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Silver Nova named by Chef Nina Compton at Fort Lauderdale festivities (updated)

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Silver Nova godmother Nina Compton, top center, with, at left, Capt. Cosimo Pontillo and Silversea President Barbara Muckermann and, at right, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty and master of ceremonies Peter Greenberg. Below, the Champagne smash and bagpipers piping in the naming party
Chef, restaurateur and Caribbean culinary ambassador Nina Compton officially named Silversea Cruises' Silver Nova in an intimate ceremony Thursday at Port Everglades.

St. Lucia native Compton, a leading practitioner and passionate advocate for the food of the Caribbean, now lives in New Orleans where she owns two acclaimed restaurants. Her selection as godmother was a nod to Silversea's S.A.L.T. culinary program, which delves into destination discovery through food.

The 'Top Chef' runner-up and James Beard Foundation Award-winning Compton's restaurants are Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro.

The ceremony in Silver Nova's theater began with bagpipes, a Royal Caribbean Group tradition. Broadway actress/singer Rachel York performed the national anthem.

Silversea's 30th anniversary

A video commemorated Silversea's 30th anniversary in 2024.

'It is fitting that we officially named Silver Nova — a truly pioneering ship — in the same year Silversea celebrates its 30th anniversary,' Silversea President Barbara Muckermann said. 'The ship connects our history with our tomorrow, striking a perfect balance between our brand’s refined heritage and the future of ultra-luxury cruise travel.'

Innovative design and environmental advances

Muckermann credited the support of Royal Caribbean Group President/CEO Jason Liberty, who called Silver Nova a game-changer for its innovative design and environmental advances, and everyone involved at Royal Caribbean, Silversea and Meyer Werft.

Compton, accompanied by Capt. Cosimo Pontillo, then named Silver Nova and triggered a magnum-sized bottle of Champagne to smash on the ship’s hull, before Liberty led guests in a toast.

Update: Here are video highlights:

Silver Nova, which embarked on its maiden voyage from Venice Aug. 14, will now undertake its first grand voyage, a 71-day South American circumnavigation.