“The perfect fit for me”: Kristin Erz joins Silversea as director of expedition sales

A seasoned travel professional who has arguably become the face of expedition cruising in Canadian circles is embarking on a new career chapter.

Kristin Erz, who previously worked for Hurtigruten Group and Hurtigruten Expeditions (now known as HX), elevating the brands’ presence in Canada over a five-year period, has accepted a new position at Silversea Cruises as director of expedition sales, PAX has learned.

Reporting to Joe Leon, Silversea’s vice-president of sales, Erz started her new role on Jan. 8, earlier this month. 

She spent her first week in Miami, Florida at the Royal Caribbean Group’s headquarters (Silversea’s parent organization) where she met and learned from her new colleagues.

At Silversea, Erz will work alongside the brand’s area sales directors in Canada and the U.S. “to help support our mutual expedition sales growth with our trade partners,” Erz said, speaking exclusively to PAX.

“I’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with the national and key accounts team on expedition sales and marketing initiatives and conference support,” she said.

READ MORE: On Location: Unlocking Silver Endeavour in Antarctica – where penguins have right of way

Why did Erz decide to leave Hurtigruten, an adventure travel company, and join Silversea, a luxury cruise line?

“I’m incredibly grateful for just how much I learned and experienced at Hurtigruten, and this gave me the subject matter expertise to confidently pursue career advancement within the expedition space,” Erz explained.

The Ontario-based travel pro first announced that she was stepping down from HX as sales director, Canada and national accounts, Americas last month.

"This may come as a surprise to some, but after five years, it’s time for me to hang up my Helly Hansen jacket at Hurtigruten," Erz wrote in a post to social media on Dec. 21.

"I can confidently and proudly say that I brought this brand to life in Canada — connecting the Hurtigruten experience and company values for sustainability with our trade partners and mutual clients. Thank you so much for putting your trust in me and openly embracing this incredible product."

HX has since announced a new team for the Americas, announcing four key appointments.

“The perfect fit for me”

For Erz, moving over to the luxury expedition space unlocks “tons of opportunity,” she told PAX.

“Silversea truly are leaders in ultra-luxury, small-ship cruising, offering over 900 destinations on all seven continents, with the most comprehensive all-inclusive experience from door to door,” she said.  

“I am thrilled to have found what I think is the perfect fit for me — a well-established, respected luxury brand that was seeking an experienced sales director who could bring a wealth of expedition knowledge and passion to the table.”

“Don’t get me wrong, there is a huge learning curve ahead of me, but I see tons of opportunity to help elevate the expedition product with our partners.”

“The best of both worlds”

A Silversea expedition offers “the best of both worlds – a true adventure off-ship, without compromising on inclusions, comforts and service on-ship,” Erz said.

Erz will have an opportunity to see this firsthand as she heads to Antarctica next month to experience Silversea’s Fly/Cruise program on the “beautifully-appointed,” purpose-built ship, the Silver Endeavour.

Silver Endeavour, designed to carry a maximum of 200 passengers, debuted in Antarctica in November 2022, and PAX was on board to explore the ship and attend its naming ceremony (see our coverage here).

PAX congratulates Kristin Erz on her exciting new adventure! 

For travel partners that would like to connect, her new email is kerz@silversea.com.  

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