Silversea Cruises, a leading luxury cruise line, has recently seen a change in leadership with the appointment of Bert Hernandez as the new president. With his extensive experience in the cruise industry, particularly with Royal Caribbean Group, Hernandez has brought a fresh perspective to the brand. During a recent shakedown cruise on the Silversea Silver Ray, it became apparent that Hernandez has a clear vision for the future of the cruise line.
One of the key areas of focus for Bert Hernandez is the enhancement of the destination experience for guests. He believes that curating and delivering unique destination experiences is essential for creating a memorable cruise vacation. By regionalizing ships and eliminating long repositioning voyages, Silversea can provide more in-depth and refined experiences at each port of call. This approach not only benefits the guest experience but also helps in optimizing revenue for the cruise line.
Appealing to a Younger Audience
Hernandez is also keen on attracting a younger demographic to Silversea Cruises while still catering to the existing older clientele. He plans to achieve this by introducing younger people to the brand through the line’s expedition ships, which already have a lower average age. By offering more “sporty” options for shore excursions and coordinating port visits with festivals that appeal to younger people, Silversea hopes to diversify its passenger demographics. Additionally, partnering with Royal Caribbean Group’s status match program and cross-marketing with other brands within the group may help in bringing in a younger clientele.
One noticeable change on the Silversea Silver Ray was the diversity of the crew onboard. Unlike traditional division of labor based on nationality, there was a mix of staff from various countries, particularly from Africa. Hernandez emphasized the importance of diversity in the crew as it brings different perspectives and cultural nuances to the guest experience. By recruiting from a wider range of countries and cultures, Silversea aims to enhance the onboard environment and enrich the overall cruise experience for guests.
Customer-Centric Leadership
According to Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Bert Hernandez was chosen to lead Silversea due to his customer-centric and humble leadership style. With a strong focus on operational excellence and customer orientation, Hernandez is poised to take the Silversea brand to new heights. His commitment to delivering personalized and engaging service, culinary excellence, and innovative destination experiences sets a clear direction for the future of the cruise line.
The appointment of Bert Hernandez as the president of Silversea Cruises marks a new chapter for the luxury cruise line. With a strategic focus on enhancing the destination experience, appealing to a younger audience, promoting diversity and inclusion onboard, and maintaining a customer-centric approach, Silversea is set to redefine luxury cruising under Hernandez’s leadership. As the cruise industry continues to evolve, Silversea is poised to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional travel experiences to its discerning guests.
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