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 (Lower Saxony, Germany). The first ultra-luxury EVOLUTION-class ship (Nova) was launched in 2022 and inaugurated in August 2023. Her sistership, also built by the same German shipbuilder, is Silver Ray (June 2024).

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 a joint venture between V-Ships Monaco (fka Vlasov Group) and the Lefebvre Family of Rome, Italy. In 2018, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd acquired two-thirds of the company. Silversea now operates a fleet of smaller-sized boutique vessels with passenger capacity between 100 and 700. The company's business model is based on yacht-like vessels in the ultra-luxury, all-suite cruise ship category. Silversea's all-inclusive fares include beverages (including selected wines), gratuities (none are expected), travel insurance, port charges, and one or more shore excursions (depending on the voyage).

Despite having ice-strengthened hulls, both EVOLUTION-class ships (Nova and Ray) are not expedition vessels but rather enhanced versions of Silversea's newest mega-yachts Silver Muse (2017), Silver Moon (2021), and Silver Dawn (2022). The new class ships are designed with a maximum passenger capacity of 728 (plus about 560 crew and staff) and a gross tonnage of 54,700 GT.

Silver Nova is one of the industry's most spacious ships, featuring the Silversea fleet's highest space-to-passenger ratio of 75 (enclosed space per passenger / ft3 to GT) and a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1:1.3.

Ship technology

On October 8, 2018, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (shipowner and Silversea's parent company) announced shipbuilding agreements for three new vessels for Silversea. The MoU (with Meyer Werft Germany) included two new-design EVOLUTION-class ships, with the first delivery planned for 2022. The third contract was signed with Shipyard De Hoop (Netherlands) for building Silver Origin (a 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 it was announced that the EVOLUTION-class ships would 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 vessel) and batteries (power storage system). Another innovation is the MAGS (Micro Auto Gasification System) for reducing onboard dry waste volumes, which results in lower incineration and CO emissions. These new maritime technologies allow approximately a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to Silversea's previous ship class (Muse-Moon-Dawn).

As the ships are shoreside-power ready, while berthed they can connect to the port's power grid (for onboard electricity needs) instead of running their own diesel generators.

Silversea's EVOLUTION-class ships are also designed to achieve an EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index for new ships) IMO rating approximately 25% better than the IMO's current requirements for ships of this tonnage. The EEDI index estimates CO2 emissions (grams of carbon dioxide) per tonne-mile, effectively measuring environmental efficiency.

Decks and Cabins

Silver Nova staterooms (363 total) are all outside (each with a step-out balcony) and all are suite categories (13 total). Cabin types include Otium, Owner, Grand, Master, Signature, Silver, Junior Grand, Premium Medallion, Medallion, Premium Veranda, Deluxe Veranda, Superior Veranda, and Classic Veranda.

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

Cabin sizes range between 33 m2 (360 ft2) and 123 m2 (1325 ft2). All suites feature walk-in closets, large en-suite bathrooms (oversized LED mirror, double-faucet vanity, walk-in shower, bathtub/whirlpool), spacious balconies, and 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), wall-mounted USB charging ports, direct-dial phone, and a welcome bottle of Champagne.

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

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

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

Shipboard facilities and amenities

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

Pool Deck's main swimming pool (midship on Deck 10) is the fleet's largest (130 m2 / 1400 ft2), with wider steps, a larger shallow-water area (with underwater seats), and a spacious sundeck (sunbathing areas on decks 10-11 fitted with padded premium wood loungers and shaded seating), 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 combining Silversea's The Grill ("hot rocks" BBQ concept) 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. Also known as "Hot Rocks" (poolside restaurant on other Silversea ships), it is an outdoor steakhouse and seafood restaurant for gourmet dining under the stars. This open-air grill venue features Silversea's interactive dining concept "Black Rock Grill Experience", allowing guests to cook fresh seafood and prime steaks on heated volcanic-rock plates at their table. During the day, Hot Rocks serves as a rotisserie plus 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 and grill) featuring designer seafood dishes and gourmet fish specialties (such as royal crab, blue lobster, red snapper) and prime steaks. Food is included in the cruise fare, as are most beverages (wines, spirits, bottled water, specialty coffees, juices, and soft drinks). Premium liquor brands (champagnes and spirits) and select wines from the a la carte wine list are available at an additional charge.

La Terrazza (capacity 340 seats, aka Terrace Cafe, Deck 4 aft) is a complimentary buffet restaurant with indoor seating (floor-to-ceiling windows) and an alfresco terrace. The venue features interactive food stations (olive oil cellar, mozzarella bar, seafood bar, salumeria, Italian-style deli). Wine is complimentary, while premium wines from the Connoisseur's Wine List are available at extra cost. Each evening (7-9:30 pm), La Terrazza transforms into an Italian specialty restaurant (reservations required, with an a-la-carte menu). During the day, it serves buffet-style breakfast and lunch. Afternoon Tea is also complimentary.

La Dame (capacity 70 seats, Deck 4 forward-portside) is an upscale French specialty restaurant serving signature dishes by Relais & Chateaux. La Dame is dinner-only and the ship's only restaurant where dining carries an additional fee. Reservations are required. Except for select premium alcohol brands (champagnes, wines, spirits), most beverages are complimentary. Many ingredients are locally sourced, and the dining experience features creative culinary presentations.

SALT Kitchen (capacity 160 seats, Deck 3 starboard, size 315 m2 / 3390 ft2) is a complimentary dinner-only restaurant. Standing for "Sea And Land Taste", Silversea's SALT culinary program (launched in 2019) debuted on Silver Moon in 2021. At SALT Kitchen, guests can enjoy destination-inspired cuisine reflecting the regions and ports visited during the voyage. The menu rotates and changes daily. The venue is part of the SALT concept that includes SALT Kitchen (restaurant), SALT Bar (beverages), and SALT Lab (interactive cooking classes led by shipboard chefs, guest chefs, and culinary experts). Silversea also offers SALT-themed shore excursions in many destinations.

Kaiseki (capacity 40 seats, Deck 4 midship) is a Japanese food bar serving 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, and live jazz and blues performances. Dishes are served in small plates (tapas-style). The cuisine is international with themed specialties. Dining is complimentary, but 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), and a stage/performance area. In the evenings, it transforms into a piano bar. Adjacent to Dolce Vita Lounge is the Casino with gaming tables (roulette, blackjack, poker) and slot machines. The Casino operates only when the ship is at sea (in international waters).

Venetian Lounge (capacity 370 seats, forward on decks 4-5, total size 740 m2 / 7965 ft2) is a two-story theater and bar lounge with a stage (grand piano), cabaret-style seating on Deck 4, and balcony seating on Deck 5. The venue hosts enrichment lectures, seminars, live entertainment, theatrical performances, movie screenings, and themed events. The Venetian Lounge is equipped with advanced audiovisual technology including a large HD screen and Dolby surround sound.

The Shelter (capacity 32 seats, Deck 3, size 131 m2 / 1410 ft2) is located adjacent to Atlantide and SALT Kitchen. This evening-only bar is new for Silversea and serves as a 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-to-ceiling windows, and an outdoor smoking terrace.

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

Panorama Lounge (capacity 190 seats, aft on Deck 5, size 547 m2 / 5890 ft2) includes an outdoor terrace (221 m2 / 2380 ft2) offering 270-degree stern views.

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

SALT Lab (capacity 28 seats, Deck 10, size 113 m2 / 1210 ft2) is the SALT program's "test kitchen" where itinerary-inspired dishes and beverages are prepared using regional ingredients under the guidance of shipboard chefs and guest culinary experts. The venue includes several cooking stations and a large central demonstration counter.

Otium Spa (338 m2 / 3640 ft2) is located forward on Deck 5. The wellness complex includes an indoor pool, eight treatment rooms, a thermal suite (steam room, sauna, spa pool), relaxation lounge, gym/fitness center, and beauty salon. The spa features floor-to-ceiling windows, a water-fountain wall, and decor highlighted by soft lighting and natural stone.

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

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

Silver Nova has the largest art collection in the Silversea fleet (~1800 pieces) created by 59 artists from 25 countries. The collection includes over 1250 framed artworks, eight large sculptures, nine installations, and various antiques. Displayed throughout the ship are the Messina Collection (38 bronze sculptures), the Otivm Collection (Ancient Rome-themed artworks in the Otium Spa and both Otium Suites), and the Library mural (26 m2 / 280 ft2).

Itineraries

Silversea confirmed that both EVOLUTION-class ships (Nova and Ray) will operate voyages to 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, and destinations) on December 16, 2021. General bookings opened on January 6, 2022.

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

Schedule 2023 (UK-Mediterranean-Caribbean)

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

Note: fares are all-inclusive, in Euro/EUR and per person (based on 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 38 ports in 18 different countries. Signature destinations include Brazil's Manaus (Amazon River), Ilhabela, and Rio de Janeiro (including three overnights for Rio Carnival 2024), Argentina's Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, Uruguay's Montevideo, Peru's Callao-Lima, and Caribbean ports such as Bridgetown (Barbados), Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda, BVI), Castries (St Lucia), and Port Elizabeth (Bequia Island, Grenadines).

Silversea's "flight and cruise" package deals (via the company's "Silver Sky" program) include the luxury cruise fare, discounted round-trip Economy Class airfare, 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 to add transfers or upgrades. The upgraded cruise-and-hotel package ("Silver Shore Grande Hotel") offers 1-3-night stays at landmark or boutique hotels and includes 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 shipyard in Papenburg.

During the keel-laying ceremony (December 2, 2021), the new ship's name—"Silver Nova"—was officially announced. The 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 ceremony 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 (still visible) to commemorate the milestone and follow 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 the 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 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 event was also attended by Jason Liberty (RCG's President and CEO) and Barbara Muckermann (Silversea's President).

Silver Nova's powerplant integrates currently the largest fuel cell system installed on a cruise ship (power output 4 MW), allowing the vessel to operate entirely 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, one of Meyer Group's strategic partners for new technology developments and a subsidiary of Freudenberg Group (founded in 1849, Weinheim-based, family-owned group of technology and production companies specializing in sectors such as household products, textiles, building materials, auto parts, and telecommunications).

For additional fuel savings, the innovative MAGS (Micro Auto Gasification System by Terragon Technologies) converts onboard waste (thermally breaking down hydrocarbons in waste) into approximately 5% 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 public spaces and staterooms to span the ship's entire length and receive more 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), and Rohit Dimri (Executive Chef).

Grand Voyage 2024

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

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

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!