As demand for immersive luxury travel continues to grow, Silversea is focusing on destination-rich experiences, product innovation and strengthening its partnerships with the travel trade. In this week’s Take 5, we catch up with Carol Cabezas, Senior Vice President, Global Sales at Silversea, to discuss the company’s growth strategy, the evolving luxury and expedition cruise markets, what’s ahead for the fleet and how advisors can capitalize on emerging opportunities.
1.Silversea has continued to expand its global footprint in recent years. What are the company’s key priorities for growth over the next 12–24 months, and where do you see the biggest opportunities for the brand?
“When I stepped into this role, I saw a real opportunity to continue strengthening the momentum Silversea has built as the leader in experiential luxury and expedition travel. We want to keep building on what makes Silversea unique: immersive discovery in the world’s most remarkable destinations, paired with a level of personalized service and comfort that is second to none.
“A key part of that growth is expanding the ways we bring guests closer to the rare and remarkable through our itineraries. We recently launched our 2028–2029 Voyage Collection, ‘Let the World Surprise You,’ which is built around the moments that catch you off guard and stay with you long after you return home. The collection is designed to place guests in the right place at exactly the right moment – from Japan’s matsuri festivals to the Monaco Grand Prix, grape harvests along Spain’s Atlantic Coast, and Scandinavia’s midsummer celebrations. It also includes a Grand Mediterranean Voyage aboard Silver Dawn spanning over 40 destinations, and further elevated Antarctica Fly Cruise journeys anchored by The Cormorant at 55 South. Opening later this year, Silversea’s first hotel and the southernmost on Earth will create a uniquely seamless and elevated gateway for our Antarctica Fly Cruise guests, deepening their connection with one of Earth’s last truly untouched destinations from the moment they arrive.
“We’re also elevating the guest experience across every touchpoint – investing in culinary concepts and refreshing our service standards through The Silversea Way, which reflects our philosophy of personalized service, destination expertise and thoughtful attention to detail. These are the curated moments and intuitive touches that our guests value most, and they’re what will continue to set Silversea apart.”
2. What are the biggest opportunities you see for travel advisors to grow their business with Silversea right now?
“One of the most consistent things I hear from advisors who are successful at selling Silversea is that the first booking was the hardest – not because the product is difficult to sell, but because they underestimated how many of their clients were actually ready for it. The opportunity is often already there, but it’s about asking the right questions. Milestone moments such as honeymoons, anniversaries, retirements and bucket list trips are natural entry points for a guest who might stretch their budget for something truly unforgettable.
“Expedition cruising is another significant opportunity, and one that plays directly to the advisor’s strengths. It’s a complex product where guests need guidance on logistics, layered inclusions and what to expect in remote destinations. Advisors who invest in understanding that product become genuinely indispensable to their clients, and those relationships tend to be lasting ones.”
3. Looking ahead, what can advisors and their clients expect in terms of new itineraries, destinations, ship developments or onboard experiences from Silversea?
“The 2028–2029 Voyage Collection is a strong preview of where we’re headed. The collection spans 278 voyages across 497 destinations in 71 countries, with more than 120 new or reintroduced ports of call. Among its highlights are Silver Nova‘s first-ever season in Northern Europe – unlocking Norway’s Heritage Fjords – and Silver Spirit‘s maiden season in Canada and New England, with extended stays in Quebec City, Halifax and Boston. Itineraries also include longer port stays, late departures and more than 50 overnight calls, giving guests a deeper sense of local life wherever they sail.
“From a fleet perspective, Silver Nova and Silver Ray continue to set a new standard with their cutting-edge asymmetrical design that maximizes ocean views and natural light, all-balcony suites, and a S.A.L.T. Lab featuring more cooking stations and great outdoor views – along with S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table, an 11-course tasting menu that brings each destination’s culinary story to life.
“Guests sailing Silver Spirit will also find a meaningfully refreshed experience. The ship recently debuted S.A.L.T. Kitchen, S.A.L.T. Bar, and S.A.L.T. Lab, bringing the full S.A.L.T. program on board, with ever-changing destination-inspired menus, locally crafted cocktails and hands-on cooking classes. The addition of Riviera, a new open-air Mediterranean pool bar and restaurant, further elevates the experience with coastal fare, handcrafted spritzes and cocktails and a relaxed alfresco atmosphere inspired by the golden age of Mediterranean travel all day long.”
4. Travel advisors remain a critical distribution channel for cruising. What new tools, training programs, incentives or other resources is Silversea providing to help advisors better sell the brand?
“Advisors are central to what we do, and we’ve built a support infrastructure designed to make it as easy as possible for advisors to present Silversea authentically. From co-branded tools, social media content and a training program that’s genuinely engaging and accessible, our tools are designed to meet advisors where they are, whether they’re new to luxury cruising or simply new to Silversea.
“What I’d emphasize alongside the tools is the human support behind them. We have dedicated team members whose role is to guide advisors through the process, from onboarding to closing that first booking. The level of white-glove support we offer trade partners mirrors the experience we give our guests.”
5. Silversea has invested heavily in expedition cruising over the years. How is this segment performing for the company today, and which destinations are generating the strongest demand?
“Expedition is one of the most distinctive and defining parts of Silversea, and it’s a space we’ve been pioneering for nearly two decades – from luxury voyages to the Arctic and Antarctica, to the Galápagos, the Kimberley, and beyond. What we’ve built is not just a collection of itineraries, but a comprehensive expedition experience that is immersive, expert-led and with full comfort, in a way that no other brand has matched.
“Silversea will continue to strengthen its experiential, destination-led luxury positioning with the opening of The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams, Chile, which will soon anchor our Antarctica Fly Cruise experience as the southernmost hotel in the world. Purpose-designed as a pre- and post-expedition gateway, The Cormorant will deepen guests’ connection with one of the world’s last true frontiers from the moment they arrive – making the entire journey seamless and uniquely Silversea.”
Travel advisors can find more information about Silversea here.
Lead image caption: Carol Cabezas, Senior Vice President, Global Sales at Silversea
