Silversea Cruises has christened its new 100-guest specialist Galápagos Islands ship Silver Origin.

The luxury line held an ‘expedition-inspired ceremony’ in San Cristobal, in the Galápagos Islands, to mark the occasion.

Guests took to the water on the ship’s Zodiacs to toast the tenth ship in the Silversea fleet of 10

Johanna Carrión, a conservationist and permanent resident of the Galápagos Islands, was named as the ship’s godmother.

A bagpipe performance initiated the naming ceremony, a tradition of the Royal Caribbean Group which s parent company to Silversea.

It was the first christening for Jason Liberty, Royal Caribben’s president and chief executive, since he took the role. He co-hosted the event with Roberto Martinoli, president and chief executive of Silversea Cruises; Barbara Muckermann, chief commercial officer of Silversea Cruises; and Fernando Delgado, vice president of Silversea Cruises Ecuador. The ship was blessed by Bishop Patricio Bonilla.

Liberty said: “My heartfelt congratulations to the Silversea team on this milestone. Silversea’s efforts to support long-term conservation here in the Galapagos Islands speak to our commitment to the environment. Our approach is built on the mantra that ‘respect for the oceans is not a choice, it’s a way of life’.”

Martinoli added: “It was a very proud moment to officially welcome Silver Origin to our fleet.

“Beyond just visiting the most beautiful corners of our planet, Silversea aims to enrich each destination. This is especially true in the Galápagos Islands.

“Silver Origin is our strongest means to inspire travellers to safeguard the wellbeing of this beautiful archipelago for future generations. I would like to thank Jason Liberty for joining us as we celebrate this momentous occasion and our colleagues at Royal Caribbean Group for their invaluable support.

“We are honoured to welcome Johanna Carrión to the extended family as the official godmother of Silver Origin. Johanna’s tireless efforts to champion conservation in the Galápagos make her the perfect ambassador for our cruise line.”