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 shipyard in Papenburg (Lower Saxony, Germany). The first EVOLUTION-class ship (Silver Nova) was launched in 2022 and inaugurated in August 2023.

Silver Ray was under construction with completion and inauguration planned for June 2024.

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 fleet.

Silver Ray is Silversea's 13th vessel.

History - construction and ownership

Silversea Cruises is a Monaco-based luxury cruise company and travel brand. It was established in 1994 as a joint venture between V-Ships Monaco (formerly Vlasov Group) and the Lefebvre family of Rome Italy. In 2018, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd acquired two-thirds of the company. Silversea now operates a fleet of boutique vessels with passenger capacity ranging between 100 and 700 guests. The company's business model focuses on yacht-like ships in the ultra-luxury all-suite category. Silversea's all-inclusive fares include beverages (including selected wines), gratuities (no tipping required), travel insurance, port charges, and one or more shore excursions per voyage.

Despite having ice-strengthened hulls, both EVOLUTION-class ships (Nova and Ray) are not expedition vessels but rather enhanced versions of Silversea's latest luxury ships, including Silver Muse (2017), Silver Moon (2021), and Silver Dawn (2022). The new class is designed with a maximum passenger capacity of 728 guests (plus about 560 crew and staff) and a gross tonnage of 54,700 GT.

Silver Ray is among the industry's most spacious cruise ships, featuring the highest space-to-passenger ratio in the Silversea fleet (approximately 75) and a crew-to-passenger ratio of about 1:1.3.

Ship technology

On October 8, 2018, Royal Caribbean Group (RCG, Silversea's parent company) announced shipbuilding agreements for three new vessels for the brand. The memorandum of understanding with Meyer Werft Germany included two new-design EVOLUTION-class ships with the first delivery originally planned for 2022. A third contract was signed with Shipyard De Hoop (Netherlands) for building Silver Origin, a 100-passenger expedition vessel 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), Tim Meyer (Meyer Werft's Managing Director, representing the EVOLUTION ships), and Patrick Janssens (Shipyard De Hoop's CEO, representing Silver Origin).

In October 2021, it was announced that the EVOLUTION-class vessels would be hybrid-powered, using three different power sources: dual-fuel main engines running on ULSD (ultra-low-sulfur diesel) and LNG (liquefied natural gas), along with two alternative sources — fuel cells (hydrogen-based technology with a maximum capacity of 4 MW per ship) and battery systems for energy storage. Another innovation is the MAGS (Micro Auto Gasification System), which reduces onboard dry waste volumes and lowers incineration-related emissions. These technologies allow approximately a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to Silversea's previous ship class (Muse–Moon–Dawn).

As the ships are shoreside-power ready, when berthed they can connect to the port's electrical grid to supply onboard power instead of running their diesel generators.

Silversea's EVOLUTION-class ships are also designed to achieve an EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) rating approximately 25% better than the current IMO requirements for vessels of this size. The EEDI index measures the CO2 emissions (grams of carbon dioxide) per tonne-mile and is used as an indicator of a ship's environmental efficiency.

Decks and Cabins

Silver Ray staterooms (363 total) are all outside suites, each with a private step-out balcony, and are divided into 13 categories: Otium, Owner, Grand, Master, Signature, Silver, Junior Grand, Premium Medallion, Medallion, Premium Veranda, Deluxe Veranda, Superior Veranda, and Classic Veranda.

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

Cabin sizes range between 33 m2 (360 ft2) and 123 m2 (1325 ft2). All suites feature walk-in closets, large en-suite bathrooms (oversized LED mirror, double-faucet vanity, walk-in shower, bathtub/whirlpool), spacious balconies, and professional butler service. Standard complimentary cabin amenities include Wi-Fi, a fully stocked minibar refrigerator, plush bathrobes and slippers, pillow menu, premium-brand bath products, hairdryer, umbrella, smart UHD TV with interactive media library, USB charging ports (wall-mounted), direct-dial telephone, and a welcome bottle of Champagne.

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

Onboard there are four launderettes (passenger-use laundry rooms), one on each deck with cabins (decks 6, 7, 8, and 9). Laundry, pressing, and wet-cleaning services are complimentary for passengers in the suite categories Otium, Owner’s, Grand, Master, Signature, Silver, Junior Grand, Premium Medallion, and Medallion. Veranda Suites are the only category excluded.

Six panoramic glass elevators (three forward on the port side and three aft on the starboard side) interconnect all decks.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Silversea's EVOLUTION-class ships (Nova and Ray) feature an outward-facing, asymmetrical layout and introduce several new venues for the brand, with a total of 18 onboard venues (10 bars and lounges and 8 restaurants).

The Pool Deck's main swimming pool (midship on Deck 10) is the largest in the Silversea fleet (130 m2 / 1400 ft2), featuring wider steps, a larger shallow-water area with underwater seating, and a spacious sundeck (sunbathing areas across decks 10–11 equipped with premium loungers and shaded seating) served by The Pool Bar. On Deck 11, The Cliff Whirlpool is a glass-fronted infinity-edge pool overlooking the port side.

The Marquee (capacity 220 seats, aft-portside on Deck 10) is an alfresco dining venue incorporating Silversea's The Grill ("Hot Rocks" BBQ concept) and Spaccanapoli (pizzeria). The Marquee serves casual food throughout the day and dinner in the evening.

The Dusk Bar (capacity 70 seats, aft wraparound on Deck 10) offers 270-degree stern views. Similar to the "Hot Rocks" concept on other Silversea ships, this outdoor venue serves steakhouse and seafood specialties for dining under the stars. Guests can cook fresh seafood and prime steaks on heated volcanic rock plates at their tables. During the day, the venue also operates as a rotisserie and gourmet salad and burger bar.

Atlantide (capacity 270 seats, Deck 3) is the ship's main dining venue and a reservations-only restaurant (steakhouse, seafood, and grill) featuring designer seafood dishes and premium steaks such as royal crab, blue lobster, and red snapper. Food is included in the cruise fare, as are most beverages (wines, spirits, bottled water, specialty coffees, juices, and soft drinks). Premium spirits and wines from the à la carte list are available for an additional charge.

La Terrazza (capacity 340 seats, Deck 4 aft), also known as Terrace Cafe, is a complimentary buffet restaurant offering indoor seating with floor-to-ceiling windows and an alfresco terrace. The venue features interactive food stations (olive oil cellar, mozzarella bar, seafood bar, salumeria, Italian deli). Wine is complimentary, though premium wines from the Connoisseur's Wine List carry an extra charge. Each evening (7–9:30 pm) La Terrazza transforms into an Italian specialty restaurant with reservations required. During the day it serves buffet-style breakfast and lunch, and Afternoon Tea is also complimentary.

La Dame (capacity 70 seats, Deck 4 forward-portside) is an upscale French specialty restaurant offering signature dishes inspired by Relais & Châteaux culinary traditions. It is dinner-only and the ship's only restaurant with a supplemental dining fee. Reservations are required. Most beverages are included except certain premium wines, spirits, and champagnes.

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. The restaurant offers itinerary-inspired regional cuisine based on the destinations visited. The menu rotates daily. The SALT complex includes SALT Kitchen (restaurant), SALT Bar (beverages), and SALT Lab (a culinary studio offering cooking classes led by shipboard chefs and guest culinary experts). Silversea also offers SALT-themed shore excursions in many destinations.

Kaiseki (capacity 40 seats, Deck 4 midship) is a Japanese restaurant serving traditional cuisine specialties, including sushi.

Silver Note (capacity 54 seats, Deck 5 midship-aft) is a premium jazz club and dinner venue (1920s-themed). Sized 141 m2 (1515 ft2), it features leather seating, a dance floor, a baby grand piano, and live jazz and blues performances. The menu consists of small-plate dishes (tapas-style) from international cuisines. Dinner reservations are required, though dining is included in the cruise fare.

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) features a central bar, premium seating areas, and a stage. In the evenings, it transforms into a piano lounge. Adjacent to Dolce Vita is the Casino, equipped with gaming tables (roulette, blackjack, poker) and slot machines. The casino operates only when the ship is at sea (in international waters).

Venetian Lounge (capacity 370 seats, forward on decks 4–5; total size 740 m2 / 7965 ft2) is a two-deck theatre lounge featuring a stage with a grand piano, cabaret-style seating on Deck 4, and balcony seating on Deck 5. The venue hosts enrichment programs, lectures, live performances, themed events, and movie screenings. It is equipped with modern audiovisual technology, including a large HD screen and Dolby surround sound.

The Shelter (capacity 32 seats, Deck 3; size 131 m2 / 1410 ft2) is located near Atlantide and SALT Kitchen. This evening-only venue is a new concept for Silversea and serves as a stylish pre- and post-dinner bar featuring a wraparound bottle display.

Connoisseur’s Corner (capacity 35 seats, Deck 5 aft; size 62 m2 / 665 ft2) is a premium cigar lounge furnished with leather armchairs and offering both indoor and outdoor smoking areas.

Observatory Lounge (capacity 115 seats, forward on Deck 10; size 257 m2 / 2765 ft2) features floor-to-ceiling windows with 270-degree panoramic views and also houses the ship's library.

Panorama Lounge (capacity 190 seats, aft on Deck 5; size 547 m2 / 5890 ft2) includes an additional outdoor terrace (221 m2 / 2380 ft2) providing wide stern views.

SALT Bar (capacity 42 seats, Deck 10; size 171 m2 / 1840 ft2) is an evening lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, a large central bar, and outdoor seating.

SALT Lab (capacity 28 seats, Deck 10; size 113 m2 / 1210 ft2) is the SALT program's culinary studio where itinerary-inspired dishes are prepared using regional ingredients. The venue features several cooking stations and a large central demonstration workstation.

Otium Spa (338 m2 / 3640 ft2) is located forward on Deck 5 and includes an indoor pool, eight treatment rooms, a thermal area (steam room, sauna, spa pool), relaxation lounge, fitness center, and beauty salon. The wellness complex features floor-to-ceiling windows and decor emphasizing soft lighting and natural materials.

The ship also features two duty-free boutiques located in the Atrium (midship on decks 4–5).

Itineraries

Silversea confirmed that both EVOLUTION-class ships (Nova and Ray) will operate voyages to destinations in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and South America.

Details on Silver Ray's inaugural season (2024–2025 schedule) were announced in July 2022. The program starts on June 15, 2024, with the 7-day Maiden Voyage from Lisbon to Barcelona.

The ship operates itineraries in Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as in the Caribbean and South America, including transatlantic crossings during seasonal repositioning voyages.

Schedule 2024-2025

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

• canceled (JUN 3-15, 2024) 12-day Inaugural Cruise from Southampton UK to Lisbon, EUR 8600, code #RA240603012
• (JUN 15-27) 7-day Inaugural Cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona, EUR 7200, code RA240615S07
• (JUN 15-27) 12-day Inaugural Cruise 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, code 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 (under the company's "Silver Sky" program) include the luxury cruise fare, discounted round-trip Economy Class airfare, and airport–pier–airport transfers.

Silversea's "hotel and cruise" package ("Silver Shore Simply Hotel") offers overnight stays at 5-star luxury hotels with optional transfers or upgrades. The upgraded cruise and hotel package ("Silver Shore Grande Hotel") includes 1–3 nights at landmark or boutique hotels and private transfers (airport–hotel and hotel–pier).

The vessel's construction (hull/yard number 720) officially began on November 23, 2022, with the steel-cutting ceremony held at Meyer Werft's shipyard in Papenburg Germany. The event was attended by Roberto Martinoli (Silversea's President and CEO) and Jan Meyer (Meyer Werft's Managing Director). The vessel's physical construction and assembly started on March 23, 2023, with the keel-laying and coin ceremony at Meyer Werft Papenburg. The ceremony 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 its 2024–2025 voyage collection (March 2024 through May 2025). The brochure outlined the fleet deployment and listed 341 voyages visiting 695 destinations in 120 countries.

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

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

The vessel's conveyance along the River Ems from Meyer Werft Papenburg to Eemshaven Holland (~40 km / ~25 mi) was completed on April 21, 2024. This was followed by North Sea sea trials (technical and nautical) to test all systems and machinery. Meyer Werft Papenburg officially delivered Silver Ray to Silversea in Eemshaven on May 14. The handover ceremony was attended by Jason Liberty (Royal Caribbean Group's President and CEO), Bert Hernandez (Silversea's President), Bernard Meyer (Meyer Group's Chairman), Bernd Eikens (Meyer Group's CEO), Captain Alessandro Zanello (the ship's Master), along with executives from Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Werft.

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

Silver Ray's powerplant incorporates the largest fuel cell system currently installed on a cruise ship (power output 4 MW). It enables the vessel to operate entirely on fuel cell-generated electricity while in port, without using combustion engines. The methanol-powered fuel cell system was developed by Freudenberg Fuel Cell e-Power Systems GmbH, one of Meyer Group's strategic partners for new technology development and a subsidiary of the Freudenberg Group (a family-owned technology and manufacturing group founded in 1849 and based in Weinheim, Germany).

For additional fuel efficiency, the innovative MAGS (Micro Auto Gasification System by Terragon Technologies) converts onboard waste by thermally breaking down hydrocarbons and transforming them into approximately 5% biochar (a lightweight carbon residue) and thermal energy.

Silver Nova and Silver Ray are Silversea's first ships with a horizontal layout and asymmetrical open design, allowing public spaces and staterooms to span the ship's full length and maximize natural light.

Silver Ray was officially christened on June 13, 2024, at Port Lisbon. The naming ceremony was led by godmother María Josefina Olascoaga (Professor of Ocean Sciences at RSMAS — Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami). The event was attended by Bert Hernandez (Silversea's President, who succeeded Barbara Muckermann in April 2024), Jason Liberty (Royal Caribbean Group's President and CEO), and Captain Alessandro Zanello (the ship's Master). As is traditional for Royal Caribbean Group ceremonies, the celebration included a live bagpipe performance.

Inaugural itineraries (2024)

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

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

(MAIDEN VOYAGE) 7-day Inaugural Mediterranean Cruise (US$9100)

(repositioning/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)

Grand Voyage 2025 (Around South America)

The next table shows Silver Ray's Grand Voyage 2025.

The 71-day Around South America itinerary (roundtrip from Florida USA) visited 38 destinations (in 17 different countries) including the Chilean Fjords and the Amazon Rainforest.

The voyage was also available for booking in smaller segments, including 12-day Fort Lauderdale to Callao-Lima, 32-day Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires, 20-day Callao-Lima to Buenos Aires, 10-day Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro, 20-day Rio de Janeiro to Bridgetown, 29-day Rio de Janeiro to Fort Lauderdale, and 9-day Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale.

Shore activities/land tours (fares-inclusive) were themed "Vineyards & Vines" (Valparaiso-Santiago de Chile/February 8th, a visit the Kingston Family Winery in Chile’s Casablanca Valley/organic wine tastings, local music, traditional Chilean food), "The Greatest Show on Earth" (Rio de janeiro/March 2nd-3rd overnight for enjoying Rio’s Carnival from exclusive seating in the Sambadrome), and "A Bajan Affair" (Bridgetown Barbados/March 23rd, an al fresco dinner at the 17th-century plantation St Nicholas Abbey/Bajan cuisine paired with local rum, live music).