While the Silver Spirit’s extension is the first time a luxury cruise ship has been cut in half, other cruise lines have undertaken similar projects. Peter Shanks, managing director, UK & Ireland, said: “Seeing this feat of engineering gives me enormous pride and a sense of excitement that we are able to demonstrate Silversea’s resurgence, growth and investment.” 
 
 “Witnessing these breathtaking phases of the Silver Spirit lengthening project has filled us with pride and excitement,” added Barbara Muckermann, chief marketing officer of Silversea. “This ambitious project will amplify the onboard features that matter most to our guests.” 
 
 The extension will take 500 workers more than 450,000 man hours to complete. We are taking our flagship, Silver Muse – which was delivered by Fincantieri in April last year – as the point of inspiration for a fleet-wide renovation programme; the lengthening and refurbishment of Silver Spirit will replicate the modern elegance of our latest vessel to make for a more luxurious travelling experience. We are eager to share the new and improved layout of our cherished ship with our valued guests.” 
 
 Over 500 skilled workers will spend approximately 450,000 man hours completing the ambitious project, which is due to conclude on May 5, 2018, and will see Silver Spirit lengthened to 210.7m (691.3 ft.). Approximately 846 tons of steel, 110,000m (360,892 ft.) of cabling, and 8,000m (26,247 ft.) of piping will be put to use in the lengthening, as Silver Spirit’s capacity increases by roughly 12%, resulting in an overall dining capacity increase of 15% and a 20% increase in outdoor seating (from 200 to 266). Outside, the pool area on the sky deck will increase in length (from 30 to 45m / from 98 to 148 ft.) to offer additional space for relaxing under the sun and a new aerobics area will also be created. Taking 1,000 workers over 450,000 man hours, Silver Spirit will emerge sleeker and looking like new from the dry dock on 6 May to embark on her Rome to Barcelona voyage.
– How to make an already-existing cruise ship bigger? Cut it in half, of course. That's what Silversea Cruises is doing to its Silver Spirit ship, which has been sailing since 2009. The 642-foot-long vessel was halved earlier this month so that a new 49-foot-long segment can be added, USA Today reports. The new and improved version of the ship will feature more restaurants and cabins, a larger pool area, and upgraded spa, fitness, and entertainment areas. "A rarely performed feat of maritime architecture, this type of lengthening has never before been employed for the extension of a luxury cruise ship," says Silversea in a press release. More than 500 workers will be involved in the process, which is happening at an Italy shipyard and expected to take 450,000 worker hours and use 846 tons of steel, 360,892 feet of cabling, and 26,247 feet of piping. It will also cost $100 million, Travel + Leisure reports—a lot less than the $1 billion or more an entirely new ship can cost. Wexas Travel reports that 10 decks had to be cut through before the ship's two halves could be pulled apart to make room for the new section. The Spirit, which will have a 12% expanded passenger capacity after the renovation, will sail its first post-expansion cruise out of Italy starting May 6. (A cruise ship will carry you through the perilous Northwest Passage.)