SilverSea announces its return to service in the Galรกpagos with enhanced itineraries aboard new ship Silver Origin

SilverSea ยฉ

The two newest ships in Silverseaโ€™s fleetโ€”Silver Origin and Silver Moonโ€”will lead the cruise lineโ€™s healthy return to service from June 2021.

Silversea Cruises today announced its long-awaited return to service in the Galรกpagos Islands aboard new ship Silver Origin, which arrived in San Cristรณbal on 30 April. With Silver Origin departing on her inaugural season from 19 June, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line will welcome guests on all-new itineraries, which have been enriched to take guests deeper into the archipelago, and to increase the quality and frequency of experiences on offer.

Full vaccinations will be mandatory for guests and crew embarking Silver Origin from 19 June, forming part of a comprehensive, multi-layered set of science-backed protocols that will help to safeguard the health and safety of guests, crew, and visited communities.

Roberto Martinoli, Silverseaโ€™s President and CEO said :

โ€œHaving 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. We extend our sincerest gratitude to the Ecuadorian Government and the Galรกpagos 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 lineโ€™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 travellers with such unique natural beauty as the Galรกpagos Islands.โ€

Fernando Delgado, Vice President and General Manager of Silversea Cruises Ecuador said:

โ€œOur two new itineraries have been thoughtfully crafted by our destination experts to optimise the cruise experience in this extraordinary part of the world, providing more opportunities for guests to admire the archipelagoโ€™s iconic wildlife species, including the Galรกpagos Penguin, green sea turtles, endemic land and marine iguanas, whitetip reef sharks, Galรกpagos sea lions, and many remarkable bird species. 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, travellers will enjoy the most iconic experiences on offer with unprecedented insight and access. We thank the Ecuadorian Government and the Galรกpagos Government Council for their continued support and we look forward to inspiring our guests to safeguard this magical destination for generations to come.โ€

ENRICHED ITINERARIES

Silver Origin will sail on two alternating itineraries that incorporate five maiden calls, including the beautiful island of Santa Fe. Each itinerary will include calls in the iconic islands of Fernandina and Isabelaโ€”regularly described as the regionโ€™s must-visit destinationsโ€”and will each include enriched programmes ashore.Sample itineraries include:

  • WESTERN ITINERARY โ€“ San Cristรณbal to Baltra

On the Western itinerary, Silver Origin will depart from San Cristรณbal, calling at Kicker Rock, Isla Bartolomรฉ, 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 Bahรญa Borrero (Santa Cruz), before arriving in Baltra. This varied itinerary showcases the geographical diversity of the Galรกpagos 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 Galรกpagosโ€™ rich variety of wildlife, as well as its volcanic landscapes, while learning about the regionโ€™s history of whalers and pirates. Each experience will nurture a connection with the destination, fostering a deep appreciation for the majesty of nature here.

  • NORTH-CENTRAL ITINERARY โ€“ Baltra to San Cristรณbal

On the North-Central itinerary, Silver Origin will depart from Baltra, before calling in Daphne Major, Prince Philipโ€™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 Fรฉ, Gardner Bay (Espaรฑola), Punta Suarez (Espaรฑola), Rodriguez Breeding Centre (San Cristรณbal), and Cerro Brujo (San Cristรณbal), ahead of arriving in San Cristรณbal. 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 iconic Galรกpagos Penguins in Isabela, but will also have the opportunity to discover the โ€˜bird islandsโ€™ of Genovesa and Espanola, as well as the brand-new destination of Santa Fรฉ islandโ€”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.

SILVER ORIGIN

Integrating the latest state-of-the-art technology and designed with a focus on the pillars of sustainability, destination on board, expedition experience, authentic local culture, and comfort and service, the all-suite, all-balcony, 100-guest Silver Origin will welcome travellers year-round in the unique Galรกpagos Archipelago. The ship will provide guests with the ultimate destination experience, inspired by Silverseaโ€™s accrued expertise and founded on a deep respect for the fragility of the natural environment, while maintaining the cruise lineโ€™s trademark quality of service.

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE ALL-INCLUSIVE OFFERING IN THE GALรPAGOS 

Silverseaโ€™s all-inclusive offering is the most comprehensive in the Galรกpagos Archipelago. Included as standard are: 

  • International roundtrip flights*          
  • Roundtrip flight between Ecuador and the Galรกpagos
  • 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
  • Highly-qualified 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, snorkelling mask, and snorkel    
  • Complimentary use of wetsuits and snorkelling 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 Wi-Fi  

Silversea will continue to work closely with relevant governing bodies and health authorities to evolve its health and safety procedures, as new health recommendations are issued and as the fluid situation advances.  

Travel to the Galรกpagos Islands for UK guests will be dependent on developing UK Government travel advice.  

View all Silversea voyages in the Galรกpagos: https://www.silversea.com/destinations/galapagos-islands-cruise.html

Read related content on Silverseaโ€™s travel blog, Discoverhttps://discover.silversea.com/category/destinations/galapagos/ 

Find out more information about Silverseaโ€™s health and safety protocols:
https://www.silversea.com/lp-silversea-hrts-consumer.html 

Silverseaโ€™s โ€˜Cruise with Confidenceโ€™ programme and its COVID-19 protections enable guests to book with full peace of mind. Find out more information:
https://www.silversea.com/temporary-amendment-to-cancellation-policy.html 

Please note: All itineraries are subject to change based on a variety of external factors. Please refer to https://www.silversea.com/health-and-travel-notice.html for the latest health and travel advisories pertaining to cruise travel. 

*Except in some countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America. A non-use credit will be offered, should guests book their air independently. 

** Depending on the flight schedule of Silverseaโ€™s air programme.

About Silversea
Part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises is recognised as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit, Silver Muse and Silver Moon โ€“ all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Origin, Silver Explorer, and Silver Cloud, Silversea’s itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galรกpagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of three new ultra-luxury ships: Silver Dawn and two Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea’s blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.

Leave a comment