Silversea Cruises is preparing to unveil its most luxurious and eco-conscious ship yet—Silver Nova—as it sets sail for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region. Launching in September 2024, this state-of-the-art vessel promises a revolutionary cruising experience with a blend of luxury, sustainability, and regionally immersive experiences unlike anything travellers have seen before.
The Silver Nova, a pioneering Nova-class ship from the renowned luxury cruise line Silversea, will debut in Kushiro, Japan, on September 27, 2024. This marks the beginning of an extraordinary series of voyages through Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, culminating in an unforgettable circumnavigation of Australia. With its innovative energy-efficient design and groundbreaking culinary program, Silver Nova is set to redefine luxury cruising in the region.
Silver Nova’s Pioneering Journey Across Asia-Pacific
Silver Nova’s debut marks an exciting chapter for luxury travel enthusiasts. After its initial stop in Kushiro, Japan, the ship will embark on two exclusive voyages in the region before heading south to Australia and New Zealand in November. From November 18, 2024, to February 24, 2025, guests will explore the stunning landscapes of Australia and New Zealand across seven exceptional itineraries, each lasting between 16 and 18 days.
Following its New Zealand voyages, Silver Nova will return to Asia and continue its journey until April 2025. As the first Nova-class ship to grace the region, Silver Nova represents a fusion of cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and unmatched luxury.
“We are thrilled to finally introduce Silver Nova to the Asia-Pacific market,” stated Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea. “Our guests and travel advisors have been eagerly anticipating this moment, and we are proud to present a ship that epitomizes innovation and luxury, offering unrivaled comfort and culinary experiences.”
Eco-Friendly Innovation at Sea
Silversea’s Nova-class ships represent the Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to responsible travel and sustainability. Silver Nova and its sister ship Silver Ray are designed to meet the highest environmental standards, making them 40% more energy-efficient than international regulations require.
With a striking asymmetrical, horizontal design, Silver Nova offers both aesthetic beauty and practical innovation. The ship’s layout enables an enhanced guest experience, where public spaces and suites are harmoniously integrated to reflect the surrounding environment, offering panoramic views and creating a sense of seamless luxury.
S.A.L.T. Program: A Culinary Adventure Like No Other
One of Silver Nova’s most anticipated features is introducing the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) culinary program to Australia and New Zealand for the first time. This groundbreaking initiative immerses guests in local food cultures, offering both onboard and onshore experiences that highlight the soul of each destination through its cuisine.
Guests on Silver Nova will enjoy bespoke culinary experiences, including S.A.L.T. shore excursions in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. These exclusive excursions delve into the regional flavours of each country, providing hands-on culinary workshops, masterclasses with local chefs, and intimate dining experiences that celebrate the unique ingredients and traditions of the region.
Hernandez continued, “Bringing S.A.L.T. to Australia and New Zealand opens new doors to explore the rich culinary heritages of these countries. From the umami flavors of Japan to Australia’s native ingredients, we are offering our guests an unparalleled gastronomic journey.”
Highlights of Silver Nova’s S.A.L.T. Experiences
Japan: Mastering Umami on Awaji Island
In Osaka, Japan, travellers can embark on a culinary journey to Awaji Island. There, they will engage in a fermentation workshop led by a master Japanese chef and enjoy a multi-course lunch featuring traditional Japanese delicacies and premium sake.
Australia: Exploring Indigenous Ingredients with Nornie Bero
In Melbourne, guests will meet Nornie Bero, an Indigenous chef and food advocate who will introduce them to Australia’s native ingredients. At Big Esso’s restaurant, guests will learn about Bero’s mission to celebrate Indigenous flavours and create traditional dishes, culminating in a five-course lunch of locally sourced ingredients.
Adelaide: Foraging at the Botanical Gardens
In Adelaide, Silver Nova’s guests will join chef Tom Tilbury for a foraging tour of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Guests will explore native botanicals and enjoy an exquisite four-course meal paired with local wines, highlighting the finest flavours of South Australia’s McLaren Vale region.
Tasmania: Cooking with Analiese Gregory
In Hobart, renowned chef Analiese Gregory will lead a masterclass on sustainable, foraged cuisine in the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness. After the class, guests will savour a meal that showcases the best of Tasmania’s natural ingredients, prepared with fire and traditional techniques.
New Zealand: A Luxury Wine Experience
Wine lovers will delight in Craggy Range, one of New Zealand’s most prestigious family-owned wineries. Guests will be treated to a private tour, a guided tasting of award-winning wines, and a five-course meal at the winery’s renowned restaurant, nestled among vineyards and organic farms in Hawke’s Bay.
Onboard: A Culinary Haven at Sea
Aboard Silver Nova, the S.A.L.T. Kitchen offers a daily-changing menu featuring local specialties from the destinations visited. Guests can also enjoy innovative cocktails at the S.A.L.T. Bar, crafted with regional botanicals, and participate in cooking workshops at the S.A.L.T. Lab, where they will prepare dishes under the guidance of culinary experts. The immersive experience culminates at the S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table, an intimate dinner that allows travellers to experience local cuisine prepared live by a master chef.
As Silver Nova sails across the Asia-Pacific, Silversea’s guests will deepen their understanding of the region’s culinary traditions, creating memories through unforgettable flavours and experiences.
A Future of Luxurious Exploration
After its groundbreaking debut, Silver Nova will return to the Asia-Pacific in September 2025 for an extraordinary 47-day circumnavigation of Australia. Following this, the ship will offer itineraries from Sydney to Auckland, ranging from 12 to 15 days, further solidifying its status as the region’s most luxurious and sustainable cruise ship.
For more details on Silver Nova’s voyages and the S.A.L.T. culinary program, visit Silversea’s S.A.L.T. Program or Silver Nova Voyages.
Written by: Yves Thomas
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