Silver Nova cruise review: The ultimate in luxury at sea

Silver Nova was designed to be bigger but better for ultra-luxe cruise brand Silversea. Quentin Long boards to find out if Silver Nova is a victory for style over substance where pre-cruise hype is all spin and no sing?

There are so many questions to be answered onboard Silver Nova. Will regular Silversea cruisers like any of the innovations and differences that define not just a new ship but an entire class? Will the bold choice of an asymmetrical design, where nothing feels quite habitual or expected, actually pay off? Or the increase in passengers by 22% be offset by the increase of 37% in size? Does that overcompensation in scale lose its sense of intimacy and cosy understated luxury? How about the deliberate effort to open up the interior of the ship to bring in more natural light and far more views and glimpses of the sea from within?

For three nights I kicked the tyres, ran the ruler and pushed the boundaries of Silver Nova to find out. Unfortunately, I was not able to review all eight restaurants and seven bars, so the complete review of all restaurants and bars and a comprehensive review of the 13 suite types will have to wait.

Suffice it to say I am thankful there is an incentive for a next time.

Silversea Cruises Overview

the Silver Nova ship — The ultra-luxe vessel is one of the most spacious ships ever built.

Renowned for its all-suite ships and outstanding butler service, Silversea has been the clear favourite in the ultra-luxe category for Australian cruisers for quite some time. When you outgrow Silversea cruises you are probably bound for superyachts.

To set the scene of just how ultra-luxe we are talking, a signature service is room service caviar. Delivery to your room one afternoon is the complete caviar experience: Calvisius caviar, blini, hardboiled egg (yolk and white separated), crème fraiche, shallots and onion.

In 2009 Silversea branched out into expedition ships and now runs itineraries across most of the sought-after expedition destinations including Antarctica, Galapagos and The Kimberley. The brand introduced its S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Taste) program in 2021. This at-sea and on-land culinary program focuses on delivering local food produce onboard and culinary experiences on land-based excursions.

In 2019 Silversea was purchased by Royal Caribbean Group, owners of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises who then offloaded their Azamara brand.

The current Silversea fleet is eight ocean and four expedition ships.

Silversea’s Silver Nova Overview

the aft of the ship, Silver Nova cruise — *Silver Nova* has aft suites that deliver stunning views.

Silver Nova is the founding vessel in the Nova class of ocean ships for Silversea. Entering service in August 2023, the Nova class was heralded as a new beginning for the brand (the internal project name Evolution suggests the mindset for the project).

At 728 guests this is the largest in the fleet and according to the Silversea team, one of the most spacious ships ever built with 75 GT-per-passenger (Gross tonnage per passenger is a somewhat simplistic measurement of size to passengers). For comparison, Ovation of the Seas, the largest ship to homeport in Australia is 40 GT-per-passenger. The closest direct competitive ships rate 69 (Seabourn Ovation and Explora 1 and 76 (Seven Seas Grandeur).

the Panorama Lounge, Silver Nova cruise — The Panorama Lounge morphs into a lively bar at night.

Silver Nova through the Silversea design playbook out the window in two major ways; asymmetry and clear delineation between suites and public areas. The ship’s design leaned into the idea of asymmetry in several areas. Public walkways do not traverse the centre spine of the ship but curve from starboard to port.

Alfresco dining at La Terraza and Panorama Lounge in the aft of the ship are across sweeping warped balconies. The glass lifts, with magnificent views of the sea by being set against the ship’s exterior, are located in opposition to each other; one in the aft starboard and the other forward port. The most prominent asymmetry is on the pool deck where the main oversized pool ‘hangs’ onto the starboard edge.

the La Terraza restaurant at night, Silver Nova — Think amber-lit date-night dinners at the La Terraza restaurant.

The second major departure for Silversea is all suites are across decks six to nine with no public areas. This sharp delineation between private and public is new. Silver Nova is powered primarily by LNG to greatly reduce emissions. Unfortunately, supply to ships in Australia is not possible so in Oceania cruises will be powered by traditional fuels.

Nova has shore power capability (this enables the ship to operate without burning fuel when docked, reducing emissions). If shore power is not available, innovative fuel cells and batteries will power the vessel again avoiding emissions.

Silver Nova – What we loved

the pool deck onboard Silver Nova — There are plenty of al fresco areas to relax in. (Image: Quentin Long)

In short, there is a lot to love about Silver Nova. However, a quick confession. I journeyed with many travel writers on one of the many Sun Princess inaugural journeys in Europe in 2024 who then went onto Silver Ray, Silver Nova’s identical sister ship. Some of them reported back to me disappointment that the difference between the two was not as great as they would have expected despite the reputational and price difference.

So I did board with a sense of trepidation… was this all style and no substance? My first reaction was “Whatever they’re smoking, hand it around!" Chalk and cheese have more in common. That is not to disparage either but these are vastly different offerings that are suitable to different guest holiday expectations.

Here is what we loved on board Silver Nova in order of devotion, from infatuation to great affection.

1. The Marquee

indoor dining with cherry blossom trees at The Marquee, Silver Nova — Dine under the idyllic cherry blossom canopy.

Perhaps the prettiest indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar at sea, The Marquee is just gorgeous. Contemporary med styling with dusky pale blue tiles and soft furnishing with white timber chairs and louvres that provide some shading. Four cherry blossom trees create a magic garden vibe.

Open for breakfast, the lunch and dinner menu combines all things steak from The Grill and great pizza from Spaccanapoli. For something a little different, you can cook your own steak on a hot rock. This is a pure novelty, why risk it when the chefs are more than happy to do it and, let’s be honest, probably do a better job.

2. S.A.L.T Excursion with Annaliese Gregory and Michelle Crawford at The Bowmont

a Tasmanian seafood platter, S.A.L.T Excursion with Annaliese Gregory and Michelle Crawford at The Bowmont — Feast on Tasmanian seafood platters. (Image: Quentin Long)

I hate the word unique, but this is truly unique. Annaleise Gregory and Michelle Crawford hosted a one-off, never-to-be-repeated lunch of the best of Tasmanian produce in the Huon Valley. So unique, right? And if travel is about special moments, then this goes into the history books. It was without a doubt the greatest onshore experience I have ever had when cruising.

Garden scallops cooked over the fire, S.A.L.T Excursion with Annaliese Gregory and Michelle Crawford at The Bowmont — Garden scallops cooked over the fire with wakame butter. (Image: Quentin Long)

Gregory, considered one of Australia’s most interesting young chefs and ex-Michelin-starred Le Meurice in Paris and Quay Sydney, teamed up with fellow Huon Valley local and food stylist Michelle Crawford to deliver an extravagant five-course lunch. Hosted at Crawford’s studio, event space and BnB, The Bowmont, it was an exquisite feast starting with ridiculously fresh Tasmanian seafood platters stacked high with oysters, lobster, periwinkles, kingfish ceviche and local vegetable crudites. Greogry then prepared over a fire in the garden scallops with wakame butter, grilled octopus with pickled currants and macadamias on hummus and leg of local lamb.

Oh, and just to finish it all off a whopping trifle.

3. S.A.L.T Lab

the S.A.L.T Lab on Silver Nova — S.A.L.T Lab is an interactive cooking laboratory at sea.

Daniele Roberto is no slouch on the pots and pans either. He has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe including Copenhagen’s Noma and Turin’s 10-seat vegetable lead culinary adventure, Unforgettable. That is serious kitchen cred.

And he is teaching me and the other 14 participants in just one hour how to cook a salad of octopus and scallops with grapes, macadamias and salad leaves in a vinaigrette. Why this particular dish? Well, we are en route to Tasmania and as per the S.A.L.T mantra, it is all things local produce.

The result is so enjoyable I can’t believe I actually cooked it. (Truth is I finished the cooking as the octopus had been softened via four hours boiling away in stock).

Nonetheless, a great hour’s experience.

4. S.A.L.T Chef’s Table

the S.A.L.T Lab onboard Silver Nova — Dishes are prepared in a classroom-style kitchen.

Another confession. I was not sure about this whole S.A.L.T thing. It smacked of a victory of style over substance; all spin and no sing. Obviously it works, and works brilliantly.

The Chef’s Table experience was 11 plus courses (Amuse Bouches and palate cleansers add to the course count) of locally inspired dishes set in the S.A.L.T Lab cooking school. While not every course would send the taste buds into ecstasy, (some absolutely did) this was a journey in cuisine and ingredients that work in that classroom-style kitchen.

Exotic local foods like finger limes, muntries, Davidson plum, wattleseed, pepperberries and lemon myrtle all made an appearance on the menu. The wait staff not only brought out examples of the ingredients to the table to really appreciate them but also a beautifully decorated DL-sized card with an explanation of the ingredients.

One must not only applaud the commitment to delivering interesting and hyper-local menus and sourcing the product but also the effort to deliver the complete experience with the cards and product in situ. That’s a depth of experience that takes a lot of commitment.

And by the way, the courses that made my taste buds sing: kingfish crudo with finger lime; lamb macadamia crust and river mint; poached lobster, lemongrass and fresh herbs; kangaroo fillet, pepperberry, wild rosella; Davidson plum sorbet with meringue.

5. Dusk Bar

the Dusk Bar at Silver Nova cruise — Laze on the lounge chairs with a cocktail in hand.

The Dusk Bar on Deck 10 aft is an absolute pleasure to sail away from any destination. I would make it a habit to end every day here if I could.

6. Sauna

the spa sauna with sea views, Silver Nova cruise — Work up a sweat in the charcoal sauna while taking in the view.

Best sauna with a view on land or at sea ever. No more words necessary.

7. Omkar and all the other butlers

Our egalitarian Australian spirit makes us naturally uncomfortable with such dedicated service. However, Omkar, my butler, was brilliant. Not obsequious but just keen to offer a service that made a difference to my experience. Give my shoes a drink of polish? Sure, that would be great. Change the bathroom products to my favourite Molton Brown? Yes, please. Prepare a soothing bath with Otium (the in-house spa brand) bath bombs and essential oils with candles and classical music? Why not. A slightly firmer or softer pillow? Actually, now that you mention it…

I couldn’t agree to him unpacking or unpacking my bags. No one needs to deal with my smalls except me.

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8. Pool deck

As previously mentioned, the large but shallow infinity edge pool sits on the starboard (right) edge of the ship. This has opened up the entire pool deck and connected the pool area with the sea and created a light and open space.

9. The Library

The Library on Silver Nova cruise — Get your literature fix at The Library.

Step through the hidden door in the Observatory Lounge on Deck 10 into the serene quiet Library. The starry-sky ceiling sets the mood; this is the bolt hole to relax undisturbed. Having no windows does add to the surreal bookish atmosphere.

10. The Shelter

the Bar Shelter onboard Silver Nova — Slink into the Shelter for a glass of champagne.

You had me at champagne. The Shelter on deck 3 is a champagne bar serving more champagne by the glass, bottle and cocktails than any other cruise. Tucked into the atrium space gives a lot of natural light for pre-dinner drinks but intimate nooks for a nightcap.

Silver Nova – What we would change

To be a bit picky, here are some tweaks we would suggest.

1. Atmosphere in the lounges

the Observation Lounge onboard Silver Nova cruise — The Observation Lounge has ample space for working or lounging.

All that space has created some dead zones at certain times. The lounges are wonderful however under-utilised – which I know is a plus point and luxury to have such space.

2. Keep the vibe going at Silver Note

the Silver Note on Silver Nova cruise — Raise a glass while listening to classic jazz.

The Silver Note is the onboard jazz-led entertainment bar and diner. Heading here after a fantastic meal I was looking forward to a negroni and some classic jazz. Unfortunately, by our arrival, most of the guests had left and the party was wrapping up just as I was getting into the swing of things. The pianist and singer did entertain my requests for a classic.

3. The dress code

It is a trifle, particularly as Silversea have loosened the dress code to not be draconian (Formal Night is no longer mandatory) but if I am going to be relaxing on holiday, I want to wear what I want to wear. This was not a problem in practice as I met the standard naturally (that is not a reflection of my sartorial elegance but a show of the relaxed standards) nonetheless it is a little tedious to have to be reminded of how to dress.

4. The pool deck

The pool deck has an upper deck (which I jokingly call the ‘melanoma deck’) that has little shade and plenty of sun loungers. There is a great infinity-edge whirlpool, however, the entire space does make my Australian skin itch with concern. Full disclosure, my sister is Professor Georgina Long AO so I am a bit twitchy about these things.

Silver Nova – Who will love it

the S.A.L.T bar onboard the Silver Nova cruise — Wine lovers will be delighted to find the S.A.L.T bar stocked with an extensive drinks list.

Luxury lovers with a passion for immersive and cerebral travel who want to get exclusive access to experiences. The S.A.L.T program does add a great deal of value to food and wine lovers.

Silver Nova Itineraries

the Silver Nova sails in Sydney — Silver Nova during its debut in Sydney. (Image: Quentin Long)

In 2025 Silver Nova will be sailing from Australia, through Asia and homeporting in Japan before moving to Vancouver to take guests through Alaska for the summer. She will return to Australia via Asia in October.

In 2026 she will leave Australia for a spring season in Japan and then on to the Eastern Med for summer before returning to Miami and the Caribbean from October.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.