Meet the President: Silversea's Bert Hernandez

What is happening at Silversea and why should travellers be excited?

It's an exciting time for all of us at Silversea as we continue to enhance our brand and deliver even more elevated and meaningful experiences for our guests - guided by our new 'To Finding More' brand platform. We are eagerly awaiting the opening of The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams, Chile, set to become the world's southernmost hotel when it opens in 2026. The Cormorant will further strengthen our position as the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, providing guests with the most seamless journey to Antarctica with the level of comfort and service that define Silversea. Having visited Puerto Williams myself, I can attest to the region's incredible beauty.

We've also enhanced our World Cruise 2026, The Curious and the Sea, adding two new exclusive events in Cape Town, South Africa, and Madeira, Portugal, as well as new culinary enrichments and entertainment offerings. Earlier this year, we announced our World Cruise 2028, An Ode to the Moment, which will complement our 2027 global voyage as one of the most enriching extended journeys available to our guests. These are just a few of the projects in our pipeline that reflect Royal Caribbean Group's mission to deliver the world's best vacations responsibly, with more to come!

Why is it important or interesting for a company like Royal Caribbean Group to have an experiential luxury and expedition brand like Silversea within its portfolio?

In addition to expanding the number of destinations visited by Royal Caribbean Group brands and broadening its geographical reach, Silversea adds unique value with its distinctive experiential luxury and expedition offerings. And, our people are among the best in the travel industry with a wealth of expertise in these niche segments, strengthening Royal Caribbean Group's ability to deliver exceptional vacation experiences across its ecosystem.

Additionally, through our Loyalty Status Match Programme, now offered across Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruise, and Silversea, loyalty members can enjoy benefits regardless of which brand they choose, ensuring they have access to the ideal products and experiences that suit their needs and interests.

How significant is the UK market to Silversea, and what are your ambitions for Silversea generally, and for the UK specifically?

The U.K. is among our biggest markets and we believe that will continue long into the future. We are supporting our trade partners with various sales and marketing initiatives, including the introduction of Rallio and Approach Guides, which will contribute to their long-term success.

We are also committed to strengthening our presence there by expanding our reach to diverse groups, from appealing to younger guests to continuing to engage our loyal Venetian Society members. Our Nova Class ships play an important role in attracting a new generation of travellers while delivering exceptional experiences that resonate with both new and long-standing guests.

What, in your opinion, differentiates Silversea from its competitors?

At Silversea, guests are at the centre of everything we do. Their feedback shapes our offerings and inspires us to deliver exceptional one-of-a-kind experiences. Their preferences have led us to focus on three core pillars: destination experience and immersion (what we like to call 'Immersive Discovery'), the best service at sea, and culinary excellence.

Our culinary pillar is highlighted by the unique S.A.L.T. culinary program. By embracing the local culinary culture of each port, S.A.L.T. immerses our guests into each destination through the lens of food and drink, combining onboard experiences in dedicated venues with authentic culinary discovery ashore. Silversea remains committed to pushing boundaries and creating new, immersive experiences that matter most to our guests.

Finally, a little about your favourite Silversea moments thus far: What has been your favourite Silversea team win this year? And what is your favourite part about the Silversea expedition experience?

Watching The Cormorant at 55 South take shape has been amazing - a true team effort. The collaboration across departments, resulting in something truly remarkable, reflects the very core of who we are. Building in such a remote region poses significant challenges, including the complex logistics of transporting the hotel's modules from Mendoza, Argentina to Puerto Williams, Chile - a journey that takes over a week. The way our team is meeting these challenges speaks to their drive for innovation.

On a personal note, I had the opportunity to experience our Galapagos expedition aboard Silver Origin with my family earlier this year. It was an incredible experience that completely blew me away. The wildlife was unlike anything I've ever seen. Being active and playing sports with my kids, I especially appreciated the voyage's active and educational aspects, which made the experience incredibly enriching.