By the Caribbean Journal staff

Silversea Cruises is planning a major fleet expansion, the boutique cruise company said Monday.

Silversea has signed a memorandum of understanding with Meyer Werft to build two new ships as part of what the brand is calling its new “Evolution Class,” with the first new ship set to debut in 2022.

The company is also adding a new ship for its Galapagos cruises called Silver Origin; that ship is expected to launch in March of 2020.

News of the fleet expansion comes a few months after Royal Caribbean Cruises paid $1 billion for a majority stake in Silversea.

“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, Executive Chairman of Silversea. “With our guests in mind, we are pushing the boundaries of ultra-luxury cruising, as well as expedition cruising in the Galápagos Islands and beyond, redefining the concept of immersive travel.”

Silversea’s all-suite ships sail around the world, including a strong presence in the Caribbean region.