Last week there was the presentation at Ancona shipyard of the Silver Spirit, the new cruise ship ordered from Fincantieri by Silversea Cruises, world leader in the luxury cruise segment.

Present at the ceremony were the Chairman of Silversea Cruises Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, while Fincantieri was represented by the Chairman, Corrado Antonini, and the Chief Executive Officer Giuseppe Bono.

At 36,000 gross tonnes and 195 metres long, the Silver Spirit is the largest and most beautiful vessel in the fleet. There are 8 decks and the ship has a cruising speed of 20.3 knots. Assisted by an international crew of 378, over 540 passengers can be accommodated on board in 270 suites, 95% of which with a sea view. The ship’s interior decor and furnishings have been studied in detail and materials chosen with great care in order to satisfy the tastes of demanding international guests. Responsible for her design was the internationally acclaimed Italian architect Giacomo Mortola who has found the perfect balance between modern functional requirements and  Art Decò.

Commenting on the event the Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri,Giuseppe Bono said "This is our first ship for the prestige brand Silversea and the first vessel of this type that Fincantieri has built, thus making its debut in the super-luxury segment. It is also a first for Ancona shipyard which has succeeded in this type of production as it can draw on a wealth of highly qualified human resources."

The Chairman of SilverseaCruises, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio added "The Silver Spirit is a further achievement for the company which now has a total of 6 vessels and has confirmed its position as leader in the luxury sector. The hallmarks of the Silver Spirit are innovation, her distinctive, elegant Art Decò style and greater space available for passengers. Despite the economic slowdown in 2008, we have continued to invest in the product and in human resources; in July we reached a record number of bookings and for the end of December we expect to achieve approximately 70% of the revenue plan for 2010. The company’s best result since it was founded.”

Passengers on the Silver Spirit will find the same standards of luxury as the other ships in the fleet, an intimate atmosphere, sophisticated elegance and top five star service.

The ship’s spacious, elegant suites all have a  private view of the ocean while for dining guests may choose from 6 restaurants, one of which specialising in Eastern food, the  “Seishin ”, which means “spirit” in Japanese.

Then there is the “Stars Supper Club”, another new restaurant inspired by Art Decò where the exclusive, sophisticated atmosphere of British clubs of the 1930s has been re-created. Last but not least pride of place on the Silver Spirit goes to the 770 square-metre brand new wellness centre, “The Spa”. Silversea is well-known for its “All inclusive” philosophy which comprises haute cuisine with fine wines, exclusive evening shows, fitness and Silversea Experience.

On 19 December the Silver Spirit is due to enter the port of Monaco and on 23 December will set out on her first inaugural cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon. Then on 21 January 2010 she will be christened at Fort Lauderdale and set out on her “Grand Inaugural Voyage”, 91 extraordinary days to live the spirit and natural beauties of South America.