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October 11, 2024

Over 32,000 nautical miles, a variety of more than 100 shore excursions, and a new photo exhibition by Steve McCurry, Silver Nova immerses travelers in Alaska’s authentic beauty during its inaugural season.

Silver Nova, the first of Silversea’s two innovative Nova-class ships, has completed its inaugural season in Alaska. One highlight of the season was the presence of iconic photographer and long-time Silversea collaborator Steve McCurry, who boarded the ship in August to photograph it and the Alaskan landscape. In the same month, Silversea held an exhibition of McCurry’s work aboard Silver Nova to commemorate the company’s 30th anniversary. Now, Silver Nova has set sail for the Asia-Pacific region for its inaugural season there.

Bert Hernandez, Silversea’s President, reflected on the season, noting that while it has ended, the deep discoveries of Alaska’s natural beauty will remain in the memories of all who experienced it. He praised the industry-leading crew for delivering exceptional service and exceeding guest expectations. Hernandez also highlighted Silver Nova’s pioneering design and architectural innovations, which promise a unique destination experience for travelers heading to the Asia-Pacific.

During Silver Nova’s Alaska season, spanning 19 voyages from May to September, guests enjoyed a wide range of authentic Alaskan experiences. These included numerous wildlife sightings such as bears, bald eagles, sea otters, whales, and leaping salmon, to name a few. Each journey featured at least four iconic port stops and scenic sailings through Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage. Guests could choose from 30 different experiences in Juneau, 22 in Skagway, 21 in Sitka, and 32 in Ketchikan, totaling over 100 unique tour programs throughout the season.

To celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary, in August, Silversea curated an onboard photo exhibition on Silver Nova featuring 30 images by Steve McCurry. These images, also available to guests on Silver Ray, depict key moments from Silversea’s destinations over the past three decades. Each striking photograph captures the immersive spirit of discovery that defines the Silversea experience. During his stay on Silver Nova in Alaska, the iconic photographer seized the opportunity to capture the new Silversea ship within the breathtaking natural landscapes, showcasing Alaska’s beauty through his unique lens.

“During my journey through Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and Skagway, I aimed to capture the raw beauty and spirit of Alaska’s untouched wilderness”, said McCurry. He noted that the landscapes and wildlife of this region possess a rugged, timeless quality that he hoped to convey in his photographs. From majestic mountains to the quiet moments of wildlife in their natural habitats, McCurry’s goal was to portray the resilience and grandeur of nature. The journey with Silversea allowed him to explore these remote corners, where each photo reflects the deep connection between the land, animals, and people.

In Ketchikan, a standout experience was an exhilarating seaplane tour, where guests flew over the waterfront and the Tongass Narrows, exploring the Misty Fjords National Monument. This remote area, shaped by nature over tens of thousands of years, is rich with towering granite cliffs, 300-meter waterfalls, and glacial lakes, home to eagles, mountain goats, whales, and sea lions. In Juneau, many guests combined a visit to the famous Mendenhall Glacier with whale watching at Stephens Passage. Others relived the spirit of the Gold Rush on a specially designed wheeled cart with an Iditarod dog musher and a team of Alaskan Huskies. One of the most popular experiences was the thrilling flightseeing tour over the Juneau Icefield and five of its glaciers, followed by a traditional Alaskan salmon meal at the historic Taku Glacier Lodge.

Aboard Silver Nova, the pioneering culinary program S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) by Silversea made its debut during the Alaskan season. Among the nearly 200 S.A.L.T. Lab courses offered on board throughout the season, which allowed guests to engage with local ingredients, travelers had the opportunity to learn three ways to prepare salmon, with recipes and stories from the Salmon Sisters, Emma Teal Laukitis and Claire Neaton, local experts dedicated to promoting Alaska’s fish and seafood.

In 2025, Silver Nova will return to Alaska from May to September. The ship’s various itineraries will include popular ports like Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, as well as some rarely visited ports like Valdez, Icy Bay, Icy Strait Point, Wrangell, and Haines. Silver Moon will also operate cruises in Alaska from May to September, featuring 7-day itineraries that include a day of navigation in Hubbard Bay and the Inside Passage, with port stops including Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

In collaboration with local organizations and leaders, Royal Caribbean Group has continued to support Alaska’s communities with unique programs, including a pilot program launched in August 2024 to enhance high-speed internet access in Juneau. In partnership with the Alaska Native corporation Goldbelt, the program deployed the high-speed, low-latency Starlink internet network for residents, tourists, and businesses in the city. Earlier this month, several Starlink terminals were also installed in Sitka during internet outages, addressing coverage needs for local residents.

The Nova-class ships of Silversea showcase Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to providing the world’s best vacation experiences responsibly. With cutting-edge energy efficiency standards, Silver Nova boasts a 40% improvement in energy efficiency compared to international standards and regulations. On board, guests will enjoy the signature luxury of Silversea, featuring a range of brand-new venues and unprecedented suite options, along with new wellness experiences and services under the Otium brand, as well as enhancements to the S.A.L.T. culinary program. Silver Nova incorporates innovative design features, including approximately 4,000 square meters of exterior glass and new outward-facing venues.

Stay updated on all the latest news, new ships, and itineraries from Silversea on Cruising Journal.

Giulia Pasetto

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