Isabella Sullivan examines what guests can expect to find when they set sail on Silver Origin, the new Galápagos-bound ship from Silversea.

Not even a global health crisis has stopped luxury cruise line Silversea from launching its highly anticipated purpose-built expedition ship, Silver Origin.

The ship, undoubtedly one of the most elegant expedition ships ever built, is designed to sail the sapphire waters of the Galápagos Islands, accommodating just 100 guests.

To sail on Silver Origin is to dive into a world of opulence and extravagance, but also education and adventure. Guests residing in butler-serviced suites can look out onto sea lion-packed waters while sipping prestige cuvee champagne, or hop on a kayak after a four-course lunch.

During the day, kayaking, hiking, snorkelling, learning and exploring are all on the agenda, while the evening offers pampering spa treatments, lavish dinners and live pianists. Appealing to those who aren’t willing to compromise on luxury to get intrepid, the ship will sail week-long itineraries between Baltra and San Cristobal.

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The Observation Lounge provides perfect views

Flawless from top to bottom

If there was ever a ship to combine purpose and substance with elegance and luxury, it is Silver Origin. The ship’s motto is ‘designed for the Galápagos, built around you’, and stepping on board, this couldn’t be truer.

To start, she’s the most environmentally friendly ship Silversea has ever built. In fact, she’s one of just two ships to feature dynamic positioning, meaning no anchor damage at all. Unlike many other smaller ships, Silver Origin has plenty of deck space and viewing areas, such as a panoramic Observation Lounge, which is perfect for gazing across the archipelago and its waters.

Inside the sleek, tasteful theme prevails, and gone are patterned carpets and deep-coloured furnishings typical of older Silversea ships. Instead, the line has gone for a clean, modern and bright feeling, with white walls, cream furnishings, soft wall panelling and tasteful artwork, highlighting the colourful landscapes of the Galápagos Islands.

For such a small size, Silver Origin manages to pack in some incredible facilities – and passengers sailing on her will never feel like they’ve had to relinquish a thing. The ship is truly unique in the fact that it combines all the luxurious facilities typical of a Silversea ship, with the education and technical facilities of an expedition vessel.

For starters, three of the public spaces are dedicated to adventure and exploration, with the ship housing a high-tech Basecamp, cosy Explorer Lounge and dedicated photo editing area. Basecamp serves as the spot for launching zodiacs, and is designed to prepare guests for their on-land (or at-sea) excursion, doubling as an information HQ with an interactive wall.

Following excursions, the adventure can continue on board in the elegant Explorer Lounge with its expansive library and briefings with the expedition team. A photo editing area allows guests to download and edit the amazing photographs captured on the islands. However, what makes Silver Origin so unique is that while she is a purpose-built expedition ship, she also has the facilities of a six-star luxury vessel.

Guests can visit the ship’s beauty salon for hair and makeup, fitness centre for personal training and beauty spa for a host of pampering treatments. There’s also an Expedition Boutique, selling chic expedition gear and anything guests may have forgotten to pack.

In a final expedition ship rarity, Silver Origin has free unlimited wifi, so guests can social media and FaceTime their amazing experiences.

Silver Origin’s cosy Explorer Lounge

Spacious living

Nowhere shows off Silversea’s incredible blend of expedition and luxury like Silver Origin’s accommodation. Every cabin on the ship is a spacious suite, with a total of eight suite categories from a Classic Veranda Suite all the way up to a palatial Owner’s Suite.

Echoing the ships muted and soft interiors, cabins are decked out with plush carpets, cream furnishings, king-size beds, works of arts and state-of-the-art features like walk in wardrobes, ocean-view walk in showers and cosy sitting areas.

The ship was built to provide passengers as many wildlife viewing opportunities as possible, and cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows and private viewing terraces. All cabins come with private verandas and butler service, so guests can live like royalty, and the most expensive suites (Owner’s, Grand, Royal and Silver) come with whirlpool baths.

In certain suites guests can even take a bath next to whales and sea lions in ocean-view bathtubs or get closer to nature in showers accessed from the balcony. Silver Origin also debuts Silversea’s latest technology, the Horizon Balcony – where the touch of a button transforms the balcony into an inside seating area. 

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Cabins feature horizon balconies

As for the cuisine, Silver Origin again looks to the Galápagos Islands for inspiration. The restaurants serve up the most delicious Ecuadorian and South American cuisine, along with international favourites. In addition, Silversea has turned traditional expedition dining on its head, getting rid of the one-restaurant, one service time approach and instead offering passengers two restaurants with flexible dining times.

The ship’s main dining space is The Restaurant, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served with no set mealtimes in an informal setting. Along with The Restaurant, passengers can also choose to eat at The Grill, home of Silversea’s Hot Rocks concept. With some alfresco and some partially enclosed seating, guests can enjoy lazy lunches and spend their evenings sizzling fresh seafood and juicy meats.

For a ship such as Silver Origin, nothing is more important than nailing the excursions offering. All excursions are included in the cruise fare, a rarity for an expedition ship – even for Silversea itself.

A team of dedicated on-board guides is on hand to guide guests around the superlative archipelago, and excursions include zodiacing, kayaking and exploring waters teaming with sea lions, reef sharks, eagle rays, sea lions, marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Silver Origin truly is the ideal home for guests who have a desire to explore and learn in ultimate luxury.

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