Silversea extends cruise suspension until July 16, delays 2020 ship launches

   May 20, 2020 ,   Cruise Industry

Silversea Cruises announced it had extended the pause of passenger shipping operations until July 16 due to the pandemic.

Silversea plans to resume voyages with Silver Muse on July 16, followed by Silver Spirit (July 17), Silver Whisper (July 18), Silver Cloud (July 20), Silver Explorer (July 23) and Silver Shadow (July 26). Silver Wind is scheduled to return to service on November 11.

Those booked on the canceled voyages will receive a 125% cruise fare refund in the form of an FCC (future cruise credit) valid for 2 years.

The latest announcement of Silversea comes shortly after the company confirmed it would be delaying the launch of its newbuilds - Silver Moon and Silver Origin.

Silver Moon was due to launch in August 2020 but will start cruises on October 2, because of the closure of Sestri Ponente (Fincantieri) Shipyard near Genoa Italy, having delayed the vessel's completion. As result, 6 itineraries (Adriatic and Mediterranean) were canceled .

Silver Origin, which was scheduled for inauguration on July 8, but will now start cruising on August 22.

Silver Origin is currently under construction at Shipyard De Hoop BV (in Lobith, Holland). Most of the customized for the Origin ship items (furniture, carpets, artworks) became stuck in customs for ~3 months. Most of these items were produced in Italy (indoor furniture); the USA and China (outdoor furniture, fixtures) and the UK (artworks). Four of the Silver Origin's itineraries were canceled .