Inside Silver Origin, the most elegant ship ever to sail the Galapagos

With the delivery of Silver Origin, luxury brand Silversea Cruises provides discerning travelers more opportunities to discover the beauty of the Galapagos Archipelago in environmentally friendly style and elegance.

In September 2013, Silversea became the first cruise line to launch an ultra-luxury ship in the Galapagos Archipelago. Today Silversea is introducing Silver Origin, the most elegant ship ever to sail the Galapagos.

Silversea has used its accumulated know-how to design a luxury ship with the lowest possible carbon footprint. State-of-the-art technology, a dynamic positioning system and an advanced propulsion system protect the delicate seabed. On board all suites feature a fresh water purification system that will significantly reduce plastic bottle usage.

The all-suite, all-balcony, 100-guest Silver Origin welcomes travellers year-round in the unique Galapagos Archipelago. The ship provides guests with the ultimate destination experience, inspired by Silversea’s accrued expertise and founded on a deep respect for the fragility of the natural environment, while maintaining the cruise line’s trademark quality of service.

THE MARINA: an exceptional arrival experience

As a key point of entry to the ship/destination, the Marina has been designed with great attention-to-detail to offer guests an unprecedented arrival/disembarkation experience. Connected to the Basecamp, the Zodiac embarkation area features large comfortable couches, as well as showers for guests to rinse their gear, racks to conveniently store wetsuits and other equipment, and an innovative fold-out stern with special boarding facilities that can accommodate two Zodiacs at the same time. With eight Zodiacs, Silver Origin has the highest Zodiac-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos.

BASECAMP: immersive discovery on board

Basecamp is one of Silver Origin’s most innovative spaces, designed especially to bring the destination on board. The heart of the ship, the 551m2 Basecamp will host educational activities in which guests will 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 rare wildlife, remarkable landscapes and captivating history of the Galapagos Islands, before and after excursions.

The centrepiece of Basecamp is a 624x162cm interactive digital wall -the largest interactive screen in the Galapagos – and control podium. Through this interactive programme, which will change according to the itinerary, guests will be able to access extraordinary 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 guests to the wonders of the Galapagos before they embark on Zodiac and kayak adventures to experience them first-hand.

THE EXPLORER LOUNGE: an elegant space to unwind

Offering an inviting space in which guests can relax, while enjoying a cocktail and a book from Silver Origin’s curated library, the 479m2 Explorer Lounge exudes the same elegance that characterises the other ships in Silversea’s ultra-luxury fleet. The space doubles as a state-of-the-art lecture room and will host daily lectures and briefings, as well as live piano performances. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the destination inside, while a large video wall with state-of-the-art AV technology and wide HD screens in different seating areas will optimise guests’ expedition experience. Outside, a beautiful terrace with comfortable sofas and armchairs, including a round central sofa with a fire pit, will offer guests the perfect spot in which to unwind with a drink before and after lectures.

THE RESTAURANT & THE GRILL: an immersive culinary philosophy

In-line with Silversea’s new S.A.L.T. programme, Silver Origin’s guests will benefit from a uniquely immersive culinary philosophy, centred upon regionally-grown ingredients, Ecuadorian cuisine, and a farm-to-table approach. Locally-inspired culinary experiences will strengthen travellers’ connections with the unique culture, landscapes and people of the Galapagos, as well as those of Ecuador. The Restaurant on Deck 4 (capacity 120) and the Grill on Deck 7 (capacity 100) will each be able to accommodate all guests at once, offering diners the luxury of choice. Silversea’s Hot Rocks concept will be tailored with an Ecuadorian twist at the Grill, where an advanced sheltering system will protect diners from the wind and low temperatures for maximum comfort.

OBSERVATION LOUNGE: a cosy hideaway

Located at the very front of the ship, the 75m2 Observation Lounge is one of the cosiest venues on board, offering an elegant hideaway with incredible views on the destination thanks to 180-degree floor-to-ceiling glass windows. After a long day spent exploring the Galapagos Archipelago, guests will find ultimate relaxation in the Observation Lounge, perhaps reading a book from the carefully selected library or just enjoying a vivid sunset.

SPA & FITNESS CENTRE: state-of-the-art relaxation

Silver Origin’s Fitness Centre features state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and offers guests outstanding views on the destination with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Spa, with a dedicated treatment room for therapies and massages, is the ideal place in which to relax after a day of exploration on the islands. The Beauty Salon will offer a wide array of services, including hairdressing and manicure/pedicure.

GUEST SUITES: among the most spacious in the Galapagos

Recognising that days spent exploring the islands can be intense, Silver Origin’s suites are among the most spacious and comfortable in the Galapagos: the Owner’s Suite, for example, measures a total of 160m2 (1,722ft2) and provides sweeping views of the destination with a vast veranda. Silver Origin whispers luxury as the only ship in the archipelago to offer butler service for all suites. Guests will enjoy the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the region (1:1.11) for unparalleled levels of personalised comfort. All suites benefit from full room automation, which allows guests to control room conditions with the touch of a button.

The suites are outfitted in neutral tones and natural materials that complement the Galapagos’ environment. 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.

Further reading: Silversea welcomes Silver Origin to the fleet

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