Review: Silversea Silver Nova
Review: Silversea Silver Nova
Here is my review of the Silversea Silver Nova.
As I shared in this recent article, Silversea has earned a spot on our list of favorite cruise lines.
Carol and I just returned from sailing with Silversea on their new Silver Nova, and boy, were we impressed.
I’ll be sharing more below, but you’ll want to sail with Silversea:
- If you prefer understated luxury.
- If you care about the environment. The Silver Nova is the most sustainable ship ever built.
- If you are a foodie. Silversea has some of the best cuisine and dining options available at sea.
- If you want to see the world. Silversea has more available destinations than any small-ship luxury cruise line.
- If you want to visit areas only reachable by expedition ships. Silversea has been offering expedition cruises for 16 years!
Sailing Towards Sustainable Luxury
I haven’t talked about sustainability in travel much on our website.
I will never forget the sight of a large cloud of yellow, putrid fumes that had gathered as I looked down at the fjord from a mountainside perch in Skagway.
It was very disheartening to consider that I was contributing to the pollution of this precious region.
Thankfully, we are beginning to see significantly more eco-friendly ships coming to the marketplace.
When it comes to eco-friendly cruising, the Silversea Silver Nova is making waves with its groundbreaking hybrid propulsion system. This ingenious technology harmoniously combines multiple cutting-edge solutions:
- Dual-fuel engines primarily powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) – a cleaner-burning fuel that slashes carbon dioxide emissions by 25% and eliminates sulfur emissions entirely.
- A mighty 4-MW fuel cell system working in tandem, allowing the ship to operate solely on battery power while docked for truly local emissions-free operation.
- An advanced battery storage system that absorbs peak energy loads, further boosting efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
- A hydrodynamic hull design meticulously optimized for maximum energy efficiency at sea.
- An innovative micro auto gasification system that minimizes onboard dry waste volumes.
This pioneering hybrid propulsion concept was tailor-made for cruise ships by shipbuilder Meyer Werft. With LNG now widely available as a marine fuel, the combination of LNG, fuel cells, and batteries perfectly complements the sailing patterns of luxury cruise vessels.
Thanks to these sustainable solutions, the Silver Nova achieves an impressive 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to Silversea’s existing fleet. In the realm of luxury cruising, the Silver Nova is truly setting a new course towards an eco-friendly future on the high seas. I like that. A lot! 🙂
Maximizing Ocean Views: The Innovative Asymmetry of the Silver Nova
The Silversea Silver Nova boasts a revolutionary asymmetrical design that sets it apart from traditional cruise ships. Key unique features include:
- Outward-Facing Pool Deck – A horseshoe-shaped layout open on one side, offering unobstructed panoramic ocean and destination views. The larger pool is positioned closer to the edge.
- Alfresco Dining Venues – The Marquee combines the Grill and Spaccanapoli into one outdoor venue with expansive vistas. An infinity-edge Cliff Whirlpool graces one side.
- Aft-Facing Venues – The Dusk Bar on Deck 10 provides 270-degree aft views. Some of the largest suites are positioned at the stern for stunning rear vistas.
- Open Indoor Spaces – Accommodations are separated from public areas, allowing expansive glass use and seamless indoor-outdoor flow in lounges and suites.
By breaking from symmetrical conventions, Silver Nova maximizes openness and outward views. The innovative layout blurs boundaries between interior and exterior, fostering a deeper connection with the destinations. This asymmetrical design philosophy offers unique perspectives and an enhanced luxury cruise experience.
Silversea Silver Nova Deck Plan
Continuing our conversation about the distinctive asymmetric layout of the ship, it’s worth noting that the suites are situated on four decks in the center of the ship, while the other five decks are entirely dedicated to restaurants (eight options) and bars (ten options). Additionally, there are various fantastic entertainment areas spread throughout the ship.
Eight Dining Options Aboard the Silver Nova
There are eight dining options aboard the Silver Nova:
- Atlantide – The main dining room with a capacity of 270 guests, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- La Terrazza – Indoor and outdoor buffet venue for 340 guests, serving breakfast and lunch. Transforms into an Italian restaurant for dinner.
- S.A.L.T. Kitchen – Regional restaurant for 160 guests, featuring destination-inspired “Terrain” and “Voyage” menus.
- La Dame – French specialty restaurant for 70 guests.
- Kaiseki – Asian cuisine restaurant for 40 guests, with Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Korean and Chinese flavors.
- Silver Note – Venue for 54 guests inspired by 1920s jazz clubs, with live piano music.
- The Marquee – Outdoor casual venue with 220 seats, housing The Grill (hot rocks concept) and Spaccanapoli (pizza).
- Arts Cafe – Snack venue relocated to a double-decker atrium with ocean views.
Ten Bars and Lounges
The Silversea Silver Nova features an impressive array of 10 different bars and lounges, including some brand-new concepts for the cruise line. Here are the 10 bar offerings on board:
- Dolce Vita Lounge – The signature piano bar and lounge, open from morning until late evening for pre/post-dinner drinks and enrichment activities.
- Venetian Lounge – A two-level lounge hosting live performances, lectures, film screenings, and more in a cabaret-style setting.
- The Shelter – A new intimate evening-only bar accommodating just 32 guests, located next to restaurants for pre/post-dinner drinks.
- Connoisseur’s Corner – The cigar bar with a selection of premium cigars and liquors, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor area.
- Observation Lounge – Offering panoramic 270-degree views from Deck 10, also housing the ship’s library.
- Panorama Lounge – Another lounge with 270-degree views on Deck 5, with interior and exterior seating at the aft.
- S.A.L.T. Bar – Relocated to Deck 10 with a larger bar area, outdoor space, and floor-to-ceiling windows serving regionally-inspired drinks.
- Dusk Bar – An outdoor bar on Deck 10.
- Pool Bar – An outdoor poolside bar.
- Arts Cafe Bar – A bar within the relocated double-decker Arts Cafe atrium space.
With this impressive variety of 10 bars and lounges, including innovative new concepts like The Shelter, Silver Nova offers guests a wide range of upscale settings to enjoy drinks, entertainment, and scenic vistas throughout the ship.
Summing it all up
As a seasoned travel professional, I’m often asked, “What is your favorite ship?” However, answering this question is no simple task, as personal preferences and travel styles can vary greatly. At Roaming Boomers Travel Services, we pride ourselves on curating a selection of cruise lines that align with the discerning tastes of our baby boomer clientele. Notably, we have chosen not to promote the large, mainstream cruise lines, as our clients and I share a preference for more intimate and personalized experiences. Instead, we focus on the cruise lines featured on our “Favorite Cruise Lines” list, each meticulously vetted to ensure they meet our high standards. If pressed to name my current favorite, I would enthusiastically recommend the Silversea Silver Nova. This exceptional vessel has captured my admiration for several compelling reasons.
The Perfect Size and Sustainable Design
The Silver Nova’s size strikes an ideal balance, offering a sense of spaciousness without compromising the intimate ambiance that discerning travelers seek. Moreover, Silversea’s commitment to sustainability is commendable, as they have invested heavily in eco-friendly technologies and practices, ensuring a reduced environmental impact.
Luxurious Accommodations and Amenities
From the moment you step aboard, the Silver Nova exudes understated luxury. The entry-level staterooms boast a generous 357 square feet, providing ample space for comfort and relaxation. Additionally, the ship features an impressive array of dining options, including 10 bars and lounges, ensuring a diverse and enjoyable culinary experience.
Unparalleled Service and Personalization
One of the Silver Nova’s standout features is the exceptional service provided by the attentive staff. Each guest is assigned a personal butler, ensuring that any changes to dining or shore excursion schedules are seamlessly accommodated. Furthermore, the complimentary shore excursion options offer a delightful array of choices, allowing you to tailor your experiences to your preferences. In conclusion, while personal preferences may vary, the Silversea Silver Nova has captured my heart with its perfect blend of luxury, sustainability, and personalized service. If you seek an unforgettable cruise experience that transcends the ordinary, I wholeheartedly recommend considering this remarkable vessel.
How to Book a Silversea Luxury Ocean or Expedition Cruise
Silversea Cruises is a part of our Virtuoso Voyages program.
This means that when you book a Silversea Cruises sailing through Roaming Boomers Travel Services, you will receive exclusive complimentary amenities on select sailings that you wouldn’t get by booking directly with the company.
Additionally, you will also enjoy our hands-on expert service and care for your booking.
The price is the same whether you book with us or directly with the company. Therefore, take advantage of our expertise and perks.
For more information or to book a fun Silversea ocean or expedition cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.
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I really like your emails and insights. My question: I normally use United Cruises and their credit card for my cruising reservations to get their points for future air fare. If we go with your agency instead, I suspect we lose that benefit. True?
Hi John,
The travel industry has become overly fragmented, with various providers offering enticing perks and incentives to book through their channels. From earning airline miles to receiving household appliances, the options seem endless – and at times, borderline absurd. However, it’s crucial to remember that chasing perks alone can lead to unforeseen issues and suboptimal experiences.
Take, for instance, booking a cruise to Venice in November. While the prospect of earning points or rewards may seem appealing, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks. Many shops and seasonal hotels may be closed during this period, and you might even encounter knee-deep water in the iconic St. Mark’s Square – an experience that could dampen the enjoyment of your hard-earned vacation.
At Roaming Boomers Travel Services, our focus is on providing expert guidance and tailored experiences that transcend mere perks. While we offer competitive shipboard credits and exclusive Virtuoso amenities, our true value lies in our deep industry knowledge and commitment to ensuring your journey is seamless and unforgettable.
I cannot speak to the real dollar value of airline points compared to our industry perks, but I can confidently assert that our expertise in crafting exceptional travel experiences is unparalleled. The individuals at airlines, while knowledgeable in their respective domains, may not possess the same level of expertise when it comes to curating immersive and culturally enriching journeys.
In the ever-evolving landscape of travel, it’s essential to partner with professionals who prioritize your overall satisfaction above all else. At Roaming Boomers Travel Services, we pride ourselves on being your trusted advisors, guiding you through every step of your journey and ensuring that your investment yields memories that will last a lifetime.