Silversea Cruises has christened its latest luxury cruise ship, Silver Moon.

A naming ceremony was held in Athens for the 596-guest ship, which has been described as an evolution of its sister ship Silver Muse, with “re-imagined public spaces, butler service in all suite categories [and] a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio”, according to the cruise line.

Silver Moon embarked on its inaugural season from Athens on 18 June, for a series of 10-day voyages in the Greek Isles.

The launch of Silver Moon also marks the debut of Silversea’s new culinary programme,Sea and Land Taste (Salt), which focuses on regionally inspired dishes, drinks, and demonstrations, as well as excursions to enable guests to experience the food and drink cultures of each destination firsthand.

Royal Caribbean Group chairman and CEO Richard Fain said: “Witnessing the official naming of Silver Moon – the first of Silversea’s christenings as part of Royal Caribbean Group – was a very proud moment indeed.

“I commend Silversea’s leadership team, Captain Georgiev and Silver Moon’s crew, the team of Fincantieri, and everyone involved in the ship’s launch for their tireless efforts in bringing this long-awaited milestone to fruition.”

Silversea president and CEO Roberto Martinoli added: “This is an extraordinary milestone in the history of our cruise line.

“We have christened Silver Moon as the ninth ship in our fleet, marking an evolution in 21st-century luxury travel. As the first ultra-luxury cruise ship to set sail this year, Silver Moon leads the way in the return of ultra-luxury cruising. She represents our industry’s strength and resilience.

“Aboard the newest addition to our fleet, our guests will rediscover the world in unrivalled comfort and whispered luxury.”

Elsewhere in the Silversea fleet, Silver Origin is currently cruising in the Galapagos Islands, while Silver Muse will set sail for Alaska when its departs from Seattle today [29 July].

Beginning 30 July, Silver Shadow will operate Icelandic circumnavigations out of Reykjavik. Additional ships are expected to “set sail in the near future”, the line said, and Silversea’s third new ship since 2020, Silver Dawn, is scheduled to depart on a maiden voyage in November 2021.