The barking and various other sea lion noises had accompanied us on our short walk from the Golden Bay hotel on the beach in San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands. We were about to join the intimate, yacht-like and gorgeous Silver Origin and set sail on a journey through these enchanted islands.
We successfully navigated through sea lions of all sizes, including adorable, recently born pups, as we made our way from a wooden pier onto one of the ship’s six zodiacs suitably attired in our life jackets. We barely contained our excitement about what lay ahead. It was finally time for the Silver Origin to officially be named by the charming and delightful Godmother, Johanna Carrion, a resident of the archipelago and native Ecuadorian.
As our Zodiac came to the ship’s Marina on Deck 3, the warm greetings heralded the days ahead. We were welcomed by Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea Cruises, as well as Barbara Muckermann, Chief Commercial Officer of the brand. And so far, the experience has been all and more I could have wished for – dare I say it, even a life-changing experience.
The successful naming ceremony was made even more special for the ship’s guests and our media group by having us all board Zodiacs to view the Champagne smash on the side of Silver Origin. As the sun slowly lowered in the sky, our crafts, replete with champagne to celebrate and toast, Johanna cut the line holding the bottle from her Zodiac and let it fly and hit the side of the Silver Origin.
Chosen for her work as Executive Director and CEO of the Scalesia Foundation, she is an impressive young woman whose passion clearly shows. The foundation’s primary objective is to foster long-term conservation of the Galapagos through education and sustainability.
Silver Origin, as the cruise line likes to say, "whispers luxury" but at the same time is all about finding authenticity while making sustainability a key and forefront issue. The ship was tailor-made and purposefully designed with an outward-facing sensibility to make the most of the islands.
And now to the day-to-day activities. How about frolicking with sea lions in shallow water just off the beach – yes, it happened. Enjoying some great snorkelling from the beach and around the huge Pinnacle Rock on which perched a Blue Footed Booby. Then meeting a Galapagos penguin underwater and being surprised at how small they are. Amazing!
Now picture this: cruising on our 100-guest yacht in the Pacific in the Galapagos Archipelago – it’s around 10 pm. We are on the top deck sailing under an inky sky, and we stare at Isabela Island, with its active volcano as it spews hot, red lava from its flanks. But then we turn our attention to the night sky. We are sailing from south to north – and to my utter delight, I can see both the Southern Cross and the northern stars – like Orion and the Big Dipper, at the same time. It’s an incredible moment for the guests on Silver Origin, made better by naturalist Paul, one of the nine Expedition crew, who explains this to us as we gaze at the firmament and gently, almost imperceptibly, cross the equator.
Today we have three activities – a Zodiac ride this morning, followed by deep water snorkelling and then a two-hour hike to see all manner of wildlife along the way.
Watch for more dispatches from Vanessa coming from Silver Origin, and you can watch Silversea Cruises' video of the christening ceremony here:
