by
2021
Launch Year
Small
Cruise Ship Size
100 passengers
Passengers
Silver Origin is Silversea's first destination-specific ship. Additionally, its name offers a clue to the place where it has cruised year-round since its June 2021 debut: The Galapagos Islands, where Charles Darwin researched his theory of evolution as outlined in his 1859 book, On the Origin of the Species.
This 100-guest luxury vessel, a super yacht of sorts, is designed for environmentally conscious exploration with eight onboard Zodiacs and a staff of Ecuadorian naturalist guides. Floor-to-ceiling windows and the cruise line's signature Horizon Balconies allow for excellent views from the all-suite accommodations, two restaurants feature both locally sourced Ecuadorian dishes (there’s daily ceviche) and international cuisine, and the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos (nearly 1:1!) ensures Silversea’s five-star service meets passengers’ every need even in an expedition setting. There’s an observation and stargazing deck for prime views day or night and a firepit on the deck of the Explorer Lounge, where you can sip cocktails with new-found friends. Inside, outside, and while ashore, guests will experience the natural wonders of the Galapagos while enjoying the all-inclusive, door-to-door pampering that Silversea is known for.
Indulgent Suites: An ocean-view shower? Butler service? Yes! Guests booking a suite on Silver Origin can enjoy both (note: all suites have a butler, but only Deluxe Veranda Suites and above have ocean-view showers). Ranging from 325-square-foot Classic Veranda Suites to the 1,722-square-foot Owner’s Suite, these light-filled accommodations offer contemporary neutral décor and all the luxe amenities of the cruise line’s larger ships: a walk-in closet, high-thread-count linens, a stocked minibar, and unlimited Wi-Fi.
Activity-Packed Itineraries: Silver Origin’s year-round Galapagos itineraries (sailing roundtrip from San Cristobal island) may be just seven nights long, but, thanks to the ship’s well-planned routes, guests get to visit 16 ports on eight islands (including Bartolomeo, Isabela, Santiago, Fernandina, and Floreana). Morning and afternoon landings offer a variety of wildlife-spotting opportunities via Zodiac tours, hiking excursions, and snorkel adventures. (Note: planned itineraries can be subject to change since visitor traffic is highly regulated, but daily access to the incredible nature of these islands is guaranteed.) Fares also include two nights pre-cruise in Quito, Ecuador, and economy-class roundtrip airfare.
Sustainability: Silver Origin, which was designed to have the lowest possible carbon footprint, boasts several eco-conscious features, which are important when operating in an environmentally sensitive region such as the Galapagos. These include a dynamic positioning system to protect the delicate seabed as the ship hovers rather than drops anchor; an advanced propulsion system that cuts fuel consumption; and a freshwater purification system in each suite designed to reduce single-use plastics.
Luxury Amenities: No matter the setting, Silversea maintains the expected all-inclusive luxury of its larger ocean ships — all grounded in the cruise line’s Italian heritage and keen eye for detail. The main social area, the Explorer Lounge, features sophisticated indoor and outdoor seating areas where guests can grab a book from the curated library, sip cocktails, or enjoy pre- or post-dinner camaraderie. Culinary offerings, while not as extensive as on its ocean ships due to logistics and importing restrictions, are flavor-packed and finely executed. Additionally, the ship’s understated design, which features muted natural hues, creates a luxury of space that some of Silversea’s high-end competitors operating more intimate vessels lack.
Active, Nature-Loving Couples: Like all Silversea ships and itineraries, Silver Origin’s sailings in the Galapagos come with all the high-end amenities and elevated service expected of a luxury cruise designed to appeal to a mature, upscale traveler. But this is a remote locale, and excursions require utilizing Zodiacs to get ashore and plenty of walking and/or snorkeling to truly appreciate the islands’ unique inhabitants, which include sea lions, iguanas, giant tortoises, and avian species such as blue-footed boobies and frigate birds.
Luxury Has a Price: Cruising the Galapagos has never been a bargain — but travelers looking to book one of Silver Origin’s itineraries should be prepared to spend in excess of $14,000 per person for a seven-night cruise.
