Silversea’s newest ship Silver Origin built to sail the Galapagos has floated out and begins her countdown to her inaugural voyage on July 18, 2020.

The all-suite, 100-guest ship touched water for the first time in the De Hoop shipyard in Lobith, the Netherlands and she will be taking over from the retiring Silver Galapagos.

The ship features highlights like highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos, the team of expedition experts and an onboard Basecamp where they will offer onboard lectures, discussions and recaps of shore experiences.

Team of expedition experts will be leading experiences like guided Zodiac excursions, hikes, and nature walks ashore—all of which are included in the fare.

Silver Origin will be sailing seven-day itineraries between Baltra and San Cristóbal. On both itineraries, guests will spend their days exploring Darwin’s “Living Laboratory of Evolution,” where they might spot rare giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Blue-footed Boobies and sea lions.

“This is an important milestone for our cruise line; it takes us one step closer to strengthening our industry-leading offering in the Galapagos further still,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and CEO.

“When Silver Origin welcomes guests in July 2020, the ship will be the most elegant vessel to ever sail in the Galapagos region. While completing the final stages of Silver Origin’s construction, ensuring that the ship surpasses Silversea’s trademark level of comfort, we are also readying our Expedition Team, who will deliver an enriching and memorable expedition experience for our guests.”

The ship is also purpose-built with the environment in mind, the innovative new ship will feature a dynamic positioning system, which will be used when the ship is positioned over delicate seabed ecosystems to prevent the anchor from causing damage; incorporate in-suite freshwater purification systems that drastically reduce the use of plastic on board; and meet the highest standards of energy efficiency in the segment.

Travellers who reserve a Galapagos voyage with Silversea receive round-trip flights between Ecuador and the Galapagos; a two-night, pre-cruise hotel stay in Quito; transfers between airport, hotel and ship; and an immersive “Quito by Night” tour.

Travellers who book by 31 January 2020, can also take advantage of included round-trip economy air from select Australian gateways for travel to Ecuador on select Galapagos expeditions.