When it comes to redefining ultra-luxury cruising, this Silver Nova review proves that Silversea isn’t just evolving — it’s taking a full leap forward. With a bold new layout, bigger open spaces, and next-level dining and wellness concepts, Silver Nova feels less like a cruise ship and more like a floating luxury resort designed by architects who threw the old playbook overboard. Whether you’re new to Silversea or a Venetian Society veteran, this is a ship you need to see for yourself.
Want to explore more of what Silversea has to offer? Check out my full guide to Silversea Cruises here to compare ships, suites, and onboard experiences.
Table of Contents
1. The Layout: Bold, Asymmetrical, and Brilliant
Let’s kick off this Silver Nova review with what makes the ship such a jaw-dropper from the moment you board: the layout.
This isn’t just a tweak to the typical cruise ship structure — it’s a full-on rethink. Silver Nova features a horizontal design where entire decks are dedicated to either public spaces or suites. That might sound small, but the result is massive: better flow, more space, and a calmer onboard vibe.
Now add in the asymmetrical layout, which moves the smokestack to the port side and clears the entire starboard side for pool deck space. That shift creates true unobstructed ocean views from the pool — a first for Silversea, and rare across the entire cruise industry.
Even the atrium breaks tradition. It’s a three-story glass-walled space filled with natural light and architectural flair. You’re not walking through hallways — you’re gliding through a floating boutique hotel.
2. The Pool Deck With a View (and No Smoke Stack)
You can’t write a proper Silver Nova review without raving about the pool deck — and here’s why: it might just be the best at sea.
With the smokestack relocated to the side of the ship (thanks to that asymmetrical layout), the entire starboard side opens up to unobstructed ocean views. That’s where you’ll find the largest pool in the Silversea fleet, perfectly positioned to face the sea without anything blocking your line of sight.
Add in:
- Sleek, modern loungers with plenty of shaded and sun-soaked areas
- An expanded deck space that never feels crowded
- Easy access to The Marquee for al fresco bites and drinks
- A seriously elevated vibe that feels more like a rooftop resort than a cruise ship
Whether you’re taking a dip, sipping something strong from the nearby bar, or just gazing out at the horizon — this pool deck sets a whole new standard for luxury cruising.
3. The Marquee: Where Hot Rocks Meet Naples Pizza
Dining outdoors has always been a highlight on Silversea, but The Marquee on Silver Nova takes it next level. This stylish al fresco space combines two guest favorites — The Grill and Spaccanapoli — into one open-air, sea-view dining experience that just works.
Here’s the vibe:
- The Grill lets you cook your own entrée on volcanic hot rocks right at your table — it’s interactive, sizzling, and surprisingly fun
- Spaccanapoli serves up Naples-style pizza that’s crisp, fresh, and full of flavor (and yes, it’s addictive)
- The setting? Think chic European terrace with panoramic views and warm evening breezes
The Marquee is located just steps from the pool deck, which makes it perfect for a laid-back lunch or sunset dinner without having to go back inside. It’s one of those spots that reminds you why you booked a luxury cruise in the first place.
And yes — this Silver Nova review confirms it: The Marquee might just be the best outdoor dining setup in the fleet.
4. Lounges That Feel Like Rooftop Bars
If you’re the type who values ambiance as much as amenities, this part of the Silver Nova review is going to hit just right.
Silver Nova is packed with lounges that feel more like trendy rooftop bars than traditional cruise spaces. These aren’t cookie-cutter cocktail corners — they’re destination-worthy hangouts with curated vibes, dramatic views, and top-tier service.
A few standout favorites:
- The Dusk Bar: An aft-facing, open-air lounge with low lighting, live music, and full-on sunset views. It’s like sailing away from port with a soundtrack.
- The Shelter: A moody, stylish champagne and cocktail bar near La Dame and Atlantide — ideal for pre-dinner bubbles.
- Dolce Vita: Elegant and intimate, this is the heart of Silver Nova’s evening social scene. The bartenders know their stuff.
And let’s not forget the Observation Lounge — forward-facing and perfect for quiet mornings, sea days, or just soaking in panoramic views with a latte or a cocktail (your call).
Each space is designed to feel different, but they all share the same goal: make you feel like you’re on a private yacht, not a mainstream cruise ship.
5. A Suite for Every Style — and Every View
If there’s one thing this Silver Nova review proves beyond a doubt, it’s that Silversea knows how to do suites right. And on Silver Nova, they’ve expanded the options, fine-tuned the layouts, and kept that signature all-suite, all-balcony standard that defines the brand.
Here’s what stands out:
- Every suite has a private veranda — no oceanview windows, no interior staterooms, just open-air views for all
- Multiple new categories, including Superior Veranda, Premium Medallion, and Otium Suite, offer more size and layout variety
- Bathrooms are fully upgraded with Otium spa amenities, dual vanities, separate tubs and showers — and actual counter space
And the details? Next level. From custom-made beds and luxury linens to bedside USB ports, champagne on arrival, and tons of smart storage, you can tell these suites were designed with real cruisers in mind.
Whether you’re splurging on 1,300+ square feet of indulgence or just want a perfectly laid-out veranda suite, Silver Nova gives you the space to stretch out — and the butler service to make it feel like home.
6. Dining That’s Actually Worth Dressing Up For
Let’s be real — cruise food can be hit or miss. But in this Silver Nova review, the dining absolutely delivers. It’s not just elevated… it’s intentional.
Silver Nova offers a full lineup of restaurants, each with its own personality — and each one genuinely worth your time (and maybe your dress shoes).
Here’s a taste of what’s onboard:
- Atlantide: Classic fine dining with everything from caviar to perfectly seared lobster
- La Dame: French cuisine, multi-course tasting menus, and white-glove service in a romantic setting
- La Terrazza: Silversea’s signature Italian — fresh pasta, regional wines, unbeatable views
- Silver Note: Live music, small plates, and an artsy, after-hours vibe that feels like a hidden gem
- Kaiseki: Japanese dining done right, with sushi, sashimi, and warm minimalist elegance
- S.A.L.T. Kitchen: A rotating menu inspired by the ports you’re visiting — think grilled sardines in Lisbon or saffron-infused risotto off the Amalfi Coast
Whether you’re dining al fresco, dressing up for a multi-course experience, or grabbing something low-key through 24-hour in-suite dining, Silver Nova makes food feel like a central part of your journey — not just a daily necessity.
7. Wellness, Spa & That Otium Life
If you’ve cruised Silversea before, you’ve probably heard of Otium — the brand’s signature wellness concept that blends indulgence with relaxation. On Silver Nova, that experience reaches a whole new level.
Let’s start with the Otium Spa. It’s not just a treatment room tucked into a corner — it’s a destination in itself. Think:
- A soothing thermal suite with a warm hydrotherapy pool
- Sauna and steam rooms surrounded by luxurious materials
- Plush relaxation loungers, Champagne on ice, and even a chocolate selection
- Spa treatments that embrace comfort and decadence (yes, there are massages where chocolate is involved)
You’ll also find:
- A sleek, well-equipped fitness center
- A full beauty salon and barber services
- In-room Otium amenities, like spa bath menus, pillow selections, and luxury toiletries
What stands out in this Silver Nova review is that wellness isn’t just a department — it’s a mindset that runs throughout the ship. You can unwind your way, whether that’s in the spa, on your balcony, or with a slow breakfast and sea view. And honestly? That’s what ultra-luxury cruising should feel like.
8. Enrichment, Music & S.A.L.T. Lab Experiences
One of the best surprises in this Silver Nova review? Just how engaging and well-rounded the enrichment options are — especially for a luxury ship.
If you’re the type who likes to learn something real while you sail, you’re going to love this.
Enrichment & Entertainment Highlights:
- The Venetian Lounge spans two decks and seats 370 guests in ultra-comfortable chairs — perfect for live music, enrichment lectures, film screenings, and destination briefings
- Expect performances from violinists, jazz duos, pianists, and vocalists — intimate, polished, and never overdone
- Educational programs are tied directly to your itinerary, so what you learn actually connects with the destinations you’re sailing to
S.A.L.T. Lab Classes:
Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) Lab is more than just a demo — it’s a hands-on dive into regional cuisine.
- Small-group cooking classes led by experts
- Local dishes that reflect the current port
- Ingredients and techniques you’ll also see featured in the onboard menus
In Trieste, for example, guests prepared “Baccalà Mantecato” (creamed cod dip) and “Sarde in Saor” (sweet-and-sour sardines) — two beloved local snacks with real history behind them. And yes, the recipes rotate for every destination.
If you’re into food, travel, and learning by doing, this program alone is worth booking Silver Nova for.
9. Small Touches That Make a Big Difference
Sometimes it’s not the grand gestures that define a luxury cruise — it’s the little details that make life onboard feel effortless. In this Silver Nova review, those small-but-mighty design choices show up again and again.
Here’s what stood out:
- The library tucked behind the Observation Lounge isn’t flashy, but it’s cozy, quiet, and features a starlit ceiling and handpicked books
- Walk-in closets with smart corner cuts to open up living space — without sacrificing storage
- Butler service that’s proactive, not performative (expect Champagne on arrival and personalized assistance throughout your cruise)
- Multiple USB ports and outlets placed exactly where you want them — bedside, vanity, and desk
- An art collection spanning over 60 artists from 25 countries, seamlessly integrated into public and private spaces
Even the crew areas were upgraded on Silver Nova — a nod to Silversea’s commitment to retaining top talent, which directly impacts the level of personalized service guests receive.
These touches may not show up in a brochure, but they add up to something real: a ship that doesn’t just look luxurious — it feels it.
Jim’s Take: Will Silver Nova Be the Best Yet?
I’ve followed Silversea’s evolution for over two decades, and after writing this Silver Nova review, I can confidently say this ship marks a major turning point — not just for Silversea, but for the entire ultra-luxury cruise space.
It’s bold, it’s modern, and it’s clearly designed for a new kind of traveler — someone who wants all the perks of a five-star hotel without giving up the intimacy and service Silversea is known for. The asymmetrical layout? Game-changer. The S.A.L.T. Lab and The Marquee? Genuinely exciting. And the suite design? It feels like they finally listened to everything past guests ever wished for.
Would I book it? Without hesitation. And not just for the newness — but because it looks like a ship built with intention. A ship that respects tradition while pushing boundaries. That’s a rare thing in cruising today.
If you’ve ever been curious about trying Silversea — or if you’re a loyalist wondering if it’s worth upgrading to the newest ship — Silver Nova is absolutely worth a look.
Have You Cruised Silver Nova Yet?
I want to hear from you.
Have you sailed aboard Silversea’s most talked-about ship yet?
What did you think of the layout, the dining, the vibe?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below — let’s talk suites, food, and everything Silver Nova.
