Silversea Cruises and the Meyer Werft shipyard have celebrated the float out of Silver Nova, the first in a new class of cruise ships for the luxury cruise line.

Silver Nova was floated out by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, ahead of her anticipated delivery later this year as the 12th ship in the cruise line’s fleet.

Silver Nova will be the most environmentally conscious ultra-luxury cruise ship ever built, according to Silversea.

Silver Nova

After her construction dry dock was flooded with water, Silver Nova was positioned alongside the pier in the neighboring harbor basin, where the fitting out phase will continue.

Commemorating the important milestone and in observance of shipbuilding traditions, Captain Cosimo Pontillo welded a special coin to a wall on the pool deck, which will remain visible to the ship’s future guests as a symbol of good luck.

The next stage in Silver Nova’s construction will be her river conveyance down the Ems River from Papenburg to the coast. The conveyance is scheduled for the end of May and will see the ship navigated along 32 kilometers of locks and canals in an event that is always popular with local ship watchers.

Silver Nova leaves construction hall

“With her float out at the Meyer Werft shipyard, anticipation is building among our guests, travel partner community, and the extended Silversea family for the launch of our 12th ship, Silver Nova,” said Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises.

“Silver Nova embodies the vision of our cruise line and the evolution of our fleet. She has been purpose-built for ocean cruising, ushering an evolution of Silversea’s industry-leading, ultra-luxury cruise experience,” Muckermann added.

As well as being marketed as the most sustainable ultra-luxury ship at sea, Silversea also says that Silver Nova will introduce guests to a new level of comfort, with some of the industry’s most spacious accommodations; and the largest array of bars, lounges and restaurants of any ultra-luxury ship.

“We have reached another important milestone in the construction process with the float out of Silver Nova,” said Jan Meyer, Managing Director, Meyer Werft. “This ship is an important step towards green cruising due to its many technological features, as well as high environmental compatibility and energy efficiency. Beyond that, Silver Nova features a particularly innovative interior design.”