Silversea Cruises

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Luxury cruise line

title: "Silversea Cruises" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["cruise-lines", "transport-companies-established-in-1994", "brands-of-monaco", "1994-establishments-in-europe", "2020-mergers-and-acquisitions"] description: "Luxury cruise line" topic_path: "sports" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silversea_Cruises" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Luxury cruise line ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox company"]

FieldValue
nameSilversea
logoSilversea.png
logo_size240px
typeSubsidiary
foundationin Monaco
founderAntonio Lefebvre d'Ovidio
locationFontvieille, Monaco
(Executive Offices)
Miami, Florida, U.S.
(Operations Offices)

| | key_people | Bert Hernandez (President) | | area_served | Worldwide | | industry | {{Unbulleted list | | products | Cruises | | parent | Royal Caribbean Group | | homepage | | ::

| name = Silversea | logo = Silversea.png | logo_size = 240px | image = | image_size = | image_alt = | image_caption = | type = Subsidiary | foundation = in Monaco | founder = Antonio Lefebvre d'Ovidio | location = Fontvieille, Monaco (Executive Offices) Miami, Florida, U.S. (Operations Offices)

| key_people = Bert Hernandez (President) | area_served = Worldwide | industry = {{Unbulleted list | Cruises | Hospitality | Travel | Tourism | products = Cruises | revenue = | operating_income = | net_income = | num_employees = | parent = Royal Caribbean Group | subsid = | homepage = | footnotes =

Silversea is a luxury cruise line and expedition travel brand headquartered in Monaco. Founded in 1994 by the Vlasov Group of Monaco and the Lefebvre family of Rome, it pioneered all-inclusive cruising with its first ship, Silver Cloud. Since July 2020, it has been owned by Royal Caribbean Group.

History

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/Silver_Cloud-1.jpg" caption="Silver Cloud]]'', Silversea's first ship"] ::

Founding

Silversea was founded in 1994 by a joint venture between V-Ships (previously known as Vlasov Group) of Monaco and Antonio Lefebvre d'Ovidio of Rome. The joint owners had previously been the co-owners of Sitmar Cruises.

As a marketing strategy the new line introduced all-inclusive fares including gratuities, beverages, port charges, travel insurance, and some complimentary shore excursions. As about 80 percent of Silversea's customers were expected to come from North America, the line established a sales office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The first president of Silversea would be John Bland, former president of Sitmar Cruises. The majority of the first office staff had worked together at Sitmar Cruises.

Silversea's first ship, , which entered service in April 1994, was followed in January 1995 by a sister ship, . In September 2000, the line launched and in January 2001. Both of these ships were enlarged versions of the original two ships, carrying about 100 more passengers. ::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Silver_whisper_2016_in_Zeebrugge.jpg" caption="''[[Silver Whisper]]'', part of the second generation of new builds"] ::

In June 2001, Silversea announced that Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio would become chairman of Silversea, assuming the position from his brother Francesco Lefebvre d’Ovidio.

Expedition division

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/Silver_Explorer_(ship,_1989)_004.jpg" caption="''Silver Explorer'', Silversea's first expedition ship"] ::

In 2007, Silversea announced they would be starting an expedition division with the acquisition of the 144 passenger former World Discoverer. Silversea hired expedition guide Conrad Combrink with a mandate to create a luxury expedition product, something that did not yet exist in the cruise industry. The purchased ship was renamed Prince Albert II (now Silver Explorer) and christened by Prince Albert II of Monaco.

In December 2009, Silversea launched Silver Spirit, the first in a new class of ships.

On 18 June 2012, Silversea acquired Canodros S.A., an Ecuadorian tourism company that operated in the Galápagos Islands. The purchase of the line also included the former Renaissance ship Galapagos Explorer II. She was subsequently moved into the "Silversea Expeditions" brand along with Silver Explorer. Silver Galapagos entered service in September 2013.

On 10 September 2013, Silversea confirmed that it would be adding a third vessel to the "Silversea Expeditions" brand, Silver Discoverer, formerly sailing as for Zegrahm Expeditions. Silver Discoverer was christened in Singapore in March 2014 and set sail on her inaugural voyage along Australia's Kimberley Coast on 2 April 2014.

Trio of newbuilds

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Croisière_SILVER_DAWN_au_port.jpg" caption="''Silver Dawn,'' final ship of the Muse-class with new grey hull livery"] ::

Fincantieri delivered the fleet's ninth ship, Silver Muse to Silversea on 2 April 2017, at its Sestri Ponente shipyard. Silver Muses debut cruise set sail on 10 April 2017, in the Mediterranean Sea. That same year, Silversea announced an order for Silver Moon, a sister ship to Silver Muse, to be built by Fincantieri and delivered in 2020. In May 2018, Silversea announced an order for Silver Dawn, another sister ship of Silver Muse, delivered by Fincantieri in 2021.

Acquired by Royal Caribbean

On 14 June 2018, Royal Caribbean purchased a majority stake in Silversea for approximately $1 billion from Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, son of cofounder Antonio Lefebvre d'Ovidio, and who had become the sole owner of the cruise line. The transaction was completed in July 2018. Following the announcement, Silversea ordered three new ships: two Evolution-class vessels to be built by Meyer Werft to be delivered beginning 2022 and one expedition vessel from Shipyard De Hoop to be delivered in March 2020.

In July 2020, Royal Caribbean Group acquired the remaining shares of Silversea from Heritage Cruise Holding in exchange for 5.2 million shares of Royal Caribbean Group stock. Silversea also took delivery of the new expedition ship the Silver Origin, built for their expedition fleet in the Galapagos Islands. This was the first new ship to be designed and completed under the new Royal Caribbean Group management.

On 14 June 2022, early reports came out that Silversea was very interested in purchasing from the defunct Crystal Cruises brand, with records of the trademarked name Silver Endeavor being filled. However, it was further reported on 28 June, that both The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and the former owners of Silversea, Heritage Cruise Holding (who recently purchased the two Crystal ships and the entire brand) were still interested in purchasing the vessel as well. Silversea's purchase was confirmed in July 2022, with a purchase price of $275 million, and the ship being renamed Silver Endeavor.

In December 2022, Barbara Muckerman replaced Roberto Martinoli as Silversea President and CEO.

Evolution class

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/Silver_nova.jpg" caption="Silver Nova}}, part of the new next generation Evolution class"] ::

In July 2023, Silversea took delivery of their twelfth ship, , part of the new Evolution class of vessel, and innovative asymmetrical design, and the largest ship for the line. The ship was named on 4 January 2024, which also kicked off Silversea's 30th anniversary year. The second ship, Silver Ray, entered service in 2024.

On 12 April 2024, it was announced that Bert Herndez replaced Barbara Muckermann as president of Silversea Cruises.

On 14 May 2024, Silversea took delivery of the second Evolution-class ship, Silver Ray, in Eemshaven, Netherlands, two days earlier than planned, with a maiden voyage scheduled for 15 June from Lisbon, Portugal.

Leadership

Silversea was solely owned and led by the Lefebvre d’Ovidio family until 2018, and fully bought out by Royal Caribbean Group in 2020. The cruise line has had 8 presidents in its 30-year history: ::data[format=table title=""]

PresidentYearsShips Introduced
John Bland1992–1995Silver Cloud, Silver Wind
Bill Smith1995–2001Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper
date=12 June 2001title=Silversea Cruises Appoints Albert Peter As CEOurl=https://www.marinelink.com/news/silversea-appoints304702
Amerigo Perasso2007–2010Silver Spirit
Enzo Visone2010–2016Silver Discoverer, Silver Galapagos, Silver Muse
Roberto Martinoli2016–2022Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, Silver Origin
Barbara Muckermann2022–2024Silver Endeavour, Silver Nova
Bert Hernadez2024–presentSilver Ray
::

Fleet

Current fleet

The table lists the current fleet of ships operated by Silversea Cruises. ::data[format=table] | Ship | Built | Builder | In service for Silversea | Passengers | Gross tonnage | Flag | Christened by | Notes | Image | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | {{ship | Silver Cloud|ship|2}} | 1994 | Francisco Visentini (hull) T. Mariotti (completion) | 1994–present | 254 | 17,400 | Bahamas | Eugenia Beck Lefebvre D'Ovidio | Transferred to expedition service in 2017 | | {{ship | Silver Wind}} | 1995 | Francisco Visentini (hull) T. Mariotti (completion) | 1995– present | 274 | 17,400 | Bahamas | Patrizia Lefebvre D'Ovidio | Transferred to expedition service in 2021 | | {{ship | Silver Shadow|ship|2}} | 2000 | Francisco Visentini (hull) T. Mariotti (completion) | 2000–present | 392 | 28,258 | Bahamas | Janet Burke (Silversea VP) | | | {{ship | Silver Whisper}} | 2001 | Francisco Visentini (hull) T. Mariotti (completion) | 2001–present | 392 | 28,258 | Bahamas | Marzia Lefebvre D'Ovidio(chairmans wife) | | | {{ship | Silver Spirit|ship|2}} | 2009 | Fincantieri, Italy | 2009–present | 608 | 39,519 | Bahamas | Silvia Lefebvre D'Ovidio (chairmans sister) | Originally 36,000 tons. Lengthened in March 2018. | | {{ship | Silver Muse}} | 2017 | Fincantieri, Italy | 2017–present | 596 | 40,791 | Bahamas | Costanza Lefebvre d'Ovidio(chairmans daughter) | | | Silver Moon | 2020 | Fincantieri, Italy | 2020–present | 596 | 40,844 | Bahamas | Gaia Gaja(Italian winemaker) | Sister ship to Silver Muse keel laid on 15 February 2019 | [[File:Silver Moon moored at Pier 26 in Port of Tallinn 27 August 2022.jpg|frameless]] | | Silver Origin | 2020 | Shipyard De Hoop, Netherlands | 2020 –present | 100 | 6,365 | Ecuador | Johanna Carrión (Galápagos conservationist) | First purpose built expedition ship for Silversea | [[File:Silver Origin.jpg|frameless]] | | Silver Dawn | 2021 | Fincantieri, Italy | 2021–present | 596 | 40,855 | Bahamas | Nilou Motamed (Food & Travel writer/personality ) | Sister ship to Silver Moon | [[File:Silver Dawn IMO 9857937 P Sorrento 20-04-2022 (2).jpg|frameless|198x198px]] | | Silver Endeavour | 2021 | MV Werften Stralsund, Germany | 2022–present | 220 | 20,649 | Bahamas | Felicity Aston (British adventurer/climate scientist) | Previously Crystal Endeavor | [[File:Silver Endeavour - Gerlache Strait - Antarctica - V-P.jpg|frameless]] | | {{ship | Silver Nova}} | 2023 | Meyer Werft, Germany | 2023–present | 728 | 55,051 | Bahamas | Nina Compton | Largest ship built for Silversea | | Silver Ray | 2024 | Meyer Werft, Germany | 2024–present | 728 | 55,051 | Bahamas | Maria Josefina Olascoaga (ocean scientist) | Sister ship to Silver Nova | | ::

Former fleet

::data[format=table] | Ship | Built | Builder | In service for Silversea | Gross tonnage | Flag | Notes | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | {{ship | Silver Explorer}} | 1989 | Rauma-Repola | 2008–2023 | 6,072 | Bahamas | | Silver Discoverer | 1989 | NKK Tsu Works - Tsu, Japan | 2014–2019 | 5,218 | Bahamas | | | Silver Galapagos | 1990 | Cantieri Navale Ferrari-Signani | 2013–2021 | 4,200 | Ecuador | | ::

References

References

  1. "New CEO at Silversea - Cruise Industry News {{!}} Cruise News".
  2. (9 August 2022). "Silversea Elevates Expedition Cruising; Behind the Scenes with Silver Wind and Silver Cloud".
  3. Lawrey, Katherine. (31 January 2020). "The world's best job? Meet the man who's been to 150 countries, and Antarctica 67 times". The Telegraph.
  4. "SILVERSEA EXPEDITIONS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF PIONEERING EXPLORATION AND DESTINATION LEADERSHIP".
  5. (18 June 2012). "Silversea Acquires Canodros - Galapagos Cruise Line with One Ship". cruiseindustrynews.com.
  6. "Silver Galapagos". cruisemapper.com.
  7. (10 September 2013). "Silversea Adds Another Expedition Ship". cruiseindustrynews.com.
  8. (2 April 2014). "Silversea's Silver Discoverer Embarks on Inaugural Voyage". silversea.com.
  9. (2 April 2017). "Fincantieri Sestri Ponente the launch of the ultra-luxury ship Silver Muse". Genova 24.
  10. "SILVERSEA CRUISES ANNOUNCES A NEW SISTER SHIP TO BE BUILT BY FINCANTIERI {{!}} Silversea".
  11. (14 June 2018). "Royal Caribbean Cruises Acquires Major Stake in Silversea".
  12. (14 June 2018). "Mixed reactions as Royal Caribbean buys controlling stake in Silversea -".
  13. (31 July 2018). "Royal Caribbean completes acquisition of Silversea Cruises shares". Royal Caribbean Group.
  14. Lane, Lea. "Silversea Cruises, Now Part Of Royal Caribbean, To Build 3 New Ultra-Luxury And Expedition Ships".
  15. "Royal Caribbean Group Acquires Remaining Interest in Silversea - Cruise Industry News".
  16. MarketScreener. (2020-07-10). "Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. acquired remaining 33.33% stake in Silversea Cruise Holding Ltd. for approximately $250 million. -July 09, 2020 {{!}} MarketScreener".
  17. "Silversea Welcomes Silver Origin to its Fleet - 80847".
  18. (28 June 2022). "Ritz-Carlton and Crystal Cruises still interested in Crystal Endeavor".
  19. . (18 July 2022). ["Silversea Acquires Former Crystal Endeavor for $275 Million"](https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/27863-silversea-acquires-former-crystal-endeavor-for-275-million.html).
  20. "Patience, persuasiveness led to RCCL's $1B deal for Silversea".
  21. (21 July 2023). "Meyer Werft Delivers Silver Nova to Silversea".
  22. "Silversea Officially Names Silver Nova in Fort Lauderdale, Announcing Chief Nina Compton as Godmother". Silversea Cruises.
  23. "Silversea Cruises {{!}} Ultra Luxury Class".
  24. (17 April 2024). "Neues Kreuzfahrtschiff der Meyer Werft soll Sonntag überführt werden".
  25. "Bert Hernandez Named Brand President of Silversea". Royal Caribbean Group.
  26. Assies, Christoph. (14 May 2024). "Papenburger Meyer Werft liefert "Silver Ray" früher ab als geplant". Noz.
  27. (14 May 2024). "Meyer Werft delivers Silver Ray to Silversea Cruises".
  28. "Silversea Cruises - Why".
  29. (13 December 2001). "Silversea’s President Steps Down".
  30. (12 June 2001). "Silversea Cruises Appoints Albert Peter As CEO".
  31. "Amerigo Perasso Steps Down as President & CEO of Silversea - Cruise Industry News {{!}} Cruise News".
  32. "Silversea Appoints Enzo Visone as Executive Chairman of the Board - Cruise Industry News {{!}} Cruise News".
  33. "Roberto Martinoli Named Chief Executive Officer of Silversea - Cruise Industry News {{!}} Cruise News".
  34. "Barbara Muckermann succeeds Roberto Martinoli a Silversea Cruises helm".
  35. "Barbara Muckermann Named President of Silver Seas".
  36. "Bert Hernandez Named Brand President of Silversea". Royal Caribbean Group.
  37. "Silversea Cruises: Fleet".
  38. Peisley, Tony. (2004). "Silversea Cruises: The First Ten Years: 1994-2004". Silversea Cruises, Inc., (1 January 2004).
  39. . (18 September 2015). ["Silver Cloud to Join Expedition Fleet for Silversea"](https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/13044-silver-cloud-to-join-expedition-fleet-for-silversea.html).
  40. Oseid, John. "Silversea Adds New Expedition Ships To Its Luxury Fleet". Forbes.
  41. "Inspirational 'godmother' christens Silversea ship".
  42. (18 June 2001). "Silver Whisper Is Christened In Genoa, Italy".
  43. (28 January 2010). "Silversea Christens Silver Spirit".
  44. "Silver Muse Christened By Silversea Chairman's Daughter in Monaco".
  45. "Silversea' Silver Moon christened in Greece".
  46. (15 February 2019). "Dry Dock Works Start in Ancona on "Silver Moon"".
  47. (5 June 2020). "Silversea Takes Delivery of Silver Origin".
  48. "Silversea Christens Silver Origin® In The Galápagos Islands".
  49. "Silver Dawn Christened in Lisbon - Cruise Industry News {{!}} Cruise News".
  50. "Silversea Names Felicity Aston As Godmother of Silver Endeavour".
  51. (21 July 2023). "MEYER WERFT hands over Silver Nova".
  52. (2 December 2021). "Silversea Begins Construction On 2023 Newbuild, Silver Nova".
  53. "Silversea Officially Names Silver Ray".
  54. (31 January 2022). "Silver Explorer to Sail for New Cruise Line Exploris from 2023".
  55. Brown, Carolyn Spencer. (20 November 2022). "What's New About Silversea's Silver Endeavour?".
  56. Boonzaier (j_boonzaier), Jonathan. (25 January 2021). "Royal Caribbean sells off two Ecuadorian-flagged expedition cruiseships {{!}} TradeWinds".
  57. (3 October 1993). "Four New Lines Set Sail for 'Niche' Markets". [[Los Angeles Times]].
  58. Cruz, Georgina. (17 April 1994). "Sitmar's 'Silver Cloud'". [[Sun-Sentinel]].
  59. Stieghorst, Tom. (30 January 1995). "Luxury Cruise Line Testing New Water". Sun-Sentinel.
  60. Hutcheon, Helen. (3 November 2013). "The fab four". [[The Australian]].

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