Speaking on board its latest ship to enter service, Silver Dawn, president and chief executive Roberto Martinoli said Silversea will have accelerated its global market share from 20% to 31% by 2024.

“We are moving from having 2,056 berths back in 2010 to a projected 5,256 by 2024, which is a tremendous increase in capacity,” he added. “We’re on course for having had a 61% between 2020 and 2024 alone, and this is thanks to the incredible support we have had from Royal Caribbean Group.”

Martinoli also paid tribute to Richard Fain, who has now stepped aside from his role as the group. “He has been really helping and pushing us in this direction since the ownership change,” he said.

He highlighted too how two future larger and sustainability-led Evolution-class ships – being built in Germany – would be helping with the growth. 

Silversea will take delivery of these ships in 2023 and 2024, both with pioneering technology aimed at reducing their carbon footprints. 

The Evolution project will see Silversea introduce the first cruise ship to use fuel cells to provide 100% of power while at port when Silver Nova comes into service.

The ships operate using a trio of power sources, including a fuel cell system, battery technology, and dual-fuel engines that use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the main fuel.

“We decided it was time to push on with a sustainability agenda for these ships,” added Peter Shanks, UK and Ireland managing director. “We feel so positive too that Royal Caribbean Group has decided to use this kind of technology for the first time on a Silversea ship.”

With 728 passengers, Silver Nova will be launched on 15 July from Southampton, making it the first ship in Silversea’s history to do so.

“We are so excited to be able to launch Silver Nova from the UK and give our trade partners the chance to see this game-changing ship. The UK remains the second largest market for Silversea and has also proved to be especially resilient in these recent years.”

As part of the “revolutionary project”, the ship will also be larger than usual, showcasing a new generation of suites with more outside spaces alongside its heightened sustainability credentials. 

Created by GEM, Nova’s new design will also see public areas collected together in higher decks to give them even more space, while more spacious suites will have a completely new look and feel and will be collected together on the lower levels of the ship. Options will include the Otivm Suite, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows in all living areas, and the most spacious balcony on board, including a private whirlpool. 

Martinoli said Silver Nova would tackle four key issues – emissions reduction; destination stewardship; sustainable sourcing; and waste management. 

The ship will have 40% emissions reduction and be 25% more energy efficient versus any other comparable ship. “This is technology that exists, but not to the level to which we are going to be utilising it,” he added. “Large amounts of money are being invested in sustainability to take us to the next level.”