Silver Nova, the first of two innovative Nova-class ships from Silversea, has completed its inaugural season in Alaska of 19 voyages between May and September 2024, across 133 days. Departing Alaska, Silver Nova is now en route for Asia-Pacific for the first time.
On each voyage — which included at least four ports of call and days spent cruising the Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage — guests had a choice of in-depth explorations ashore, with 30 experiences in Juneau from which to choose, as well as 22 in Skagway, 21 in Sitka, and 32 in Ketchikan – for a total of over 100 different tour programs throughout the season.
Additional season insights:
Destination lecturers provided enriching context and insight during over 120 lectures
Guests connected with the local culinary culture during almost 200 S.A.L.T. Lab classes
30 Steve McCurry photographs were installed on board, as part of an exhibition to mark Silversea’s 30th anniversary
Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.“Although Silver Nova‘s inaugural Alaska season has come to a close, our guests’ in-depth discoveries of the region’s vast natural beauty will live long in their memories,” said Bert Hernandez, President, Silversea.
“I am grateful to our industry-leading crew for going above and beyond to deliver the finest service at sea and exceed the expectations of our guests. Offering travellers a unique destination experience, this ship brings the outside on board like never before with its pioneering design and architectural innovations. Departing Alaska, Silver Nova will soon arrive in Asia-Pacific for her inaugural season in the region.”
In celebration of the company’s 30th anniversary, Silversea installed a photographic exhibition on board Silver Nova in August, comprising 30 images by Steve McCurry. Also available for guests to enjoy on Silver Ray, the images narrate Silversea’s most important destination milestones over the past three decades. Each striking photograph celebrates the spirit of immersive discovery that typifies the Silversea experience. During his time on board Silver Nova in Alaska, the esteemed photographer took the opportunity to capture Silversea’s new ship in this spectacular natural wonderland.
“On my journey through Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and Skagway, I sought to capture the raw beauty and spirit of Alaska’s untouched wilderness,” said McCurry. “The landscapes and wildlife in this region possess a rugged, timeless quality that I hoped to convey in my images, so much of the landscape is untouched as far as the eye can see.
“From the majestic mountains to the quiet moments of wildlife in their natural habitat, I wanted to tell a story of nature’s resilience and grandeur. This trip with Silversea allowed me to explore these remote corners, where each photograph reflects the profound connection between the land, the animals, and the people who inhabit it.”
A first taste of S.A.L.T. in Alaska
Silversea’s pioneering S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) culinary program debuted in Alaska aboard Silver Nova. Among almost 200 S.A.L.T. Lab classes offered on board throughout the season, which enabled guests to get hands-on with local ingredients, travellers had the chance to learn three ways to prepare salmon, with recipes and stories from The Salmon Sisters, Emma Teal Laukitis and Claire Neaton – local experts who are dedicated to promoting Alaska’s fish and seafood.
Each evening, the S.A.L.T. Lab transformed into the S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table, Silversea’s intimate, interactive dining experience which featured a tasting menu comprising local ingredients – such as spruce tips, wild sockeye salmon, spot prawns, fiddlehead ferns, and saskatoon berries – and reimagined Alaskan staple dishes.
In the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, guests enjoyed destination-inspired menus that included cured duck breast with traditional Alaskan frybread and tangy redcurrant jam, Alaskan salmon pie, venison ravioli with wild mushrooms, and iconic baked Alaska.
In the S.A.L.T. Bar, Silversea’s talented mixologists served Gold Fever, a cocktail inspired by the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1800s, and the non-alcoholic Peace & Thunder, a tribute to the Malaspina Glacier, among a varied selection of regionally inspired beverages.
Guests ventured ashore in Juneau to discover the deep-rooted relationship between Alaska’s culture, economy, and pristine marine ecosystems during an immersive, half-day S.A.L.T. excursion to the McCaulay Salmon Hatchery in North Douglas Island, followed by a visit to the Forbidden Peak Brewery and its Red Spruce Restaurant. Here, they savoured a specially curated lunch of unique, locally sourced kelp salsas and succulent Alaskan seafood, prepared by a renowned local chef, paired with local beers.
2025 Alaska season
In 2025, Silver Nova will return to Alaska from May through September. The ship’s varied itineraries will include popular ports such as Skagway, Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, plus some rarely visited ports such as Valdez, Icy Bay, Icy Strait Point, Wrangell, and Haines. Silver Moon will also cruise Alaska from May through September on 7-day voyages that will feature a day spent cruising in Hubbard Bay and the Inside Passage, with ports-of-call including Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan.
For more information on Silversea’s 2025 Alaska voyages, see silversea.com/destinations/alaska-cruise.html.
