First Look: 8 Reasons Silver Origin Is the Best Cruise Ship in the Galapagos
Silver Origin carries up to 100 cruisers for luxury voyages in the Galapagos.
Luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises has marked the next step toward the launch of its first destination-specific ship. The cruise company has taken delivery of Silver Origin, a 100-passenger ship that will offer year-round luxury expeditions in the Galapagos.
Silver Origin integrates state-of-the-art technology and distinct comforts to give travelers an unforgettable way to visit the archipelago known for its abundance of amazing wildlife.
The ship also offers a focus on sustainability and cultural immersion alongside the comfort and service. The new Silversea vessel features all-suite, all-balcony accommodations for its cruisers. Let's take a look at the top features for Silversea's Silver Origin, an expedition ship that offers luxury adventures in one of the most pristine and sought-after destinations in the world.
1. The Marina
This is a key feature, as most of your activity in the Galapagos involves getting to the water. The Marina has been designed to offer travelers an unprecedented arrival/disembarkation experience. Connected to the Basecamp, the Zodiac embarkation area features large comfortable couches, as well as showers so you can rinse gear. Racks are available to conveniently store wetsuits and other equipment, and an innovative fold-out stern is part of the facility that can accommodate two Zodiacs at the same time. A large garage area with hydraulic doors, hatches and cranes is located between Decks 2 and 3 to store six of the ship's eight Zodiacs; two will be stored on the bow.
2. Basecamp for Adventure
Basecamp is one of Silver Origin's most innovative spaces, designed especially to bring the destination onboard. Sitting in the heart of the ship, Basecamp will host educational activities so that you can interact with Silversea's team of expert guides — all permanent residents of the Galapagos and certified by the Galapagos National Park — to learn more about the wildlife, landscapes and captivating history of the Galapagos Islands.
Basecamp's focal point is a large interactive digital wall. The interactive program will change according to the itinerary and offer access to informative destination-related content, including historical pictures provided by the Royal Geographical Society of London, videos with exclusive aerial and underwater shots, excursion previews and scientific presentations. The Expedition Team will use the LED wall to introduce passengers to the wonders of the Galapagos before they embark on Zodiac and kayak excursions.
3. The Explorer Lounge
An inviting place to enjoy a cocktail and read a book from the curated library, the spacious Explorer Lounge offers elegant decor fitting of an ultra-luxury vessel. The space doubles as a state-of-the-art lecture room and is designed to host daily lectures and briefings, as well as live piano performances. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow for brilliant views, and a large video wall with AV technology and wide HD screens will be used for enrichment programming. Outside, a beautiful terrace with comfortable sofas and armchairs, including a round central sofa with a fire pit, offers the perfect spot to unwind while enjoying a cocktail with new friends.
4. The Restaurant and The Grill
As part of Silversea’s new S.A.L.T. program, Silver Origin features an immersive culinary philosophy, centered upon regionally grown ingredients, Ecuadorian cuisine and a farm-to-table approach. Local cuisine will strengthen travelers' connections with the culture, landscapes and people of the Galapagos and Ecuador. The Restaurant on Deck 4 (capacity: 120) and The Grill on Deck 7 (capacity: 100) give passengers two choices for their dining experiences. Silversea's Hot Rocks concept (hot stone at-table cooking) will be tailored with an Ecuadorian twist at The Grill, where an advanced sheltering system will protect diners from the wind and allow for maximum comfort.
5. The Observation Lounge
Located at the front of the ship, the Observation Lounge offers an elegant hideaway with incredible panoramic views thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. After a long day spent exploring the Galapagos Archipelago, you can relax in the Observation Lounge and enjoy the sunset while engaging in conversation and recapping your day's adventures.
6. The Spa and Fitness Center
The ship's gym features an ample array of Technogym equipment, and you get peaceful views of the destination while you work out through floor-to-ceiling windows. The spa, with a dedicated treatment room for therapies and massages, is the ideal place to relax after a day of exploration on the islands. The full-service Beauty Salon has a menu of treatments, including hairdressing and manicure/pedicure.
7. Super Staterooms
Silver Origin's suites are among the most spacious and comfortable in the Galapagos, according to Silversea. The Owner's Suite, for example, measures 1,722 square feet and has a large balcony. This is the only ship in the archipelago to offer butler service for all suites. Passengers will enjoy the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the region (at nearly 1 to 1) for unparalleled levels of personalized comfort. All suites benefit from full room automation, which allows you to control room conditions with the touch of a button.
All suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony, while select suites feature the innovate Horizon Balcony, which converts to a floor-to-ceiling window at the touch of a button. Most upper suites incorporate an ocean-view bathtub and shower, some of which are accessible from the balcony.
8. Cruising with a Purpose
Additionally, Silversea Cruises has launched the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos — a dedicated fund that supports educational projects for the sustainability of the Galapagos Islands. By supporting a diverse selection of projects, the Silversea Fund will strengthen the balance between humans and nature in the Galapagos, as part of a long-term conservation strategy. Donors to the fund will enjoy savings on Silversea voyages, as the cruise line will match contributions in the form of a Future Cruise Credit.
This ship looks like a spectacular option to explore this place in a delightful way.
Update: Since the ship has launched, we sailed on our very first visit to the amazing Galapagos. Check out our cruise to the Galapagos with Silversea.
Thanks for reading,
JR