Silversea boss pledges to get agents aboard Silver Origin for Galapagos trip

The line’s UK managing director Peter Shanks said he “already knew” the top suites of the 100-passenger 2020 arrival would sell first.

Erin Johnson, marketing director UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, added: “Of course, ship visits in the yard to see them being built are interesting, but experiencing Origin in the destination will make all the difference – but agents will need to clear their diary, it’s going to be a long trip.”

Shanks added the line was in the best possible position to take advantage of the current growth in the exploration sector, adding this was fuelled by ongoing demand for “experiences over products” and a proliferation of “wildlife and adventure programmes on TV inspiring customers”.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd’s $1 billion investment and acquisition of a two-thirds stake in the 25-year-old company last July is allowing Silversea to accelerate development plans and keeping the line “very busy”, Shanks said.

He added the line “hadn’t finished yet” when it came to expansion, but would not be drawn on any more detailed plans for the Evolution project – which promises two further ships, due to arrive in 2022 and 2023.