A great spectacle of naval engineering took place at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Palermo as Silver Spirit was cut in two. The rare lengthening project will create more space in public areas and enhance Silver Spirit’s facilities by inserting a prebuilt 49 foot segment.
Workers at the shipyard used military precision to cut the 36,009 ton luxury cruise ship in half and manoeuvre the vast new midsection into place.
The lengthening and refurbishment of Silver Spirit is part of a fleet-wide renovation program inspired by Silversea’s new flagship, Silver Muse and will replicate the modern elegance of Silver Muse to offer a more luxurious travelling experience.
Over 500 skilled workers will spend approximately 450,000 man hours completing the ambitious project which will see Silver Spirit lengthened to 691.3 ft. Approximately 846 tons of steel, 360,892 ft. of cabling and 26,247 ft. of piping will be put to use in the lengthening as Silver Spirit’s capacity increases by roughly 12 per cent, resulting in an overall dining capacity increase of 15 percent and a 20 percent increase in outdoor seating (from 200 to 266).
A new 8-restaurant configuration will replace the culinary infrastructure with varying dining concepts introduced: Atlantide, Indochine, Silver Note, Spaccanapoli will complement the pre-existing Seishin, La Dame, La Terrazza and The Grill. Outside, the pool area on the Sky Deck will increase from 98 to 148ft. to offer additional space for relaxing under the sun and a new aerobics area will also be created. Inside, the Zagara Spa concept will be installed as will a new weights room which will complement the upgraded fitness centre. The Arts Café and Dolce Vita – two new, sophisticated public spaces – will improve the onboard entertainment options. All suites will be refurbished to ensure the trademark Silversea level of quality is maintained.
Silver Spirit is scheduled to recommence service on May 6, 2018.