Name: Mark Spencer Conroy
Title: Managing director, the Americas
Company, city: Silversea Cruises; Miami, Fla.
Number of employees: 160 in the Miami office
Recent project: Launching a business-class offer for our 2016 Mediterranean season and unveiling our World Cruise 2018, an epic, 121-day voyage to 60 destinations in 21 countries
First job: A caretaker for a nearby lake home in Wisconsin at age 14
Little-known fact about you: I was a ski instructor in high school.

Your Business

Essential business philosophy: Serve our guests to the best of our abilities by offering intimate, luxurious cruises that inspire and connect people with distant lands and cultures. Work as a team and exchange ideas on how to improve. Think like a business owner and search for ways to do our job better. And have fun — we are in the business of fulfilling dreams for our guests.

Best way to keep a competitive edge: Understand guest lifestyles, interests and passions. Listen to the customers. Be proactive, not reactive.

Yardstick of success: Guest satisfaction, repeat bookings and load factor

Mark Spencer Conroy as a Traveler

What is the most important item you take when traveling? My computer and phone, as we are a 24/7/365 business

How do you spend your time on board? Interacting with guests and staff, enjoying the vessel’s activities and features, exploring other cultures and witnessing spectacular scenery and wildlife

What is your favorite restaurant in the world? For formal dinners, Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée in Paris; for more casual dining, Quai des Artistes in Monaco

What is your favorite destination in the world? On a cruise, the Mediterranean, and on land, Paris

About Silversea Cruises

What unique amenities, programming and experiences can premium travelers expect from a Silversea cruise?
Guests are pampered with spacious suites, gourmet dining, warm hospitality and highly personalized service. Along with wonderful food, guests enjoy being travelers, not tourists, in amazing destinations while meeting interesting people. Butler service is provided on all ships, and our hallmark all-inclusive policy includes complimentary beverages, including wines and spirits; an in-suite bar stocked with guests’ preferences; in-suite dining and 24-hour dining service; lecture and enrichment programs; round-trip transportation into town; onboard gratuities; and free WiFi.

Tell our readers more about the Culinary Expedition Voyages and Wellness Theme Cruises.
Our Culinary Expedition Voyages are for the adventurous traveler and foodie, offered on Silver Explorer. Guests enjoy special menus, culinary workshops and discussions; dine in unique historical settings; participate in wine tastings at vineyards; and sample fresh delicacies at local markets.

On wellness expedition voyages on Silver Discoverer, guests visit well-being destinations off the beaten track in Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean. Complimentary activities include stretching, yoga, Pilates and fitness classes; one spa massage; daily lectures; and cooking demonstrations.

What can travelers expect from Silversea Cruises in 2017?
In April 2017 we launch our ninth ship, Silver Muse, with a capacity for 596 guests in 298 suites and more connecting suites for families and friends. The ship offers eight restaurants, more dining options than any other ultra-luxury cruise ship.

In November 2017 Silver Cloud launches as an expedition ship, offering luxury expedition voyages mostly in polar regions. It will undergo an extensive refurbishment and conversion to an ice-class ship.