Hong Kong welcomes first international cruise ship after the pandemic

Hong Kong is back in cruise itineraries again. Hong Kong welcomed the first international cruise after a three-year hiatus, with the arrival of Silversea Cruises’ Silver Spirit at Ocean Terminal on 18 January, marking an auspicious beginning for the local cruise scene in 2023 as Hong Kong is all ready to welcome international cruise passengers with a slate of new offerings. As a gesture of seeing off Silver Spirit on 19 January, Silver Spirit was sent off with the city's nightly spectacular light and sound show across Victoria Harbour – A Symphony of Lights, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the passengers.

Among the first to enjoy Hong Kong’s innovative shore excursion itineraries packed with ever-evolving experiences, the Silver Spirit guests were treated to Hong Kong’s unique East-meets-West culture, culinary delights and authentic street food, inspirational visits to museums and art galleries, with top-notch hospitality from friendly locals.

They visited various attractions such as the West Kowloon Cultural District and Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Peak riding on the brand-new Peak Tram, admiring the city’s renowned skyline and took a guided stroll in the oldest yet most dynamic district, Old Town Central.

The Silver Spirit is the first of many more international cruises to return to Hong Kong in 2023 and beyond, as cruising in Hong Kong is on full steam to surge ahead again.

Adam Radwanski, Managing Director Asia Pacific, Silversea Cruises, was thankful for Hong Kong’s support in arranging the return of the cruise, and addressed that Silversea remains committed to the region, “Cruising in Asia could not be completed and fully satisfying without calling Hong Kong. It would probably be one of the most anticipated sailings in the region for us. Throughout 2023, Silversea is going to offer another 7 voyages that will return to Hong Kong.”

Silversea unveils all Silver Nova venues

Silversea Cruises has revealed full details on the public venues aboard its new ship Silver Nova, including the largest array of bars, lounges, and restaurants of any ultra-luxury cruise ship. As well as being one of the most environmentally conscious ships ever built, Silver Nova will offer guests the next iteration of Silversea’s unique take on luxury as one of the world’s most spacious ships. The 728-guest Silver Nova will host 10 bars and lounges, eight distinct restaurants, and an array of additional public venues when she launches in August 2023. Silversea will enhance Silver Nova with a new design approach in a first for the leading ultra-luxury cruise line: guests will benefit from an asymmetrical design, as well as a horizontal layout, which will heighten the ship’s sense of spaciousness and provide a natural flow between venues on entire decks.

“In addition to her pioneering sustainability credentials, Silver Nova will unlock a new luxury experience for our guests, offering an industry-leading variety of bars, lounges, and restaurants with an entirely new design approach for Silversea,” said Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “Silver Nova represents a milestone in our strategy to build the perfect ship for every itinerary, with her array of venues enhancing the guest experience to a new level. Pushing boundaries in ultra-luxury travel, she will enrich the social aspect of cruising to unprecedented levels, fostering the strong sense of community that is core to life on board each Silversea ship. Her openness to the destinations she visits will offer guests a new way of connecting with the world.”

Range of venues

As well as incorporating Silversea’s signature venues with enhanced designs, Silver Nova will introduce all-new public areas – positioned mainly on decks three, four and five, as well as outside on deck 10. The ship’s horizontal layout allows for a stronger connection between settings, with an enhanced guest experience that flows throughout the ship and evolves with each venue according to the time of day. Silver Nova’s public spaces include:

The Dolce Vita Lounge
Silversea’s signature pre- and post-dinner drinks venue, the Dolce Vita lounge will represent the heart of Silver Nova—located on deck five with capacity for up to 120 guests. Open from early in the morning until late in the evening, Dolce Vita will provide an elegant setting throughout the day, welcoming guests for leisurely drinks and enrichment activities, before transforming into a sophisticated piano bar by night. A feature bar will sit centrally within the 370.5m2 (3,988ft2) space, complemented by a performance area, and ample seating.

The Venetian Lounge
Silver Nova’s two-storied Venetian Lounge will have capacity for 370 guests on decks four and five, with a 550m2 (5,920ft2) lower level and an the upper tier of 190m2 (2,045ft2). The home of Silver Nova’s enrichment and entertainment offering, the Venetian Lounge will host live theatrical and musical performances, film screenings, and events of an evening, as well as informative lectures and seminars during the daytime. The venue will incorporate state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, including a large HD screen; cabaret-style seating with small tables; and balconies for an intimate viewing experience.

The Shelter
A brand new venue for Silversea, the Shelter will be a sophisticated evening-only bar, accommodating just 32 guests in a chic setting of 131m2 (1,410ft2). Set adjacent to Atlantide and S.A.L.T.® Kitchen on deck three, the Shelter will welcome guests for pre-dinner aperitifs and post-dinner cocktails. The venue’s elegant interiors will employ a neutral color palette, illuminated by tasteful lighting. The Shelter’s striking bar will include a wrap-around bottle display with integrated strips of lighting for a modern aesthetic. Forming a harmonious connection with Silver Nova’s other nightlife venues, the Shelter will entertain guests with an open feel.

The Connoisseur’s Corner
Offering guests a selection of premium cigars and liquors on deck five, Silver Nova’s 61.5m2 (662ft2) Connoisseur’s Corner will benefit from a new layout with a capacity of 35, featuring a larger, modern interior space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious outdoor area. With comfortable Chesterfield armchairs, the Connoisseur’s Corner will have the exclusive look and feel of a private member’s club.

The Observation Lounge
Offering guests panoramic, 270-degree views over the destination from deck 10, the Observation Lounge will provide a vantage point from the top of Silver Nova, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a soothing color palette that is inspired by the sea. Enlarged to 256.5m2 (2,761ft2), the venue will accommodate up to 115 guests from early in the morning until late at night. The lounge will house Silver Nova’s library, offering travelers an intimate space in which to relax with a book.

The Panorama Lounge
A peaceful lounge by day and a lively bar by night, Silver Nova’s Panorama Lounge will accommodate up to 190 guests, sprawling over 547m2 (5,888ft2) on deck five. Large windows that surround the space’s interiors give way to 221m2 (2,379ft2) of outdoor space, from which guests will enjoy 270-degree views over the destination from the ship’s aft. Aboard Silver Nova, the Panorama Lounge will feature a new layout when compared to Silversea’s Muse-class ships, as well as a new design and color palette.

S.A.L.T. Bar
The S.A.L.T. Bar will enjoy from a premium position aboard Silver Nova when compared to Silversea’s previous class of ships, relocated to deck 10. More spacious than ever, with capacity for 42 guests and an area of 170.8m2 (1,838.5ft2), the evening venue will be enriched with a larger bar area, as well as far-reaching views through floor-to-ceiling windows and a new outdoor area. The S.A.L.T. Bar will serve regionally inspired drinks in warm, elegant interiors, with a dark color palette and comfortable armchairs for an intimate atmosphere.

S.A.L.T. Lab
Also relocated to deck 10 for a prime view on the destination and with a new outdoor area, the S.A.L.T. Lab will be greatly enhanced aboard Silver Nova with a fresh layout—enlarged to approximately 112.4m2 (1,209.9ft2) and accommodating 28 guests. The test kitchen will enable guests to travel deeper into each sailed region through the lens of food and drink, providing the opportunity to get hands on with regional ingredients under the guidance of local food experts and Silver Nova’s S.A.L.T. Host. Enjoying the same bright, elegant interior design as on previous ships, the S.A.L.T. Lab will comprise cooking stations and a larger, redesigned central workstation aboard Silver Nova – at which participating guests will be able to sit to view demonstrations.

Otium Spa
The Otium Spa will be relocated when compared to Silver Dawn, positioned towards Silver Nova’s bow on deck five with a more spacious interior. Open throughout the day as the home of Silversea’s Roman-inspired Otium wellness program, the 338m2 (3,638.2ft2) space will incorporate an indoor swimming pool; spa, with eight treatment rooms and a tranquil relaxation area; fitness center; and beauty salon. Inspired by the design of Ancient Roman baths, the Otium Spa will have an open, welcoming feel, in which guests’ wellness journeys will flow seamlessly between interconnecting areas. The thermal area will be larger than ever, with a steam room; sauna; and pool, complete with travertine water fountain and floor-to-ceiling windows. Soft lighting and natural stones, including hints of red marble, will create an elegant, relaxing setting.

Eight enhanced restaurants

Silver Nova will offer guests the choice of eight signature restaurants, with unparalleled variety – from spacious, open-seated venues to intimate dining options, serving a diverse range of high-quality fare. Decks three, four, and five will accommodate Silver Nova’s indoor restaurants – La Terrazza, Atlantide, S.A.L.T. Kitchen, La Dame, Silver Note®, and Kaiseki – while the Marquee on deck 10 will house her two outdoor dining options, Spaccanapoli and the Grill.

In addition to eight restaurants, Silver Nova will welcome up to 70 guests in the vibrant Arts Café. Silver Nova’s additional public spaces will include a three-storied atrium, casino, and two-storied boutique; as well as two outdoor bars, the Pool Bar and the Dusk Bar, which will host guests on deck 10.



Silver Nova will accommodate guests in 364 spacious suites across 13 categories – the most suite categories in Silversea’s history – including a new generation of premium suites on the ship’s aft.

As well as introducing a new design approach for the industry’s leading cruise line with her asymmetrical structure and horizontal layout, Silver Nova will push boundaries in ultra-luxury cruise travel with pioneering sustainability credentials. She is set to become the world’s first low-emissions cruise ship with advanced hybrid technology that utilizes fuel cells, emitting zero local emissions while in port – an industry first.

Photos: The Observation Lounge, The Venetian Lounge and Arts Cafe

Valletta Cruise Port celebrates 20th anniversary

Valletta Cruise Port, a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding plc and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port plc said: “I am so proud to have been part of this company since inception and to have led it over the past eight years. It has been an eventful journey with plenty of milestones along the way. The early days allowed us to return a formerly neglected historical site to its majestic state, such as Grand Master Pinto himself intended back in 1752. There is a success story to tell also on the cruise operations side with year-on-year growth, with the large majority of cruise companies now being regular callers to our islands. We have gradually increased our passenger movements from 260,000 to over 900,000 in 2019, and we are now strategically placed as one of the top Mediterranean ports-of-call, and a flourishing homeport. Valletta Cruise Port has carved a name for itself in the industry, and this is thanks to the support and commitment of all stakeholders. Special thanks go to the Directors, Shareholders: Global Ports Holding, AX Group and Excelsior Hotel Floriana, management and staff – past and present, and all our industry partners and stakeholders who are all part of this success.”

As part of the celebrations Valletta Cruise Port held a party within the historic Magazino Hall with various stakeholders in attendance.

During the event, 19 staff members who have provided 10, 15 and 20 years of service to the company received a gift in appreciation of their loyalty and commitment.

Guests were treated to a photography exhibition by Davide Degano, showcasing photos of the Valletta Cruise Project, in what was formerly the engine room of the first Power House in Malta, opened exclusively for the evening. The photos are a prelude to an upcoming publication that will showcase Valletta Cruise Port’s milestones and achievements through photography and anecdotes

Attendees also received a numbered and individually signed print of a commissioned painting of the Valletta Waterfront by local artist Jacqueline Agius. As a key Maltese destination, the award-winning Valletta Waterfront destination remains true to Valletta Cruise Port’s original mission statement, that of “being a prime leisure and entertainment destination by portraying an image of excellence throughout every aspect of the project”.