Silversea Cruises and MEYER WERFT celebrated the keel laying of Silver Ray on March 23, hosting select Travel Advisors for a symbolic ceremonyat the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. An age-old shipbuilding tradition, the keel laying marks the start of a ship’s assembly. The second ship in Silversea’s pioneering Nova class, the 728-guest Silver Ray is expected to enter service in summer 2024, joining her sister ship, Silver Nova℠, as one of the most sustainable ships in her class.

Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s President and CEO, and Jan Meyer, Managing Director of MEYER WERFT, were among the attendees as a commemorative coin, bearing Silver Ray’s silhouette, was placed under a pre-assembled module—weighing 230 tonnes, and measuring approximately 47m by 8m (155ft by 27ft)—as a symbol of good luck. Attendees subsequently raised a glass to celebrate the important milestone.

“We were delighted to welcome select members of our valued trade community to the MEYER WERFT shipyard in Papenburg to witness this milestone in the build of Silver Ray—one of the first times that Travel Advisors have attended the keel laying of an ultra-luxury ship,” said Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “Anticipation is building for the introduction of our pioneering Nova class ships, with Silver Nova set to join the fleet this summer. In addition to being two of the most sustainable ultra-luxury 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.”

“The Nova class will set new standards on the way to net zero emissions cruising. We are therefore delighted to take another symbolic step in the construction of Silver Ray today with the keel laying. 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 Jan Meyer, Managing Director of MEYER WERFT.

Before Silver Ray’s official keel laying ceremony, attending guests were given a tour of Silver Nova, which nears completion at the MEYER WERFT shipyard and is set to join Silversea’s fleet this summer. A first for Silversea, both Nova class ships will incorporate an innovative asymmetrical design and a horizontal layout, with public spaces and suites spanning the entire length of each ship. Silver Nova and Silver Ray will enrich guests’ travels with an unprecedented openness to the destination.