In a recent post dated May 9th, Silversea announced that Silver Nova has arrived in Alaska for the first time, embarking on a series of immersive seven-day voyages from May 9 until September 5, 2024. The ship’s inaugural season in Alaska also marks the introduction of the S.A.L.T. program to the region, which will connect Silversea’s guests to the local culinary culture like never before – through immersive experiences, both on board and ashore.
Silver Nova’s inaugural Alaska season comprises 18 voyages, with a duo of itinerary options available for summer and fall bookings. Example voyages include:
- Vancouver to Seward (Anchorage, Alaska) from June 20-27, 2024: Silversea’s guests will discover the salmon capital of the world in Ketchikan. An experience at its historic cannery and lumberjack show will enable guests to explore some of the staples of the region’s fishing and logging past, during an immersive half-day experience.
- Seward (Anchorage, Alaska) to Vancouver from July 25-August 1, 2024: Travelers will explore this distant land of bears, wild landscapes, and icy adventures on this seven-day voyage between Seward and Vancouver, sailing between glorious islands to witness the diverse wildlife of the Inside Passage. Among the numerous experiences on offer, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a champagne toast at an idyllic waterfall and marvel at the Hubbard Glacier.
S.A.L.T., an acronym of Sea and Land Taste, is Silversea’s award-winning culinary enrichment program, which gives guests the opportunity to travel deeper through a variety of destination-focused gastronomic experiences, both on board and ashore. Complementing excursions ashore, brand new onboard S.A.L.T. enrichments for Alaska include:
- The S.A.L.T. Kitchen will offer local dishes and delicacies, including:
– Cured Duck Breast with Traditional Alaskan Frybread and Tangy Redcurrant Jam: The Alaskan version of frybread is made with yeast, while those further south make it with baking powder.
– Alaskan Salmon Pie: The finest local salmon, showcased in flaky puff pastry with brown rice, cabbage, and mushrooms. Fish pie is a staple of Alaskan menus and a descendant of Russian fish pie or pirog.
– Venison Ravioli with Wild Mushroom: Homemade pasta filled with venison, drizzled with brown butter, and served on wild mushroom duxelles. Travelers will sample the deer species native to Alaska, the Sitka deer, as well as local mushrooms, which have long been foraged by Indigenous communities in Alaska.
– Baked Alaska: An iconic indulgence, the sponge cake is filled with homemade, salted honeycomb ice cream and dark chocolate ice cream, enclosed in caramelized meringue. - The S.A.L.T. Lab class, entitled “Wild Salmon: An Alaskan Way of Life”, will explore three simple and varied ways to prepare salmon, including salmon cakes, smoked salmon spread, and pickled salmon by Emma Teal Laukitis and Claire Neaton, who grew up on a homestead in Alaska’s remote Aleutian Islands.
- In the evenings, S.A.L.T. Lab transforms to the S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table, Silversea’s intimate, interactive dining experience. S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table features local ingredients and creatively reimagined staple dishes. Highlights of the Alaska menu include:
– Salmon smoked at the table with pilot bread and salmon roe
– Dungeness crab salad
– Birch-syrup braised duck with morel mushrooms
– Alaskan-beer battered porcini mushrooms with samphire mayo
– Salt-roasted beets with pickled local berries and spruce-tip salt
– Reindeer tartlet
– Dark chocolate beetroot cake with sea buckthorn curd
“We’re delighted to celebrate the inauguration of S.A.L.T. in Alaska,” said Adam Sachs, Director of S.A.L.T., Silversea. “The program will enable our guests to connect meaningfully with the region through bespoke, enriching culinary experiences. From exploring the best ways to prepare wild local salmon in S.A.L.T. Lab classes designed by experts to immersive experiences ashore, the range of culinary experiences on offer will provide a unique lens through which our guests can deep dive into the local culture.”
THE NOVA CLASS: A NEW TAKE ON LUXURY AT SEA
Silversea’s Nova-class ships pay testament to Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to delivering the world’s best vacation experiences, responsibly. With pioneering energy efficiency standards, Silver Nova and her sister ship Silver Ray – due to launch in mid-May – are 40% more energy efficient than required international standards and regulations. On board, guests enjoy the brand’s customary hallmarks of luxury with a range of all-new venues and unprecedented suite options, new Otium wellness experiences and amenities, and enrichments to the S.A.L.T. culinary program, including the introduction of the S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table. Both ships incorporate innovative design features that connect travelers with the outside at every turn, including roughly 4,000m2 of exterior glass and outward-facing venues for deeper immersion into the destination.
SUPPORTING PORT COMMUNITIES IN ALASKA
Silversea, as part of Royal Caribbean Group,is expanding its support of the port communities in Alaska through the Sea the Future commitment to sustain the planet, energize communities and accelerate innovation, while delivering the best vacations responsibly. Examples of local initiatives include:
- Ketchikan Salmon Walk’s grand opening
In partnership with the Tongass Historical Museum, the Ketchikan Salmon Walk is set to open this summer, offering vacationers a unique opportunity to delve into the tale of the salmon migration and life cycle in Ketchikan Creek. The nearly two-mile walk is equipped with upgraded lighting and pavement, as well as engaging placards with art by renowned artists like Ray Troll, Nathan Jackson and Marvin Oliver. - Gives a taste of Alaska through local sourcing
Committed to fostering relationships with Alaska businesses, Royal Caribbean Group offers guests access to a variety of Alaska-owned products, retailers, excursions, and experiences. Established partnerships with Skagway Spirits, Seafood Producers Cooperative and Alaska Specialty Seafood, sourcing fresh seafood and other local items across its brands. These local partnerships highlight the group’s dedication to connecting with local cultures and supporting economic vibrancy while creating an authentic Alaska experience for guests. - Renews commitment to Sitka Sound Science Center
The Sitka Sound Science Center’s Scientists in the Schools (SIS) programenables local scientists to partner with students in K-12 classrooms to explore science and ecosystems. This initiative aims to foster a passion and appreciation for science and nature among Sitka’s youth while creating a meaningful educational experience. The program incorporates classroom visits from scientists into the curriculum at each grade level in Sitka schools, creating a pipeline of scientific experiences during the entire academic career of Sitka’s K-12 students. The program benefited 960 students from nine schools last year with the support of the cruise company.
