Silversea to Increase Muse’s Capacity During Drydock

Silversea to Increase Muse’s Capacity During Drydock

Silversea is planning a substantial increase in guest capacity for the Silver Muse during an upcoming dry dock.

According to the ship’s new deck plans, its double occupancy will grow by approximately seven per cent, reaching 632 guests from just under 600.

After entering service in 2017, the Silver Muse is scheduled to undergo a routine shipyard stay in Europe in November 2025.

The updated deck plans show that the capacity increase will be achieved through smaller staterooms.

Plans call for several larger Silver Suites on decks 9, 10 and 11 to replace smaller Medallion and Classic Veranda suites.

On Deck 9, six Silver Suites are being replaced with 12 new, smaller staterooms of different categories.

Cruise Industry News estimates that after the refit, the number of Silver Suites will decrease from 34 to eight.

According to a message shared with guests by Silversea, the Silver Muse will undergo a “redefining revitalisation” during its dry dock.

The 40,700-ton vessel will see the addition of “timeless beauty and elegance,” the company continued, as well as an “extension of the choice of suite options” onboard.

Other new features coming to the ship include S.A.L.T., which is described by Silversea as a “pioneering culinary experience.”

The speciality restaurant that features changing menus inspired by destinations being visited by the vessel will be added to Deck 4.

Taking the space previously occupied by the ship’s Asian speciality venue, Indochine, S.A.L.T. will also feature a bar for regionally inspired drinks and wines.

As part of the drydock, the ship’s La Dolce Vita main dining room is also set to be reduced for the creation of new technical spaces.

Currently offering summer cruises in Europe, the Silver Muse will debut its new enhancements in early December ahead of a winter season in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands.

Rhapsody of the Seas and Silver Moon Make Inaugural Calls to Dominica

Rhapsody of the Seas and Silver Moon Make Inaugural Calls to Dominica

Royal Caribbean International’s Rhapsody of the Seas and Silversea’s Silver Moon made their inaugural calls to Dominica on Friday, December 2, 2022.

To mark the occasion, traditional plaque exchange ceremonies were held aboard each of the two ships, attended by government officials and captains.

The Rhapsody of the Seas and the Silver Moon thus become the third and fourth ships to make their inaugural calls in Dominica this season. The first ship to do so was The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima on November 24, 2022.

The Rhapsody of the Seas is scheduled to make a total of twelve calls to Dominica in the 2022/2023 season. The ship is currently on its 14-night Ultimate Caribbean Cruise which departed from Bridgetown, Barbados on December 4.

The Silver Moon, the sister ship of the Silver Muse, made its only call scheduled for Dominica in the 2022/2023 season.

After a call in Roseau, Dominica, the Silver Moon set sail to St Georges, Grenada and Bequia, Grenadines before arriving in Bridgetown, Barbados.

The Silver Moon is currently on its 16-night Bridgetown to Lima voyage which departed on December 5 and will make stops at St Vincent, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Cartagena, Colombia and Oranjestad, Aruba among other destinations.

As of November 25, the port of Dominica has received a total of 13 cruise calls carrying a total of 18,980 cruise passengers. Dominica will welcome 51 cruise calls in December 2022.

Silver Moon Launched at Fincantieri

The launching ceremony of the Silver Moon took place today at the Ancona yard.

The vessel will enter the ship owner’s fleet in 2020 and is a sister to the Silver Muse, a third 596-guest ship, the Silver Dawn, follows for the luxury brand in 2021.

The ceremony was attended, among others, by Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman of Silversea, while Fincantieri was represented by Giovanni Stecconi, Ancona Shipyard Director.

The godmother of the ceremony was Roberta Bonisiol, an employee of the shipbuilding group.

The new build will be the ninth ship in Silversea’s fleet. 

Among the notations of the ship, the “Green star 3 Design” stands out, according to a statement. It is assigned to vessels that are designed, built and equipped in order to prevent air and water pollution. Furthermore, the “COMF-NOISE A PAX” and “COMF-NOISE B CREW” are assigned on the basis of the noise levels measured on the ship.

Silversea Announces New World Cruise 2020 Details

Silversea Cruise ship. (Photo via Silversea Cruises)

Silversea has released additional details about its seven-continent World Cruise 2020.

The cruise will visit 62 ports as it travels from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam. It will incorporate many ‘soft expedition’ features, including a three-day Antarctic experience. Guests will have the chance to encounter penguins, seals, whales, and other wildlife. A team of nine experts will be on hand for lectures, workshops and Zodiac landings.

In the South Pacific, the cruise will call on the isolated Pitcairn Island, renowned for its connection to HMS Bounty. At Pentecost Island, guests will see a famous land diving ritual performed by locals to celebrate the yam harvest. And, on Champagne Beach in Vanuatu, guests will enjoy a local festival that includes a water dance.

Silversea’s World Cruise 2020 will also include several special events. In the lineup is an evening of tango in Buenos Aires; a performance of the Fremantle Perth Symphony at the Quarry Rocks in Perth, and a farewell dinner at the legendary Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh.

“Our World Cruise 2020 will be quite unlike any world cruise that has ever set sail,” says Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s senior vice president of strategic development expeditions and experiences. “Our guests will enjoy an enhanced, luxurious onboard experience, which will leave them in want of nothing, as well as a seemingly unending range of unforgettable experiences, as they get closer to the authentic beauty of 62 spectacular destinations around the world.”

In December 2018, Silver Whisper will undergo a refurbishment inspired by the line’s flagship, Silver Muse. She’ll take on a fleet of eight Zodiacs specifically for World Cruise 2020.

“On a refurbished Silver Whisper and with access to a new fleet of Zodiac craft, guests will travel deeper on all seven continents,” says Andrea Zito, Silversea’s Senior vice president of technical operations and crew. “Each aspect of the renovation will be tailored with guests’ enjoyment in mind. From the scents and music that accentuate each space to the choice of films offered in suites, the attention to detail will ensure a truly unique onboard experience.”

Silversea has announced that two new ships will join its fleet. Silver Moon is due in 2020. Silver Dawn is scheduled for delivery in late 2021. Both will be sister ships to Silver Muse.

Silversea fleet to undergo ‘enhanced’ renovations after Royal acquisition approved

Silversea fleet to undergo ‘enhanced’ renovations after Royal acquisition approved

Royal Caribbean Cruises has announced a series of renovations to the Silversea fleet after its deal to acquire a majority stake in the luxury line was formally approved this week.

‘Project Invictus’ will see a number of upgrades to specific areas on Silversea ships including an upgraded champagne and caviar ‘offering’.

Work will begin on Silver Muse on August 19 before being rolled out fleet-wide.

The planned renovation of Silver Whisper in December 2018 will be “much more comprehensive” than initially planned and include a partial refit of all guest cabins, according to Royal.

Silver Wind will enter dry dock in December followed by an enhanced dry dock of Silver Shadow.

Regulators formally approved Royal Caribbean Cruises’ acquisition of its majority stake in Silversea Cruises yesterday.

Royal has bought a 66.7% stake in the Italian ultra-luxury line worth $2billion.

Chairman and chief executive Richard Fain said: “We are proud to officially welcome Silversea’s industry-leading team to the RCL family.

“This is a dynamite combination and we can’t wait to work with Manfredi, Roberto and the entire team as together we take Silversea to the next level.”

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio will remain Executive chairman of Silversea and retain a 33.3% stake.

Lefebvre said: “We’re excited to join the Royal Caribbean family and ready to begin this next chapter as part of an industry leader that is uniquely qualified to support Silversea’s future growth.

“This partnership enables us to realize our vision of being the uncontested leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition, taking our guests to more than 1,000 destinations aboard some of the world’s most luxurious vessels.”

Silversea Adds Free Wi-Fi

Starting with voyages sailing in April 2018, all guests on Silversea ships will get free unlimited Wi-Fi access.

Since January 2016, guests have enjoyed at least one hour of free Wi-Fi per day, the company said.

The new policy will provide each guest booked in standard suites with free unlimited standard internet access. Guests staying in larger suites (from Silver suites to the Owner's suites) will enjoy free unlimited premium internet access for up to two devices simultaneously per guest. Unlimited premium internet access is also available to purchase for guests wishing to upgrade.

"We know how important it is to catch up on emails or share photos on social media while on vacation," said Barbara Muckermann, Silversea's chief marketing officer. "Now, with free unlimited Wi-Fi in all suites, our guests can stay as connected as they like while they voyage to the most fascinating places on Earth."

Silversea orders ship, to be called Silver Moon

Silversea Silver Moon

Silversea Cruises signed a contract with Fincantieri to build the Silver Moon, a sister ship to the Silver Muse, for delivery in 2020.

The order for the ship is valued at about $372 million at current exchange rates.

The newbuild, which will expand Silversea's fleet to 10 ships, will displace 40,700 gross tons and carry 596 guests at double occupancy.

The Silver Muse, Silversea's first new ship since 2009, entered service last April.

"Based on the high praise Silver Muse has earned with our guests, we are eager to build on our flagship's success and move forward with a sister ship, which will bring us closer to fulfilling my father's dream of a 12-ship fleet," Silversea chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio said.

Venice Cruise Traffic Plateaus For Now

Ongoing vessel tonnage restrictions in Venice have capped cruise traffic for now, with a limit of 96,000 tons. In 2017 the classic Italian port is looking at a forecast of 473 calls and just over 1.4 million passengers, which is down from 2016. Next year looks set to be similar to 2017, according to a port spokesperson.

Meanwhile, government officials are still working to lock down an alternative route for larger ships to reach the port facilities.

New callers in 2017 include the AIDAblue, the Artemis, Norwegian Star, Silver Muse, Seabourn Encore, Arethusa, and both the Viking Sky and Sun.

The board of directors for VTP (the port authority) agreed earlier this year not to adjust berth fees in order to help foster growth.

Future growth will need to depend on the identification and availability of a new alternative route for ships to reach port facilities – thus allowing large ships to use Venice again. The port spokesperson also told Cruise Industry News that they want to increase their week-day call portfolio. VTP offers 10 terminal choices.

Silversea optimistic about further expansion

The 596-passenger Silver Muse, delivered on April 3 by the Fincantieri shipyard, has eight restaurants but no main dining room.

ABOARD THE SILVER MUSE -- In a news conference aboard Silversea Cruises' first new luxury vessel in eight years, company chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Olvidio sounded optimistic that the 596-passenger Silver Muse would eventually be joined by one or more sister ships, to reach an eventual goal of a 12-ship fleet.

"What is a fact is that we have three options for three identical ships, at incredibly good terms," Lefebvre said.

He said the options are for ships to be delivered in 2020, 2021 and 2023. He also said that puts Silversea in a good position, given the recent flood of ship orders that has created a backlog at shipyards.

"Now company policy is we announce things when we do them. When we say we're going to build a ship, it's going to happen," Lefebvre said. He did not have any announcements about exercising the options.

The company's next project after taking delivery of the Silver Muse is the conversion of its first ship, Silver Cloud, to do expedition cruising, including trips to Antarctica.

Lefebvre said the company has earmarked $170 million for upgrading its fleet. "If it's necessary to do more, we'll do more. If it's not necessary, we will not. But we have a goal. We will proceed immediately with the Cloud. Hopefully another ship will be announced soon to have a massive refurbishment and renovation," he said.

The 596-passenger Muse, delivered on April 3 by the Fincantieri shipyard, has eight restaurants but no main dining room.

"This ship for us sets a new standard. And, of course, it gives me the problem now that I will have to invest more money in the rest of the fleet," Lefebvre said.

Silversea plans a global brand campaign starting this summer, related to some product announcements, chief marketing officer Barbara Muckermann said.

Muckermann told a group of agents on the ship in a presentation that Silversea's target market are baby boomers, and that most of the millennial generation has yet to build the wealth needed to cruise on Silversea.

Lefebvre said that travel agents will play a key role in Silversea's eventual growth to 12 ships, telling them,"If you help me fill this ship, I will build three more of these."

10 Cruise Ship New-Builds to Look Forward to in 2017

MSC Seaside, Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises, Credit: Ivan Sarfatti

Seabourn Encore

Technically, Seabourn's new Seabourn Encore has already launched, but its official inaugural sailing is scheduled for January 7, 2017, making it the first in the new year. The 600-guest ship will have all the luxuries of the preceding Odyssey-class and more thanks to a slightly larger design.

Viking Sky

Viking Cruises will continue its rapid expansion with the launch of its third oceangoing vessel, the Viking Sky. The award-winning ocean brand is already making waves with a stunning set of luxurious hardware features paired with excellent service software that will be reprised in February 2017.

Norwegian Joy

Also coming online in February 2017 is Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Joy for the Chinese outbound market. While it is not slated for North American travelers, we’re hoping its unprecedented go-kart racetrack on deck will make its way to the next Breakaway Plus-class ship, the Norwegian Bliss, coming to Alaska in 2018.

Silver Muse

Plussing the current flagship Silver Spirit’s design will be Silversea Cruises new Silver Muse in April 2017. Hallmark features of the luxury line will return while several additional restaurant options are introduced such as dedicated Asian and seafood dining, as well as an expanded pizzeria.

MSC Meraviglia

One of two separate prototypes being constructed for MSC Cruises, the MSC Meraviglia will set sail in June 2017. The “ship for all seasons” will highlight a 262-foot synthetic LED sky above an interior promenade and showcase Cirque du Soleil performances in the Carousel Lounge.

National Geographic Quest

Not all the new ships are of the mega variety as Lindblad Expeditions will welcome the National Geographic Quest in June 2017 beginning expedition cruises in Alaska. The ship will cater to only 100 guests with 24 kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment and zodiacs for adventuring.

Viking Sun

Not slowing up at all, Viking Cruises will again launch the fourth of six planned ocean sister-ships, the Viking Sun, in October 2017. This one will almost immediately set out on the line’s first-ever 141-day world cruise from Miami, Florida to London, England starting on December 15, 2017.

MSC Seaside

MSC Cruises other new prototype ship, the MSC Seaside, is being specifically constructed for warm-weather cruising year-round from Miami, Florida. It will begin sailing from its homeport in December 2017 with an expansive water park and wraparound al fresco boardwalk.

Majestic Princess

The second ship next year dedicated to the Chinese outbound market will be Princess Cruises’ new Majestic Princess in late 2017. Already making changes from its earlier sisters, the ship will sport a French bistro in place of the Crooners lounge, a modification that might make its way to the fourth Royal-class ship as well.

Flying Clipper

When Star Clippers’ new Flying Clipper launches in late 2017, it will be one of the smallest vessels to come out next year, but it will also be the largest square-rigged sailing ship. It will carry 300 guests within its 8,770 tons.

Silversea ship to join its expedition fleet

The Silver Cloud will be converted into an ice-class ship.

Silversea Cruises said it will shift its Silver Cloud vessel to expedition itineraries starting in November 2017.

The 296-passenger Silver Cloud will be converted into an ice-class ship during an extensive refurbishment scheduled to start in August 2017.

Silversea is scheduled to take delivery of a new ship, the 596-passenger Silver Muse, for its luxury fleet in April 2017. 

The Silver Cloud, which entered service in 1994, is Silversea’s oldest ship. After conversion to an expedition ship, it will carry 260 passengers at double occupancy, and will be limited to 200 in polar regions. It will still be three times as large as the biggest expedition ship now in Silversea’s fleet.

Silversea currently has three ships in expedition service and five in luxury service.  

Silversea orders ship to be delivered in 2017

Silversea said the new Silver Muse will become its flagship vessel.

Silversea Cruises has ordered a 596-passenger ship from Fincantieri that the luxury line is calling its new flagship vessel.

To be called Silver Muse, the 40,000-gross-ton ship is expected to be delivered in the spring of 2017. It will be Silversea's largest ship and the ninth in its fleet.

"This ship contributes to our ambitious growth plans that will ensure our continued leadership in ultra-luxury cruising,” Silversea CEO Enzo Visone said in a statement.

Silversea’s most recent new ship is the 540-passenger Silver Spirit, delivered in December 2009. It has acquired several small expedition-style ships since then. Silversea said additional specifications and details of the new ship would be announced in the near future.

Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Crystal Cruises are among the luxury lines with new ships in the works.