Silversea Cruises announced its return to service in the Galápagos Islands with the new, 100-passenger Silver Origin, which arrived in San Cristóbal on April 30.
The ultra-luxury expedition ship will sail an inaugural season of voyages, starting June 19, 2021. Operating year-round in the Galapagos Islands, the all-suite, all-balcony Silver Origin also will offer newly enhanced itineraries with new experiences.
Return to Service
All Silver Origin guests and crew must have proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination. That mandatory requirement is part of a comprehensive, multi-layered set of science-backed protocols adopted by Silversea to safeguard the health and safety of guests, crew members and communities visited.
“Having worked exceptionally hard on our healthy return-to-service plan, we are delighted to be nearing the moment in which our extended family is reunited aboard our two new ships, Silver Origin and Silver Moon,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s president and CEO, in a press announcement.
Speaking specifically about the Galapagos operations for Silver Origin, "we extend our sincerest gratitude to the Ecuadorian Government and the Galapagos Government Council for their ongoing cooperation and their willingness to welcome cruising back to this remarkable archipelago," noted Martinoli.
Fernando Delgado, vice president and general manager, Silversea Cruises Ecuador, added the expedition line has created two newly enhanced Galapagos itineraries that optimize the cruise experience and offer more opportunities for guests to view the archipelago’s wildlife—everything from Galapagos penguins to green sea turtles, land and marine iguanas, whitetip reef sharks, Galapagos sea lions and many bird species.
Alternating Itineraries
Silversea's new Silver Origin will operate two enhanced itineraries in the Galapagos Islands, starting in June. // Photo by Silversea Cruises
Silver Origin will sail on two alternating itineraries that incorporate five maiden calls, including the island of Santa Fe. Each itinerary also will include calls on the popular islands of Fernandina and Isabela, and each will include new shoreside options.
Western Itinerary from San Cristobal to Baltra: On the western itinerary, Silver Origin will depart from San Cristobal, calling at Kicker Rock, Isla Bartolome, Buccaneer Cove (Santiago), Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela), Punta Espinoza (Fernandina), Tagus Cove (Isabela), Elizabeth Bay (Isabela), Post Office Bay (Floreana), Champion Islet (Floreana), Punta Cormorant (Floreana), Santa Cruz Highlands, Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Cerro Dragon (Santa Cruz), Isla Guy Fawkes, and Bahía Borrero (Santa Cruz), before arriving in Baltra.
North-Central Itinerary from Baltra to San Cristobal: Silver Origin will depart from Baltra, before calling at Daphne Major, Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa), Darwin Bay (Genovesa), North Seymour, Sullivan Bay (Santiago), Punta Mangle (Fernandina), Punta Moreno (Isabela), Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Isla Santa Fe, Bay (Española), Punta Suarez (Española), Rodriguez Breeding Centre (San Cristóbal), and Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal), before arriving in San Cristobal.
Preserving the main highlights of the originally planned route, the enhanced North-Central itinerary will introduce more experiences for bird and nature lovers. Guests will snorkel with sea turtles in Fernandina and meet the iconic Galapagos Penguins in Isabela but they'll also visit the ‘bird islands’ of Genovesa and Espanola, as well as the new destination of Santa Fe island.
Santa Fe island is home to an endemic iguana found nowhere else in the world. Another highlight is Punta Mangle with mangroves, lava fields and Flightless Cormorants.
Martinoli emphasizes that "there are few destinations that inspire travelers with such unique natural beauty as the Galápagos Islands.”
Ultra-Luxury Experience
Silver Origin is the first new ship that's joined Silversea's fleet since the luxury line became part of Royal Caribbean Group. The all-inclusive, ultra-luxury product for the Galapagos includes the following standard features:
- International roundtrip flights;
- Roundtrip flight between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos;
- Two pre-cruise hotel nights in Quito, Ecuador, and one post-cruise day-use hotel in Guayaquil, Ecuador;
- A "Quito by Night" tour;
- Transfers and luggage handling;
- National park and immigration fees;
- A highly-qualified Expedition Team (who will accompany guests on outings and lecture aboard)
- Guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities;
- A complimentary backpack, water bottle, snorkeling mask and snorkel;
- Complimentary use of wetsuits and snorkeling fins;
- Butler service in every suite category;
- Onboard gratuities;
- Multiple open-seated restaurants, serving diverse cuisine and an in-suite 24-hour dining service;
- Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including sparkling and selected wines, premium spirits, soft drinks, and more; and
- Unlimited Wi-Fi
Silversea said it will continue to work closely with governing bodies and health authorities to adjust health and safety procedures as needed.
Related Articles
Silversea Unveils New Departure Port for Antarctica Expeditions
Alaskan Cruises for 2022 and Beyond
Crystal Endeavor’s 2021 Iceland Voyages Now Open for Reservation