Has Barbara resigned?

[Dolcevita Diva]

1 hour ago, Port Power said:

Perhaps she didn’t like the way Silversea was heading under new owners and wanted out because she wasn’t being given the authority to maintain its level of luxury?  And jumped before she was pushed!

 

Or she may have relished the opportunity of this new role with Kempinski.   

 

At Silversea before RCCL, Barbara was a "big fish in a small pond".  Under RCCL, she was brand president of the smallest brand in a firm with numerous senior HQ executives in a publicly traded company.  In the past few years with Silversea, she successfully oversaw the planning and launch of several new ships which have more than doubled the size of the brand in a short period of time and spearheaded development of new programs/experiences such as S.A.L.T. 

 

But there are no other new ships commissioned at this point in time and likely fewer opportunities for innovation in the guest or brand experience.  For a leader who appears to thrive on being engaged in innovation and strategic growth initiatives, the future may have looked rather boring. 

 

This new role is CEO in a prestigious privately held company in the luxury segment and Kempinski has announced aggressive growth plans for 34 additional hotels and residences.

Sounds like an excellent fit and an exciting opportunity.

  

Edited May 23 by Dolcevita Diva

[TLCOhio]

On 5/22/2024 at 11:31 AM, spinnaker2 said:

Maybe the “why” doesn’t matter to some. I care THAT she left. She was responsive to pax. 

 

Agree with Spins that being "response" to passengers has been a vital, positive quality for Silversea.  At all levels on the ship, etc.  

 

As shared earlier, from our February 2024, Mumbai to Singapore, Silver Moon experience on the ship, things worked reasonably well for food, service, quality, etc.  That included a number of informative and helpful chats during our 15-day sailing with the Hotel Director, Cruise Director, etc.   Still lots of great, super response, friendly, skilled staff on the ships.  

 

BUT, dealing with some of the upper management decisions (or goof-ups) out of Miami and Monaco can be a different “new reality”.  There are more questions about their higher-levels signs of questionable judgements.   Plus, is the decent “value” still there as prices have gone up so much??

 

Am I fair or unfair with that summary?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia on Silver Moon:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

 

[TLCOhio]

2 hours ago, Dolcevita Diva said:

Or she may have relished the opportunity of this new role with Kempinski.    In the past few years with Silversea, she successfully oversaw the planning and launch of several new ships which have more than doubled the size of the brand in a short period of time and spearheaded development of new programs/experiences such as S.A.L.T.    But there are no other new ships commissioned at this point in time and likely fewer opportunities for innovation in the guest or brand experience.  For a leader who appears to thrive on being engaged in innovation and strategic growth initiatives, the future may have looked rather boring. 

 

Great, above summary points and comments.  As wisely noted by Dolcevita Diva and hinted at by others, it could have been combination of various, different factors.  Things are changing at Silversea and Royal Caribbean.  Exit before things get worse and/or it is not playing out as being much fun and productive.  Her new position could work out excitingly.  Having financial flexibility to build new can be a great road to explore and see such excellent results.    

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[CJANDH]

On 5/23/2024 at 10:48 AM, Gourmet Gal said:

I am planning to try RC or FS on my next cruise, though.

Is that Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons? If so, I look forward to your impressions.