Silver Ray

The 2024-built MS Silver Ray cruise ship is the second in a series of two (NOVA-class/initially EVOLUTION-class) ultra-luxury vessels constructed by Meyer Werft and assembled at its shipbuilding yard in Papenburg (Germany Lower Saxony). The first EVOLUTION ship (Silver Nova) was launched in 2022 and inaugurated in 2023 (August).

Silver Ray is currently under construction and planned for completion and inauguration in 2024 June.

The vessel (IMO number 9886225) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001496) and registered in Nassau.

Both EVOLUTION-class ships (Nova and Ray) are part of the Silversea Expeditions fleet.

Silver Ray is Silversea's 13th vessel.

History - construction and ownership

Silversea Cruises is a Monaco-based privately-owned cruise company and top-luxury travel brand. It was established in 1994 as joint venture of V-Ships Monaco (fka Vlasov Group) and Lefebvre Family of Rome Italy. In 2018, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd acquired 2/3rd of the company. Silversea now has a fleet of smaller-sized boutique vessels with passenger capacity between 100-700. The company's business model is to operate yacht-like vessels in the industry's ultra-luxury-all-suite ship category. Silversea's all-inclusive fares include beverages (also selected wines), gratuities (none are allowed), travel insurance, port charges, one or more shore excursions (per voyage).

Despite having ice-strengthened hulls, both EVOLUTION-Class units (Nova and Ray) are not expedition ships, but rather an enhanced version of Silversea's newest mega-yachts Silver Muse (2017), Silver Moon (2021), Silver Dawn (2022). The new class units are designed with max passenger capacity 728 (in addition to 560 crew/staff) and GT (gross tonnage/volume) 54700 tons.

Silver Ray is one of the industry's most spacious ships, featuring the Silversea fleet's highest space-to-passenger ratio 75 (enclosed space per passenger / ft3 to GT) and crew-to-passenger ratio 1:1,3.

Ship technology

On October 8, 2018, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (shipowner and Silversea's parent company) announced shipbuilding agreements for 3 new boats for Silversea. The MoU (with Meyer Werft Germany) included two new-design (EVOLUTION Class) ships with first delivery planned for 2022. The 3rd contract was signed with Shipyard De Hoop (Holland) for building Silver Origin (100-passenger ship for Silversea's Galapagos program previously served by Silver Galapagos/sold in December 2020). Silver Origin entered service in May 2021 (originally planned for March 2020). The shipbuilding contracts were signed by Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio (Silversea's Executive Chairman), Richard Fain (RCG's Chairman and CEO) and Tim Meyer (Meyer Werft's Managing Director/for the EVOLUTION ships) and Patrick Janssens (Shipyard De Hoop's CEO/for Silver Origin).

In October 2021 was announced that the EVOLUTION-class units will be hybrid-powered, using three different power sources - main engines (dual-fuel, running on both ULSD/ultra-low-sulfur diesel and LNG/liquefied natural gas) as well as two alternative power sources - fuel cells (hydrogen-based technology, max capacity 4 MW per boat) plus batteries (power storage system). Another innovation is the MAGS (Micro Auto Gasification System) for reducing onboard dry waste volumes, which results in lower incineration/CO emissions. These new maritime technologies allow ~40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to Silversea's previous ship class (Muse-Moon-Dawn).

As the boats are shoreside-power ready, while berthed in ports they can connect to the town's power grid (for the electricity needed for onboard operations) instead of running their own diesel generators.

Silversea's EVOLUTION ships are also designed to have an EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index for new ships) IMO rating of approx 1/4 better than IMO's (International Maritime Organization's) current requirements for this GT-tonnage. The EEDI index estimates the CO2 volume (grams of carbon dioxide) per tonne-mile, making it kinda a sustainable ("environmental cost") ratio.

Decks and Cabins

Silver Ray staterooms (363 total) are all outside (each with a step-out balcony) and all are in Suite categories (13x total). Cabin types include Otium, Owner, Grand, Master, Signature, Silver, Junior Grand, Premium Medallion, Medallion, Premium Veranda, Deluxe Veranda, Superior Veranda, Classic Veranda.

New for Silversea are Silver Ray's aft suites in categories "Otium" (the ship's largest) and "Signature".

Cabin sizes range between 33 m2 (360 ft2) and 123 m2 (1325 ft2). All suites are with walk-in closets, large en-suite bathrooms (oversized LED mirror, 2-faucet vanity, walk-in shower, bathtub/whirlpool), spacious balconies, professional butler service. Other standard complimentary cabin amenities include Wi-Fi, refrigerator (fully stocked mini-bar), plush bathrobes and slippers, pillow menu, premium brand bath amenities, hairdryer, umbrella, smart UHDTV (interactive media library), USB charger ports (wall-mounted), direct-dial phone, Champagne bottle (upon arrival).

The boat has 11 decks, of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

Onboard there are a total of 4 launderettes (passengers-use laundry rooms), one on each floor with cabins (decks 6, 7, 8, 9). Laundry, pressing and wet cleaning services are provided complimentary to all passengers in the suite categories Otium, Owner’s, Grand, Master, Signature, Silver, Junior Grand, Premium Medallion, and Medallion. Excluded are only Veranda Suites.

Six panoramic elevators with glass walls (3x forward-portside lifts and 3x aft-starboard lifts) interconnect all decks.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Silversea EVOLUTION ships (Ray and Nova) feature an outward-facing, asymmetrical layout and have several new for the brand venues, out of 18 total (10x bars and lounges, 8x restaurants).

Pool Deck's main swimming pool (midship on deck 10) is the fleet's biggest (sized 130 m2 / 1400 ft2), with wider steps, a larger shallow water area (with underwater seats), spacious sundeck (sunbathing areas on decks 10-11, fitted with padded premium wood loungers and shaded seating) and served by The Pool Bar. On deck 11, The Cliff Whirlpool is an infinity-edge pool (glass-fronted) overlooking the portside.

The Marquee (capacity 220 seats/aft-portside on Deck 10) is an alfresco dining venue that incorporates Silversea's The Grill ("hot rocks" BBQ food) and Spaccanapoli (pizzeria). The Marquee serves casual food (throughout the day) as well as dinner.

The Dusk Bar (capacity 70 seats/aft-wraparound on Deck 10) offers 270-degree stern views. Aka "Hot Rocks" (poolside restaurant on other Silversea ships) this is an outdoor Steakhouse and Seafood restaurant for gourmet dining under the stars. This open-air grill venue implements Silversea's interactive dining concept "Black Rock Grill Experience". In the evenings, it allows passengers to cook their food (fresh seafood and prime steaks) on heated volcanic-rock plates at their own table. During the day, Hot Rocks serves as a rotisserie and gourmet salad and burger bar.

Atlantide (capacity 270 seats/Deck 3) is the ship's Main Dining Room and a reservations-only restaurant (steakhouse, seafood, bar & grill) that features designer seafood dishes and gourmet fish specialties (like royal crab, blue lobster, red snapper) and prime steaks. Food is price-inclusive, as well as all beverages (wines, spirits, bottled water, specialty coffees, juices, soft drinks). At extra cost are available top-shelf liquor brands (champagnes, spirits) and premium wines (ordered from an a la carte-priced menu).

La Terrazza (capacity 340 seats/aka Terrace Cafe/Deck 4 aft) is a complimentary buffet restaurant with indoor seating (floor-ceiling windows) and an alfresco terrace, interactive food stations (olive oil cellar, mozzarella bar, seafood bar, salumeria, Italian-style deli). Wine is also complimentary, but premium wines (from Connoisseur's Wine List) cost extra. Each evening (between 7-9:30 pm) La Terrazza transforms into an Italian specialty restaurant (reservations-only, with a la carte-priced menu). During the day, La Terrazza is also open for buffet-style breakfast and lunch. The Afternoon Tea service is also complimentary.

La Dame (capacity 70 seats/Deck 4 forward-portside) is an upscale French specialty restaurant where are served signature dishes by Relais Chateaux (chain of individually owned gourmet restaurants, boutique hotels, luxury resorts and villas). La Dame is dinner-only and the ship's only restaurant where dining is offered at an additional fee. Reservations are required. Excluding some premium alcohol brands (champagnes, wines, spirits), all other drinks are complimentary. Most food ingredients are locally sourced, and the dining experience includes unique food presentations.

SALT Kitchen (capacity 160 seats/Deck 3 starboard) is a complimentary dinner-only restaurant sized 315 m2 (3390 ft2). Standing for "Sea And Land Taste", Silversea's SALT culinary program was launched in 2019 and debuted in 2021 on Silver Moon. At SALT Kitchen, passengers can enjoy cruise itinerary-based (regions and ports) food specialties. The menu is rotating and changes daily. The venue comprises SALT Kitchen (restaurant), SALT Bar (beverages) and SALT Lab (test kitchen for cooking classes led by the ship's chefs as well as by celebrity chefs and authors). Silversea also offers SALT-themed shore excursions/land tours in most destinations.

Kaiseki (capacity 40 seats/Deck 4 midship) is a Japanese food bar that serves traditional cuisine specialties (including sushi) and beverages.

Silver Note (capacity 54 seats/Deck 5 midship-aft) is a premium bar lounge (1920s-themed jazz club) and a dinner-only restaurant. Sized 141 m2 (1515 ft2), Silver Note features premium leather furniture, a dance floor, a baby grand piano, live music performances (jazz and blues). Dishes are served in small plates (tapas-style). The cuisine is international, with themed food specialties. Silver Note is complimentary, but dinner reservations are required.

Arts Cafe (capacity 70 seats/Deck 4 midship) is a casual Atrium bar lounge serving complimentary snacks and beverages.

Dolce Vita Lounge (capacity 120 seats/Deck 5 midship, size 371 m2 / 3990 ft2) has a central bar, premium seating (armchairs, round tables, sofas/window couches), stage/performance area. In the evenings, the bar lounge transforms into a piano bar. Adjacent to Dolce Vita Lounge is the Casino fitted with gaming tables (roulette, blackjack, poker) and slot machines. The Casino is open only when the ship is at sea (international waters).

Venetian Lounge (capacity 370 seats/forward on decks 4-5, total size 740 m2 / 7965 ft2) is a two-story Theater / bar-lounge with a stage (grand piano), cabaret-style seating (on the first floor/Deck 4), intimate balcony seats (on the second floor/Deck 5). The lower level (deck 4) is sized 550 m2 / 5920 ft2. The upper level (deck 5) is sized 190 m2 / 2045 ft2. The venue hosts enrichment and live entertainment programming, including daily lectures and seminars and nightly theatrical and musical performances, movie screenings, themed events. The Venetian Lounge is equipped with the latest audiovisual technology including a large HD screen and Dolby surround sound.

The Shelter (capacity 32 seats/Deck 3, size 131 m2 / 1410 ft2) is adjacent to the restaurants Atlantide and SALT Kitchen. This evening-only bar is new for Silversea and is the proper venue for pre- and post-dinner drinks. The Shelter’s bar features a wraparound bottle display.

Connoisseur’s Corner (capacity 35 seats/Deck 5 aft, size 62 m2 / 665 ft2) is a premium cigar bar with stylish seating (Chesterfield leather armchairs), floor-ceiling windows and an outdoor seating area (for smoking).

Observatory Lounge (capacity 115 seats/forward on Deck 10, size 257 m2 / 2765 ft2) features floor-ceiling windows providing 270-degree unobstructed views from the ship's top. The bar lounge is open from early morning until late night and also houses as the ship's Library.

Panorama Lounge (capacity 190 seats/aft on Deck 5, size 547 m2 / 5890 ft2) has an additional outdoor deck area with seating (terrace sized 221 m2 / 2380 ft2) providing 270-degree stern views.

SALT Bar (capacity 42 seats/Deck 10, size 171 m2 / 1840 ft2) is an evening lounge with floor-ceiling windows, a large bar area, comfortable seating (armchairs), an outdoor deck space.

SALT Lab (capacity 28 seats/Deck 10, size 113 m2 / 1210 ft2) is the SALT program's "test kitchen" where are prepared itinerary-based (on region/destination) traditional dishes and beverages, with regional fresh ingredients and under the guidance of the ship's Host as well as of local food experts. The venue has several cooking stations and a large central workstation for the chefs' cooking demonstrations.

Otium Spa is sized 338 m2 / 3640 ft2 and positioned forward on Deck 5 (bow-facing). The ship's wellness complex groups an indoor swimming pool, 8x treatment rooms (for massages), spa/thermal area (steam room, sauna room, spa pool), a relaxation lounge, Gym/fitness center, and a Beauty Salon. The wellness complex features floor-ceiling windows and its decor is marked by soft lighting and natural stones.

The cruise ship has two Boutiques (duty-free shops) located in the Atrium (midship on decks 4-5).

Itineraries

Silversea confirmed that both EVOLUTION-class boats (Nova and Ray) will operate polar voyages to ports and destinations in the Arctic (Europe, Russia, Canada) and Antarctica.

Details on Silver Ray's inaugural season (2024-2025 schedule) were announced in July 2022. The program starts on June 3, 2024, with the 11-day Maiden Voyage (Southampton to Lisbon).

The ship operates in Europe/Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and South America, with Transatlantic voyages on seasonal relocation (RepositionCruises.com).

Schedule 2024-2025

Next is Silver Ray's inaugural cruise schedule (departure dates, ports, booking codes) between June 2024 and April 2025.

• (JUN 3-15, 2024) 12-day Inaugural Cruise from Southampton UK to Lisbon, EUR 8600, code #RA240603012
• (JUN 15-27) 12-day from Lisbon to Civitavecchia-Rome, EUR 8100, code RA240615012
• (JUN 15-JUL 8) 23-day from Lisbon to Venice, EUR 14500, code RA240615C23
• (JUN 27-JUL 8) 11-day from Civitavecchia-Rome to Venice, EUR 8100, code RA240627011
• (JUL 8-19) 11-day from Venice to Piraeus-Athens, EUR 8100, code RA240708011
• (JUL 19-30/rescheduled maiden voyage) from Piraeus-Athens to Venice, EUR 8100, code RA240719011
• (JUL 30-AUG 6) 7-day roundtrip from Venice, EUR 5000, code RA240730007
• (AUG 6-17) 11-day from Venice ITALY to Piraeus-Athens, EUR 7800, code RA240806011
• (AUG 17-25) 8-day roundtrip from Piraeus-Athens, EUR 5200, code RA240817008
• (AUG 25-SEPT 5) 11-day from Piraeus-Athens to Venice, EUR 7700, code RA240825011
• (SEPT 5-12) 7-day roundtrip from Venice, EUR 5000, code RA240905007
• (SEPT 12-23) 11-day from Venice to Piraeus-Athens, EUR 7800, code RA240912011
• (SEPT 23-OCT 1) 8-day roundtrip from Piraeus-Athens, EUR 5200, code RA240923008
• (OCT 1-12) 11-day roundtrip from Piraeus-Athens, EUR 7700, code RA241001011
• (OCT 12-23) 11-day roundtrip from Piraeus-Athens, EUR 7500, RA241012011
• (OCT 23-31) 8-day roundtrip from Piraeus-Athens, EUR 5000, code RA241023008
• (OCT 31-NOV 12) 12-day from Piraeus-Athens to Civitavecchia-Rome, EUR 7700, code RA241031012
• (NOV 12-23) 11-day from Civitavecchia-Rome to Barcelona, EUR 6600, code RA241112011
• (NOV 23-DEC 4) 11-day from Barcelona to Lisbon, EUR 7000, code RA241123011
• (DEC 4-19) 15-day Transatlantic crossing from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale FLORIDA USA, EUR 6200, code RA241204015
• (DEC 19, 2024-JAN 4, 2025) 16-day from Fort Lauderdale to Callao-Lima PERU, EUR 9400, code RA241219016
• (JAN 4-20, 2025) 16-day from Callao-Lima to Fort Lauderdale, EUR 8500, code RA250104016
• (JAN 20-FEB 1) 12-day from Fort Lauderdale to Callao-Lima, EUR 8100, code RA250120012
• (FEB 1-21) 20-day from Callao-Lima to Buenos Aires ARGENTINA, EUR 14000, code RA250201020
• (FEB 21-APR 3) 10-day from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro BRAZIL, EUR 7000, code RA250221010
• (MAR 3-23) 20-day from Rio de Janeiro to Bridgetown BARBADOS, EUR 12500, code RA250303020
• (MAR 23-APR 1) 9-day from Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale, EUR 7200, code RA250323009
• (APR 1-15) 14-day Transatlantic crossing from Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon, EUR 6200, code RA250401014

Note: The above prices are in EUR and per person (Veranda Suite rates with double occupancy).

Silversea's "flight and cruise" package deals (by the company's "Silver Sky" program) are inclusive of the luxury cruise fare, discount round-trip airfare (Economy Class) and airport-pier-airport transfers.

Silversea's "hotel and cruise" package "Silver Shore Simply Hotel" offers overnight 5-star luxury hotel stays with the option of adding transfers or upgrades. The upgraded cruise and hotel package ("Silver Shore Grande Hotel") offers 1-3-nights landmark hotel stays (or at a boutique property) and is inclusive of private transfers (airport-hotel and hotel-pier).

The vessel's construction (hull/yard number 720) officially started on November 23, 2022, with the steel-cutting ceremony held at Meyer Werft's yard in Papenburg Germany. The special event was attended by Roberto Martinoli (Silversea's President and CEO) and Jan Meyer (Meyer Werft's Managing Director). The vessel's physical construction/assembly started on March 23, 2023, with the keel-laying/coin ceremony at Meyer Werft Papenburg. The event was attended by Barbara Muckermann (Silversea's President and CEO) and Jan Meyer.

The ship's name (Silver Ray) was officially announced in July 2022, when Silversea unveiled voyage collection 2024-2025 (March 2024 through May 2025). The brochure reviewed the fleet deployment and listed 341 voyages visiting 695 destinations in 120 countries.

The Silversea ship's namesake is the 1999-built Vehicles Carrier "Silver Ray" (IMO 9181376) owned by LCI Shipholdings Inc (New Orleans Louisiana-based company specializing in cargo transportation services).

The ship was launched/floated out from drydock (Meyer Werft's construction hall) on February 25, 2024, at ~11:30 am Germany time (~10:30 UTC). After leaving the construction hall, the vessel was docked at the shipyard's outfitting pier where were also installed the LNG bunker mast and the funnel/smokestacks. On Feb 25th were also conducted tests of the bow thrusters and both stabilizers. The next stages of the construction included interior works followed by nautical and technical trials in the North Sea and the delivery to Silversea.

The vessel's River Ems River conveyance from Meyer Werft Papenburg to Eemshaven Holland was completed on April 21, 2024. Followed North Sea trials (technical and nautical) for testing all systems and machinery.

Silver Ray is one of Silversea's four boats serving the brand's culinary program "S.A.L.T." (2019-launched/"Sea And Land Taste") - together with the fleetmates Nova, Moon, and Dawn.

Silver Ray's powerplant is integrated with currently the largest fuel cell system installed on a cruise ship (power output 4 MV), allowing the vessel to run completely on fuel cell-generated electricity while in port - without using its combustion engines. The methanol-powered fuel cell system was developed by Freudenberg Fuel Cell e-Power Systems GmbH, which is one of Meyer Group's strategic partners for new technology developments, and a subsidiary of Freudenberg Group (1849-founded, Weinheim-based, family-owned group of technology and production companies specializing in sectors like household products, textiles, building materials, auto parts, telecommunications).

For additional fuel savings, the innovative MAGS (Micro Auto Gasification System by Terragon Technologies) converts onboard waste (thermally breaks down all hydrocarbons in waste) and transforms them into ~5% of biochar (lightweight black residue) and thermal energy.

Nova and Ray are Silversea's first vessels with a horizontal layout and an asymmetrical/open design that allows all public spaces and staterooms to span the ship's entire length and receive natural light.

Inaugural itineraries (2024)

Next tables show the ship's Maiden Voyage and the inaugural cruises by homeport/region/destination. Prices are in USD, per person (Veranda Suite rates) and based on double occupancy.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE) 12-day repositioning from the UK to the Mediterranean (US$10500)

(inaugural Mediterranean cruise) 11-day from Rome to Venice (US$9900)

(inaugural Transatlantic crossing) 15-day westbound from Europe to the USA/Caribbean (US$7200)

(inaugural Panama Canal cruise) 16-day from Florida to South America (US$10900)

Godspeed!