Silver Nova, the pioneering new ship from ultra-luxury cruise travel brand Silversea, has arrived in Alaska for the first time.
Silver Nova is embarking on a series of immersive seven-day voyages until September 5, 2024. The ship’s inaugural season in Alaska also marks the introduction of the S.A.L.T. program to the region, which will connect Silversea’s guests to the local culinary culture like never before – through immersive experiences, both on board and ashore.
Silver Nova’s inaugural Alaska season comprises 18 voyages, with a duo of itinerary options available for summer and fall bookings. Voyages include the June 20 Vancouver to Seward sailing, during which Silversea’s guests will discover the salmon capital of the world in Ketchikan, experience at its historic cannery and and attend a lumberjack show; and the July 25 Seward sailing on which travellers will explore this distant land of bears, wild landscapes, and icy adventures. Among the numerous experiences on offer, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a champagne toast at an idyllic waterfall and marvel at the Hubbard Glacier.
A Dining Extravaganza
S.A.L.T., an acronym for Sea and Land Taste, is Silversea’s award-winning culinary enrichment program, which gives guests the opportunity to travel deeper through a variety of destination-focused gastronomic experiences, both on board and ashore. Complementing excursions ashore, brand new onboard S.A.L.T. enrichments for Alaska include:
The S.A.L.T. Kitchen will offer local dishes and delicacies, including Cured Duck Breast with Traditional Alaskan Frybread and Tangy Redcurrant Jam, an Alaskan version of frybread made with yeast; Alaskan Salmon Pie with brown rice, cabbage, and mushrooms; Venison Ravioli with Wild Mushroom, made with local Sitka deer; and Baked Alaska, an iconic sponge cake filled with homemade, salted honeycomb ice cream and dark chocolate ice cream, and enclosed in caramelised meringue.
The S.A.L.T. Lab class, entitled Wild Salmon: An Alaskan Way of Life, will explore three simple and varied ways to prepare salmon, including salmon cakes, smoked salmon spread, and pickled salmon by Emma Teal Laukitis and Claire Neaton, who grew up on a homestead in Alaska’s remote Aleutian Islands.
In the evenings, S.A.L.T. Lab transforms to the S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table, Silversea’s intimate, interactive dining experience. S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table features local ingredients and creatively reimagined staple dishes. Highlights of the Alaska menu include salmon smoked at the table with pilot bread and salmon roe; Dungeness crab salad; birch-syrup braised duck with morel mushrooms; Alaskan-beer battered porcini mushrooms with samphire mayo; salt-roasted beets with pickled local berries and spruce-tip salt; Reindeer tartlet; and dark chocolate beetroot cake with sea buckthorn curd.
A Sustainable Journey
Silversea’s Nova-class ships are a testament to Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to delivering the world’s best vacation experiences responsibly. With pioneering energy efficiency standards, Silver Nova and her sister ship Silver Ray – due to launch in mid-May – are 40% more energy efficient than required international standards and regulations.
On board, guests enjoy the brand’s customary hallmarks of luxury with a range of all-new venues and unprecedented suite options, new Otium wellness experiences and amenities, and enrichments to the S.A.L.T. culinary program, including the introduction of the S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table. Both ships incorporate innovative design features that connect travellers with the outside at every turn, including roughly 4,000-sqm of exterior glass and outward-facing venues for deeper immersion into the destination.
Supporting Port Communities
Silversea, as part of Royal Caribbean Group, is expanding its support of the port communities in Alaska through the Sea the Future commitment to sustain the planet, energise communities and accelerate innovation while delivering the best vacations responsibly. Examples of local initiatives include the Ketchikan Salmon Walk’s grand opening in partnership with the Tongass Historical Museum, which delves into the tale of the salmon migration and life cycle in Ketchikan Creek. The nearly two-mile walk is equipped with upgraded lighting and pavement, as well as engaging placards with art by renowned artists like Ray Troll, Nathan Jackson and Marvin Oliver.
Committed to fostering relationships with Alaska businesses, Royal Caribbean Group also offers guests access to a variety of Alaska-owned products, retailers, excursions, and experiences. Established partnerships with Skagway Spirits, Seafood Producers Cooperative and Alaska Specialty Seafood, sourcing fresh seafood and other local items across its brands. These local partnerships highlight the group’s dedication to connecting with local cultures and supporting economic vibrancy while creating an authentic Alaska experience for guests.
