Silver Nova: A Standout Cruise Ship

Here’s Silver Nova gliding past me at my vantage point on North Mole into the safe embrace of Fremantle harbour just after 7:00 this morning.

Her last visit to Fremantle was earlier this year on 16 February. She made a grand entrance then and again today.

Silver Nova is Silversea Cruises’ newest luxury vessel, launched in 2023 and designed for ultra-sustainable, immersive travel. She is currently on a 47-day circumnavigation of Australia, visiting 23 destinations, including a side trip to Bali.

She departed Melbourne on 14 October, and her last port of call was Benoa, Bali.

This sleek vessel can carry up to 728 guests and 556 crew. When she leaves Freo she’ll have around 526 guests and 451 crew. A nice ratio!

As you’ll be able to tell from my gallery of pics of Silver Nova’s arrival this morning that follows, there’s salt in the air and stars in my eyes as she sparkles in the early morning light. It’s immediately obvious that Silver Nova is a modern marvel, and unlike most ships, her standout feature is her asymmetrical design, with open spaces and panoramic glass walls that offer uninterrupted views of the ocean—the horizon must feel as close as a whisper.

Every suite on board has a balcony and a private butler who offers ‘surprise moments’— a handwritten note each day, saying something like: Today, Fremantle Shipping News awaits you! And drawing a bath with rose petals after a long shore excursion sipping coffees on Freo’s Capuccino Strip!

Suites are spacious and thoughtfully designed, but what sets Silver Nova apart are the whimsical details—like in-room espresso bars, walk-in wardrobes, and private verandas that make you feel as if you’re floating above the waves. Some suites even feature “bathroom with a view” layouts, letting guests soak in the ocean vistas from their own tub.

The decks have a distinctive “horizontal” layout, a break from traditional tiered structures, inviting guests to explore the ship as if strolling through a seaside village.

Silversea is committed to sustainability—Silver Nova uses a hybrid power system, featuring LNG (liquefied natural gas) and batteries, dramatically reducing emissions. The ship boasts advanced wastewater treatment and a dynamic positioning system that allows her to anchor without disturbing fragile seabeds—an almost futuristic touch that’s as clever as it is conscientious.

Inside, you’ll find lounges with avant-garde art, tucked-away cocktail bars, and a glass-enclosed pool area perfect for all-season swims.

Silver Nova really is a standout cruise ship. If you’re seeking both luxury and a little bit of magic on the high seas, she’s the ship for you.

Silver Nova will be in port today and tomorrow. She departs for Busselton tomorrow, Friday 14 November at 7pm.

A couple facts and stats for you. At this Fremantle stop –

• Number of transit passengers: 376

• Passengers disembarking into Fremantle: 111

• New passengers embarking from Fremantle: 150

• Number of crew: 451

Btw folks, there are a few more cruise ships soon to arrive in Freo –

• Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 November – Silver Moon

• Saturday 29 November – Riviera

• Tuesday 9 December – Norwegian Spirit

• Monday 22 December – Azamara Pursuit.

Must be nearly summer!

Story and photographs by Jean Hudson @jeansodyssey.

*Jean Hudson is our Shipping and Sailing Correspondent and also a regular feature writer and photographer here on the Shipping News. You may also like to follow up her informative Places I Love stories, as well as other feature stories and Freo Today photographs, right here.

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