Silversea has marked a pivotal moment in the construction of its latest marvel, the Silver Ray, with a traditional float out ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard. This step transitions the ship from an ambitious blueprint to a near-complete vessel.
Just 15 months after the first piece of steel was cut, the Silver Ray is gearing up for its grand debut in June, amplifying Silversea’s presence with its sixth new ship in a mere three years.
The process was a spectacle of precision and tradition. Meyer Werft’s experts meticulously prepared Silver Ray’s hull before initiating the flood that would lift her from the dry dock into the aquatic world she’s built to explore. Over four hours, 100,000 cubic meters of water cradled the 728-guest ship into her new element, aided by tugboats that guided her to the harbor basin for the final outfitting phase.
Amidst the technical feats, a moment of maritime tradition brought a personal touch to the ceremony. Captain Alessandro Zanello, who will helm the Silver Ray, welded a commemorative coin to the ship’s pool deck wall, a gesture hoping to bring good fortune to the vessel and those who journey with her.
As the second jewel in Silversea’s Nova-class crown, the Silver Ray carries the torch of innovation lit by her predecessor, the Silver Nova. Barbara Muckermann, President of Silversea, shared the enthusiasm surrounding the ship’s progress, highlighting the positive reception of the Nova-class ships.
“With the float out of Silver Ray, excitement is building for the launch of the second ship in our pioneering Nova-class,” said Barbara Muckermann, President of Silversea, in a press release statement. “We received such incredibly strong feedback on Silver Nova from guests, travel advisors and members of the press following her launch in August 2023. Sustaining the wave of innovation that is driving our success, the launch of Silver Ray will strengthen Royal Caribbean Group’s unwavering commitment to delivering a lifetime of vacations for guests, with its industry-leading global brands.”
With the float out complete, the focus shifts to the final touches and sea trials, ensuring that the Silver Ray is not just a magnificent vessel but a testament to sustainable and responsible cruising.
Silver Ray is Gorgeous, Sustainable
The Nova-class ships stand out for their environmental stewardship, boasting energy efficiency levels 40 percent above the required standards. On board, the fusion of luxury and innovation is palpable, from bespoke wellness experiences in the Otium spa to the culinary adventures awaiting at the S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table, surrounded by nearly 43,000 sq. ft. of glass that dissolve the boundaries between guests and the majestic seas they sail.
Before she welcomes her first guests, Silver Ray will navigate the narrow passages of the Ems River to the North Sea, a journey as unique as the ship itself due to the narrowness of the waterway. She’ll spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean, before crossing the Atlantic in December.
