A first-hand account By Gaynor Galbraith-Neill, CEO, Cruise
Part of my excitement leading up to the recent preview voyage of Silversea Cruises newest ship, the Silver Nova, was the fact that I didn’t know quite what to expect. Silversea is known as industry pioneers and when they announced a new category of luxury cruise ship, I knew it would be something special!
Having had the privilege of visiting or sailing on many ships in the Silversea fleet within minutes of boarding, the term “Nova-Class” made sense. We had just been gifted, in the best possible way, a new product to introduce and she is, as referred to so many times on board a “Game-Changer” and here is why.
The ingenious asymmetrical design immediately captures the eye. The pool on deck 10 runs along the side of the ship and overlooks the ocean, adding to the mastery of the innovative design and a feat of engineering genius. Four full decks (6-9) of accommodation from forward to aft, with new categories of suites: Master, Signature and Junior Grand Suites and the stunning 122 sqm Otium Suite with its own Hot Tub!
Silver Nova features all the favourite dining venues, lounges, cafes and public areas from the Muse-Class ships, with Silversea’s signature subtle luxury.
Stand out is The Marquee, a garden-styled, pool-deck restaurant which incorporates both the well-known Grill and Spacanapoli but now has a breakfast venue serving lighter and healthier options. The Shelter is perfect for pre-dinner cocktails and the open-air Dusk Bar is better than any ultra-trendy rooftop venue in the world, complete with A ‘Fire-pit’ relaxation area and ‘The Cliff’ Whirlpool overlooking the ocean and surrounded by shaded cabanas. Also making its debut on Silver Nova is the brand new ‘Chef’s Table’ an incredible degustation menu cooked in front of and served to guests in the expansive S.A.L.T. lab.
OTIVM has been taken to a new level, a spacious, sumptuous ‘day-spa’ of treatment-rooms, relaxation room, salon, steam-room and gym, sauna and thermal pool with sea-views.
The eclectic and stunning art collection throughout the ship complements all the public areas and has been carefully curated to embrace years of travel experiences.
Let’s not forget this ship is the most sustainable ultra-luxury vessel at sea. With a re-designed hull to ensure maximum efficiency, LED lighting, Liquified Natural Gas as a principle fuel source, Micro-Gasifcation to convert waste to thermal energy and the use of batteries to ensure emission-free operation at port.
To the sophisticated traveller, there is every good reason to be excited about this ground-breaking new ship. Silversea, renowned for creating experiences and excursions that ensure you ‘travel deeper’ at destinations now bring you the most spectacular base from which to explore.
Silver Nova is indeed the new shining star of luxury cruising.