Take a tour on the eco-friendly Silver Nova cruise ship
The eco-friendly Silver Nova is one of the most spacious cruise ships ever built, accommodating up to 728 guests.
- Silversea Cruises celebrates 30th anniversary with new ship launch.
- The 728-passenger Silver Ray is the second Nova-class ship in the series and was officially christened in Lisbon, Portugal on Wednesday.
- The ship will spend its first season in the Mediterranean before moving to the Americas in December.
Silversea Cruises celebrates 30th anniversary with new ship launch.
The luxury cruise line’s newest ship, the Silver Ray, sets sail this weekend. The 728-passenger vessel is the second of the company’s Nova class and was officially christened in Lisbon, Portugal, on Wednesday.
“Celebrating the naming of the Silver Ray in the same year that Silversea celebrates its 30th anniversary is a perfect connection between Silversea’s past and future as we continue to lead the way in luxury travel and industry innovation,” said Bert Hernandez, the line’s president. news release.
The launch of this ship follows that of its sister ship, Silver Nova, which joined the fleet last year.
Where will Silversea’s new ships sail?
The Silver Ray will spend its first season in the Mediterranean before moving to the Americas in December. 12-day maiden voyageThe ship, which sets sail on Saturday, will sail from Lisbon to Civitavecchia in Italy, before calling at ports including Cadiz and Palma de Mallorca in Spain, Saint-Tropez in France and Monte Carlo in Monaco.
What can guests expect on board?
Like the Nova, the ship features a unique asymmetrical design. The off-center pool, unusual for cruise ships that typically have centrally located pools, puts guests closer to the water and offers wider views. The ship’s nearly 43,000 square feet of exterior glass further enhances the feeling of openness.
New Master and Signature Suite categories are debuting on the Silver Ray. Master Suites are approximately 720 to 830 square feet in size and are located at the aft corners, offering great views (they are also available in two-bedroom configurations). Signature Suites are also generously spacious, measuring 700 square feet and including 172 square feet of balcony space, as well as dining and living areas.
Other features include: SALT Chef’s Table – Available exclusively at Nova and Ray – Enjoy small plates featuring local cuisine, paired with wine and cocktails.
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How much does the Silver Ray cost?
Prices vary depending on sailing date, cabin category and other factors. 11-Day Cruise from Venice to Athens Currently, base fares for the line start at $7,750 per person for double occupancy, an option that includes the standard fare of meals and beverages like champagne and fine spirits, but does not include shore excursions.
Are luxury cruise ships worth the money? I did some calculations on Silversea’s Silver Nova.
Port-to-port fares, including shore excursions, start from $8,400, while door-to-door fares, which include shore excursions, start from $10,200, including airfare and transfers.
Nathan Diller is USA TODAY’s consumer travel writer based in Nashville. He can be reached at ndiller@usatoday.com.