Barbara Muckermann succeeds Roberto Martinoli as Silversea Cruises CEO

As president and CEO, Muckermann will join Royal Caribbean Group's Executive Committee.

The changes take effect Jan. 1.

Roberto Martinoli with a miniature of hybrid newbuild Silver Nova

Accolades for Roberto Martinoli

'Roberto has built Silversea Cruises into the category leader that it is today, 11 ships strong with more on the way,' Liberty said. 'He is one of the most innovative and knowledgeable leaders in the maritime industry. As senior advisor, Roberto will continue to provide strategic guidance that further cements Royal Caribbean Group's status as a leader in the travel and hospitality industry.'

'Ideal' successor

Liberty continued: 'Barbara is the ideal executive to succeed Roberto. Her global perspective and team-first leadership style are a recipe for success for both the Silversea Cruises brand and Royal Caribbean Group.'

Muckermann was clearly headed for great things at the company. In a Seatrade Cruise Review profile (September 2021), Liberty called her a 'rock star' and said: 'Barbara possesses the quality to be the president and CEO of a brand, for sure, maybe even go further than that, potentially corporate.'

Growing fleet

Under Martinoli's leadership since 2016, Silversea's fleet has grown including this year's acquisition of Silver Endeavour (ex Crystal Endeavor). And, in summer 2023, the brand will add Silver Nova, a hybrid ship using fuel cells to power the hotel load, cutting harmful emissions to zero when in port. A Nova-class sister, Silver Ray, follows in 2024.

The line now sails annually to more than 900 destinations across all seven continents.

25 years of travel industry experience

Muckermann brings more than 25 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, with an emphasis on creating exclusive high-end vacations. She first joined Silversea Cruises in 2001, and held several roles at other luxury and cruise brands — including Loro Piana and MSC Cruises — from 2005 to 2016 before returning.

Currently, as chief commercial officer, she oversees all aspects of sales, marketing, revenue management and guest relations, as well as strategic communications and brand and product strategy. Muckermann has a PhD in political sciences and economics, and holds a joint MBA from London Business School and Columbia University.

'This is an exciting moment for Silversea as we continue to add new ships and return to the Asia market,' Muckermann said. 'I am thrilled to build on our achievements under Roberto and focus on growth in the years ahead.'

High-ranking women

Muckermann becomes the second woman to lead one of Royal Caribbean Group's three wholly-owned brands, and joins Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. She will oversee all Silversea employees and crew, and will report to Jason Liberty.

The news broke the same morning that Andrea DeMarco was promoted to president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Frank Del Rio Jr. to president of Oceania Cruises.