Have Silversea Sold Out?

Founded in 1994 by the Vlasov Group and the Lefebvre family from Rome, they pioneered the luxury all-inclusive cruising market.  Fast forward a few years and they now have nine ships (building more) and are really up there in the top 5.  As with all things, there are always competitors who try to do one better and in Silversea I think they did lose their way for a bit (as I have said many a time) however they did seem to be coming back with the new ships and a new MD in the UK.

Earlier this month it was announced that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd have bought  a massive 66.7% stake which equates to  about 1 billion pounds. A vast difference here in markets, clients, etc. So why have they sold out? (let’s face it 66.7% is a lot!).  Silversea are huge in the expedition market (as well as luxury of course) and the expedition market is one which is growing rapidly. This means of course that Royal will be tapping into this market.  What does Silversea get (apart from the money!) I read that they will learn and build upon the breadth of knowledge that Royal have as well as areas of innovation.

We all know that eventually “something has to give” and I do think in time it has to. Royal of course have another brand – Azamara under the Royal umbrella – will this impact on them? They say not.

In this crazy cruising world, there are many different companies who are all operated by the same “big boss,” – in case you didn’t know, here is a list of them.

Royal Caribbean Cruises – Azamara, Celebrity, Pullman, Royal Caribbean & Sky Sea (China market)

Carnival group – Aida, Carnival cruises, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, P&O, Princess & Seabourn

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings – NCL, Oceania, Regent and Tui.

There are many others which I have not listed which are part of someone or other too!

Are they any privately owned cruise lines now? Yes, they are but for how long? – MSC, Seadream, APT, Croisieurope, Luftner, Tauck.

When I look at the likes of Regent or Oceania who are part of NCL Holdings I do actually think they are very separate in what they sell and the market they sell to however, will it all merge in time?

I am all for expansion and making things better, we see it on the High street but in reality is it going to make YOUR cruise better or is it going to make the rich even richer?  Oo I am sounding cynical here, I don’t mean to but it does concern me for the future. Hey! it may be another 50 years or so in the future, I wont be here so why should I care? Because I do.

Till next time x