By
Laura Hyde |
Silversea Cruises has christened its latest Nova-class ship, Silver Ray, at a naming ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal, where the cruise line also celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Ship godmother and ocean scientist Dr María Josefina Olascoaga was joined at the ceremony by Bert Hernandez, the newly appointed president of Silversea. He celebrated his first naming ceremony in the role alongside Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, owner of the Silversea brand, which launched in 1994 with debut ship Silver Cloud.
“Welcoming Silver Ray to our global fleet represents that latest commitment from Royal Caribbean Group to continue building the Silversea brand and delivering the very best experiences in ultra-luxury and expedition travel,” said Liberty.
Olascoaga officially named the ship alongside Captain Alessandro Zanello with the ceremonial champagne bottle break on the ship’s hull. The ceremony also included renditions of the US and Portuguese national anthems, dance performances and, in keeping with Royal Caribbean Group tradition, a bagpipe performance.
“It is fitting that we are celebrating Silver Ray’s naming in the same year that Silversea celebrates 30 years of excellence, connecting our past with our future as we continue to lead in luxury travel and industry innovation,” said Hernandez. “I am incredibly grateful to all involved, most notably to Captain Zanello and his crew who will bring this ship to life, and I proudly welcome Dr. María Josefina Olascoaga to the family as Silver Ray’s Godmother.”
Executives from Silversea Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group with ship godmother Dr María Josefina Olascoaga (centre) at the naming ceremony
Silver Ray, which was delivered by shipbuilder Meyer Werft in May, will make its maiden voyage from Lisbon on 15 June, spending its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, before repositioning to the Americas in December.