Silversea Cruises has christened its new luxury explorer cruise ship Silver Origin during an expedition-inspired ceremony in San Cristobal, the Galápagos Islands.

The 100-guest Silver Origin was christened with bagpipes, a Royal Caribbean tradition, while guests took to the water on Silver Origin’s Zodiacs, raising a glass of champagne as the ship was welcomed into the fleet.

The ceremony marked Jason Liberty’s first ship christening as the new President & CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, which acquired Silversea Cruises in 2018.

Silver Origin was christened in the Galapagos Islands

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Johanna Carrión, conservationist and permanent resident of the Galápagos Islands, precided over the ceremony as the ship’s Godmother.

“Silver Origin is our strongest means to inspire travelers to safeguard the wellbeing of this beautiful archipelago for future generations,” said Roberto Martinoli, President & CEO, Silversea Cruises.

“I would like to thank Jason Liberty for joining us as we celebrate this momentous occasion and our colleagues at Royal Caribbean Group for their invaluable support,” he added. “We are honored to welcome Johanna Carrión to the extended family as the official Godmother of Silver Origin.”

“My heartfelt congratulations to the Silversea team on this milestone,” added Jason Liberty. “Silversea’s efforts to support long-term conservation here in the Galapagos Islands speak to our commitment to the environment. Our approach is built on the mantra that ‘respect for the oceans is not a choice, it’s a way of life.’”

During the christening, Silversea launched the Silversea Fund for the Galápagos to support a diverse selection of educational projects each year. The fund strengthens the balance between humans and nature in the Galápagos, as part of a long-term sustainability strategy.

Guests celebrated the christening of the ship from the Zodiacs

The Scalesia Foundation also receives support from Silversea Cruises. A recent donation from the cruise line will cover 50% of the scholarships for 30 students at the Tomas de Berlanga School, which, operated by the Scalesia Foundation, offers education to inhabitants of the Galápagos Islands.

Silver Origin is described as the first destination specific ship built by Silversea. She will homeport year-round in the Galapagos Island and features eight zodiac rafts and a host of sumptuous suites.

Staff and food are sourced from the Galapagos Islands or mainland Ecuador, and Silversea has invested heavily in a training regimen to recruit the best Ecuadorian talent. Cuisine is a blend of Ecuadorian, North American and international dishes served in the main Restaurant, and the Grill.

Several new concepts for Silversea have also been introduced aboard Silver Origin, such as the line’s first Horizon Balconies, with drop-down floor-to-ceiling window that create an in-suite balcony, and an ocean-view bathtub or shower in select cabin categories.