Dutch shipbuilder Shipyard De Hoop has launched the construction of a new expedition cruise vessel for cruise company Silversea Cruises.
The shipbuilder held a steel cutting ceremony for the new 100-guest ship, to be named Silver Origin, on October 8, 2018.
The vessel is scheduled to join its owner in March 2020. Once delivered, Silver Origin would be deployed to serve the Galapagos Islands itinerary currently sailed by Silver Galapagos.
The ultra-luxury and expedition cruise company unveiled the order earlier this week. Separately, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft to build two new vessels in a new Evolution Class. The first of these is expected to join its owner in 2022.
“There is tremendous potential in the ultra-luxury and expedition markets of the cruise industry, and we believe discerning travelers will embrace the exciting designs Silversea is imagining for them,” said Richard D. Fain , Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, which finalized its two-thirds acquisition of Silversea earlier this year .