Silver Nova

The 2023-built MS Silver Nova cruise ship is a new-design/EVOLUTION-class vessel designed and constructed by Meyer Werft and assembled at its shipbuilding facility in Papenburg (Germany Lower Saxony). The first ultra-luxury EVOLUTION ship (Nova) was launched in 2022 and inaugurated in 2023 August. By the same German shipbuilder is the sistership Silver Ray (2024 June).

The vessel (IMO number 9886213) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001189) and registered in Nassau.

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

Silver Nova is Silversea's 12th 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 Ray) 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 (363 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.

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

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-faucet 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).

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

Onboard there are a total of 4 launderettes (passengers-use laundry rooms), one on each floor with cabins (decks 6, 7, 8, 9). Laundry, pressing and wet cleaning services are provided complimentary to all passengers in the suite categories Otium, Owner’s, Grand, Master, Signature, Silver, Junior Grand, Premium Medallion, and Medallion. Excluded are only Veranda Suites.

Six panoramic elevators with glass walls (3x forward-portside lifts and 3x aft-starboard lifts) interconnect all decks.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Silversea EVOLUTION ships (Nova and Ray) feature an outward-facing, asymmetrical layout and have several new for the brand venues, out of 18 total (10x bars and lounges, 8x restaurants).

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.

The Marquee (capacity 220 seats/aft-portside on Deck 10) 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 on Deck 10) offers 270-degree stern views. Aka "Hot Rocks" (poolside restaurant on other Silversea ships) this 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 an 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 (2019-launched) debuted on Silver Moon in 2021. 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 Atrium bar lounge serving complimentary snacks and beverages.

Dolce Vita Lounge (capacity 120 seats/Deck 5 midship, size 371 m2 / 3990 ft2) has a central bar, premium seating (armchairs, round tables, sofas/window couches), stage/performance area. In the evenings, the bar lounge transforms into a piano bar. Adjacent to Dolce Vita Lounge is the Casino fitted with gaming tables (roulette, blackjack, poker) and slot machines. The Casino is open only when the ship is at sea (international waters).

Venetian Lounge (capacity 370 seats/forward on decks 4-5, total size 740 m2 / 7965 ft2) is a two-story Theater / bar-lounge with a stage (grand piano), cabaret-style seating (on the first floor/Deck 4), intimate balcony seats (on the second floor/Deck 5). The lower level (deck 4) is sized 550 m2 / 5920 ft2. The upper level (deck 5) is sized 190 m2 / 2045 ft2. The venue hosts enrichment and live entertainment programming, including daily lectures and seminars and nightly theatrical and musical performances, movie screenings, themed events. The Venetian Lounge is equipped with the latest audiovisual technology including a large HD screen and Dolby surround sound.

The Shelter (capacity 32 seats/Deck 3, size 131 m2 / 1410 ft2) is adjacent to the restaurants Atlantide and SALT Kitchen. This evening-only bar is new for Silversea and is the proper venue for pre- and post-dinner drinks. The Shelter’s bar features a wraparound bottle display.

Connoisseur’s Corner (capacity 35 seats/Deck 5 aft, size 62 m2 / 665 ft2) is a premium cigar bar with stylish seating (Chesterfield leather armchairs), floor-ceiling windows and an outdoor seating area (for smoking).

Observatory Lounge (capacity 115 seats/forward on Deck 10, size 257 m2 / 2765 ft2) features floor-ceiling windows providing 270-degree unobstructed views from the ship's top. The bar lounge is open from early morning until late night and also houses as the ship's Library.

Panorama Lounge (capacity 190 seats/aft on Deck 5, size 547 m2 / 5890 ft2) has an additional outdoor deck area with seating (terrace sized 221 m2 / 2380 ft2) providing 270-degree stern views

SALT Bar (capacity 42 seats/Deck 10, size 171 m2 / 1840 ft2) is an evening lounge with floor-ceiling windows, a large bar area, comfortable seating (armchairs), an outdoor deck space.

SALT Lab (capacity 28 seats/Deck 10, size 113 m2 / 1210 ft2) is the SALT program's "test kitchen" where are prepared itinerary-based (on region/destination) traditional dishes and beverages, with regional fresh ingredients and under the guidance of the ship's Host as well as of local food experts. The venue has several cooking stations and a large central workstation for the chefs' cooking demonstrations.

Otium Spa is sized 338 m2 / 3640 ft2 and positioned forward on Deck 5 (bow-facing). The ship's wellness complex groups an indoor swimming pool, 8x treatment rooms (for massages), spa/thermal area (steam room, sauna room, spa pool), a relaxation lounge, Gym/fitness center, and a Beauty Salon. The wellness complex features floor-ceiling windows and a water fountain wall. The decor is marked by soft lighting and natural stones.

On Silver Nova, Silversea's wellness program OTIVM (2022-introduced on Silver Dawn) is expanded with new amenities and experiences. Otium Suites passengers receive a complimentary spa treatment from the spa menu (up to US$400 per person).

The cruise ship has a 2-story Boutique (duty-free shop on two levels) located in the Atrium (midship on decks 4-5).

Silver Nova has Silversea fleet's largest art collection (~1800 pieces) made by a total of 59 artists (from 25 different countries). The collection includes 1250+ framed works, 8 large sculptures and 9 installations as well as various antiques. Displayed throughout the ship artworks include the Messina Collection (38 bronze sculptures), the Otivm Collection (Ancient Rome-themed art in the Otium Spa and in both Otium Suites), and the Library's mural (sized 26 m2/280 ft2).

Itineraries

Silversea confirmed that both EVOLUTION-class boats (Nova and Ray) 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)

Due to construction delays caused by supply chain disruptions, Silver Nova's delivery/inauguration was delayed by a month, and the first cruise was rescheduled from July 15th to Aug 14th (2023).

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

• canceled/Maiden Voyage (July 15) 10-days from Southampton to Lisbon - EUR 7200 pp
• canceled/Maiden Voyage (July 15) 19-days from Southampton to Rome/Civitavecchia - EUR 11500 pp
• canceled/(July 25) 9-days from Lisbon to Rome - EUR 5500 pp
• canceled/(August 3) 11-days from Rome to Venice/Fusina - EUR 7700 pp
• MAIDEN VOYAGE (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).

Silversea's "flight and cruise" package deals (by the company's "Silver Sky" program) are inclusive of the luxury cruise fare, discount round-trip airfare (Economy Class) and airport-pier-airport transfers.

Silversea's "hotel and cruise" package "Silver Shore Simply Hotel" offers overnight 5-star luxury hotel stays with the option of adding transfers or upgrades. The upgraded cruise and hotel package ("Silver Shore Grande Hotel") offers 1-3-nights landmark hotel stays (or at a boutique property) and is inclusive of private transfers (airport-hotel and hotel-pier).

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

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), Barbara Muckermann (Silversea's CCO/Chief Commercial Officer) and Bernard Meyer (Meyer Werft's Managing Director).

Silver Nova was launched/floated out from drydock on April 28, 2023. The special event was attended by Barbara Muckermann (Silversea's President and CEO), Roberto Bruzzone (Silversea's SVP of Marine Operations) and Jan Meyer (Meyer Werft GmbH's Managing Director). During the launch ceremony, the ship's Master (Captain Cosimo Pontillo) welded a special coin to a wall on Pool Deck/deck 10 (remains visible) to commemorate the important milestone and adhere to shipbuilding traditions as a symbol of good luck.

In July 2023, Almaco Group delivered and installed the ship's galleys/kitchens and provision stores (dry and cold rooms for food and beverages). Meyer Werft's contract with Almaco included the design, supply, installation and commissioning of systems and appliances 

Silver Nova (Silversea's 12th vessel) was officially delivered on July 19, 2023, at Port Eemshaven (Netherlands). The delivery documents were signed by Jason Liberty (shipowner's/RCG-Royal Caribbean Group's President and CEO)

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

Silver Nova was officially christened on January 4, 2024, in Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale Florida USA. The naming ceremony was led by godmother Nina Compton (1978-born Saint Lucian chef, who in 2015 opened her Compere Lapin restaurant in New Orleans' CBD). The special event was also attended by Jason Liberty (RCG's President and CEO) and Barbara Muckermann (Silversea's President).

Silver Nova's powerplant is integrated with currently the largest fuel cell system installed on a cruise ship (power output 4 MV), allowing the vessel to run completely on fuel cell-generated electricity while in port - without using its combustion engines. The methanol-powered fuel cell system was developed by Freudenberg Fuel Cell e-Power Systems GmbH, which is one of Meyer Group's strategic partners for new technology developments, and a subsidiary of Freudenberg Group (1849-founded, Weinheim-based, family-owned group of technology and production companies specializing in sectors like household products, textiles, building materials, auto parts, telecommunications).

For additional fuel savings, the innovative MAGS (Micro Auto Gasification System by Terragon Technologies) converts onboard waste (thermally breaks down all hydrocarbons in waste) and transforms them into ~5% of biochar (lightweight black residue) and thermal energy.

Nova and Ray are Silversea's first vessels with a horizontal layout and an asymmetrical/open design that allows all public spaces and staterooms to span the ship's entire length and receive natural light.

Besides Captain Cosimo Pontillo, the ship's senior officers during the inaugural season also included Jorge Rodriguez Ferreira (First Officer), Rosario Costagliola (Chief Engineer), Lester Woodfall (Hotel Manager), Vicki Van Tassel (Cruise Director), Sascha Strack (Head of Guest Relations), Rohit Dimri (Executive Chef).

Grand Voyage 2024

The next table shows the ship's first Grand Voyage (longest itinerary so far) leaving roundtrip from Florida USA in January 2024.

The 71-day "Grand South America Voyage" featured a full Panama Canal transit, Amason River cruising and six overnight ports.

Prices started from USD 48000 per person with double occupancy.

The "Grand South America Voyage 2024" was also available for booking in smaller itinerary segments: 12-day Fort Lauderdale to Callao-Lima, 32-day Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires, 8-day Callao-Lima to Valparaiso-Santiago, 20-day Callao-Lima to Buenos Aires, 12-day Valparaiso-Santiago to Buenos Aires, 9-day Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro, 20-day Rio de Janeiro to Bridgetown, 30-day Rio de Janeiro to Fort Lauderdale, 10-day Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale.

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2023

The 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).

Next table shows the ship's first Grand Voyage - the 71-day "Grand South America 2024" roundtrip from Florida USA.

Price started from US$50900 per person with double occupancy.

Godspeed!