South Australia is rolling out the red carpet for luxury cruise line Silversea’s new ship, the Silver Nova, which makes its debut visit to the state today. The highly anticipated arrival marks the first time the Silver Nova has docked in South Australia, bringing up to 728 high-yield passengers and 556 crew members to the state’s shores.
The ship is scheduled to dock at Outer Harbor this morning before making its way to Kangaroo Island tomorrow. Passengers will have the opportunity to experience a range of exclusive onshore tours, including trips to the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Adelaide, and Kangaroo Island, injecting economic benefits into the local tourism sector.
Silversea’s Silver Nova is not a one-time visit. The ship will return to South Australia in February 2025, with its second voyage scheduled to take it to Adelaide ahead of its first visit to Port Lincoln. The visit follows discussions between Silversea and the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) in 2023, leading to 30 scheduled visits to South Australian ports between 2024 and 2027, including stops at the popular expedition anchorage of Robe.
This visit is part of a broader influx of international cruise lines making their maiden voyages to South Australian ports. With 20 scheduled maiden visits for the 2024-25 cruise season, South Australia is experiencing a boom in cruise tourism, with vessels from lines such as MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Ponant adding to the influx of passengers. In total, 120 cruise and expedition ships are expected to visit South Australia in the upcoming season, bringing an estimated 241,000 passengers and crew to the state.
This growth follows a record-breaking 2023-24 cruise season, which injected $227 million into the state’s economy and supported 738 jobs. This outstripped the previous season’s economic contribution, further solidifying the cruise industry as a key driver of local economic growth.
To continue expanding South Australia’s cruise sector, the South Australian Cruise Attraction Working Group has been established. This new group, announced at the Australian Cruise Association Annual Conference in Adelaide earlier this year, includes representatives from the South Australian Tourism Commission, Flinders Ports, and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport. The group aims to broaden the range of cruise lines and ships visiting the state, ensuring that South Australia remains an attractive destination for high-end tourists.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison, expressed her excitement at welcoming Silversea’s Silver Nova to South Australia for the first time, highlighting the economic benefits luxury cruise lines bring to local communities. “Silversea’s commitment to including South Australia on its international itineraries is a direct result of the ongoing work we are doing to attract luxury cruise lines and their high-yield visitors to our state,” she said. Bettison also emphasized the impact these visitors have on local tourism, particularly as many cruise passengers are likely to return in the future after experiencing the state’s offerings, from its fresh produce to extraordinary wildlife and landscapes.
Adam Radwanski, Silversea’s Asia Pacific Managing Director, praised South Australia for its blend of natural beauty, world-class vineyards, and cultural heritage. He noted that the region aligns perfectly with Silversea’s commitment to providing discerning guests with unparalleled luxury travel experiences. “South Australia is a destination where elegance meets adventure,” Radwanski said. “In 2025/26, Silversea’s three ultra-luxurious ships will call at South Australian ports 16 times, including visits as part of our Circumnavigation of Australia and World Cruise offerings.”
The Silver Nova is also making waves within the cruise industry with its innovative culinary program, S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), which immerses guests in local flavours and regional culinary traditions. Phil Hoffmann, Founder and Executive Director of Phil Hoffmann Travel, highlighted the program as a standout feature, noting its ability to deepen the connection between passengers and their destination through the exploration of local cuisines.
With an ongoing commitment to luxury and an emphasis on creating unforgettable travel experiences, Silversea’s new ship promises to further elevate South Australia’s position as a top destination for international tourists. The arrival of Silver Nova marks a significant milestone in the state’s cruise industry, heralding a new era of high-end tourism and economic opportunity.
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