Silversea has officially named Silver Ray, the second vessel in its innovative NOVA Class, marking Bert Hernandez's first naming ceremony as the new brand president of Silversea.
During the ceremony, Jason Liberty (Royal Caribbean Group's president and CEO) was present to witness the event, which featured ocean scientist Dr. Josefina Olascoaga as the ship’s godmother and Captain Alessandro Zanello taking command of Silver Ray.
Hernandez remarked on the occasion, noting that celebrating Silver Ray’s naming in Silversea's 30th anniversary year underscores the brand's ongoing leadership in luxury travel and industry innovation. He expressed gratitude to all involved, especially Captain Zanello and his crew, and welcomed Dr. María Josefina Olascoaga to the Silversea family as Silver Ray’s godmother.
In April, Hernandez succeeded Barbara Muckermann, who left RCG-Royal Caribbean Group after 14 years to pursue other opportunities.
Following the official naming, the ceremony continued with the traditional champagne bottle breaking on the ship's hull. The celebration included a bagpipe performance - a Royal Caribbean Group custom - alongside live dance acts and renditions of the US and Portuguese national anthems.
Liberty highlighted that the addition of Silver Ray to the global fleet reflects Royal Caribbean Group's commitment to enhancing the Silversea brand and delivering premier experiences in ultra-luxury and expedition travel.
Silversea has appointed Dr. Maria Josefina Olascoaga as Silver Ray's godmother, a traditional maritime honor. Dr. Olascoaga, an ocean scientist and professor at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, co-leads OceanScope, a public-private-academic program equipping Royal Caribbean Group ships with instruments to collect vital oceanographic data. Her expertise in ocean currents and conditions makes her a fitting godmother for this innovative ship.
As the second vessel in the NOVA Class, Silver Ray exemplifies RCG's dedication to providing exceptional ultra-luxury and expedition cruise experiences. These ships feature an asymmetrical design and extensive use of exterior glass, enhancing guests' connection to the sea. Silver Ray, along with her sistership Silver Nova, represents a significant step toward Royal Caribbean Group’s goal of net zero emissions, being among the most energy-efficient ultra-luxury cruise ships ever built.
Silver Ray is scheduled to embark on her maiden voyage from Lisbon (Portugal) on June 15th, beginning her inaugural season in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to the Americas in December 2024.