Silver Nova

The 2023-built MS Silver Nova cruise ship is a new-design (EVOLUTION-class) ultra-luxury vessel currently under construction by Meyer Werft at its shipyard in Papenburg (Germany Lower Saxony). The first EVOLUTION ship (Nova) is planned for launch in 2022-Q4 and inauguration in 2023 July. A second sistership (tbn) follows in 2024, to be constructed by the same shipbuilder.

The vessel (IMO number 9886213) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Nassau.

Both EVOLUTION-class ships are part of the Silversea Expeditions fleet.

Silver Nova is Silversea's 11th vessel.

History - construction and ownership

Silversea Cruises is a Monaco-based privately-owned cruise company and top-luxury travel brand. It was established in 1994 as joint venture of V-Ships Monaco (fka Vlasov Group) and Lefebvre Family of Rome Italy. In 2018, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd acquired 2/3rd of the company. Silversea now has a fleet of smaller-sized boutique vessels with passenger capacity between 100-700. The company's business model is to operate yacht-like vessels in the industry's ultra-luxury-all-suite ship category. Silversea's all-inclusive fares include beverages (also selected wines), gratuities (none are allowed), travel insurance, port charges, one or more shore excursions (per voyage).

Despite having ice-strengthened hulls, both EVOLUTION-Class units (Nova and TBN-2024) are not expedition ships, but rather an enhanced version of Silversea's newest mega-yachts Silver Muse (2017), Silver Moon (2021), Silver Dawn (2022). The new class units are designed with max passenger capacity 728 (in addition to 560 crew/staff) and GT (gross tonnage/volume) 54700 tons.

Silver Nova is one of the industry's most spacious ships, featuring the Silversea fleet's highest space-to-passenger ratio 75 (enclosed space per passenger / ft3 to GT) and crew-to-passenger ratio 1:1,3.

Ship technology

On October 8, 2018, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (shipowner and Silversea's parent company) announced shipbuilding agreements for 3 new boats for Silversea. The MoU (with Meyer Werft Germany) included two new-design (EVOLUTION Class) ships with first delivery planned for 2022. The 3rd contract was signed with Shipyard De Hoop (Holland) for building Silver Origin (100-passenger ship for Silversea's Galapagos program previously served by Silver Galapagos/sold in December 2020). Silver Origin entered service in May 2021 (originally planned for March 2020). The shipbuilding contracts were signed by Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio (Silversea's Executive Chairman), Richard Fain (RCG's Chairman and CEO) and Tim Meyer (Meyer Werft's Managing Director/for the EVOLUTION ships) and Patrick Janssens (Shipyard De Hoop's CEO/for Silver Origin).

In October 2021 was announced that the EVOLUTION-class units will be hybrid-powered, using three different power sources - main engines (dual-fuel, running on both ULSD/ultra-low-sulfur diesel and LNG/liquefied natural gas) as well as two alternative power sources - fuel cells (hydrogen-based technology, max capacity 4 MW per boat) plus batteries (power storage system). Another innovation is the MAGS (Micro Auto Gasification System) for reducing onboard dry waste volumes, which results in lower incineration/CO emissions. These new maritime technologies allow ~40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to Silversea's previous ship class (Muse-Moon-Dawn).

As the boats are shoreside-power ready, while berthed in ports they can connect to the town's power grid (for the electricity needed for onboard operations) instead of running their own diesel generators.

Silversea's EVOLUTION ships are also designed to have an EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index for new ships) IMO rating of approx 1/4 better than IMO's (International Maritime Organization's) current requirements for this GT-tonnage. The EEDI index estimates the CO2 volume (grams of carbon dioxide) per tonne-mile, making it kinda a sustainable ("environmental cost") ratio.

Decks and Cabins

Silver Nova staterooms (364 total) are all outside (each with a step-out balcony) and all are in Suite categories (13x total). Cabin types include Otium, Owner, Grand, Master, Signature, Silver, Junior Grand, Premium Medallion, Medallion, Premium Veranda, Deluxe Veranda, Superior Veranda, Classic Veranda.

Cabin sizes range between 33 m2 (360 ft2) and 123 m2 (1325 ft2). All suites are with walk-in closets, large en-suite bathrooms (oversized LED mirror, 2-faucets vanity, walk-in shower, bathtub/whirlpool), spacious balconies, professional butler service. Other standard complimentary cabin amenities include Wi-Fi, refrigerator (fully stocked mini-bar), plush bathrobes and slippers, pillow menu, premium brand bath amenities, hairdryer, umbrella, smart UHDTV (interactive media library), USB charger ports (wall-mounted), direct-dial phone, Champagne bottle (upon arrival).

New for Silversea are Nova's aft suites in categories "Otium" (the ship's largest) and "Signature".

The boat has 11 decks, of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

All decks are interconnected via 6 lifts/passenger elevators (3x forward-midship-portside and 3x aft-midship-starboard).

Shipboard facilities and amenities

In May 2022, Silversea announced several features of the newbuild, including the outward-facing, asymmetrical layout and new for the brand outdoor venues.

Pool Deck's main swimming pool (midship on deck 10) is the fleet's biggest (sized 130 m2 / 1400 ft2), with wider steps, a larger shallow water area (with underwater seats), spacious sundeck (sunbathing areas on decks 10-11, fitted with padded premium wood loungers and shaded seating) and served by The Pool Bar. On deck 11, The Cliff Whirlpool is an infinity-edge pool (glass-fronted) overlooking the portside.

On Deck 10 are positioned two new venues - The Marquee, and The Dusk Bar.

• The Marquee (capacity 220 seats/aft-portside) is an alfresco dining venue that incorporates Silversea’s The Grill ("hot rocks" BBQ food) and Spaccanapoli (pizzeria). The Marquee serves casual food (throughout the day) as well as dinner.
• The Dusk Bar (capacity 70 seats/aft-wraparound) offers 270-degree stern views.
• Note: Hot Rocks (poolside restaurant) is an outdoor Steakhouse and Seafood restaurant for gourmet dining under the stars. This open-air grill venue implements Silversea's interactive dining concept “Black Rock Grill Experience”. In the evenings, it allows passengers to cook their food (fresh seafood and prime steaks) on heated volcanic-rock plates at their own table. During the day, Hot Rocks serves as a rotisserie and gourmet salad and burger bar.

Atlantide (capacity 270 seats/Deck 3) is the ship's Main Dining Room and a reservations-only restaurant (steakhouse, seafood, bar & grill) that features designer seafood dishes and gourmet fish specialties (like royal crab, blue lobster, red snapper) and prime steaks. Food is price-inclusive, as well as all beverages (wines, spirits, bottled water, specialty coffees, juices, soft drinks). At extra cost are available top-shelf liquor brands (champagnes, spirits) and premium wines (ordered from an a la carte-priced menu).

La Terrazza (capacity 340 seats/aka Terrace Cafe/Deck 4 aft) is a complimentary buffet restaurant with indoor seating (floor-ceiling windows) and an alfresco terrace, interactive food stations (olive oil cellar, mozzarella bar, seafood bar, salumeria, Italian-style deli). Wine is also complimentary, but premium wines (from Connoisseur’s Wine List) cost extra. Each evening (between 7-9:30 pm) La Terrazza transforms into an Italian specialty restaurant (reservations-only, with a la carte-priced menu). During the day, La Terrazza is also open for buffet-style breakfast and lunch. The Afternoon Tea service is also complimentary.

La Dame (capacity 70 seats/Deck 4 forward-portside) is an upscale French specialty restaurant where are served signature dishes by Relais Chateaux (chain of individually owned gourmet restaurants, boutique hotels, luxury resorts and villas). La Dame is dinner-only and the ship's only restaurant where dining is offered at an additional fee. Reservations are required. Excluding some premium alcohol brands (champagnes, wines, spirits), all other drinks are complimentary. Most food ingredients are locally sourced, and the dining experience includes unique food presentations.

SALT Kitchen (capacity 160 seats/Deck 3 starboard) is a complimentary dinner-only restaurant sized 315 m2 (3390 ft2). Standing for "Sea And Land Taste", Silversea's SALT culinary program was launched in 2019 and debuted in 2021 on Silver Moon. At SALT Kitchen, passengers can enjoy cruise itinerary-based (regions and ports) food specialties. The menu is rotating and changes daily. The venue comprises SALT Kitchen (restaurant), SALT Bar (beverages) and SALT Lab (test kitchen for cooking classes led by the ship's chefs as well as by celebrity chefs and authors). Silversea also offers SALT-themed shore excursions/land tours in most destinations.

Kaiseki (capacity 40 seats/Deck 4 midship) is a Japanese food bar that serves traditional cuisine specialties (including sushi) and beverages.

Silver Note (capacity 54 seats/Deck 5 midship-aft) is a premium bar lounge (1920s-themed jazz club) and a dinner-only restaurant. Sized 141 m2 (1515 ft2), Silver Note features premium leather furniture, a dance floor, a baby grand piano, live music performances (jazz and blues). Dishes are served in small plates (tapas-style). The cuisine is international, with themed food specialties. Silver Note is complimentary, but dinner reservations are required.

Arts Cafe (capacity 70 seats/Deck 4 midship) is a casual bar lounge serving complimentary snacks and beverages.

Itineraries

Silversea confirmed that both EVOLUTION-class boats (Nova and tbn-2024) will operate polar cruises to ports and destinations in the Arctic (Europe, Russia, Canada) and Antarctica.

Venetian Society members (Silversea's loyalty program) and travel agents received pre-sale access to Silver Nova's details (deck plans, staterooms, itineraries-destinations) on December 16, 2021. General bookings opened on January 6, 2022.

Silver Nova's inaugural season (2023-2024) had scheduled a total of 30 itineraries in Europe (UK-British Isles, Mediterranean), Transatlantic crossings (RepositionCruises.com), and voyages in South America and Alaska (in 2024) visiting 100+ ports in 50 countries.

Schedule 2023 (UK-Mediterranean-Caribbean)

Note: fares are all-inclusive, in Euro/EUR and per person (with double occupancy).

• Maiden Voyage (July 15) 10-days from Southampton to Lisbon - EUR 7200 pp
• Maiden Voyage (July 15) 19-days from Southampton to Civitavecchia-Rome - EUR 11500 pp
• (July 25) 9-days from Lisbon to Rome - EUR 5500 pp
• (August 3) 11-days from Rome to Venice - EUR 7700 pp
• (August 14) 7-days roundtrip from Venice - EUR 5400 pp
• (August 21) 11-days from Venice to Rome - EUR 7700 pp
• (August 21) 28-days from Venice to Barcelona - EUR 18200 pp
• (September 1) 7-days from Rome to Monte Carlo - EUR 4800 pp
• (September 8) 10-days from Monte Carlo to Barcelona - EUR 7200 pp
• (September 18) 11-days from Barcelona to Lisbon - EUR 6800 pp
• (September 18) 28-days from Barcelona to Lisbon - EUR 15500 pp
• (September 29) 17-days roundtrip from Lisbon - EUR 10800 pp
• (October 16) 22-days roundtrip from Lisbon - EUR 13600 pp
• (October 16) Transatlantic repositioning 33-days from Lisbon to New York - EUR 15900 pp
• (November 7) Transatlantic 11-days from Lisbon to New York - EUR 4450 pp
• (November 18) 16-days from New York to Bridgetown - EUR 7050 pp
• (November 18) 31-days from New York to Lima/Callao - EUR 11950 pp
• (December 4) 15-days from Bridgetown to Lima - EUR 7700 pp
• (December 19) 16-days from Lima to Fort Lauderdale - EUR 8900 pp.

Schedule 2024 (Caribbean-South America-Alaska)

• (January 4) 12-days from Fort Lauderdale to Lima/Callao - EUR 7700 pp
• (January 4) 32-days from Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires - EUR 18900 pp
• (January 16) 20-days from Lima to Buenos Aires - EUR 13200 pp
• (February 5) 9-days from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro - EUR 5900 pp
• (February 5) 29-days from Buenos Aires to Bridgetown - EUR 14700 pp
• (February 14) 20-days from Rio de Janeiro to Bridgetown - EUR 10700 pp
• (March 5) 10-days from Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale - EUR 6750 pp
• (March 5) 26-days from Bridgetown to Lima/Callao - EUR 13050 pp
• (March 15) 16-days from Fort Lauderdale to Lima - EUR 8500 pp
• (March 31) 16-days from Lima to Fort Lauderdale - EUR 8500 pp
• (March 31) Alaska repositioning 23-days from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver - EUR 13950 pp.

In February 2022, Silversea scheduled a 71-day "Grand Voyage" (roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA/January 4-March 15, 2024) for Silver Nova. Departing on January 4, 2024, the "Grand Voyage South America 2024" itinerary visits a total of 38x ports in 18x different countries. Signature destinations include Brazil's Manaus (Amazon River), Ilhabela and Rio de Janeiro (3x overnights for the Rio Carnival 2024), Argentina's Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, Uruguay's Montevideo, Peru's Callao-Lima, the Caribbean's Bridgetown (Barbados), Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda, BVI), Castries (St Lucia), Port Elizabeth (Bequia Island, Grenadines).

The vessel's construction (hull/yard number 719) officially started on November 18, 2021, with the steel-cutting ceremony held at the Papenburg Shipyard.

During the keel-laying ceremony (December 2, 2021) was officially announced the new ship's name - "Silver Nova". The special event was attended by Roberto Martinoli (Silversea's President and CEO), Bernard Meyer (Meyer Werft's Managing Director), Barbara Muckermann (Silversea's CCO/Chief Commercial Officer).

The Silversea ship's namesake is the 2018-built liner AIDAnova.

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2023

Next tables show the ship's Maiden Voyage and the inaugural cruises by homeport/region/destination. Prices are in USD, per person (Veranda Suite rates) and based on double occupancy.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE) 19-day repositioning from the UK to the Mediterranean (US$14500)

(inaugural Mediterranean) 11-day roundtrip from Rome (US$9800)

(inaugural Transatlantic crossing 2023) 33-day from Europe to the USA (US$19600)

(inaugural USA and Caribbean) 16-day from New York to Barbados (US$8900)

(inaugural Panama Canal transit 2024) 23-day from Florida to Alaska (US$15550)

For season 2024 were scheduled voyages in South America and Alaska (from Vancouver).

Godspeed!