Silversea Introduces the Spacious New “Ship of Light” – The Silver Nova

The name of Silversea Cruises’ newest and 12th ship, Silver Nova, reflects the philosophy behind its construction. The name Nova is the feminine form of the Latin novus, meaning “new,” “fresh” or “extraordinary.”

And the ship more than lives up to its name with an unusual asymmetrical design that opens up the ship to the views it sails by in warm-water destinations. One of the more striking features is the pool deck, which is completely open to the destination. (Silversea also promises a deck chair for every passenger: No need to reserve lounges at 6 a.m.!)

“It really feels like the rooftop of one of the hippest hotels you can find,” said Silversea President Barbara Muckermann.

The ship boasts 42,000 square feet of open deck and almost as much glass throughout – 95 percent of the public areas have outdoor views, and every suite has a private balcony (as well as butler service). Adding to the feeling of spaciousness are the high ceilings not usually found on cruise ships.

This is why Muckermann calls Silver Nova the “Ship of Light.”

Silver Nova, the first Nova-class ship for Silversea, embarked on its maiden voyage on Aug. 14, departing Venice, Italy, and calling in Piran, Slovenia; Zadar, Dubrovnik, Split, and Rovinj in Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro. Before the ship’s departure, TravelPulse was among the media representatives to attend a three-day architectural preview. A sister ship, Silver Ray, is scheduled to launch in summer 2024.

Other highlights of Silver Nova: Marquee on Deck 10, a restaurant that combines Silversea’s trademark The Grill – including hot rocks, where passengers can cook their choice of protein over a hot lava rock – and pizzeria Spaccanapoli. It’s a sublime venue under the stars.

Silver Nova accommodates up to 728 guests in 13 suite categories, including new aft suites. The crew-to-guest ratio is 1:1.3. The ship has nine dining venues – including the S.A.L.T. Kitchen for regional menus, the popular French luxury restaurant La Dame, the Italian La Terrazza, and the Asian Kaiseki – as well as 10 bars and lounges.

The ship has the line’s first indoor pool, a thermal pool in the Otium spa with, of course, a view outside. Another welcome highlight: Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet for fast service most anywhere in the world.