Latest news with #Silversea
ABC News
6 days ago
- ABC News
Silversea luxury cruise passengers stranded near fragile island off northern WA
A tour operator has rescued dozens of its luxury cruise guests stranded on an atoll off northern WA's Kimberley coast. The Silversea cruise passengers were exploring in small boats near Adele Island on Thursday when they were caught by the outgoing tide. The Silver Cloud ship, which caters for 250 people and 200 crew, was four nautical miles (seven kilometres) from the passengers. "What started as a fabulous trip across to Adele Island ended with all 100-odd passengers and staff getting caught by the rapid tide going out," passenger Mark David Reid posted on social media. "We all had to get out and make our way across coral beds to make it to new zodiacs and get to the ship. The Silver Cloud has 20 inflatable boats, which were used to ferry some passengers to safety. Others had to wait hours in the small boats, in darkness, before the water rose enough to make it back. Passenger Des Groves said he got back to the ship at 10pm yesterday. "We saw lots of turtles though," he posted on social media. Adele Island, renowned as an important bird nesting site, is a small, low-lying island 150km north of Cape Leveque. Classified as an A-Class reserve, the island is accessible only with a permit from the WA Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and has visitor limits. Phillip "Bibido" McCarthy, one of the traditional owners of the area, said it was important people were aware of large tidal fluctuations in the Kimberley. "I even know of locals getting stuck," the Bardi Jawi ranger coordinator said. "The Kimberley has got the biggest tides in the southern hemisphere, so you've got to be careful of what you're doing and be aware of your surroundings [and] the tides." Mr McCarthy said the island was a sanctuary for nesting birds and turtles. "You don't want hundreds of people walking on the island if there are birds nesting, [and] turtles out there as well," he said. DBCA and Silversea have been contacted for comment.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Forbes
AI Beat Humans On Emotional Intelligence Tests. This Is Important.
Multiple AI models scored better on tests of emotional intelligence than human subjects Remember when we thought emotional intelligence was uniquely human? That empathy was something AI could never grasp? Think again. New research from the University of Bern reveals that six leading AI models, including ChatGPT-4, outperformed humans on standardized emotional intelligence tests. On average, they achieved 81% accuracy compared to humans' 56%. Here's an even more startling data point: ChatGPT-4 successfully generated entirely new emotional intelligence tests that performed as well as versions that took researchers years to develop. I, for one, wasn't surprised to see this result. A year ago, I suggested that AI might be smarter than your CMO, only partly tongue-in-cheek. The Royal Caribbean Affair As I detailed in my earlier Forbes article, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line made a spectacular empathy failure when they rerouted Silversea's luxury cruise ship Silver Nova mid-cruise for a marketing photoshoot. This forced 700 of their highest-value customers to scramble for new flights during Spring Break. Their tone-deaf communication referred to a four-hour delay as "slight" and encouraged passengers to "celebrate" the inconvenience. When I fed this scenario to Anthropic's Claude 3 (an earlier version than the one in the new research), the AI immediately flagged multiple empathy failures that Silversea's executives missed: Claude also correctly predicted how the guests would react - frustrated, inconvenienced, annoyed, and pressured. I tracked comments on cruise forums and Facebook groups. If anything, they were worse. 'Shocking,' 'Absurd,' 'Lost their minds,' 'Appalled,' 'Stupidest,' and 'Clinches my decision to go elsewhere,' were just a few. The AI then drafted a far more empathetic replacement letter that addressed every guest pain point the original communication ignored. These AIs not only understand emotions, but also grasp what it means to behave with emotional intelligenceThe New Emotional Intelligence Reality The latest research confirms what my Silversea experiment suggested: AI systems "not only understand emotions, but also grasp what it means to behave with emotional intelligence". The implications for customer-facing leaders are profound. AI excels at emotional pattern recognition. Unlike humans, who are influenced by mood, fatigue, and personal biases, AI processes emotional scenarios consistently. The 81% to 56% difference in correct answers for AI vs. humans surprised even me. AI spots empathy blind spots. The cruise line executives were too close to their marketing objectives to see the customer experience clearly. AI provides an objective emotional audit that cuts through internal rationalization. AI generates better alternatives. In my experiment, Claude didn't just critique Silversea's approach. It was able to articulate a comprehensive damage control strategy with specific actions the company should have taken. And, the letter it drafted to the inconvenienced guests was spot-on for empathy. (That's my opinion, but I'm human. Maybe I should have had ChatGPT or Gemini rate it!) Your AI Emotional Intelligence Audit Every major business decision should now include an AI empathy check. Here's how leading CMOs are implementing this: Pre-launch communications review: Before sending customer communications, ask your AI: "How will customers react to this message? What emotions will it trigger? What's missing?" Crisis communication drafting: When problems arise, use AI to draft multiple response approaches. The AI may identify emotional nuances that stressed executives miss. Stakeholder impact analysis: Before major announcements like layoffs, price changes, policy shifts, get AI predictions on emotional reactions across different stakeholder groups. Customer journey empathy mapping: Use AI to identify emotional friction points in your customer experience that your team has become blind to. The Meta-Lesson About Human Limitations The most unsettling aspect of the new research isn't that AI beats humans at emotional intelligence tests, it's how consistently it does so. The strong correlation between human and AI responses suggests both are leveraging similar emotional cues, but AI processes them more reliably. This reveals something uncomfortable about human decision-making: we're often not as emotionally intelligent as we think we are, especially when we're under pressure, focused on objectives, or operating within a group striving for consensus. The Royal Caribbean decision-makers weren't bad people. They simply fell victim to the cognitive biases that affect all leaders: tunnel vision on business goals, groupthink in decision-making, and distance from customer reality. I have to believe at least one person in the room thought that disrupting a ship full of well-heeled guests to create a marketing asset of questionable value was a bad idea. An AI wingman might have helped them make a more persuasive case, or at least improve the communication. Three Implementation Rules 1. Use AI as a red team, not a replacement. Don't outsource emotional decisions to AI. Use it to challenge your assumptions and spot blind spots. 2. Ask specific questions. Generic prompts get generic responses. Provide context about your customers, situation, and objectives for more targeted insights. 3. Test before you trust. Start with low-stakes communications before relying on AI for help with crisis management or sensitive announcements. The Competitive Advantage While 82% of employees believe workers will crave more human connection as AI advances, only 65% of managers recognize this need. This gap represents both a risk and an opportunity. Companies that use AI to enhance their emotional intelligence rather than replace it will build stronger stakeholder relationships. Those that ignore AI's emotional capabilities will continue making avoidable empathy failures.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- The Advertiser
Cruise passengers and crew rescued north of WA
Ten passengers and eight crew members from a luxury cruise have been rescued from a remote uninhabited island off the northern coast of about 60 other passengers made it to safety after they were forced to abandon zodiac boats grounded off Adele Island about 100 kilometres north of the West Australian mainland. The passengers and guides from Silversea's Silver Cloud ship were taking part in an expedition tour near the island on Thursday afternoon when a fast moving tide caught the group by surprise. They were stranded in knee-deep water about four nautical miles from the ship. About 70 passengers and 10 guides were forced to wade 500 metres through a coral reef to deeper water where they were met by a flotilla of zodiac vessels sent from the ship to rescue them. By sunset, most had been rescued and returned to the Silver Cloud where some were treated for minor cuts and abrasions. The remaining passengers and crew were stranded in darkness for more than four hours while their zodiac vessels were unable to cross an exposed reef until the tide turned about 10pm (AWST). Ten passengers and eight crew members from a luxury cruise have been rescued from a remote uninhabited island off the northern coast of about 60 other passengers made it to safety after they were forced to abandon zodiac boats grounded off Adele Island about 100 kilometres north of the West Australian mainland. The passengers and guides from Silversea's Silver Cloud ship were taking part in an expedition tour near the island on Thursday afternoon when a fast moving tide caught the group by surprise. They were stranded in knee-deep water about four nautical miles from the ship. About 70 passengers and 10 guides were forced to wade 500 metres through a coral reef to deeper water where they were met by a flotilla of zodiac vessels sent from the ship to rescue them. By sunset, most had been rescued and returned to the Silver Cloud where some were treated for minor cuts and abrasions. The remaining passengers and crew were stranded in darkness for more than four hours while their zodiac vessels were unable to cross an exposed reef until the tide turned about 10pm (AWST). Ten passengers and eight crew members from a luxury cruise have been rescued from a remote uninhabited island off the northern coast of about 60 other passengers made it to safety after they were forced to abandon zodiac boats grounded off Adele Island about 100 kilometres north of the West Australian mainland. The passengers and guides from Silversea's Silver Cloud ship were taking part in an expedition tour near the island on Thursday afternoon when a fast moving tide caught the group by surprise. They were stranded in knee-deep water about four nautical miles from the ship. About 70 passengers and 10 guides were forced to wade 500 metres through a coral reef to deeper water where they were met by a flotilla of zodiac vessels sent from the ship to rescue them. By sunset, most had been rescued and returned to the Silver Cloud where some were treated for minor cuts and abrasions. The remaining passengers and crew were stranded in darkness for more than four hours while their zodiac vessels were unable to cross an exposed reef until the tide turned about 10pm (AWST). Ten passengers and eight crew members from a luxury cruise have been rescued from a remote uninhabited island off the northern coast of about 60 other passengers made it to safety after they were forced to abandon zodiac boats grounded off Adele Island about 100 kilometres north of the West Australian mainland. The passengers and guides from Silversea's Silver Cloud ship were taking part in an expedition tour near the island on Thursday afternoon when a fast moving tide caught the group by surprise. They were stranded in knee-deep water about four nautical miles from the ship. About 70 passengers and 10 guides were forced to wade 500 metres through a coral reef to deeper water where they were met by a flotilla of zodiac vessels sent from the ship to rescue them. By sunset, most had been rescued and returned to the Silver Cloud where some were treated for minor cuts and abrasions. The remaining passengers and crew were stranded in darkness for more than four hours while their zodiac vessels were unable to cross an exposed reef until the tide turned about 10pm (AWST).
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- The Advertiser
Cruise passengers,crew stranded by low tide north of WA
Ten passengers and an unknown number of crew members from a luxury cruise are stranded on a remote island off the northern coast of Australia. Up to 60 other passengers were rescued after they were forced to abandon zodiac boats grounded off Adele Island about 100 kilometres north of the West Australian mainland. The passengers and guides from Silversea's Silver Cloud ship were taking part in an expedition tour of the island on Thursday afternoon when a fast moving tide caught the group by surprise. They were stranded in knee-deep water about four nautical miles from the ship. About 70 passengers and 10 guides were forced to wade 500 metres through a coral reef to deeper water where they were met by a flotilla of zodiac vessels sent from the ship to rescue them. By sunset, most had been rescued and returned to the Silver Cloud where some were treated for minor cuts and abrasions. At about 8pm (AWT) the ship's captain announced that 10 passengers and some guides could not be rescued until the tide turns about 10pm. The abandoned Zodiac vessels remain stranded offshore of Adele Island with a retrieval operation scheduled for the high tide. Ten passengers and an unknown number of crew members from a luxury cruise are stranded on a remote island off the northern coast of Australia. Up to 60 other passengers were rescued after they were forced to abandon zodiac boats grounded off Adele Island about 100 kilometres north of the West Australian mainland. The passengers and guides from Silversea's Silver Cloud ship were taking part in an expedition tour of the island on Thursday afternoon when a fast moving tide caught the group by surprise. They were stranded in knee-deep water about four nautical miles from the ship. About 70 passengers and 10 guides were forced to wade 500 metres through a coral reef to deeper water where they were met by a flotilla of zodiac vessels sent from the ship to rescue them. By sunset, most had been rescued and returned to the Silver Cloud where some were treated for minor cuts and abrasions. At about 8pm (AWT) the ship's captain announced that 10 passengers and some guides could not be rescued until the tide turns about 10pm. The abandoned Zodiac vessels remain stranded offshore of Adele Island with a retrieval operation scheduled for the high tide. Ten passengers and an unknown number of crew members from a luxury cruise are stranded on a remote island off the northern coast of Australia. Up to 60 other passengers were rescued after they were forced to abandon zodiac boats grounded off Adele Island about 100 kilometres north of the West Australian mainland. The passengers and guides from Silversea's Silver Cloud ship were taking part in an expedition tour of the island on Thursday afternoon when a fast moving tide caught the group by surprise. They were stranded in knee-deep water about four nautical miles from the ship. About 70 passengers and 10 guides were forced to wade 500 metres through a coral reef to deeper water where they were met by a flotilla of zodiac vessels sent from the ship to rescue them. By sunset, most had been rescued and returned to the Silver Cloud where some were treated for minor cuts and abrasions. At about 8pm (AWT) the ship's captain announced that 10 passengers and some guides could not be rescued until the tide turns about 10pm. The abandoned Zodiac vessels remain stranded offshore of Adele Island with a retrieval operation scheduled for the high tide. Ten passengers and an unknown number of crew members from a luxury cruise are stranded on a remote island off the northern coast of Australia. Up to 60 other passengers were rescued after they were forced to abandon zodiac boats grounded off Adele Island about 100 kilometres north of the West Australian mainland. The passengers and guides from Silversea's Silver Cloud ship were taking part in an expedition tour of the island on Thursday afternoon when a fast moving tide caught the group by surprise. They were stranded in knee-deep water about four nautical miles from the ship. About 70 passengers and 10 guides were forced to wade 500 metres through a coral reef to deeper water where they were met by a flotilla of zodiac vessels sent from the ship to rescue them. By sunset, most had been rescued and returned to the Silver Cloud where some were treated for minor cuts and abrasions. At about 8pm (AWT) the ship's captain announced that 10 passengers and some guides could not be rescued until the tide turns about 10pm. The abandoned Zodiac vessels remain stranded offshore of Adele Island with a retrieval operation scheduled for the high tide.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SILVERSEA UNVEILS 2026 VENETIAN SOCIETY REUNION VOYAGE: A CELEBRATION OF ITALY'S FINEST, FROM PORTOFINO TO PORTO SANTO STEFANO AND BEYOND
Venetian Society members selected the itinerary for the 2026 Reunion Voyage, which will depart Nice on June 19th, 2026, and will be hosted by Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea MIAMI, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Silversea has unveiled a new Venetian Society Reunion Voyage aboard Silver Shadow for 2026. The 12-day sailing will depart Nice on a round-trip itinerary on June 19th, 2026, taking in some of Italy's most iconic destinations, as well as smaller gems. Open to both returning guests and those new to the brand, Silversea's Venetian Society Reunion Voyages provide travelers with an opportunity to discover the world's most enriching destinations while making lifelong friends. From Nice, France, Silver Shadow will take in Livorno (Tuscany) on an overnight call, before setting course for Porto Santo Stefano; Civitavecchia (Rome); Valletta, Malta; Giardini Naxos (Sicily); Salerno; Ponza; Portoferraio (Elba); and Portofino. Guests will arrive back in Nice on July 1st. Hosted by Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea, the special voyage will feature onboard receptions, enriched entertainment, and special experiences ashore. Venetian Society members can enjoy perks such as a five percent cruise fare discount and commemorative gifts. "Our Venetian Society Reunion Voyages truly reflect what makes Silversea special," said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. "They bring together a close community of past guests, offer exceptional service, and feature immersive experiences — both on board and ashore. From curated events to memorable entertainment and thoughtful touches along the way, these voyages celebrate the spirit of Silversea. I look forward to welcoming both returning and new guests aboard Silver Shadow in 2026 for an unforgettable reunion." Complementing the signature enhancements that enrich each Silversea Venetian Society Reunion Voyage, guests can enjoy the following experiences ashore, which feature among over 100 distinct shore experiences offered on this sailing alone: LIVORNO, ITALY Mid-Voyage Land Adventure: A taste of Tuscany Guests can opt to disembark Silver Shadow, rejoining in Porto Santo Stefano, to take a captivating three-day journey through the heart of Tuscany, where rolling hills, hilltop villages, and unforgettable flavors come together in perfect harmony. Guests will explore Siena and its deep-rooted Palio traditions, discover charming Cortona, and enjoy authentic farm experiences, cheese-making, and wine tastings in the idyllic Val D'Orcia. From the Renaissance beauty of Pienza to the prestigious wine estates of Montepulciano and Montalcino, this tour offers the very essence of Tuscany — including its storied history, unrivaled scenery, and exceptional cuisine. S.A.L.T. Dreamy San Miniato: Meet a Natural Wine Master and Learn Wine & Food Pairing with Emiko Davies and Marco LamiTravelers can delve deeper into the charm of Tuscany and its authentic culinary culture with an exclusive S.A.L.T. day tour that will blend history, gastronomy, and winemaking. Guests will first journey to Fattoria Collebrunacchi, an historic family-run estate nestled on the fertile San Miniato hills. Here, they will explore lush gardens, ancient cellars, and taste exceptional wines crafted since the 14th century, all from land rich with fossils and mineral-rich soils. Next, guests will venture into the medieval hilltop town of San Miniato, renowned for its culinary traditions and stunning vistas, where they will enjoy a private three-course lunch at Enoteca Marilu, hosted by food writer Emiko Davies and sommelier Marco Lami, featuring expert wine and food pairings that reveal the secrets of Tuscan flavor harmony. PORTO SANTO STEFANO, ITALY Wine Experience at Antinori "Le Mortelle" Winery with Lunch Guests will journey to Le Mortelle Winery, a stunning estate set amidst the rolling hills of Maremma where centuries of winemaking tradition meet breathtaking landscapes — founded by the Antinori family, whose lineage dates to 1385. Arriving at the 170-hectare vineyard, guests will discover a sustainably designed winery, much of which has been built underground to harness natural temperature and humidity for optimal aging. They will sample estate-grown seasonal fruit and freshly baked focaccia during tastings, before exploring the cellar and learning about the winemaking process. Rounding out the experience, guests will feast on a delicious three-course lunch paired with Le Mortelle's signature wines. GIARDINI NAXOS, ITALY Sicilian Cooking with Signora Consoli Guests can experience the vibrant flavors of Sicily through an authentic culinary journey from Giardini Naxos, beginning with a visit to the bustling markets of Catania. Led by Chef Monica Consoli — daughter of renowned gastronomic journalist Eleonora Consoli — travelers will participate in a small-group cooking class inside a charming 18th-century Sicilian home. After exploring the colorful local market near Porta Uzeda, they will discover fresh produce, seafood, and regional ingredients that embody Mediterranean cuisine. The journey continues to Viagrande, a picturesque village on Mount Etna's slopes. In Eleonora Consoli's historic residence, Monica will guide guests through the preparation of traditional pasta, vegetables, meat, and cakes. The meal, paired with local wines, will be enjoyed al fresco in the garden, offering an authentic taste of Sicilian family life. PORTOFINO, ITALY S.A.L.T. Unforgettable Picnic with a View, Wine & Focaccia at Eco Farm La Portofinese On this exclusive S.A.L.T. culinary experience, guests will be transported to Monte di Portofino in Liguria, with its breathtaking views. A scenic drive leads to La Portofinese Eco-Farm, a family-owned estate dedicated to sustainable land revival. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy panoramic vistas before participating in a private Ligurian focaccia demonstration, paired with farm-made Vermentino and refreshing local drinks. A farm-to-table picnic will feature crispy focaccia, cheese, honey, fresh fruit, and regional wines, enjoyed against stunning scenery. Afterwards, guests can relax or explore the farm's olive groves and vineyards, learning about its conservation efforts. They may also taste and purchase farm products, receive recipes, and enjoy the unforgettable views. Guests looking to sail sooner can still reserve their suite on the 2025 Venetian Society Reunion Voyage, which departs from Fusina (Venice) on October 17th, 2025, taking in the highlights of the Adriatic and Greece. Find our more information on Silversea's Venetian Society Reunion Voyages here:Venetian Society Reunions | Silversea About SilverseaSilversea is the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, offering guests immersive experiences on all seven continents, personalized service, and an innovative culinary offering aboard its 12 intimate ocean and expedition ships. Silversea's itineraries encompass an unparalleled range of destinations worldwide, from the Mediterranean and the Caribbean to the Galápagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating places in between. Set to strengthen its destination leadership in late 2025, the brand is developing the southernmost hotel on Earth in Puerto Williams, Chile – offering guests a uniquely seamless journey to Antarctica. Silversea brings its likeminded guests closer to their destination in uncompromised comfort, championing the joy of travel, an enriching spirit of discovery, and an enduring commitment To Finding More℠. Silversea is one of five cruise brands owned by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL). For more information, visit About Royal Caribbean GroupRoyal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is a vacation industry leader with a global fleet of 67 ships across its five brands traveling to all seven continents. With a mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly, Royal Caribbean Group serves millions of guests each year through its portfolio of best-in-class brands, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea; and an expanding portfolio of land-based vacation experiences through Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club collection. The company also owns 50% of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. With a rich history of innovating, Royal Caribbean Group continually delivers exciting new products and guest experiences that help shape the future of leisure travel. Learn more at or View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Silversea Cruises Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
