The Silver Nova is the eleventh ship to join the Silversea fleet. The 728-passenger vessel will be delivered in the summer of 2023 by the Meyer Werf shipyard, and its innovative asymmetrical design promises to impress.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 60 – March 2022
With a gross tonnage of 54,700, it will offer a space ratio of 75 tons per passenger, making it one of the most spacious cruise ships ever built. It is also Silversea's most environmentally friendly ship, marking a step towards an even more sustainable era.
One of the main characteristics of the Silver Nova is its focus on sustainability, with cutting-edge technological solutions, a very important message that reflects the commitment of the brand and the group to the preservation of the environment and the reduction of the environmental footprint through the design of sustainable ships.
It will be powered by three sustainable energy sources: hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and hybrid fuel engines that use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as their primary fuel. The Silver Nova is expected to be the first luxury cruise ship to operate with zero emissions while in port. But the new hybrid technology will not only be applicable in port; it will also enable an overall 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Both the Silver Nova and all future Nova-class vessels will feature a waste heat recovery system, improving energy efficiency. The hull design and propulsion system allow for more efficient performance throughout the vessel's operation. Other innovations include shore power connection and a MAGS system that reduces onboard waste.
New Asymmetrical Design
: Silver Nova's innovative asymmetrical design allows for unprecedented connectivity between passengers and their destinations, with luxurious interiors and numerous outdoor areas. The main pool is located to one side, creating a spacious, unobstructed area with breathtaking panoramic views. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible ocean views from the interior spaces.
Historically, Silversea ships have featured a vertical design where most of the public areas are located at the stern of each deck; Silver Nova will be the first ship in the fleet to introduce a horizontal design that allows for the creation of “suite-only” decks, as well as public decks that offer a sense of spaciousness and exceptional luxury through an increase in ceiling height.
The suites aboard Silver Nova will retain the distinctive Silversea suite style while featuring innovative design solutions focused on comfort and immersion in the destination. Silver Nova will offer 13 different suite categories, including a new generation of never-before-seen suites located at the stern of the ship, offering panoramic views of the destination.
These suites will be among the most spacious at sea, ranging in size from 33 m² to 123 m². The 364 suites guarantee a superlative sense of comfort and personal space, achieved through meticulous design, particularly in the bathrooms and dressing rooms. The bathroom has been enhanced to include a modern, oversized mirror, a large sink with two faucets, a spacious shower, and a luxurious bathtub or whirlpool. The dressing room has been redesigned to provide a more open feel, especially in the Veranda suites, and features a range of designer details. Furthermore, all suites benefit from large balconies, ranging from 5 to 40 m², offering 270-degree views of the sea and coastline.
The Veranda Suite will represent more than 70% of the suites aboard the Silver Nova. The Signature Suite and Junior Grand Suite are among the new categories incorporated in this redesign.
Some of the amenities on the Silver Nova will include Otium, Silversea's wellness program introduced in 2021 on the Silver Dawn, and SALT, an immersive culinary concept first experienced on the Silver Moon, which brings the authenticity of the destination to the ship's kitchen through locally sourced produce, market visits, and live masterclasses from guest chefs. According to Silversea executives, the Silver Nova will take both concepts to the "next level.".
Inaugural season itineraries
The Silver Nova will set sail for its inaugural season on 15 July 2023 from Southampton, crossing the Atlantic coast, on a 10-day itinerary from Southampton to Lisbon.
During their inaugural voyage, travelers will enjoy some of the most beautiful destinations on the coast, such as Saint Malo, located on the coast of Brittany, and access to the iconic Mont St. Michel Abbey, considered "The Wonder of the West.".
An innovative asymmetrical design will place the main pool on one side.
The next stop is Bordeaux, where the ship will remain docked for several days. During this three-day stay, guests will have ample opportunity to discover the region's most iconic wines and flavors, including some of the world's most famous wine châteaux estates, the charming village of St. Emilion, or to enjoy exclusive Michelin-starred experiences at the Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, which also features a Lalique hotel and restaurant.
This is the oldest wine-growing area in the Bordeaux region. St. Emilion wines are considered the most robust and reach maturity faster than other Bordeaux reds. Passengers will learn about the winemaking process with a guided tour of the winery.
In addition, the Silver Nova will stop in Bilbao, Vigo and Porto before ending its journey in Lisbon.
Mediterranean
From Lisbon, the ship begins an extensive summer season in the western and southern Mediterranean that will run from July 25 to November 7, offering a total of 9 trips, with stops in 48 destinations in 16 countries.
It will begin with a route from Lisbon to Civitavecchia, with stops in Cádiz, Málaga, Cartagena, and Palma before Monte Carlo and Livorno. From Civitavecchia, an 11-day journey will depart, visiting Sorrento, Syracuse, Malta, Corfu, Saranda, and making three stops along the beautiful Croatian coast, before ending in Venice. The following trip will be a Venice-Venice journey with stops primarily in Croatia and Montenegro. The return trip to Civitavecchia will follow a route very similar to the previous one.
The Silver Nova will offer two Mediterranean routes in September: a 7-day cruise from Civitavecchia to Monte Carlo and a 10-day cruise from Monte Carlo to Barcelona, with exclusive stops in Saint-Tropez and Portofino. On September 18, it will return to Lisbon for an 11-day voyage that includes stops in Tangier and Casablanca.
Afterwards, the Silver Nova will embark on an extensive 17-day voyage visiting the Atlantic Islands of the Azores and Cape Verde.
From Lisbon, the Silver Nova will also delve into the cultural and regional flavors of the southern Mediterranean and North Africa during an exceptional 22-day voyage of exploration, visiting some of the most beautiful destinations, including Casablanca, Sicily, Cartagena, and Algiers.
Silver Nova will have a new generation of suites, located at the stern of the ship, with panoramic views.
Finally, on November 11, the Silver Nova will offer travelers the opportunity to experience the golden age of sea travel on a transatlantic cruise from Lisbon to New York, with a final night on board in New York.
Caribbean and South America.
Departing from New York, you'll embark on an exceptional cruise that includes three full days exploring Bermuda and the Eastern Caribbean, including several extended stops (in San Juan, Gustavia – St. Barth, and Philipsburg). It's the only itinerary that visits Bermuda with a strong focus on the destination, thanks to three full days in Hamilton.
From Bridgetown, the Silver Nova will offer an exotic 15-day cruise to Lima, Peru, passing through the Panama Canal, followed by another cruise from Lima to Fort Lauderdale during Christmas 2023. On January 4, 2024, it will make the return cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Lima.
Starting in January 2024, Silver Nova will offer travelers a set of unique trips through South America:
West and East of South America: offers a long 20-day exploration of the stunning Chilean coast and fjords, before rounding Cape Horn and ending in Buenos Aires.
East coast of South America: departing from Buenos Aires and visiting Montevideo and Punta del Este, the cruise will spend 2 nights in Rio de Janeiro during the carnival, one of the most iconic shows in the world (3 nights if combined).
On the next cruise, a 20-day voyage departing on February 24, 2024, the Silver Nova will venture into the Amazon River, a true adventure with the highest possible level of comfort and luxury.
By combining all trips from January 4th to March 15th, you can take a great 71-day trip circumnavigating all of South America, including sailing on the Amazon to Manaus.
In March 2024, the Silver Nova will again complete several cruises from Fort Lauderdale and Lima, before making a crossing from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver.
