Ship Comparison
Silver Wind vs Silver Nova
For an intimate, classic expedition or a larger, modern culinary journey, Silversea's Silver Wind and Silver Nova each offer distinct paths to ultra-luxury cruising.
The verdict
Choosing between Silver Wind and Silver Nova depends on your personal cruising style. Silver Wind, with its classic elegance and ice-class hull, is a seasoned explorer, ideal for those who prioritize intimate, destination-rich voyages and a truly cozy onboard atmosphere. Her smaller size and attentive crew foster a strong sense of community. Silver Nova, on the other hand, represents a bold step forward in luxury cruising. Her innovative design, expanded culinary program, and larger capacity cater to travelers seeking a more contemporary, vibrant, and visually stunning experience that still retains Silversea’s signature personalized service. Both offer exceptional all-inclusive luxury, but their core 'vibe' is quite different.
Choose Silver Wind if…
Travelers seeking an intimate, unpretentious luxury expedition experience with a strong focus on destination immersion and a classic, cozy ambiance.
Best for
- Intimate, small-ship luxury
- Expedition cruises to remote regions (e.g., Polar)
- Travelers seeking a classic, cozy ambiance
- Personalized service and familiar crew
- Those prioritizing quiet relaxation and cultural lectures
Avoid if
- Seeking extensive, high-energy entertainment options
- Preferring a larger, more contemporary ship design
- Looking for a wide variety of specialty dining venues
- Desiring a bustling nightlife scene
- Prone to seasickness (some older, smaller ships can feel motion more)
Choose Silver Nova if…
Guests who appreciate modern, innovative ship design, an expansive array of culinary choices, and a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere, all while enjoying ultra-luxury service.
Best for
- Modern design enthusiasts
- Foodies and culinary explorers (S.A.L.T. program)
- Guests who appreciate spacious, innovative suites with expansive views
- Those seeking a vibrant yet sophisticated social atmosphere
- Environmentally conscious travelers
Avoid if
- Preferring a traditional, classic ship aesthetic
- Seeking a very small, ultra-intimate ship experience
- Desiring a purely expedition-focused itinerary with Zodiacs
- On a strict budget for specialty dining (some venues incur extra fees)
- Disliking asymmetric layouts or a 'swanky hotel' feel
Overall Vibe
Silver Wind
Silver Wind, launched in 1995 and extensively refurbished in 2018 and 2021 with an ice-class hull, carries the refined air of a classic, elegant yacht. At 19,409 tons across 7 passenger decks, she feels wonderfully intimate, designed for discerning travelers who appreciate understated luxury without unnecessary fuss. Her recent refit ensures modern comfort while retaining a timeless charm, making her exceptionally versatile for global exploration, from polar regions to sunnier climes. The ship's vibe is one of serene sophistication, where discovery and relaxation are paramount.
Silver Nova
Silver Nova, a brand-new vessel launched in 2023, introduces a contemporary and visually stunning experience to the Silversea fleet. Her innovative, asymmetrical design and expansive use of glass create an open, airy atmosphere that beautifully connects guests with the surrounding sea. This 54,700-ton ship, spanning 9 passenger decks, feels like a swanky, modern hotel at sea, yet maintains an understated luxury. The overall vibe is one of sophisticated innovation, offering an environmentally friendlier journey that feels fresh and forward-thinking.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Silver Wind
With a capacity for 298 passengers and a dedicated crew of 212, Silver Wind boasts an impressive crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:1.4, fostering an exceptionally friendly and personalized atmosphere. Guests often describe the ship as cozy and intimate, where staff quickly learn preferences and fellow travelers feel like friends. The crowd tends to be mature and well-traveled, seeking quiet luxury, cultural enrichment, and a relaxed pace, making it perfect for those who enjoy convivial conversation over bustling crowds.
Silver Nova
Silver Nova accommodates 728 guests with a crew of 544, maintaining a stellar crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:1.3. Despite her larger size, the atmosphere still feels exclusive and refined, thanks to thoughtful design that creates numerous intimate spaces. The ship attracts a discerning clientele who appreciate both innovative design and vibrant social opportunities. The ambiance is lively but sophisticated, offering a dynamic blend of relaxation and engagement, appealing to those who enjoy a slightly more energetic, yet still luxurious, cruise experience.
Dining
Silver Wind
Dining on Silver Wind is a highlight, offering a range of included options like The Restaurant for international delicacies, La Terrazza for authentic Italian, and The Grill for poolside al fresco BBQ. For a special treat, La Dame provides a refined French gastronomic experience for a $60 fee, and the exclusive Le Champagne offers a degustation menu with wine pairings for $200 per person. The Panorama Lounge also hosts a lovely afternoon tea, and 24-hour room service ensures flexibility, all contributing to an exceptional culinary journey.
Silver Nova
Silver Nova elevates the culinary journey with eight diverse restaurants. The S.A.L.T. Kitchen offers destination-inspired menus, while La Terrazza delights with Italian fare. Atlantide presents refined global cuisine, and The Marquee combines The Grill and Spaccanapoli for casual Mediterranean delights. Silver Note offers an intimate supper-club experience with small plates. For specialty dining, La Dame showcases gourmet French cuisine for a $100 fee, Kaiseki provides authentic Japanese for an $80 fee at dinner, and the immersive S.A.L.T. Chef's Table offers an 11-course tasting menu for $180, including wine pairings.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Silver Wind
Silver Wind's entertainment leans towards a more subdued and intimate experience. The Show Lounge hosts theatrical performances and cultural programs, though some shows are noted as being more amateurish. Evenings often center around live piano music at the Panorama Lounge or engaging conversation at Dolce Vita. The Connoisseur's Corner offers a stylish retreat for cigars and spirits. While there's a small casino, it's rarely a main attraction, fitting the ship's focus on quiet relaxation and enriching lectures during the day.
Silver Nova
Silver Nova offers a more expansive and varied entertainment landscape. The Venetian Lounge hosts full-scale production shows and guest performers, while live music and dancing are common in the lively Panorama Lounge and Silver Note jazz club. The S.A.L.T. program extends to the S.A.L.T. Lab for cooking classes and the S.A.L.T. Bar for regionally inspired cocktails. For evening drinks, The Dusk Bar provides stunning 270-degree views, and The Shelter offers a chic pre- or post-dinner spot, creating a dynamic and engaging nightlife for guests.
Cabins & Suites
Silver Wind
Silver Wind features 143 beautifully appointed suites, all offering butler service. Categories range from the cozy 22 sq. m. Vista Suites with large picture windows to expansive 95 sq. m. Grand Suites with separate dining areas and large verandas. Other options include Owner's, Royal, Silver, Medallion, Deluxe Veranda, and Classic Veranda Suites. Many suites, especially the larger ones, include unlimited premium Wi-Fi and complimentary laundry. Each suite is designed as a comfortable sanctuary, emphasizing classic elegance and residential comfort.
Silver Nova
Silver Nova boasts an impressive 364 suites, all featuring butler service and private verandas, with a wide array of 12 categories designed for luxurious living. Suite sizes start at 28 sq. m. for Superior Veranda Suites and extend to the grand 123 sq. m. Otium Suites, which include a 40 sq. m. balcony with a whirlpool and 270-degree views. Innovative layouts, such as the Master Suite's floor-to-ceiling glass, maximize ocean views. Most suites, from Medallion and up, offer unlimited premium Wi-Fi, enhancing the onboard experience with modern connectivity.
Service & Onboard Style
Silver Wind
Silver Wind epitomizes Silversea's commitment to personalized service, with an attentive crew and butler service for every suite. The onboard style is unpretentious and friendly, fostering a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests feel genuinely cared for. Gratuities are included, ensuring a relaxed experience. The staff are consistently praised for their anticipatory nature and ability to create a cozy, intimate environment, making every guest feel like a valued member of a private club, reinforcing the ship's discerning and luxurious reputation.
Silver Nova
Silver Nova continues Silversea's tradition of intuitive, personalized service, with butler service for all guests and included gratuities. The onboard style is marked by understated luxury and a contemporary flair, reflecting the ship's innovative design. The crew is adept at delivering flawless service, from customizing in-suite experiences to coordinating shore excursions. The Otium Spa concept extends indulgence from treatment rooms to suites, offering bespoke experiences that emphasize personal comfort and well-being, enhancing the modern, sophisticated ambiance.
Best Itineraries
Silver Wind
Thanks to her strengthened ice-class hull and 24 Zodiac boats, Silver Wind is uniquely equipped for adventurous itineraries to remote destinations, particularly the Polar Regions. Her expedition capabilities allow for deep exploration with a Zodiac-to-guest ratio of 1:11, enabling frequent and intimate shore landings for hiking and kayaking. Beyond expeditions, she also sails to iconic ports globally, offering diverse Shore Excursions ranging from Highlight Experiences to Personalized private tours, making her ideal for intrepid travelers seeking authentic discovery.
Silver Nova
Silver Nova is designed for global itineraries, with a particular emphasis on cultural and culinary immersion through her innovative S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) program. Guests can delve into local food cultures with S.A.L.T. Land Programs, interactive S.A.L.T. Lab cooking classes, and destination-focused S.A.L.T. Talks. While offering traditional Shore Excursions, her strength lies in connecting guests with destinations through authentic dining experiences, such as winery visits and farm tours. She is perfect for the conscious explorer who wishes to deepen their understanding of a region through its gastronomic heritage.
What reviewers say
Silver Wind
5/5Silver Wind offers a wonderfully cosy and intimate luxury cruise experience, distinguished by its beautifully designed suites and inviting public spaces. While onboard entertainment is minimal, the ship excels in providing an unpretentious, all-inclusive atmosphere with fabulous crew and exceptional dining.
Silver Nova
5/5Silver Nova is an evolution for Silversea, perfectly packaging all of the cruise line’s signature elements. It's a visually stunning, environmentally friendlier ship that connects guests with the sea, offering exceptional dining and intuitive service.
Itineraries to compare
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Silver Wind
Silver Nova
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Silver Wind: An Intimate Luxury Silversea Cruise Experience
Experience a wonderfully cozy journey with beautifully designed suites and inviting public spaces on Silver Wind.

Ship Guide
Silver Nova: Silversea's Evolution in Ultra-Luxury Cruising
Discover a visually stunning, environmentally friendlier ship with exceptional dining and intuitive service.
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