Silversea’s new ultra-luxury cruise ship, Silver Moon, has touched water for the first time at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Ancona, Italy.

The float out was marked by a traditional coin ceremony, held in the presence of top-level representatives from Silversea and Fincantieri, as well as select VIP guests.

“We are delighted to celebrate this milestone with our partner and expert shipbuilder Fincantieri,” said Roberto Martinoli, CEO, Silversea. “From 2020, Silver Moon will leverage the success of our beloved flagship, Silver Muse, to unlock immersive new travel experiences for our guests around the world.”

“With a range of pioneering new features that will push the boundaries of luxury travel, Silver Moon will be the most elegant ship in her class,” he added.

Silver Moon will be a sister ship to Silver Muse, which joined the Silversea fleet in 2017

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Fincantieri will now begin work on Silver Moon’s interior, bringing to life her public rooms and several hundred cabins.

Although she will have a similar aesthetic to Silversea’s Silver Muse, which has become extremely popular with the cruise line’s guests, many of Silver Moon’s public spaces will be enhanced, according to Silversea.

The Dolce Vita lounge, the Connoisseur’s Corner, the Pool Deck, and the Spa and Fitness Centre have each undergone comprehensive redesigns for the benefit of guests’ comfort and enjoyment.

Silver Moon’s Kaiseki restaurant has also been reimagined, as well as the ship’s La Dame restaurant, which will incorporate bespoke Lalique crystal panels.

Elsewhere, La Terrazza, Silver Note, Atlantide, the Arts Café, The Grill, Spaccanapoli, the Panorama Lounge, the Observation Library, the Venetian Lounge, and the Casino will each “welcome guests with atmospheres of whispered luxury”, which is Silversea’s way of saying she will be a subtle ship.

“With the float out of Silver Moon, we draw ever-closer to achieving my Father’s dream of a 12-ship fleet,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman, Silversea. “Silver Moon is one of five ships currently on order for our cruise line; I look forward to fulfilling my Father’s vision, and, with the support of Royal Caribbean Cruises, expanding the fleet further still in the future.”

Silver Moon has touched water for the first time and will now begin the fitting out phase

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“This celebration holds particular significance in the history of Silversea, as it occurs in the same year as our cruise line’s 25th anniversary,” he added.

Silver Moon will enter service in 2020 and will be joined by a third 596-guest ship, Silver Dawn, in 2021, according to the cruise ship orderbook.

SALT Bar aboard Silver Moon

Silver Moon will push the boundaries of ultra-luxury cruise travel with pioneering new concepts. One such example is S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), an innovative new culinary programme that will unlock immersive culinary experiences for guests.

Although in popular demand, suites are still available on Silver Moon’s maiden voyage between Trieste and Rome (Civitavecchia), departing August 6, 2020, according to Silversea.

She will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean, before crossing to the Americas in November.

After visiting various destinations in Central America and the Caribbean for guests – including Barbados, Antigua, and Puerto Rico, among others – Silver Moon will complete a circumnavigation of South America on the Grand South America 2021.

During the voyage between January 7 and March 17, 2021 she will visit 37 destinations in 20 countries.