Silversea Cruises and Meyer Werft celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of the second ship in Silversea’s pioneering Nova class, the 728-guest Silver Ray, with a keel laying ceremony on March 23rd. The event, which was attended by select travel advisors, marked the start of the ship’s assembly and was a historic moment for both Silversea and the shipbuilding industry.Silver Ray℠ MW Keel Laying
The keel laying ceremony is a long-standing tradition in shipbuilding, and the attendees were able to witness the placement of a commemorative coin bearing the silhouette of the Silver Ray under a pre-assembled module weighing 230 tonnes. The event was a cause for celebration, and attendees raised a glass to mark the occasion.
Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s President and CEO, and Jan Meyer, Managing Director of MEYER WERFT, were among the attendees and praised the construction of the ship. “Anticipation is building for the introduction of our pioneering Nova class ships, with Silver Nova set to join the fleet this summer,” said Muckermann. “In addition to being two of the most sustainable ultra-luxury cruise ships ever launched, the Nova class ships will introduce an asymmetrical design and a horizontal layout for the first time in our cruise line’s history, as well as all-new public venues that are among the most spacious at sea.”
Silver Ray Keel LayingJan Meyer added, “The Nova class will set new standards on the way to net zero emissions cruising. 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 keel laying ceremony, attendees were given a tour of Silver Nova, which is near completion at the MEYER WERFT shipyard and is set to join Silversea’s fleet this summer. Both Nova class ships will feature an innovative asymmetrical design and a horizontal layout, with public spaces and suites spanning the entire length of each ship. This unique design will provide guests with an unprecedented openness to their destinations and a new level of luxury travel experience.
The keel laying of the Silver Ray marks a significant step in the construction of one of the most sustainable ultra-luxury cruise ships ever built, and Silversea and MEYER WERFT are proud to be leading the way in this industry. The Silver Ray is expected to enter service in the summer of 2024, and interested travellers can find more information and view upcoming itineraries at https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-ray.html.
In conclusion, the keel laying of the Silver Ray is a historic moment for both Silversea and MEYER WERFT and marks the start of the construction of one of the most innovative and sustainable ultra-luxury cruise ships ever built. With the introduction of the Nova class ships, Silversea is set to raise the bar in the cruise industry and provide travellers with a new level of luxury travel experience.
WRITTEN BY: WILLIAM TREVAN
