Royal Caribbean has just announced that they have purchased 66.7% of ultra-luxury brand Silversea Cruises. Prior to today, Silversea has been family owned by the Italian Manfredi Lefebvre D’Ovidio. Royal Caribbean will pay $1 billion USD in cash as well as give Lefebvre 472,000 shares of RCL common stock. Lefebvre will still control about one third of the line and will remain onboard as Chairman. Silversea’s CEO and industry veteran Roberto Martinoli will continue in his role as well. Royal Caribbean fully intends on operating this as an independent brand.
Silversea has 9 ships in their fleet and are building two more. The Silver Moon will launch in 2020 and the Silver Dawn will follow in 2021.