Jess Claxton has been selling cruise for seven years, and has been a voyage consultant at The Cruise Line for the past four years. Her world cruise clients initially started booking with The Cruise Line in 2010, and since then they have sailed on around 30 Silversea itineraries, including another world cruise. 

They contacted Claxton to enquire about the Controtempo World Cruise for 2025, and while doing her research she also added them to the waiting list for the 2024 departure.

She explained: “The waitlist cleared for 2024 shortly after and it was the perfect suite for my clients, so they decided to book for both years. I guess what better way to see the world in luxury than on a Silversea ship! Both myself and The Cruise Line are very grateful for their loyalty and business.”

The cruises were worth £530,000, making them the biggest booking Claxton has ever done. She added: “My client always likes to book their cruises as far in advance as they are available. I guess the secret to happiness is knowing that you have a holiday in the pipeline. I have also confirmed some great bookings over £100k recently. Since Covid everyone wants to live life and I’m here to help with their cruise holiday.” 

The 132-day Far East-West World Cruise 2024 departs from San Francisco on 15 January 2024, visiting 65 destinations across 14 countries. It will call at 40 new destinations for a Silversea world cruise, including Alaska. It also features 23 overnight stays and at least one free shore excursion in every port of call, and will be hosted aboard the 388-guest Silver Shadow. 

The 136-day Controtempo World Cruise for 2025 calls at 59 destinations in 30 countries, aboard the 596-guest Silver Dawn, marking the first time a Muse-class ship has hosted a world cruise. Guests will enjoy the line’s culinary programme S.A.L.T. and its Roman-inspired wellness programme Otium. It departs from Tokyo on 13 January 2025, and incorporates 33 overnight calls, seven exclusive events, three optional overland programmes, and 19 maiden calls.  

During the booking process Claxton liaised with Silversea’s business development managers to secure the suites her clients desired. She explained: “We continuously sell and promote Silversea. Their products are popular with our clientele and the Silversea team are always on hand with advice, updates and recommendations so that we can provide a bespoke service to our discerning clients.”  

Peter Shanks, Silversea’s UK and Ireland managing director, said the line was “so delighted” with Claxton. He continued: “This is a brilliant example of our travel agent partnerships and the opportunity for our travel advisors to earn some very welcome, significant commissions as cruise comes roaring back.”

For agents keen to secure similar bookings, Claxton has the following advice: “Get to know and build a good relationship with your clients so you know what sort of experiences they would like to book in the future. That way, when a world cruise for example goes on sale you can inform the right client.”