemorative coin, bearing the newbuild’s silhouette, was placed under the pre-assembled module weighing 230 tonnes and measuring ~47 m by 8 m (155 ft by 27 ft), as a symbol of good luck.
Barbara Muckermann said they were delighted to welcome select members of their valued trade community to the MEYER WERFT shipyard in Papenburg to witness the milestone in the build of Silver Ray - "one of the first times that Travel Advisors have attended the keel laying of an ultra-luxury ship."
According to Jan Meyer, the Nova class would set new standards on the way to net zero emissions cruising.
"We are therefore delighted to take another symbolic step in the construction of Silver Ray today with the keel laying. I am sure that the ultra-luxury ship will be able to meet the high demands of her guests and will inspire them with her innovative design."
Before the official keel laying ceremony of Silver Ray, attending guests were given a tour of Silver Nova. The vessel is nearing completion at the MEYER WERFT shipyard and is expected to join Silversea’s fleet in the summer.
A first for Silversea Cruises, both Nova class vessels will incorporate an innovative asymmetrical design/horizontal layout, with public spaces/suites spanning the entire length. Silver Nova and Silver Ray are due to enrich guests’ travels with "an unprecedented openness to the destination."