Silversea names LNG-fuelled hybrid cruise ship “Silver Nova” in Fort Lauderdale

Silversea on Thursday (4 January) said it named its newest LNG-fuelled hybrid cruise ship Silver Nova during a ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, honouring maritime traditions to welcome the ‘Ship of Light’ to its fleet. 

Silversea is one of five cruise brands owned by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group.

Reverend Sanford Sears and Rabbi Adam Watstein blessed Silver Nova. Barbara Muckermann, President of Silversea, and Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, addressed members of the Brand’s extended family and announced the ship’s Godmother: celebrated chef, restaurateur, and television personality Nina Compton. Rounding out the ceremony, Compton – accompanied by Captain Cosimo Pontillo – officially named Silver Nova and triggered a magnum-sized bottle of champagne to smash on the ship’s hull, before Liberty led guests in a toast to mark the momentous occasion.

“After years of research, development, and collaboration, we are all incredibly proud to officially welcome Silver Nova into Royal Caribbean Group’s fleet. Silver Nova is a game changer, a new vision for the ultra-luxury travel experience,” said Jason Liberty. 

“We will continue to push boundaries and innovate the vacation experience in 2024 with our three global brands that, together, turn the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations for our guests around the world.”

“It is fitting that we officially named Silver Nova – a truly pioneering ship – in the same year Silversea celebrates its 30th anniversary: the ship connects our history with our tomorrow, striking a perfect balance between our Brand’s refined heritage and the future of ultra-luxury cruise travel,” said Barbara Muckermann. 

“Launching this pioneering ship would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Jason Liberty, and all involved at Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea, and Meyer Werft. A strong expression of our brand positioning, Silver Nova will immerse guests into the world’s most enriching destinations, championing human connection and cultural discovery. For this reason, Chef Nina Compton is the perfect fit for the ship’s Godmother – her values perfectly align with those at the heart of our S.A.L.T. culinary program, and I have no doubt she will inspire our guests to engage meaningfully with the planet and its people.”

Manifold Times previously reported shipbuilder Meyer Werft handing over its newest cruise ship, Silver Nova, to Silversea Cruises.

Jan Meyer, Managing Director of Meyer Werft said with the propulsion system, a combination of LNG, fuel cell system and batteries, the ship has the best possible measures to reduce emissions.

A fuel cell system will be used on board to supplement the LNG machines and will later be able to supply the entire hotel operation. Pollutant emissions during berthing times in port are thus completely avoided. 

Related: Titan completes LNG bunkering operation of Silversea Cruises ship “Silver Nova”
Related: Meyer Werft delivers LNG-fuelled hybrid cruise ship “Silver Nova” to Silversea Cruises

Photo credit: Silversea
Published: 8 January, 2024