Silver Wind

    Silversea

    Silver Wind

    Silver Nova

    Silversea

    Silver Nova

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Silver Wind vs Silver Nova

    Silver Wind offers intimate, classic luxury with an expedition edge, while Silver Nova pushes boundaries with modern design, expansive views, and innovative culinary immersion.

    The verdict

    For those who cherish a classic, intimate luxury cruise experience with an adventurous spirit, the Silver Wind provides a warm, familiar embrace and the flexibility to explore diverse, remote destinations. Her recent upgrades ensure comfort even in polar regions, while the attentive crew and exceptional dining create a truly unpretentious, all-inclusive haven. Silver Nova, on the other hand, is a bold step forward, marrying Silversea's renowned service with groundbreaking design and a deep focus on connecting guests with their destinations through innovative culinary and wellness programs. She is ideal for travelers seeking contemporary elegance and a more expansive, yet still intimate, luxury journey.

    Choose Silver Wind if…

    The Silver Wind is for the discerning traveler who appreciates a truly intimate, cozy, and unpretentious luxury cruise. This guest values a friendly atmosphere, highly personalized service, and a ship capable of exploring diverse, off-the-beaten-path destinations, from polar ice to sun-drenched beaches. They prioritize exceptional dining and comfortable, all-suite accommodations over bustling entertainment options.

    Best for

    • Travelers seeking an intimate, small-ship luxury experience.
    • Those who prioritize personalized service and an unpretentious atmosphere.
    • Guests interested in expedition-style cruises to diverse global destinations, including polar regions.
    • Discerning foodies who appreciate classic gourmet dining in an all-inclusive setting.
    • Individuals preferring a relaxed evening ambiance over high-energy entertainment.

    Avoid if

    • Guests looking for extensive, large-scale entertainment options and bustling nightlife.
    • Families with young children seeking dedicated kids' clubs or programming.
    • Travelers who prefer a contemporary, modern ship aesthetic over classic elegance.
    • Those who dislike a more mature and quiet crowd.
    • Budget-conscious cruisers, as luxury expedition cruises are a premium experience.

    Choose Silver Nova if…

    The Silver Nova appeals to the modern luxury traveler who seeks innovative design, expansive ocean connections, and a deep immersion into local cultures through food and specialized experiences. This guest values cutting-edge sustainability, a vibrant yet sophisticated ambiance, and the highest standards of personalized service within a spacious, all-suite environment.

    Best for

    • Travelers who appreciate cutting-edge modern design and architectural innovation on a luxury ship.
    • Food enthusiasts eager for deep culinary immersion through the S.A.L.T. program and diverse dining venues.
    • Guests prioritizing environmental consciousness and sustainable cruising technologies.
    • Those who enjoy expansive ocean views and open, light-filled public spaces.
    • Individuals seeking a vibrant yet sophisticated social scene with varied entertainment options.

    Avoid if

    • Travelers who prefer a very small, ultra-intimate ship experience.
    • Guests who find modern, asymmetrical ship layouts potentially disorienting.
    • Those who prefer a strictly traditional, classic cruise ambiance without contemporary touches.
    • Budget-conscious travelers, as premium dining experiences and some shore excursions incur additional costs.
    • Passengers sensitive to potential noise from aft-facing balconies (Connoisseur's Corner, outdoor staircase).

    Overall Vibe

    Silver Wind

    The Silver Wind, originally launched in 1995 and notably refurbished in 2018 and 2021 with a strengthened ice-class hull, carries a timeless elegance. She cultivates a wonderfully cozy and intimate atmosphere, feeling more like a private yacht than a cruise ship. Her unpretentious luxury is evident in every corner, designed for discerning travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and the ability to journey from the Polar Regions to the Caribbean with fluid ease, creating a classic expedition-ready luxury experience.

    Silver Nova

    The Silver Nova, a new addition in 2023, embodies a fresh vision for Silversea, blending understated luxury with groundbreaking design. Her innovative asymmetrical structure, contributing to a spacious 75 GRT-per-passenger ratio, creates an open, visually stunning environment that truly connects guests with the sea. This 54,700-ton vessel offers a swanky, contemporary hotel feel, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental consciousness and modern elegance.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Silver Wind

    With a capacity for 298 guests and a dedicated crew of 212, the Silver Wind fosters a genuinely intimate and friendly atmosphere. The high crew-to-guest ratio, approximately 1:1.4, ensures personalized attention without being obtrusive. Guests often describe the ambiance as discerning and mature, where quiet conversations and genuine connections thrive. It’s a place where fellow travelers quickly become familiar faces, sharing stories in a relaxed, all-inclusive setting.

    Silver Nova

    Hosting up to 728 guests with a crew of 544, the Silver Nova maintains Silversea's hallmark of personalized service with an impressive 1:1.3 crew-to-guest ratio. Despite her larger size and 11 decks, the ship’s innovative design creates a sophisticated yet relaxed "whisper-of-elegance" ambiance. The crowd tends to be discerning luxury seekers and conscious explorers, drawn to her modern, open spaces and a vibrant, intellectual atmosphere that encourages connection with both the sea and fellow passengers.

    Dining

    Silver Wind

    Dining aboard Silver Wind is a highlight, offering diverse, complimentary options. The Restaurant serves contemporary international and regional cuisine in an elegant setting, while La Terrazza provides authentic Italian dishes, transforming from a casual buffet at lunch to an intimate à la carte experience by evening. For a more casual bite, The Grill offers Hot Rocks dining under the stars. For a special indulgence, La Dame presents fine dining with a $60 reservation fee, and Le Champagne offers a multi-course degustation menu for $200 per person.

    Silver Nova

    Silver Nova elevates the culinary journey with eight distinct dining venues. Guests can enjoy fine dining at Atlantide, savor Italian specialties at La Terrazza with its expansive outdoor terrace, or explore destination-inspired menus at the S.A.L.T. Kitchen. The Marquee offers casual outdoor grilling at The Grill and fresh pizzas from Spaccanapoli. For an additional charge, La Dame presents gourmet French cuisine for $160, Kaiseki offers authentic Japanese for $80 at dinner, and the S.A.L.T. Chef's Table provides an immersive, multi-course experience for $180 per person.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Silver Wind

    Evening entertainment on Silver Wind is more subdued, often featuring Silversea singers, male vocalists, and a terrific violinist in The Show Lounge. The Panorama Lounge offers a relaxed setting for afternoon tea, piano music, and dancing, while The Bar is a popular, clubby spot for pre-dinner drinks and conversation, though it tends to quiet down by 11:30 p.m. For those seeking quiet moments, the Observation Lounge and Library provide tranquil retreats, and there's a small casino for casual gaming.

    Silver Nova

    Silver Nova offers a more expansive array of entertainment and nightlife across its 11 decks. The Venetian Lounge hosts full-scale production shows and guest performers, from magicians to local acts. Social hubs include Dolce Vita with its nightly piano player, the energetic Panorama Lounge featuring a DJ and dancing, and the intimate Silver Note jazz club. Unique options like the S.A.L.T. Lab offer interactive cooking classes, while The Dusk Bar provides panoramic views with craft cocktails, creating a sophisticated and varied evening scene.

    Cabins & Suites

    Silver Wind

    Silver Wind is an all-suite vessel, offering seven categories of luxurious accommodations. Suites range from the comfortable Vista Suites (22 sq.m.) with large picture windows, to the expansive Owner's (55-77 sq.m.), Grand (95-122 sq.m.), and Royal Suites (69-96 sq.m.), all featuring butler service. Even the Classic and Deluxe Veranda Suites (27 sq.m.) boast private teak verandas. Many suites include separate living and dining areas, whirlpool baths, and walk-in wardrobes, ensuring a refined and spacious retreat for every guest.

    Silver Nova

    Silver Nova redefines Silversea's all-suite experience with eight distinct categories, all featuring butler service and private verandas starting at 33 sq m. Highlights include the new Otium Suites at 123 sq m, offering unparalleled 270-degree views and a private whirlpool on the balcony, and the Master Suites with similar panoramic vistas. Every suite, from the Classic Veranda to the Owner's and Signature Suites, boasts luxurious amenities like bespoke mattresses, pillow menus, interactive media libraries, and either a full-size bath or walk-in shower.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Silver Wind

    The service on Silver Wind is a cornerstone of its charm, characterized by a fabulous, attentive crew and included butler service for every suite, ensuring a highly personalized experience. The onboard style is one of classic, understated luxury—refined yet unpretentious. The dress code generally leans towards "Elegant Casual" in the evenings, with "Formal Optional" nights on longer voyages, allowing guests to choose their preferred level of formality while maintaining an air of sophistication.

    Silver Nova

    Silver Nova upholds Silversea's reputation for intuitive, highly personalized service with butler service for every guest and an exceptional 1:1.3 crew-to-guest ratio. The onboard style is distinctly modern and sophisticated, with a "whisper-of-elegance" feel that leverages stunning design and natural light. The innovative Otium spa concept extends personalized wellness experiences directly into the suites, while dining venues like La Dame maintain a jacket requirement, offering opportunities for both refined elegance and relaxed comfort.

    Best Itineraries

    Silver Wind

    Thanks to her strengthened ice-class hull and 24 Zodiac® boats, Silver Wind is exceptionally versatile for expedition-style voyages, ideal for exploring remote Polar Regions or enjoying the golden sands of the Caribbean. She offers a range of shore excursions, from "Highlight Experiences" for iconic sites to "Private Experiences" for tailor-made adventures, making her perfect for travelers seeking deep destination immersion and close-up encounters with nature in diverse global locales.

    Silver Nova

    Silver Nova is designed for immersive destination experiences globally, with a strong emphasis on culinary and cultural exploration. Her S.A.L.T. program, including the S.A.L.T. Lab and S.A.L.T. Shore Excursions, connects guests intimately with local food and traditions. While offering a full suite of shore excursions from "Highlight" to "Custom Experiences," she excels in voyages where regional gastronomy and deep cultural engagement are key, appealing to travelers eager to taste and learn their way through new ports.

    What reviewers say

    Silver Wind

    5/5

    Silver 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

    5/5

    Silver 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

    Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.

    Silver Wind

    No upcoming itineraries listed. Ask our concierge to source private inventory →

    Silver Nova

    No upcoming itineraries listed. Ask our concierge to source private inventory →

    Read our guides

    In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

    Compare different ships

    Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.

    Ship A

    Ship B

    More comparisons