Silversea Cruises has released early details of its next new luxury ship — now named Silver Nova — coming in summer 2023.
The ship will be the line’s most voluminous for passengers with a 1:1.3 crew-to-guest ratio and passenger space ratio of 75 gross register tonnage (GRT) per passenger (calculated by dividing its 54,700 tons by its 728 guests). By comparison, the line’s Silver Dawn (delayed to March 2022) features a ratio of 68 GRT.
Nova — primarily powered by liquefied natural gas and featuring fuel cells and batteries for emission-free operation while in port — aims to be one of the most sustainable cruise ships on the market, Altogether, Silversea’s Nova class of ships will accomplish a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per double suite versus its previous Muse class, of which Dawn is included.
Silver Nova is the manifestation of Silversea and Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term commitment to sustainability.
“Our Nova-class ships represent a significant investment in unprecedented technological solutions,” said Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO of Silversea. “They support our mission to preserve the planet without compromising on comfort or luxury. Silver Nova is the manifestation of Silversea and Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term commitment to sustainability.”
Additional sustainability features of Silver Nova will encompass a micro auto gasification system (reducing onboard waste volume for lower incineration emissions); shore power (for shutting down main generators at select ports to use shoreside energy); optimized hydrodynamic ship design; and other low-impact technological innovations. Silversea expects Nova will achieve an Energy Efficiency Design Index rating of around 25% better than International Maritime Organization requirements.
“Sustainability is the future of luxury travel, and the name Silver Nova is representative of the incredible innovation of Silversea’s luxury,” said Barbara Muckermann, chief commercial officer for Silversea. "Silversea is already a leader in environmentally conscious travel and now, with Silver Nova, we will go even further to meet the expectations of both today’s and tomorrow's luxury traveler."
Nova will be the first Silversea ship to be built in Papenburg, Germany, by Meyer Werft, known for constructing other environmentally friendly cruise ships.
"We are delighted to begin the construction of this innovative ship and to continue our long partnership with Royal Caribbean Group," said Bernard Meyer, managing director of Meyer Werft. “This day is a very special one for us, as it is the first time that a Silversea ship is being built at our shipyard.”
The ship is under construction, and celebrated its initial steel cutting on Nov. 18.
Silver Nova voyages will be available for travel advisors to begin pre-selling on Dec. 16, 2021. General sales will follow on Jan. 6, 2022.
The Details
Silversea Cruises
