Silversea Cruises formally begins construction of Silver Ray, the second ship of the Nova class, with a traditional steel cutting ceremony on November 23 at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

When Silver Ray debuts in the summer of 2024, she will join her sister ship, Silver Nova, as one of the most environmentally conscious ships ever built. The cruise line has used the chance to establish a new launch date for Silver Nova, which is now planned to join Silversea’s fleet on August 14 2023, cruising round-trip from Fusina (Venice) on her first voyage due to the global situation.

“We are thrilled to have begun construction on Silver Ray in conjunction with Meyer Werft as we continue to push limits in sustainable cruise travel,” says Silversea Cruises President and CEO Roberto Martinoli.

“As part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea has always been at the forefront of environmental cruising innovation.” Introducing the Nova class is a huge step forward in this respect, and we are bringing cutting-edge technology. Given the global challenges that have hampered Silver Nova’s development, it has been decided to delay her introduction by roughly one month in order to maintain the trademark quality of experience that our discerning guests have come to anticipate when travelling with Silversea.”

Silversea has informed concerned clients and travel advisers of Silver Nova’s amended launch date, providing travellers with a 10% discount when booking an alternative cruise by November 30, 2022; a Future Cruise Credit worth 100% of the original booking amount paid; or a cash refund option.

Silversea’s Nova-class ships will be the world’s first low-emissions cruise ships, including innovative hybrid technology such as fuel cells, batteries, and dual-fuel engines that run on liquefied natural gas, producing zero local emissions when in port.