Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCCL) and Silversea Cruises have announced orders for three new cruiseships.
The contracts represent the first fruits of RCCL's $1bn move in June to take over 66.7% of Silversea, which will operate the new vessels.
Silversea signed a memorandum of understanding with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft to build two Evolution Class ships, with the first expected in 2022.
Silversea also signed a deal with Dutch yard De Hoop for a new expedition vessel, Silver Origin, that will serve the Galapagos Islands.
The new ship is expected to be ready in March 2020.
"We are delighted to have entered into an agreement with Meyer Werft on the Silver Evolution series and De Hoop for Silver Origin," said Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Silversea's executive chairman.
"With our guests in mind, we are pushing the boundaries of ultra-luxury cruising, as well as expedition cruising in the Galapagos Islands and beyond, redefining the concept of immersive travel."
RCCL CEO Richard Fain addded: "We are excited to get to work helping Silversea grow and realise its ambitions.
"There is tremendous potential in the ultra-luxury and expedition markets of the cruise industry, and we believe discerning travelers will embrace the exciting designs Silversea is imagining for them."
Newbuilding tally hits five
Florida-based Silversea already has nine operational vessels, with two more due from Fincantieri in 2020 and 2021.
"We are very happy to build these new ships for Silversea Cruises. Together with Silversea we will create a new generation of environmentally friendly ships in the ultra-luxury cruise market," said Tim Meyer, managing director of Meyer Werft.
De Hoop CEO Patrick Janssens added: "We are excited and proud to receive this order," said.
"It is not only about building the best small expedition cruise vessel, but also about building and maintaining a high-quality partnership with Royal Caribbean and Silversea."
