A ship for one destination only
Silver Origin sails only in the Galápagos. It is the first ship the line
designed for a single archipelago, and that shows in choices nobody makes
elsewhere.
The ship holds its position without dropping anchor, using dynamic
positioning. On protected coral bottoms an anchor leaves a mark; this is central
to its operating authorisation rather than a brochure line. It produces its own
fresh water by reverse osmosis and has eliminated single-use plastic.
It flies the Ecuadorian flag, which is a requirement for operating in the
archipelago. The guides are Ecuadorian naturalists certified by the national
park, at a stated ratio of one guide per ten guests. Itineraries and landing
sites are assigned by the park on a rotation system that prevents repeating the
same circuit.
The hull
One hundred and one metres, 5,800 gross tons, 100 guests in 51 suites and 90
crew. Every suite has a balcony. The ship came out of the De Hoop yard in the
Netherlands and was delivered at Rotterdam in June 2020. Its entry into service
was postponed to the autumn of the same year.
It replaced an older ship that had served the same archipelago since 2013.
Eight Zodiacs and ten kayaks are carried.
The rest of the expedition fleet
Silver Endeavour is the best-armoured hull for ice. Silver Cloud and Silver Wind are converted, older ships.
Silver Muse belongs to the classic fleet.
What the package contains
Gratuities included. Wines and spirits included. Wi-Fi included in every
suite. A butler in every suite category, without exception, which most
competitors do not match.
Air travel, however, is no longer included. On 11 September 2025 Silversea
withdrew the fare that carried it door to door. Flights and transfers are now
bought separately, through the line or through your advisor. Older documentation
will say otherwise, and it will be wrong.
Excursions vary with the fare and with whether the voyage is a classic cruise
or an expedition. On expeditions, landings are included at the higher fare. Ask
for the exact formula on your departure.
Who comes aboard
No children's programme, no club, no childcare. Under six months is refused.
On the expedition ships, under-fives do not ride Zodiacs. A traveller under
eighteen shares the suite of an adult aged twenty-one or over, or takes an
adjoining suite.
Since July 2020, Royal Caribbean Group has owned the line outright.
Third-party listings that still name the founding family among the owners have
simply not been updated.
Leaving from Quebec
Allow a connection, often two on distant itineraries, and a hotel night
before embarkation. The air ticket is now bought separately, which gives more
freedom and demands more attention.
Voyages AquaTerra is licensed by Quebec's Office de la protection du
consommateur. Money paid goes to the trust account Quebec law requires, and the
Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents applies to your booking.
