Silversea Cruises celebrated its newest ship, Silver Origin, during an expedition-inspired ceremony in San Cristobal, the Galápagos Islands. Guests took to the water on Silver Origin’s Zodiacs, raising a toast as the line officially welcomed the ship to its fleet of 10. Following this, Johanna Carrión, conservationist and permanent resident of the Galápagos Islands, was appointed as the ship’s godmother.
A bagpipe performance initiated the intimate naming ceremony, which marked Jason Liberty’s first ship christening as the new president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. Liberty co-hosted the event with Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO, Silversea Cruises; Barbara Muckermann, chief commercial officer, Silversea Cruises; and Fernando Delgado, VP, Silversea Cruises Ecuador. Escorted by Captain Karin Chacon, Johanna Carrión made her first address to Silver Origin’s guests as the ship’s godmother, following which Bishop Patricio Bonilla blessed the vessel.
Raised in the Galápagos Islands and a permanent resident of the archipelago, Carrión is the executive director and CEO of the Scalesia Foundation—an educational foundation, supported by Silversea Cruises, that champions the long-term conservation of the Galápagos. She was chosen as the Silver Origin’s godmother owing to her commitment to sustainability and her passion for benefiting future generations with hands-on, conservation-focused education in the Galápagos.
“It is a great honor to be selected as the Godmother of Silver Origin,” says Carrión. “Silversea’s support for the Scalesia Foundation helps to safeguard the wellbeing of the Galápagos Islands for generations to come. I look forward to strengthening the collaboration between Silversea Cruises and the Scalesia Foundation, as we continue to foster long-term conservation through education on sustainability.”
With the long-term aim of safeguarding the Galápagos Islands’ fragile ecosystem for future generations, Silversea Cruises launched the Silversea Fund for the Galápagos to support a range of educational projects each year. Besides enriching regional conservation efforts and enhancing their connection with the destination, donors can enjoy savings on Silversea’s voyages, as the cruise line matches guests’ contributions in the form of a Future Cruise Credit.
Silversea’s first destination-specific ship, the 100-guest Silver Origin was built with the environment in mind to unlock immersive experiences for guests in the Galápagos Archipelago. 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 ship welcomes travelers year-round in the archipelago. The ship incorporates the latest technology, including a dynamic positioning system that protects the delicate seabed and an advanced propulsion system. All suites feature a freshwater purification system that significantly reduces the usage of plastic bottles. Silversea also offers reef-safe sunblock to guests.
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