The Silver Nova will debut in Asia-Pacific as the region's most luxurious ship from the end of September 2024 until April 2025.
Marking the start of the ship's inaugural season in Asia, Silver Nova will arrive in Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan, on September 27, making two voyages in the region before crossing to Australia and New Zealand in November. Guests will be able to explore the vibrant cities and magical landscapes of Australia and New Zealand on seven voyages ranging from 16 to 18 days, between November 18, 2024, and February 24, 2025. Silver Nova will return to Asia in April 2025.
With pioneering energy efficiency standards, Silver Nova and its sister ship Silver Ray are 40% more energy efficient than required international standards and regulations. Both ships incorporate innovative design features with asymmetrical and horizontal layouts.
“We are thrilled to finally celebrate the arrival of the beautiful Silver Nova to Asia-Pacific,” said Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea. “Anticipation has been building among our guests and travel agents in the region, and we are delighted to introduce them to one of the most pioneering ships in experiential luxury cruise travel. Silver Nova will be the most luxurious ship sailing in Asia-Pacific until it leaves the region in April 2025, with its stunning architectural innovations, advanced energy efficiency standards, and an unprecedented array of suites and public spaces.”
The first taste of SALT in Australia and New Zealand
Silver Nova's inaugural Asia-Pacific season will mark the introduction of Silversea's innovative culinary program, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), in Australia and New Zealand, while also offering SALT excursions in Japan for the first time. Hosted both onboard and ashore, a series of exclusive, destination-inspired culinary experiences, crafted exclusively for Silversea's SALT program, will give guests the opportunity to delve deeper into their journey.
“We are excited to bring SALT (Sea and Land Taste) to Asia-Pacific in 2024, including Australia and New Zealand for the first time,” Hernandez said. “SALT is about discovering the soul of a place through its food and culture—and what better place to taste and explore than these countries, so rich in heritage and celebrated for their diverse cuisines? Some of the highlights will include learning about the fundamentals of umami in Japan, the dream destination for every culinary traveler; exploring vibrant markets and learning to prepare traditional and innovative Vietnamese dishes with the first chef to receive a Michelin star in Ho Chi Minh City; great wineries and native ingredients in beautiful New Zealand; exploring the metropolis of Melbourne with its vibrant food scene, as well as the wilder shores of Tasmania, where we’ll learn about wild food gathering and experience live-fire cooking with one of the region’s best young chefs. There are so many great culinary stories to tell in this part of the region, and we can’t wait to share them with our guests.”
In iconic destinations across Asia-Pacific, local experts will showcase the diversity of regional products and demonstrate the groundbreaking creativity and innovation of their cuisines. Highlights on land include:
- OSAKA, JAPAN: Culinary workshop and lunch with a Japanese master at a stunning Zen retreat (October 3, 2024; March 22 and 28, 2025; April 11, 2025)
- MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: First Flavors: Native Ingredients and a Chef on a Mission (November 27, 2024; January 7 and 8; February 5, 2025) Chef, entrepreneur and author Nornie Bero is on a mission to celebrate Australia's native ingredients.
- ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA: Garden picking and lunch with Chef Tom Tilbury at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens (November 29, 2024; February 8 and 9, 2025). Chef Tom Tilbury will lead guests on a seasonal picking tour through the stunning Adelaide Botanic Gardens, serving canapés and light bites along the way.
- HOBART (TASMANIA), AUSTRALIA: Cooking Masterclass with Analiese Gregory (December 6-7, 2024; January 10, 2025; February 2-3, 2025). In Hobart, guests can enjoy a day trip to The Bowmont, a heritage building on the banks of the River Huon, where renowned chef Analiese Gregory will conduct an interactive cooking masterclass.
- NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND: Hawke's Bay: An indulgent guided wine and lunch experience at the award-winning family-run Craggy Range Winery. (December 17, 2024; January 19, 25, and 26, 2025).
Other experiences in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and others will provide a comprehensive view of the diverse cultures of Asia.
Onboard the Silver Nova, Silversea guests will delve into the culinary cultures of Asia-Pacific, with dedicated spaces offering unique opportunities to explore local flavors, ingredients, and culinary experts. In the SALT Kitchen, the menu will change daily to reflect the destination's signature dishes. Each evening, in the intimate SALT Bar, guests can reflect on the day's adventures while enjoying signature cocktails crafted with local botanicals. In the SALT Lab, an innovative cooking laboratory, travelers can experiment with local ingredients, preparing regional dishes under the guidance of a culinary expert. In the evening, the SALT Lab transforms into the SALT Chef's Table, an interactive and intimate culinary experience that explores the landscapes and flavors of the region being visited, where the creative process comes to life in front of up to 18 guests.
Silver Nova will return to the Asia-Pacific region in September 2025, completing voyages in Asia before embarking on a 47-day circumnavigation of Australia, departing from Melbourne. Following this, Silversea's first Nova-class ship will operate 12- to 15-day Sydney-to-Auckland cruises.
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