Today South Australia welcomes luxury cruise line, Silversea's Silver Nova for the first time, with the new ship bringing up to 728 high-yield passengers and 556 crew to the state's shores.
The Silver Nova docks in Outer Harbor this morning, before visiting Kangaroo Island tomorrow. Delivering economic benefits across the state's tourism regions, passengers will take part in onshore tours and experiences across the Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Adelaide, and Kangaroo Island.
Silversea's Silver Nova is scheduled to make its second voyage to South Australia in February 2025, returning to Adelaide ahead of its inaugural visit to Port Lincoln.
As a result of discussions between the South Australian Tourism Commission and Silversea in 2023, the cruise line has scheduled 30 calls to South Australian ports across 2024-2027, including the expedition anchorage of Robe.
This is one of 20 scheduled maiden visits to South Australian ports in the 2024-25 cruise season, which included other international cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Ponant.
A total of 120 cruise and expedition ship visits are scheduled for South Australia's 2024-25 cruise season, bringing an estimated up to 241,000 passengers and crew to the state's shores.
It follows a record-breaking 2023-24 cruise season, which injected $227 million into South Australia's economy and supported 738 jobs - surpassing the 2022-23 cruise season, which generated $215 million for the state's economy and supported 704 jobs.
To continue the growth of the state's multi-million-dollar cruise sector, the South Australian Cruise Attraction Working Group has been established.
Announced at the Australian Cruise Association Annual Conference 2024 hosted in Adelaide earlier this year, the group includes representatives from the South Australian Tourism Commission, Flinders Ports, Department of Infrastructure and Transport and key industry stakeholders and aims to expand the range of cruise lines and ships visiting.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said it is an exciting day to welcome Silversea's new luxury cruise ship, Silver Nova to South Australia for the first time.
"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," Minister Bettison said.
"We continue to see how cruise delivers important economic benefits to local communities across our tourism regions, both during our cruise season, and into the future as passengers are inspired to return and discover more of South Australia.
"I have no doubt Silversea's passengers and crew will be delighted by our state's world-class tourism offerings, from our fresh produce to extraordinary wildlife and landscapes, and of course our wonderful hospitality."
Silversea Asia Pacific Managing Director, Adam Radwanski said South Australia, with its unspoiled natural beauty, world-class vineyards, and rich cultural heritage, aligns seamlessly with Silversea's commitment to offering the discerning clientele unparalleled luxury travel experiences. It's a destination where elegance meets adventure.
"This season, we will be calling at Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln, and Adelaide, including an overnight stay," Mr Radwanski said.
"In 2025/26, Silversea's three ultra-luxurious ships will call at South Australian ports 16 times. South Australia is part of some of our most prestigious offerings: Silversea's first and most comprehensive Circumnavigation of Australia in November 2025, as well as our World Cruise 2026."
Phil Hoffmann Travel Founder/Executive Director, Phil Hoffmann AM said Silversea Silver Nova, the first in its groundbreaking Nova class will arrive in Adelaide on Friday 29 November 2024, for its first debut visit, bringing with it the innovative S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) culinary program to redefine luxury cruising.
"Silver Nova's S.A.L.T. culinary program is a standout feature, offering guests a deeper connection to destination through local flavours. Immersing travellers in regional cuisines, ingredients, and traditions," Mr Hoffmann said.
