Review: Silver Nova

What is the line? Silversea

Name of ship? Silver Nova

Passenger occupancy? 728

Itinerary? Barbados to Lima

What is this cruise line known for?

Silversea is a bigtime—and longtime—player in the luxury cruise market; its first of 12 ships, Silver Cloud, was built in the 1990s. Silversea is lauded for both its classic ocean liners and expedition ships, which ply the globe, including the Poles. Vessels are all-suite, and among fare inclusions, passengers enjoy complimentary alcohol and caviar, fine dining, gratuities, pampering black tie-clad butler service, and some shore excursions. Devotees are sophisticated and well-traveled, skewing in the 55+ category; they live in style at home and seek the same at sea. Although passengers are primarily American, many cruisers also come from all corners of the globe, lending a more international vibe than that found on competitive luxury lines. Passengers are a social bunch, and easily mingle in bars and lounges or when playing trivia. Silversea primarily attracts couples, some solo passengers and traveling friends, not young families. With its staid luxury style getting a major overhaul on Silver Nova, Silversea should get a second look from a younger, active crowd looking for more onboard sizzle.

Tell us about the ship in general:

Silversea aficionados sailing Silver Nova will quickly note that this new vessel vibes differently. As the line’s 12th ship, it debuted in 2023 and is its largest, carrying 728 passengers. Despite the higher passenger count, the ship is big, and possesses one of the highest space ratios per passenger at-sea–meaning there's lots of room to spread out. Long corridors predominate, and passengers will walk more to get to suites or venues than they typically do on Silversea.

Service, with a nearly one-to-one crew-passenger ratio, is at its usual impeccable level. Eight restaurants and 10 bars deliver much choice for schmoozing, drinking, and dining. Silver Nova’s asymmetrical design–built to showcase ocean views from nearly everywhere–even in sea-facing glass elevators. Here’s another distinction: Rather than mixing accommodations and public venues on the same decks, some floors are solely for suites (decks six through nine) and others for public venues. Suite decks, understandably, are quieter than typical. Public decks feel more vast than intimate, with a remarkable choice of seating areas, both inside and outdoors.

Outdoors, count on many sun-protected couches and chaise loungers. The pool may be small and shallow (five-foot depth)–and there’s only one whirlpool–but passengers can see the ocean from both sides of the ship. Silver Nova moves away from Silversea’s Italian heritage, embracing a modern sophisticated décor, with blingier bars and eateries, such as tray ceilings that light up in various hues at night. With live musicians playing sax, piano, and electric violin in multiple lounges, the ship vibe is livelier and buzzier than the rest of its fleet. Silver Nova scores with tech, too; public bathrooms open and close with a wave of a hand, elevators are touchscreen. In-suite, iPads and interactive televisions deliver all the news passengers need to know.

Who is on board?

Silver Nova may well attract a more youthful crowd than other Silversea ships, with its larger size, high-tech design, multiple alluring bars and lounges (including a large pool bar), bigger fitness center, relaxed dress code (primarily elegant casual), and more vibrant entertainment. Right now, the ship primarily lures couples, many traveling with friends, in the 60+ age group. Silversea is known for warmly welcoming solo cruisers, and they are onboard, too. On my recent sail, I saw only one family with pre-teen children. I also saw parents traveling with adult children. Many Europeans and U.K. residents were also onboard; it’s fun to chat up passengers from other countries. By day, pool attire, shorts, and jeans abound. At night, cruisers are casually well-dressed and limit the bling, unlike days gone by.

Describe the cabins.

Cabins are all suites with verandas, and feature queen or king beds with custom mattresses dressed in silken Italian linens. Beige hues predominate, with pops of color. Every suite offers a mini-bar and fridge stocked with passenger favorites, walk-in closet, large vanity, writing table, marble bath and Otium (Silversea’s branded spa) toiletries. (You can request Bulgari, Silversea’s former signature toiletries, from your butler.) Wall-mounted USB-C mobile device chargers are plentiful and particularly handy bedside. Silver Nova ups Silversea’s suite categories, with a whopping 15 choices. Entry-level begins with a 357-square feet (veranda included) Classic Veranda. Pricier Superior, Deluxe, and Premium Veranda Suites differ from Classic only by location.

Medallion and aft-located Premium Medallion suites feature 527 square feet of space (veranda included). Perks at this level and up include separate bedrooms, two televisions, complimentary laundry, pressing and wet cleaning, and espresso machines. I stayed in a Medallion Suite and enjoyed the separate bedroom and roomy veranda, although I wish the latter had a chaise lounge, not just a table and chairs for two. Silver Suites (highly popular throughout the fleet) are popular here, too, with 678 square feet (veranda included) of luxe living. However, the new Master Suites may overtake Silvers in popularity; their 721-to-826 square feet include brag-worthy 270-degree views. At the top of the food chain, Otium Suites also feature 270-degree views. A stunner of 1,324 square feet at the pinnacle of luxury, its 431-square-foot balcony possesses a private whirlpool and lounge furniture, feeling so like a private yacht. No matter which suite selected, all passengers receive attentive butler service.

Tell us about the crew.

Silver Nova’s crew is a mix of longtime Silversea employees jumping to a different fleet ship to newbies from countries like Zimbabwe and Ghana. Newer crew, be it servers, suite attendants or butlers, are extremely polite and well-trained, yet more guarded; they aren’t yet savvy in Silversea passenger ways. They don’t lean into intuitive service. That’s typical on a new ship and should settle in time. Suite attendants keep accommodations spotless. When passengers walk down hallways, all crew members step aside, smile and say hello–I unabashedly admit I felt like royalty. My butler deftly handled any requests to change or cancel shore excursions or procure dinner reservations last-minute. He wrapped my sunglasses, lying carelessly on a table, in a lens cleaning cloth. Restaurant servers I encountered over 16 days were extremely competent and the head sommelier knew her wines. We engaged in some great conversations about South American wines as we sailed the continent.

What food and drink options are available onboard?

Eight gorgeous restaurants plus 24-hour suite service keep dining interesting and varied. Plus, passengers can enjoy caviar, blinis, and other accoutrements whenever they like at no fee. (Many enjoy it ensuite pre-dinner with butler-stirred martinis.) Most eateries have expanded outdoor seating. No reservations are needed for breakfast or lunch anywhere; they’re required for dinner for La Terrazza, The Marquee, Kaiseki, Silver Note, La Dame and the Chef’s Table. Make them as far in advance as possible, particularly for Silver Note as it’s one of the smallest and most high-end complimentary eateries. Fortunately, you don’t need reservations or have to pay extra for most dining venues. Let’s begin with those first. Atlantide, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is busiest at dinnertime. On my two-week-plus sail, the dinnertime quality varied despite lovely presentations. I feasted on many great dishes, from foie gras terrines to juicy veal chops. Steaks, particularly the flavorful grass-fed Argentine estancia, were excellent. Caviar, replete with buckwheat blinis and other accoutrements, is a daily decadent appetizer option. Indian cuisine fans will relish the vegetarian selections, impressively prepared with the most aromatic spices. Servers happily bring as many courses (or tastes) as you like and take genuine interest in passenger satisfaction. Sommeliers pour complimentary wines, which are adequate for quaffing, the usual on luxury ships. If you don’t like a bottle presented, you can request another complimentary choice; find one that pleases, and the sommelier leaves the bottle on your table to savor all night. Wines available for purchase roam the globe; while I didn’t find any great bargains, I felt the pricing was fair.

La Terrazza is also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Daytime meals are buffets; this restaurant really shines come lunchtime. The array of dishes amaze; chefs stand ready to slice roasts like prime rib or prepare pastas to order. Help yourself to delicious Indian dishes, freshly rolled sushi, sandwiches, charcuterie, pizza, and a big assortment of salads. The only time I saw any line (and it was short) was for house-made gelato, for which a server scoops and adds toppings to order. At dinnertime, La Terrazza goes full-out Italian, presenting each table with a welcome charcuterie board, including pillowy focaccia, silken prosciutto, and roasted garlic. On return visits, I repeated great-tasting plates, such as lasagna, veal Milanese, and eggplant parmesan. Alfresco Marquee is new, merging the Grill (grilled seafood and meats) and Spaccanapoli (Napoli pizza) from older ships. Both-sides ocean views mesmerize and the hotdogs are seriously snappy. The pizza is thicker than traditional Napoli style, but the taste is there.

S.A.L.T. Kitchen (Sea and Land Taste), open only for dinner, is devoted to menus reflecting the sailing region. This restaurant is daringly authentic, even if a dish (like Colombian stewed chicken legs on my voyage) is humble rather than Instagram-worthy. Arts Café is far smaller on Silver Nova–it’s more of a bar counter in Dolce Vita lounge than an eatery, but it’s a great go-to for superb cappuccinos and yogurt in the morning, and nibbles like notable scones (don’t miss the chocolate-chip) and orange-glazed loaf cakes in the afternoon.

At lunchtime, Kaiseki is complimentary and delicious–worth noting, as it costs $80 per person come dinner. The sushi and sashimi are very good, although the bao are doughy. At night, the appealing menu showcases lobster, Wagyu beef, and other luxurious items in a modern Japanese style. Silver Note, open at night only, is also complimentary. It’s a stunner of a supper club, with a gold curvaceous ceiling, and serves edgy and intriguing tasting plates. At 9 p.m., a jazz duo performs. On my cruise, Denis was the king of the piano keys and Tracy sang standards with a velvety voice. Even the bartender in the cozy corner bar was nodding his head to the music and tapping his hands on the bar counter to the beat. Head to the bar post-dinner elsewhere to enjoy the show.

La Dame’s cover charge has zoomed up to $160 per person (stunning Silversea regulars), but passengers are in for an amazing meal with high-quality wine pairings included. It’s worth the money. Dining here feels Michelin star in every aspect, from the exquisite setting, polished service, and superb cuisine showcasing luxury ingredients in sophisticated, labor-intensive preparations. (If only those golden baguettes and Normandy butter were served everywhere.) I also highly recommend the Chef’s Table, offered occasionally in the S.A.L.T. Lab (cooking school). Mine was a 10-course revelation, highly interactive, with a charismatic Venezuelan chef who expounded on South American ingredients and delivered elaborate, delicious small plates showcasing those foods.

With 10 bars onboard, Silver Nova feels buzzy, especially at night, with the large Pool Bar as the daytime hangout. The outdoor Dusk Bar is another favorite, luring passengers for sunset cocktails. The cozy indoor Shadow Bar features high-end champagne with an upcharge, but servers happily pour complimentary Monopole, too.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

Otium is the newish Silversea spa, devoted to lengthy, über-pampering treatments. Otium is meant to conjure up ancient Roman times, when indulgence was deemed integral to wellness. It debuted with a big splash on Silver Dawn. Here, the spa is much smaller and more subdued in design, although the same treatments are offered. I indulged twice. A 100-minute massage with Gabriel, my therapist, made getting off the table hard work. His hands of steel loosened my back with oils, and various stones like hot and salt. I also splurged on a 100-minute Radiance Facial. What a process of lotions, potions, all sorts of serums, creams and oils, and some techy stuff like an ultrasound peel and cold oxygen bursts. I wish I had brought my smartphone to snap a selfie of my face covered in gold leaf squares–a highlight.

What about activities and entertainment?

On most luxury ships, I slip out of shows after a few minutes. However, I attended every production here as the singers and dancers blew me away. The female singers particularly knocked it out of the ballpark; both deserve record deals or Broadway roles. They were from South Africa and their beautiful, powerful voices rocked the (gorgeous) two-level theatre. Talented dancers from Ukraine performed gymnastic and acrobatic-style jaw-dropper moves. The packed theatre regularly gave them standing ovations. The singers also rocked out in solo shows in the Panorama Lounge; many passengers were up on their feet dancing. Guest artists, former Broadway stars Rachel York and MiG (Rock of Ages), were fantastic. A guest magician was fun. I also really liked how solo musicians perform in different bars; an electric violinist in the Shadow Bar, and a saxophonist in the S.A.L.T. Bar, for instance. Alfred, our pianist and vocalist in Dolce Vita, crooned standards beautifully and always drew a crowd. It was fun barhopping on Silver Nova, a first for me on a Silversea ship. Other notable activities included terrific hands-on cooking classes in S.A.L.T. Lab and daytime mixology instruction in S.A.L.T. Bar. Guest lecturers were competent, discussing everything from pirates in the Caribbean to the Panama Canal.

How was the experience for families?

A typical Silversea ship, Silver Nova vibes best for adults or perhaps, parents traveling with adult children. If younger families sail, it would be more common during summer breaks and school holidays. The ship doesn’t offer youth programming, but the onboard team is said to cater to passengers of all ages. Indeed, our guest magician picked a pre-teen from the audience to assist in his magic act on stage. (She loved it.) Babies younger than six-months-old are not allowed to board.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

My 15-day cruise sailed from Barbados to Lima. Excursions in the Caribbean emphasized snorkeling and beach outings. For a delightful change of pace, I booked a daybed cabana at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, eschewing ship excursions on that island. (Day passes range from $250 to $500 and accommodations can hold up to four.) How fun to play hotel guest on a big stretch of soft white sand with calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming. My husband went on a snorkeling expedition on Curaçao; there were about 15 participants with snorkeling experts as the leader and “shepherd,” keeping the group together. What a treasure trove of fish, like parrotfish, sergeant major, and trumpet fish. He returned wide-eyed.

Although it wasn’t my first Panama Canal transit, I marveled at the journey equally. A guest lecturer kept us informed all the way through. He spoke in the Observation Lounge early in the morning and the crew prepared bagels, smoked salmon, doughnuts, and coffee for sleepy excited guests. How amazing to be lifted to street level; you are so close to land-based sights like cars on roads, people and buildings - it’s disorienting, in the most marvelous way. Go now as our lecturer said that with climate change, ships may be traversing through the Arctic in the future, instead.

My shore excursion in Cartagena was an eye-opener. I loved the sensory explosion of African and Spanish influences. Our guide told us that Teddy Roosevelt said there are two climates in Cartagena, hot and hotter. He was right. We were dripping in sweat but joyous every minute of this excursion. He also taught us about Simón Bolívar (he led Columbia and other nearby countries to independence from the Spanish Empire) and led us up steep hills to a 17^th-century fortress built to ward off pirates. We walked the Old City, alive with colonial charm and sights and toured an iconic church where a priest, now Saint Peter Claver, spent decades of the 1600s dedicating himself to improving slaves’ lives.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Passengers receive water bottles, which they fill with purified still and sparkling water in their refrigerator or at filling stations around the ship. Plastic water bottles are no longer provided to passengers departing on shore excursions. Daily information, menus, and schedules appear on interactive televisions and in-suite iPads, rather than on paper. It’s all available to download on smartphones, too.

Anything we missed?

Silver Nova is the first Silversea ship to relax its dress code. It’s primarily elegant casual with one formal night per week. Adios to informal nights–the in-between dress mode. On formal nights, I saw two elderly couples in tuxes and gowns; most passengers wore clothes fairly similar to other nights, with perhaps more dresses and silkier tops or pants on women. I saw men sailing into Atlantide in sports jackets only on formal nights and were still allowed in.

Finally, give me a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

Luxury ships often lean stodgy, yet Silver Nova offers that upbeat, higher-energy feel that upper-premium and premium lines provide. Here, you can bask in all of luxury cruising’s indulgent attributes yet relish entertaining evenings spent in the theatre, bars, jazz club, and lounges.