Classes of Trade

Mr. Conroy,

As a family who enjoys spending time on board Silversea's ships in the luxury environment that has been so carefully curated, we wish we could experience the essence of the brand and its excellent service in other venues. In this day and age where leading companies have extended their brands into new classes of trade (Disney/ESPN, Apple/Music, Amazon/Whole Foods, etc.), could you provide your perspective on whether we might expect Silversea to do the same, for instance into river vessels? The cross-promotion opportunities seem to be quite synergistic and significant.

For what it's worth, I hope that Silversea will continue to focus on ocean and expedition cruising.

Crystal has moved into various areas, with mixed success. Its AirCruises initiative was terminated before the first flight/cruise took off (but after they had spent lots of money on a 777 aircraft). Its yacht program (Esprit) has had mixed success, moving now to the Caribbean to keep it busy.

For every company that has branched out into other areas, I assume there is one for whom the over-reach has proved costly.

For what it's worth, I hope that Silversea will continue to focus on ocean and expedition cruising. Crystal has moved into various areas, with mixed success. Its AirCruises initiative was terminated before the first flight/cruise took off (but after they had spent lots of money on a 777 aircraft). Its yacht program (Esprit) has had mixed success, moving now to the Caribbean to keep it busy. For every company that has branched out into other areas, I assume there is one for whom the over-reach has proved costly.

The original idea/question of Silversea doing river cruises does sound very interesting, but Observer pointed out some excellent "realities" as to how Crystal has stumbled. When a company or person "over-reaches", it does not always turn out well. Great question and counter-point follow-up.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from this live/blog at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 34,538 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

Stumblefoot,

Thank you for your question. Silversea is a cruise company first and foremost and will continue to look for ways in which to provide the best cruising experience for our guests. There are exciting enhancements which will be announced soon, but our focus is and continues to be on our cruises.

Kind regards,

Mark