Silversea Cruises has hired a new business development manager to bolster its trade sales team and widen trade distribution.

Megan Saunders joins the line from Windstar Cruises and follows soon after Lucy Howe was recently promoted internally from the role of business development executive to BDM.

Previously, Saunders worked at Clia, overseeing trade partnerships, and spent five years at The Cruise Portfolio, before joining Windstar as maternity cover in January 2022.

Silversea said a main focus of the trade sales team is to “identify new agents and provide onboarding support, tailored specifically to those who are new to Silversea and luxury cruise”.

UK and Ireland managing director Peter Shanks said: “Our travel partners are important key players at Silversea, with their expertise remaining crucial for our guests.

“Megan’s experience in the cruise industry, combined with her knowledge of the luxury sector will contribute immensely to our growth objectives.”

Saunders added: “I am delighted to join Silversea at an exciting time of development and growth: with four new ships and two more to come.
“I am thrilled to be joining at such an exciting time to attract even more discerning guests to Silversea’s luxury cruise offering.”