The Silver Nova, the first of Silversea's Nova class, has completed its inaugural season in Alaska.
Among the many highlights of the season, photographer Steve McCurry sailed aboard the Silver Nova in August, capturing the ship and its destination in his signature style. That same month, Silversea installed an exhibition of McCurry's photographs on board to commemorate the company's 30th anniversary. Having departed Alaska, the Silver Nova has set sail for the Asia-Pacific for the first time.
“Although Silver Nova ’s inaugural season in Alaska has come to an end, our guests’ memories of the region’s vast natural beauty will live on,” said Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea.
The Silver Nova 's Alaska season in numbers
During the Silver Nova 's 19-trip Alaska season , which ran from May to September:
- The Silver Nova covered more than 32,000 nautical miles during this 133-day season.
- Guests enjoyed 16 performances by the Juneau Alaska String Band, a family of musicians who also highlight Alaskan history and folklore.
- Nearly 10,000 bottles of champagne were consumed in the elegant restaurants and bars of the Silver Nova.
- More than 120 lectures were given, providing context and enriching information.
- Guests participated in nearly 200 SALT Lab classes, where they learned about local culinary culture.
- Thirty photographs by Steve McCurry were installed on board as part of the exhibition for Silversea's 30th anniversary.
Silversea's 30th Anniversary: A Photography Exhibition by Steve McCurry
To celebrate the company's 30th anniversary, Silversea installed a photographic exhibition aboard the Silver Nova in August, featuring 30 images by Steve McCurry. Also on display on the Silver Ray, these photographs chronicle the most significant milestones of the destinations visited by Silversea over the past three decades. Each image celebrates the spirit of discovery that defines Silversea.
“During my journey through Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and Skagway, I sought to capture the beauty and wild spirit of Alaska,” said McCurry. “The landscapes and wildlife of this region have a timeless quality that I tried to reflect in my images. This trip with Silversea allowed me to explore remote corners where each photograph reflects the connection between the land, the animals, and the people who live here.”.
Experiencing Alaska
In Ketchikan, a highlight was an exciting seaplane ride over the Misty Fjords National Monument, filled with granite cliffs, 300-meter waterfalls and glacial lakes, inhabited by eagles, mountain goats, whales and sea lions.
In Juneau, many guests combined a visit to the famous Mendenhall Glacier with whale watching in Stephens Passage. Others relived the spirit of the Gold Rush in a husky-drawn wagon. One of the most popular excursions was a flight over the Juneau Icefield followed by a traditional salmon lunch at the historic Taku Glacier Lodge.
In Sitka, during the Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest excursion, guests spotted gray whales and bears along the coast.
In Skagway, guests toured the White Pass Scenic Railway and enjoyed a scenic discovery of the Chilkat Valley, spotting sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles in the Chilkat Reserve.
A first taste of SALT in Alaska
Silversea's innovative culinary program SALT (Sea and Land Taste) debuted in Alaska aboard the Silver Nova.
Among the nearly 200 SALT Lab classes offered during the season, guests had the opportunity to learn three different ways to prepare salmon, with recipes and stories from The Salmon Sisters, Emma Teal Laukitis and Claire Neaton, local experts dedicated to promoting Alaskan seafood.
Each night, the SALT Lab transformed into the SALT Chef's Table, an interactive and intimate culinary experience, featuring a tasting menu made up of local ingredients.
At SALT Kitchen, guests enjoyed menus inspired by the destinations.
At the SALT Bar, Silversea's talented mixologists prepared the Gold Fever, a cocktail inspired by the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century, and the Peace & Thunder, a non-alcoholic drink in homage to the Malaspina Glacier, among a selection of drinks inspired by the region.
Guests disembarked in Juneau to discover the profound relationship between Alaskan culture, economy, and marine ecosystems during an immersive half-day excursion to the McCaulay Salmon Hatchery on North Douglas Island, followed by a visit to the Forbidden Peak Brewery and its Red Spruce restaurant. There, they enjoyed a specially curated lunch featuring local seaweed sauces and Alaskan seafood, prepared by a renowned local chef and paired with local beers.
Silversea's Alaska season in 2025
In 2025, the Silver Nova will return to Alaska from May to September. Itineraries will include popular ports such as Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, as well as less-visited ports like Valdez, Icy Bay, Icy Strait Point, Wrangell, and Haines. The Silver Moon will also sail Alaska from May to September on 7-day voyages, including a day of sailing in Hubbard Bay and the Inside Passage, with stops in Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan.
Collaboration to support Alaskan communities
In collaboration with local organizations and leaders, the Royal Caribbean group continued to support Alaskan communities with unique programs, including a pilot program launched in August 2024 to increase access to high-speed internet in Juneau. In partnership with the Alaska Native corporation Goldbelt, the program deployed Starlink's high-speed, low-latency internet service to residents, tourists, and businesses in the city. Earlier this month, several Starlink terminals were also deployed in Sitka during widespread internet outages, improving coverage for residents.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
