Silversea Cruises’ newest ship, Silver Nova, is making waves in the cruise industry – and she sailed into Australian waters this week to a season already a sell-out.
Cruise Passenger was on board the innovatively designed luxury vessel on her journey from Darwin to Cairns this week, and learned the vessel has become so popular there are only a few suites left for the 2024/25 season.
Maybe it’s what Silversea describes as its “whispered luxury”, but obviously word travels fast.
She is already carrying up to 40% of Australians. Travel agents say Australians want to sail closer to home this summer, so a new ship is a compelling reason to jump aboard, particularly as lines like Princess are offering fewer vessels.
Next year will be even bigger with Silver Moon set to join Silver Nova next summer, and Silver Cloud to sail Kimberley.
The line is offering a new 47-day round-Australia Grand Voyage on board Silver Nova that is proving particularly popular.
Silver Nova is ground-breaking for a number of reasons. Launched in the summer of 2023, she represents a “Nova way” of traveling, offering a more immersive and sustainable approach to cruising.
This is a vessel with a lot that’s brand new – and the fact that she is already popular with Australian cruisers is a tribute to the brand’s hard work in transforming its luxury position since it was acquired by Royal Caribbean.
Captain Mino Pontillo tells us he was consulted throughout the ship’s construction and a lot of the new features came from passenger feedback like bigger bathrooms, more spacious suites and a bigger pool deck.
“Australians are very happy because they have Australian beer on board,” he laughed.
Silver Nova is attracting 60 per cent Americans and 40 per cent other nationalities, many of them Australians. And she sells from the top down, with the most expensive – and expansive – suites selling first.
What’s New About Silver Nova?
- Asymmetrical Design: This unique design allows for a closer connection to the sea and provides stunning panoramic views from various vantage points throughout the ship. The ship has been created with more light and windows than almost any other vessels. Even her lifts look out to sea.
- Spaciousness and service: With a gross tonnage of 54,700 tons a capacity of 728 guests and 544 crew, Silver Nova offers one of the highest space-to-guest ratios and crew-to-guest ratios in the industry, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable experience.
- Sustainability: Silver Nova is Silversea’s most environmentally friendly ship to date, incorporating advanced technologies to minimize its environmental impact. It’s the first in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cleaner fuel source that significantly reduces emissions.
- Horizontal layout: Unlike traditional cruise ships with a vertical layout, Silver Nova features a horizontal design, creating a more open and spacious feel. She is slimmer and longer, you can see both sides of the vessel from anywhere on the ship. Suites run the entire length of the ship on four decks, and public spaces – including the main pool and new Marquee restaurant – are oriented towards the ocean, or port or destination you’re visiting.
- New Suite Categories: The ship introduces 13 suite categories, including the spacious Otivm Suite, offering a private balcony with a whirlpool and sunbed. We stayed in a Medallion Suite, which features a lounge area, a big veranda, copious walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom with proper bath. It’s an excellent option and also comes with our butler, Deependra, laundry service, mini bar, and caviar canapes each night.
- The Spa Experience: The Otivm (pronounced Otium) experience is inspired by the Ancient Roman principle of combining leisure and pleasure, indulgence and pampering rather than punishing gym workouts. The spa offers Champagne and caviar while you await a therapeutic massage. According to Silversea, it’s about instant gratification.
- Fitness and sauna: There is an excellent gym, sauna, steam room and pool for fitness fanatics and it’s free to use for all.
- S.A.L.T dining: Silver Nova features both a Salt lab, where you can learn the secrets of Sea and Land Taste cooking, but also a dedicated restaurant where you can enjoy fresh produce cooked the S.A.L.T way. Menus embrace both traditional and local produce options.
Silver Nova dining options
- Atlantide (Deck 3): at 280 places, this is Silver Nova‘s biggest dining venue, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast and lunch are light, but the dinner menu is huge and offers everything for the foodie from seafood to meat.
- La Terrazza (Deck 4): by day the ship’s buffet venue, by night a smart Italian restaurant.
- S.A.L.T. Kitchen (Deck 3): Everything from Asian fusion to Australiana with wines to match. Menus change every night.
- The Marquee (Deck 10): Healthy breakfast options (think avocado toast and poached eggs), this space with its trees and open-air centre becomes Spaccanapoli pizzeria for lunch and The Grill at night, where you can cook your own steak on a hot stone at 410 degrees.
- Silver Note (Deck 5): Smoky music and dinner menu with small plates.
- Kaiseki (Deck 4): sushi, sashimi, and other Asian dishes cooked to order and you can watch the chefs prepare it.
- Arts Cafe (Deck 4): Snacks and pastries, sandwiches and scones.
- Le Dame: prepare for dress codes and formal dining, this is where you get the full French gourmet experience with wine pairings and the works. But it does come at a price: $160pp and another $90pp for wine pairings.
Where Will Silver Nova Sail in Australia?
Silver Nova’s Australian itineraries offer a diverse range of destinations. But you’ll need to be quick as she sails away in February for Asia and Canada. But she’s back in 2025.
Other ships in the region:
- Silver Muse: This ship is also expected to sail in Australia during this season, offering voyages that explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of the region.
- Silver Whisper: Known for its classic elegance and intimate atmosphere, Silver Whisper will be sailing Asia
Find out more about the round Australia Grand Voyage.
