Embarking on a journey of over 32,000nautical miles, offering more than 100 shore excursions, and featuring a new photo exhibition by the renowned Steve McCurry, Silver Nova has truly immersed travellers in the authentic beauty of Alaska during its inaugural season.

A Season to Remember

On September 25th, 2024, Silver Nova, the first of two innovative Nova-class ships from Silversea, concluded its inaugural season in Alaska. This season was marked by numerous highlights, including the presence of iconic photographer Steve McCurry, who sailed aboard Silver Nova in August. McCurry captured the ship and the stunning Alaskan landscapes in his signature style. To commemorate Silversea’s 30th anniversary, an exhibition of McCurry’s photographs was installed on board. As Silver Nova departs Alaska, it sets its course for the Asia-Pacific region 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. He praised the crew for their exceptional service and highlighted the ship’s pioneering design and architectural innovations that bring the outside on board like never before.

Silver Nova’s Alaska Season in Numbers

During its 19-voyage Alaska season, running from May to September, guests experienced a wealth of authentic Alaskan adventures. Wildlife sightings included bears, bald eagles, sea otters, whales, and jumping salmon. Each voyage featured at least four iconic ports of call and days spent cruising the Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage. Guests had a choice of over 100 different tour programs throughout the season, with numerous options in Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

Season Highlights:

• 32,000 nautical miles covered during the 133-day season
• 16 performances by the Juneau Alaska String Band
• 10,000 bottles of champagne consumed in Silver Nova’s elegant restaurants and bars
• 120 lectures by destination experts
• 200 S.A.L.T. Lab classes connecting guests with local culinary culture
• 30 Steve McCurry photographs installed on board

Celebrating Silversea’s 30th Anniversary

In August, Silversea celebrated its 30th anniversary with a photographic exhibition on board Silver Nova, featuring 30 images by Steve McCurry. These images narrate Silversea’s most important destination milestones over the past three decades, celebrating the spirit of immersive discovery that defines the Silversea experience. McCurry’s photographs from his journey through Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and Skagway capture the raw beauty and spirit of Alaska’s untouched wilderness.

Experiencing Alaska

In Ketchikan, guests enjoyed an exhilarating floatplane ride over the Tongass Narrows and the Misty Fjords National Monument. In Juneau, popular experiences included visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching in Stephens Passage, and flightseeing over the Juneau Icefield. In Sitka, the Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest offered sightings of grey whales and bears. In Skagway, guests journeyed on the White Pass Scenic Railway and explored the Chilkat Valley, spotting seals, sea lions, porpoises, and whales.

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 on board Silver Nova. Guests participated in nearly 200 S.A.L.T. Lab classes, learning to prepare local dishes with ingredients like wild sockeye salmon and spruce tips. The S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table offered an intimate dining experience with tasting menus featuring local ingredients. In the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, guests enjoyed destination-inspired menus, while the S.A.L.T. Bar served regionally inspired beverages.

Guests also ventured ashore in Juneau to explore the relationship between Alaska’s culture, economy, and marine ecosystems during a S.A.L.T. excursion to the McCaulay Salmon Hatchery and the Forbidden Peak Brewery.

As Silver Nova sails towards new horizons in the Asia-Pacific, the memories of its inaugural Alaska season will continue to inspire and captivate those who experienced the Last Frontier in unparalleled luxury and style.