Silversea lays keel of new luxury ship Silver Ray at Meyer Werft shipyard

Silversea Cruises and Meyer Werft have celebrated the keel laying of the second Nova-class ship, Silver Ray, on March 23rd, 2023.

The keel laying marks the start of a ship’s assembly and comes after the steel cutting, which marked the start of construction.

The ship’s pre-built blocks will now be assembled in dry-dock and welded together to form the hull and superstructure.

The ceremony took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, attended by executives from both Meyer Werft and Silversea.

“Anticipation is building for the introduction of our pioneering Nova class ships, with Silver Nova set to join the fleet this summer,” said Barbara Muckermann, President & CEO, Silversea Cruises. “In addition to being two of the most sustainable cruise ships ever launched, the Nova class ships will introduce an asymmetrical design and a horizontal layout for the first time in our cruise line’s history, as well as all-new public venues that are among the most spacious at sea.”

“Silver Nova and Silver Ray represent important milestones on Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to achieving a net zero newbuild, and I thank the entire team at Meyer Werft, as well as those involved at Royal Caribbean Group and Silversea, for their invaluable collaboration,” she added.

Muckermann and Jan Meyer, Managing Director of Meyer Werft together placed specially commissioned coins under the ship’s keel in order to bring the vessel good luck during her construction.

“I am sure that the ultra-luxury ship will be able to meet the high demands of her guests and will inspire them with her innovative design,” said Meyer.

Silver Ray is expected to launch in the summer of 2024, joining her sister ship, Silver Nova as Silversea’s second Nova-class vessel. These ships will be the first in the Silversea fleet to feature all-balcony cabins, with the largest choice of suites, including the new 270-degree view Otium Suite measuring 1,323 square feet and with a 431 square-foot balcony.

The Nova class will have eight restaurants and include the line’s S.A.L.T. culinary program that showcases the food and wine of destinations visited. They will also be Silversea’s first horizontally-designed ships.

All current Silversea vessels have the public rooms located aft, with the cabins forward. Aboard most cruise ships, cabin and public areas are spaced throughout the length of the ship, and this will be the case aboard Silver Nova and Silver Ray.