It’s Wave Season, which means the industry is all about cruising these days. To get the inside scoop on hot destinations and challenges to overcome in 2016, we sat down with Lori Nojaim, Director of National Sales-Canada at Silversea Cruises. According to Nojaim, there’s a lot to be excited about this year and beyond, including the debut of the company’s new Silver Muse.

1) What was your most popular destination in 2015? And what emerging destinations do you foresee in 2016?

The Mediterranean and Galapagos were very popular for us in 2015, probably due to the rollout of our all-inclusive programs in those destinations. Silversea made it very convenient for our guests to enjoy the wonders of the primitive Galapagos Islands with every facet of their travel included and every detail handled by our staff. And in the Mediterranean, what’s not to love about visiting some of the most desirable ports in the world with the expertise of our Silversea crew and having your shore excursions and Wi-Fi included?

In 2016, we already see a great response to the All-Inclusive program in Asia, Africa and again the Mediterranean. In addition, Northern Europe, Alaska and Canada & New England have emerged as very strong itineraries for us.

2) The Canadian loonie has hit record lows in the past few months. What tips would you give travel agents on how to sell cruising to clients who are watching their pennies?

When the consumer is watching their pennies, it’s more important than ever for travel agents to sell the incredible value of an all-inclusive cruise package to their clients. When a guest sails on an ultra-luxury Silversea cruise, they won’t be caught by surprise having to pay for drinks, gratuities or fees at the end of their voyage. The value a Silversea cruise brings outshines any type of vacation package.

3) How would you describe the Silversea cruise experience?

Silversea is the perfect match for clients looking for unpretentious luxury. Our goal is to take care of every detail while we pamper our guests with our legendary all-inclusive lifestyle; the unrivalled service of virtually one staff member per guest; spacious suites with butler service in every category; exquisite Relais & Châteaux cuisine and open bars where you can meet and mingle with other like-minded guests. It is truly small-ship cruising at its most divine.

4) What’s new for Silversea in 2016?

We have some fabulous offers in the marketplace for the Wave Season, as well as the most exclusive All-Inclusive program for select 2016 voyages in the Mediterranean, Asia and Africa. Our most exclusive All-Inclusive features a deluxe hotel stay or luxury safari (in Africa), plus flights, transfers and shore excursions.

Or if you prefer to make your own flight and pre-nights for your clients, book just the cruise and your clients will still enjoy free shore excursions. And we provide them with an amazing array of land programs to put the world at their feet.

But perhaps the most exciting news this year is that we are now accepting reservations for our new ship, Silver Muse, which is scheduled to debut in April 2017. With only 596 guests, Silver Muse will be the most intimate new ship in the ultra-luxury market. Thanks to her size, we can continue to deliver the hallmark of the Silversea experience: highly personalized travel tailored to the preferences of each and every guest.

Silver Muse will also feature eight dining venues, which include an exclusive Relais & Châteaux restaurant and a host of inspiring new dining concepts, generous outdoor spaces like alfresco restaurants, outdoor lounges and a pool deck, and even more connecting suites in all categories, perfect for families and groups.

5) Do you have any programs/incentives for Canadian travel agents in 2016?

We are currently analyzing our travel agent programs, including travel agents’ training, ship tours, fam trips and more. We will have more information to share throughout the year.

For now, we are launching a Travel Appreciation Month, which includes two offers for travel agents engaged in selling Silversea. First, we are reintroducing the ‘Sell 3, Sail Free’, which rewards travel agents with the opportunity to experience the Silversea brand, granting one fam trip to the travel agents that sell three 2016 cruises.

The second offer is a $250 gift card reward to travel agents who book selected 2016 cruises  (from a list of over 60 voyages) during the promo period from Feb. 22 to March 31. To get the list of voyages and the full terms and conditions for both offers please contact your area Sales Director or our Sales Support team at 1-800-722-9955.