Everything You Need to Know About the New Silver Nova
Doing something well is commendable; doing something new and doing it well defines vision. Silver Nova, Silversea’s new 728-passenger ship set to launch in Summer 2023, is not only a continuation of a legacy in luxury voyages but also represents a bold way forward for the brand. Nova, from “new” in Latin, marks a commitment to innovate and push the boundaries of shipbuilding, sustainability and providing an unparalleled cruise experience.
Here is your guide to the next-generation Silver Nova and what sets it apart.
What makes Silver Nova so different?
Beginning with its basic structure, Nova’s difference extends to its steel frame. This ship, the first in the new Nova Class, will become the largest and most spacious when it joins the Silversea fleet, thanks to a “horizontal” design. This breakthrough in layout means more square footage to accommodate the plush lounges and extraordinary bars and restaurants.
The design difference of Silver Nova also extends to its all-balcony suites, which will include some of the best views. A contemporary aesthetic is paired with additional open-air spaces, creating Silversea’s strong connection between the ship and guests’ surroundings.
Below deck, revolutionary design also applies to technology and engineering; Silver Nova is designed to achieve low-emission operation.
Let’s take a closer look at these new elements that will make Silver Nova unique.
Asymmetrical design makes Nova different
Employing asymmetrical design, Silver Nova confines accommodations to the front of the ship and entertainment spaces to the back of the vessel. Silver Nova will have venues that run the entire length of the ship, allowing expansive vistas and long, continuous stretches of space. Bringing key structural elements toward the inside of the ship also allows more seamless integration between the outside elements and interior of Silver Nova. Floor-to-ceiling glass will form many of the structural but see-through “barriers” around the decks, which means unimpeded views.
This first Nova Class vessel is being built in Germany at Meyer Werft. Enhanced technology means noise and vibrations from the engine room are no longer an issue, allowing latitude in the placement of suites and public spaces.
New and redesigned public spaces
The renderings of Silver Nova’s 1,400-square-foot pool area make it clear that this is a different concept for a ship. The area, shaped like a horseshoe, features the largest pool in the fleet. Also on the outer decks: an infinity-style Cliff Whirlpool on Deck 11 and the all-new Dusk Bar, one deck below.
The Shelter, an intimate, evening-only bar with a maximum capacity of 32, will premiere on Silver Nova. This Deck 3 venue is ideal for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap, opening on to the Atrium with Atlantide and S.A.L.T. Kitchen on either side.
The Venetian Lounge, a two-story space on Nova, has a capacity for 370 guests to listen to lectures or attend performances. The S.A.L.T. Lab and S.A.L.T. Bar have been relocated from their midship position on previous Silversea ships to Deck 10 for views that fully integrate the outside into the spaces. They also are expanded in terms of more square footage.
The Otium Spa aboard Silver Nova features the brand’s largest thermal suite, inspired by the ancient baths of Rome. Guests will find a steam room, sauna, decorative water fountain, and floor-to-ceiling windows. It will be the first Otium Spa to have a spa-centric indoor pool.
Inventive suites
Silver Nova will have 13 suite categories aboard Silver Nova and 364 suites to choose from. In envisioning the interior design, Genoa, Italy-based firm GEM Design strove for premium, residential touches, including decorative lighting, fluted mirrors and plush furniture. The concept is described as “whispered luxury.”
The crown jewel of any Silversea suite at sea will be the Otium Suites, a new category that has eye-catching “walls of windows” offering a 270-degree view. Again, it’s the ship’s design that allows this unique space at the aft starboard corner at the back of the ship. Guests in Otium Suites, at 1,324 square feet, will be treated to premium amenities as well as a large living room.
Master Suites, another new concept, offer accommodations of 721 to 826 square feet, with balconies that wrap around the back of the ship and bathrooms that offer views to the outside. Medallion Suites are 50 percent wider than a standard veranda suite and also have a larger balcony.
Re-imagined dining concepts
Five decks’ worth of restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces will create a lively hub on Silver Nova. Ten bars and lounges and eight distinct dining venues create a bounty of choice. These venues will be spread across the ship, allowing easier social connections in a more open-concept floor plan.
Favorites such as Atlantide, La Dame and S.A.L.T. Kitchen are back, along with new design concepts, including the Marquee. This light-filled space on Deck 10 incorporates the existing Grill and Spaccanapoli authentic pizzeria into one casual yet elegant dining venue.
An emphasis on sustainability
Our impact on the environment directly affects our ability to enjoy Earth’s wonders and waterways for generations to come. Silversea recognizes that reducing its carbon footprint is imperative, and the cruise line is wasting no time by introducing sharpened sustainability efforts with its Nova Class ships.
Beginning with Silver Nova in 2023, Silversea will unveil its first LNG (liquid natural gas)-powered cruise ship. Silver Nova will have three sources powering its engines, including the ability to plug into shore power while docked. This means that in each destination, this forward-thinking vessel aims to emit zero emissions.
For future Nova Class vessels, sustainable materials will be incorporated into the ships’ interior design.
When will Silver Nova debut?
The inaugural sailing of Silver Nova is expected to take place on Aug. 14, 2023, departing from Venice (Fusina). The ship’s public debut will spend one week cruising the Mediterranean, calling on six ports across Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro before returning to Fusina, Italy — the port for Venice located just across the Venetian Lagoon.
Where will Silver Nova sail?
Silver Nova, scheduled through spring 2025, and will sail to five continents in its first two years of operation.
Silversea’s flagship will kick off its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, cruising along the Dalmatian Coast, before bouncing between the European capitals of Rome, Barcelona and Lisbon, Portugal, for the rest of the fall. On Nov. 7, 2023, Nova will reposition to New York from Portugal to begin a series of Caribbean and Central American itineraries for the winter season.
East Coasters can take advantage of a Nov. 18 departure from Manhattan to sail to San Juan (nine days); Bridgetown, Barbados (16 days); or stay on to transit the Panama Canal and sail all the way to Lima (Callao), Peru, after 31 days onboard.
Nova’s six-month stint cruising the Caribbean, Central America, and South America ends with its arrival in Vancouver, Canada, on May 9, 2024. Silver Nova will spend the summer 2024 season plying the waters of Alaska, with seven-day sail dates through mid-September. Choose from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska (or reverse).
On Sept. 12, 2024, Silver Nova will relocate to Asia on an 18-day voyage from Vancouver to Tokyo. The ship will then sail two October cruises from Tokyo before departing Singapore for Cairns, Australia, on Oct. 31. For the winter season, Silver Nova will make inaugural calls throughout the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand.
Voyages available to book in late 2024 into 2025 include a variety of 16-day cruises from Cairns to Sydney; Sydney to Auckland, New Zealand; Auckland to Sydney; Auckland to Melbourne, Australia; and an 18-day cruise from Melbourne to Singapore.
Silver Nova will sail four Asia cruises between Feb. 24 and April 23, 2025, before the vessel embarks on a transoceanic passage to Alaska, arriving May 8, 2025.
How do I book a voyage on Silver Nova?
Silver Nova is open for bookings right now. Highly coveted top-tier suites are already wait-listed on many of Silver Nova’s initial itineraries.
What’s next for Silversea?
Silver Nova is the first of its class, meaning more ships, including the already-announced Silver Ray, are scheduled to follow. Stay tuned.