Silver Nova wraps up inaugural Alaska season

Silver Nova, the first of two Nova-class ships from Silversea, has completed its inaugural season in Alaska.

Photographer and long-time Silversea collaborator Steve McCurry sailed aboard the ship in August, photographing Silver Nova and the destination, the source of an exhibition of McCurry's photographs to commemorate the company’s 30^th anniversary.

Departing Alaska, Silver Nova has now set its course for Asia-Pacific for the first time.

“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 of 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.”  

 During Silver Nova’s 19-voyage Alaska season, which ran from May until September, guests enjoyed a wealth of authentic Alaskan experiences, including numerous wildlife sightings. Travellers spotted bears, bald eagles, sea otters, whales and jumping salmon, to name a few. 

On each voyage — which included at least four iconic 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 different experiences in Juneau to choose from, 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. 

Silver Nova covered over 32,000 nautical miles during the 133-day season. Guests consumed almost 10,000 bottles of champagne onboard and enjoyed 16 performances by the Juneau Alaska String Band, a family of musicians whose performances also highlight Alaska’s history and folklore.

Destination lecturers provided enriching context and insight during over 120 talks, and guests connected with the local culinary culture during almost 200 S.A.L.T. Lab classes.

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