(19 July 2012) Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has appointed Keith Spondike as its new vice president of marketing for the Americas, effective 6 August.

Based in the company's Fort Lauderdale office, Spondike will report to Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas. He will oversee day-to-day marketing activities, including the development, implementation and management of advertising, collateral, direct marketing and e-marketing programmes.

Bettridge said: "Keith's leadership style and success in leveraging marketing strategy to achieve optimal financial results stood out among a very distinguished group of candidates, and I'm pleased to welcome him to Silversea."

Prior to joining Silversea, Spondike was chief marketing officer for Avantair, a leading private air travel services company. His past experience also includes 18 years with General Motors, where he helped lead the rebirth of the Cadillac brand.

Spondike commented: "I'm excited about the opportunity to work for such a prestigious luxury travel company. I look forward to working with all departments in the organisation to develop innovative marketing strategies to increase awareness of the Silversea brand."

Spondike holds a master's degree in business administration from Wayne State University and a bachelor of science degree in finance from Oakland University.

About Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises is recognised as an innovator in the luxury cruise line industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit -- all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of Silver Explorer, Silversea Cruises' itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, both polar regions and over 400 fascinating destinations in between.

In the US, Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and awarded "Best Cruise Line for Luxury Small Ships" by Luxury Travel Advisor (2011). International awards include "Best Innovation in Products and Services" from the Italian Innovazione Marketing Oggi Awards (2009); "World's Leading Small Ships Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2010); "Five Star Diamond Award" from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2011); "Number One" small-ship line in the Readers' Choice survey conducted by Britain's Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2010); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" Excellence Award by Spain's Cruise News Media Group (2009); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel & Style Magazine (2011); and "Best Luxury Cruise Operator" according to Travel Weekly China (2010).

# # #

 For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent. 
For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (US) 877.215.9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

This press release was accurate at the date of issuance. It is the reader's responsibility to verify its continued accuracy, as information contained in the release may have changed.

Media Relations Contacts:

Americas
Brad Ball
Email: BradB@Silversea.com
Phone: (954) 713.4030 (USA)

Gina Finocchiaro
Email: GinaF@Silversea.com
Phone: (954) 713-4029 (USA)

Asia Pacific
Cait Gargett
Email: CaitS@Silversea.com
Phone: +61 2 9255 0600 (Australia)

Continental Europe, Russia, Ukraine
and CIS Countries, Israel, Africa
Jerome Danglidis
Email: jeromed@Silversea.com
Phone: +49 69 133 83 637 (Germany)

UK, Ireland and Middle East
Sara Larmer
Email: SaraL@Silversea.com
Phone: +44 (0) 844 770 9050 (UK)