Silversea Cruises has welcomed new ship Silver Moon to its fleet, taking delivery of its ninth vessel today (30 October) in Ancona, Italy.

The ship was reciieved by the cruise line in an intimate, socially distanced ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy, with executives from Silversea Cruises, Royal Caribbean Group and Fincantieri present.

Luigi Matarazzo – Fincantieri’s general manager merchant ships division – and Roberto Martinoli – Silversea’s president and CEO were also present in Ancona.

Connecting via video feed were Richard D Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Jason Liberty, executive vice president and CFO of Royal Caribbean Group.

Both Fain and Liberty commended the 1,000 craftspeople who contributed to the building of Silver Moon.

With live and video speeches completed, the teams from Silversea, Royal Caribbean Group and Fincantieri all raised a glass of champagne to the new build.

Royal Caribbean Group chariman and CEO Richard D Fain said: “I congratulate all those involved in the build of Silver Moon; it is a proud moment for everybody at Silversea Cruises, the Royal Caribbean Group, and Fincantieri.

“This beautiful ship represents the resilience of the global cruise industry and it is encouraging to see such innovation and progress in this challenging period. I have long said that Silversea Cruises is the jewel in the crown of the Royal Caribbean Group and I am today reminded of the cruise line’s quality.

“Silver Moon represents the pinnacle of luxury travel; I look forward to welcoming our guests aboard in the near future.”

Silversea’s President and CEO Roberto Martinoli added: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Silver Moon to the Silversea fleet. The epitome of 21st-century luxury travel, she possesses a number of innovations that will build on the success of her sister ship Silver Muse.”

“Every exquisite detail of Silver Moon is an expression of our successful collaboration with one of the world’s premier shipbuilders. It is apt that Silver Moon was built here in Italy, a cradle of luxury and a country celebrated for its rich culinary heritage.”

Finally, CEO of Fincantieri Giuseppe Bono said: “Silver Moon is the third of Silversea’s ultra-luxury cruise ships to result from our longstanding, successful collaboration, and we at Fincantieri take great pride in handing over a ship that embodies the highest standards of style, comfort, and whispered luxury.

“We are honoured to have partnered with Silversea in launching their highly successful Muse-class ships, and we are confident that Silver Moon will strengthen the line’s legacy of pushing boundaries in luxury cruise travel.”

Silver Moon is the ninth ship in Silversea’s luxury fleet, and features elegant interiors, all-suite accomodation and will also feature Silversea’s new innovative culinary programme SALT (Sea and Land Taste).

The programme will feature foodie-themed excursions, destination-inspired menus and include on-board culinary classes.