Silversea receives Silver Moon
Silversea Cruises has taken delivery of Silver Moon from Fincantieri, the third ship to be built for the ultra-luxury line by the Italian shipyard, and the ninth ship in the expanding Silversea fleet.
Silver Moon was delivered the day before Halloween in a ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard that observed social distancing requirements, underscoring the unique nature of the event amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Silversea is one of a handful of cruise lines to have taken delivery of ships during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Celebrity Cruises with Celebrity Apex, Saga Cruises with Spirit of Adventure, and P&O Cruises with Iona.Silversea also took delivery of its new expedition cruise ship Silver Origin from the De Hoop Shipyard earlier this year.More than 1,000 craftsmen and engineers were involved in the build of Silver Moon, a feat of organization and professionalism during the pandemic that was highlighted by Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, who joined the ceremony via video feed. “I congratulate all those involved in the build of Silver Moon; it is a proud moment for everybody at Silversea Cruises, the Royal Caribbean Group, and Fincantieri,” he said. “This beautiful ship represents the resilience of the global cruise industry and it is encouraging to see such innovation and progress in this challenging period.”
Silversea Cruises was acquired by Royal Caribbean in 2018, giving it the cash injection needed for its current fleet expansion program. In 2020, the line was bought outright by Royal Caribbean. “I have long said that Silversea Cruises is the jewel in the crown of the Royal Caribbean Group and I am today reminded of the cruise line’s quality,” Fein added. “Silver Moon represents the pinnacle of luxury travel; I look forward to welcoming our guests aboard in the near future.”
Debuting aboard Silver Moon is the innovative new culinary enrichment programme S.A.L.T., an acronym of Sea and Land Taste, which will enable guests to experience a range of destination-focused cuisines.
The S.A.L.T. program will involve three new dining venues on Deck 4, forming a hub of culinary choices.The S.A.L.T. kitchen will be the third-largest of the eight dining venues available aboard the ship – the first large-scale regional restaurant aboard a luxury cruise ship, offering a menu that changes with the destination and a regionally inspired wine list.S.A.L.T. Lab is a test kitchen that enables guests to learn about local ingredients and artisanal techniques, through insightful workshops, tastings, and demonstrations.S.A.L.T. Bar allows guests to sample the most authentic flavours of the destination, through a large selection of regional wines, spirits, and other drinks.The 40,700 gross ton ship will carry a maximum of 596 guests and channels the design and atmosphere of her sister ship Silver Muse, combining small-ship intimacy with spacious all-suite accommodations. A number of public spaces have been reimagined aboard Silver Moon.
Silversea’s signature French restaurant, La Dame, has been redesigned and enlarged to accommodate 56 guests, with the option to dine outdoors. Bespoke Lalique crystal panels have been incorporated into the restaurant’s design to enrich the space’s aesthetic. The Atlantide restaurant has been enlarged and enriched to accommodate up to 220 guests, while the minimalist, yet sophisticated design of Kaiseki takes inspiration from the best sushi restaurants in the world.
The Dolce Vita lounge has a new layout with the bar repositioned to the centre of the venue. Dolce Vita will welcome guests as both a sophisticated bar during the daytime and as an enchanting piano bar by night. The Connoisseur’s Corner now features a new Wintergarden area, creating a sheltered and inviting area outdoors. In the Connoisseur’s Corner, guests will enjoy a selection of cigars and premium liquors in a sophisticated atmosphere.