Silversea Cruises is set to return to service in the Galapagos Islands aboard new ship Silver Origin, which arrived in San Cristobal on April 30. With Silver Origin departing on her inaugural season from June 19, the cruise line will offer all-new itineraries, with the goal of taking guests deeper into the archipelago. Full vaccinations will be mandatory for guests and crew embarking Silver Origin from June 19.
“Having worked exceptionally hard on our healthy return to service plan, we are delighted to be nearing the moment in which our extended family is reunited aboard our two new ships, Silver Origin and Silver Moon,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s president and CEO, in a press release statement. “We extend our sincerest gratitude to the Ecuadorian Government and the Galapagos Government Council for their ongoing cooperation and their willingness to welcome cruising back to this remarkable archipelago. The first ship to join our fleet since Silversea Cruises joined the Royal Caribbean Group and our cruise line’s first destination-specific ship, Silver Origin is unique in her elegance. Following an extended period at home, our guests are eager to continue their discovery of our planet, and there are few destinations that inspire travelers with such unique natural beauty as the Galápagos Islands.”
Enriched Itineraries
The 100-passenger Silver Origin will sail on two alternating itineraries that incorporate five maiden calls, including the island of Santa Fe. Each itinerary will include calls in the islands of Fernandina and Isabela and will each include enriched programs ashore.
“Our two new itineraries have been thoughtfully crafted by our destination experts to optimize the cruise experience in this extraordinary part of the world, providing more opportunities for guests to admire the archipelago’s iconic wildlife species, including the Galapagos penguin, green sea turtles, endemic land and marine iguanas, whitetip reef sharks, Galapagos sea lions, and many remarkable bird species,” said Fernando Delgado, v.p. and general manager of Silversea Cruises Ecuador, in a press release statement. “And with Silver Origin offering the highest expert guide-to-guest ratio (1:10) and the highest Zodiac-to-guest ratio (1:12.5) in the region, travelers will enjoy the most iconic experiences on offer with unprecedented insight and access. We thank the Ecuadorian Government and the Galápagos Government Council for their continued support and we look forward to inspiring our guests to safeguard this magical destination for generations to come.”
Sample itineraries include:
Western Itinerary—San Cristobal to Baltra
On the Western itinerary, Silver Origin will depart from San Cristobal, calling at Kicker Rock, Isla Bartolome, Buccaneer Cove (Santiago), Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela), Punta Espinoza (Fernandina), Tagus Cove (Isabela), Elizabeth Bay (Isabela), Post Office Bay (Floreana), Champion Islet (Floreana), Punta Cormorant (Floreana), Santa Cruz Highlands, Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Cerro Dragon (Santa Cruz), Isla Guy Fawkes, and Bahia Borrero (Santa Cruz), before arriving in Baltra. This itinerary showcases the geographical diversity of the Galapagos Islands, including a first-hand experience of the multiple ecosystems that exist within this small archipelago. Throughout these lands, and in their surrounding waters, guests will admire the Galapagos’ rich variety of wildlife, as well as its volcanic landscapes, while learning about the region’s history of whalers and pirates.
North-Central Itinerary–Baltra to San Cristobal
On the North-Central itinerary, Silver Origin will depart from Baltra, before calling in Daphne Major, Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa), Darwin Bay (Genovesa), North Seymour, Sullivan Bay (Santiago), Punta Mangle (Fernandina), Punta Moreno (Isabela), Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Isla Santa Fe, Gardner Bay (Española), Punta Suarez (Española), Rodriguez Breeding Centre (San Cristobal), and Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal), ahead of arriving in San Cristobal. Preserving the main highlights of the original route, the enhanced North-Central itinerary will introduce experiences that will appeal particularly to bird and nature lovers. Guests will snorkel with sea turtles in Fernandina and meet the Galapagos penguins in Isabela, but will also have the opportunity to discover the “bird islands” of Genovesa and Espanola, as well as the brand-new destination of Santa Fe island—home to an endemic iguana that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Another highlight is Punta Mangle, with its mangroves, lava fields and flightless cormorants.
All-inclusive Offering
Silversea’s all-inclusive offering includes:
- International roundtrip flights
- Roundtrip flight between Ecuador and the Galápagos
- Two pre-cruise hotel nights in Quito and one post-cruise day-use hotel in Guayaquil
- Quito by night tour
- Transfers and luggage handling
- National Park and immigration fees
- Expedition Team, comprising experts in their field
- Guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shore-side activities
- Enrichment lectures by our Expedition Team
- Complimentary backpack, water bottle, snorkeling mask, and snorkel
- Complimentary use of wetsuits and snorkeling fins
- Butler service in every suite category
- Onboard gratuities
- Multiple open-seated restaurants, serving diverse cuisine and an in-suite 24-hour dining service
- Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including sparkling and selected wines, premium spirits, soft drinks, and more
- Unlimited WiFi
For more information, visit silversea.com.
