Silversea
Silversea is an ultra-luxury cruise line known for small ships, spacious all-suite accommodation and worldwide itineraries. Founded in 1994, it operates eight Classic ships and four Expedition ships, giving the brand a presence across all seven continents. Every suite has an ocean view, most have a private veranda, and butler service is provided across the fleet.
Silversea became part of Royal Caribbean Group in 2018, with the group completing its acquisition in 2020. It sits alongside brands including Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, while retaining its own ultra-luxury identity and leadership.
Silversea fleet
Silversea currently lists 12 vessels: eight Classic ships designed for luxury ocean cruising and four purpose-built or converted Expedition ships. The fleet ranges from the 100-guest Silver Origin, dedicated to the Galápagos, to the 728-guest Nova-class ships Silver Nova and Silver Ray.
| Ship | Type | Entered service | Guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Cloud | Expedition | 1994 | 254 |
| Silver Wind | Expedition | 1995 | 274 |
| Silver Shadow | Classic | 2000 | 392 |
| Silver Whisper | Classic | 2001 | 392 |
| Silver Spirit | Classic | 2009 | 636 |
| Silver Muse | Classic | 2017 | 632 |
| Silver Moon | Classic | 2020 | 596 |
| Silver Origin | Expedition | 2020 | 100 |
| Silver Dawn | Classic | 2021 | 596 |
| Silver Endeavour | Expedition | 2022 with Silversea | 220 |
| Silver Nova | Classic | 2023 | 728 |
| Silver Ray | Classic | 2024 | 728 |
Guest capacities are those published by Silversea and may vary by voyage or operating configuration.
Nova class
Silver Nova and Silver Ray introduced a distinctive asymmetrical, horizontally arranged design intended to strengthen the connection between the ship and its surroundings. Both carry up to 728 guests and feature extensive glass, large outdoor areas, all-balcony suites and a broad choice of restaurants and lounges. The ships use liquefied natural gas as their primary fuel and are equipped for shore power where suitable port infrastructure is available.
Expedition ships
The Expedition fleet consists of Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Endeavour and Silver Origin. The first three operate in remote and polar regions, while Silver Origin was created specifically for year-round Galápagos voyages. Expedition programmes are supported by specialist guides, Zodiac craft and destination equipment appropriate to the itinerary.
Onboard experience
Silversea's ships provide all-suite accommodation, butler service and a high crew-to-guest ratio. Core onboard inclusions across its current fares include dining, selected wines and spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi. Restaurants vary by ship and may include La Terrazza, Atlantide, La Dame, Kaiseki, Silver Note, The Grill and Arts Café; reservations or supplements can apply at selected venues.
The line's S.A.L.T. programme — Sea And Land Taste — connects regional food and drink with the destinations visited. Its venues and experiences are offered on selected ships including Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, Silver Nova, Silver Ray, Silver Muse and the refurbished Silver Spirit. The Otium wellness concept appears aboard Silver Dawn and the Nova-class ships.
Fares and what is included
Silversea markets three principal fare choices. All-Inclusive Plus adds flexible booking terms and, on Classic voyages, a shore-excursion credit. The All-Inclusive fare retains the principal onboard inclusions while allowing guests to purchase Classic shore excursions and other land arrangements separately. Last-Minute fares are offered on selected departures within five months, require full non-refundable payment and retain the principal onboard inclusions.
Expedition arrangements differ from Classic voyages. Where required by the programme, relevant hotel stays, charter flights, expedition activities and specialist gear are incorporated into the applicable fare. Guests should check the inclusions shown for their exact voyage and fare before booking.
Destinations
Silversea operates across all seven continents. Its Classic itineraries cover the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Mediterranean programmes regularly use major gateways such as Civitavecchia and Barcelona.
The Expedition fleet reaches Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland and the Galápagos, as well as less-visited coastal regions. Silversea also offers extended Grand Voyages and world cruises linking multiple regions over longer periods.
History
Silversea was founded in 1994 and began operating with Silver Cloud, followed by sister ship Silver Wind. The additions of Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper expanded the original small-ship model, while Silver Spirit introduced a larger generation in 2009. The fleet later broadened into dedicated expedition cruising and a more diverse range of ship designs.
Royal Caribbean Group acquired a majority stake in July 2018 and completed its purchase of the company in July 2020. Six modern ships joined the fleet between 2020 and 2024: Silver Origin, Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, Silver Endeavour, Silver Nova and Silver Ray. A number of Silversea vessels were constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri; Deck7 has a wider profile of Fincantieri's history, shipyards and cruise-ship orderbook.
Refurbishment and development
Silver Spirit completed a major refurbishment in 2026. The project introduced S.A.L.T. Kitchen, S.A.L.T. Bar and S.A.L.T. Lab, added the Riviera poolside restaurant, created new Medallion Suites and refreshed a range of public spaces. The work brought several of Silversea's newer culinary concepts to an earlier generation of ship.
On land, Silversea is developing The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams, Chile. The hotel is intended to support Antarctica expedition journeys through the world's southernmost city and is scheduled to open in 2026.
Ownership and leadership
Silversea is wholly owned by Royal Caribbean Group. Its corporate headquarters is in Miami, Florida, alongside the parent company, with regional offices including Monaco, London, Frankfurt, Singapore and Sydney. Bert Hernandez has served as president of Silversea since April 2024.
Venetian Society
Silversea's loyalty programme is called the Venetian Society. Benefits build according to the number of Venetian Society Days earned and can include member offers, onboard credit, booking savings, laundry, premium internet, priority boarding and complimentary voyages at higher milestones. Eligible guests can also receive matched status across Royal Caribbean Group's Crown & Anchor Society and Captain's Club programmes. Points Choice, introduced for eligible voyages departing from 30 January 2026, allows qualifying members to direct loyalty credit among the group's three programmes subject to the published rules.