SILVERSEA STRENGTHENS ITS CULINARY LEADERSHIP WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF GIANLUCA SPARACINO AS GLOBAL HEAD OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE

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Royal Caribbean's Silversea (NYSE:RCL) has appointed Gianluca Sparacino as its new Global Head of Food and Beverage, effective August 18, 2025. Sparacino, with over 35 years of hospitality experience, joins from Four Seasons Resorts where he served as Vice President of Food and Beverage for Americas.

The appointment strengthens Silversea's culinary leadership team, which recently welcomed Anthony Maubossin as Director of Culinary Operations & Innovation and Jordan Bernstein as Director of Food and Beverage Operations. Sparacino will report to Michael McCarthy, Vice President of Operations, and focus on elevating the cruise line's award-winning gastronomic programs, including its signature S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program.

Positive

• Appointment of highly experienced executive with 35+ years in luxury hospitality
• Strategic strengthening of culinary leadership team with multiple key appointments
• Enhancement of S.A.L.T. program and destination-inspired dining experiences

Negative

• None.

With a career spanning more than 35 years, Sparacino joins from Four Seasons Resorts and will lead the evolution of Silversea's award-winning culinary program

MIAMI, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has announced the appointment of Gianluca Sparacino as its new Global Head of Food and Beverage, effective August 18, 2025. A dynamic hospitality leader and culinary strategist, Sparacino brings deep experience across the finest epicurean destinations and luxury hospitality brands, along with strategic leadership to Silversea's innovative culinary and beverage program.  

Reporting to Michael McCarthy, Vice President of Operations for Silversea, Sparacino will work closely with shoreside and shipboard teams on culinary evolution and innovation, service excellence, and expanding Silversea's award-winning gastronomic programs.  

Born in Rome, and a former graduate of hotel management school Les Roches in Switzerland, Sparacino's hospitality career has based him in some of the world's most renowned culinary destinations including Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Geneva, and Miami during his more than three decades of global hospitality experience. A driving force behind award-winning dining concepts – including collaborating with more than a dozen Michelin-Starred restaurants – and high-performing teams, Sparacino has redefined luxury hospitality through innovation, mentorship, and a guest-first philosophy. He joins Silversea from Four Seasons Resorts, where he most recently served as Vice President of Food and Beverage, Americas and previously served in the same role overseeing EMEA.  

"Gianluca's proven track record of delivering epicurean excellence, paired with his deep passion for hospitality will be instrumental in advancing our commitment to creating memorable dining experiences that connect our guests deeper with each destination we visit," said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. "His leadership will continue to elevate our culinary program to new heights, ensuring our guests experience a truly remarkable experience every time they sail with us." 

Silversea continues to lead with its culinary offerings, including through its S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, providing immersive dining experiences curated by top chefs, regionally inspired menus, and a focus on authenticity and connection to the destination. Beyond S.A.L.T., Silversea offers a variety of dining options, from fine French cuisine and flavorful Asian options to relaxed Italian meals and international offerings to cater to each guests' unique taste.   

"Culinary excellence is a core pillar of the Silversea experience, and our guests expect continued innovation for our culinary offerings," said Michael McCarthy, vice president, operations, Silversea. "Gianluca's expertise aligns with our mission to redefine experiential luxury travel, through meaningful, destination-inspired dining. We're excited for what guests will experience under his leadership." 

"It is an honor to join Silversea — a brand synonymous with unparalleled experiences and service — at such an exciting time," said Gianluca Sparacino. "I look forward to building on this legacy, crafting memorable culinary and beverage experiences that reflect authenticity, innovation, and the soulful pleasure of travel."  

Sparacino's appointment comes at a time of rapid culinary innovation at the brand, and further bolsters Silversea's food and beverage leadership team. Earlier this year, Silversea welcomed Anthony Maubossin as Director of Culinary Operations & Innovation, who brings extensive expertise to the brand, including his recent induction as a Membre Auditeur of the esteemed Académie Culinaire de France, one of the oldest and most prestigious culinary institutions in the world, dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of French cuisine. The brand also welcomed Jordan Bernstein as Director of Food and Beverage Operations, bringing nearly two decades of experience in elevating onboard culinary and hospitality standards. 

To learn more about Silversea's industry-leading culinary offerings, visit https://www.silversea.com/life-onboard/luxury-cruise-fine-dining.html.  

About Silversea 

Silversea 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 January 2026, the brand is developing the southernmost hotel on Earth, The Cormorant at 55 South℠, 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 www.silversea.com. 

About Royal Caribbean Group 

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is a vacation industry leader with a global fleet of 68 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 royalcaribbeangroup.com or rclinvestor.com. 

 

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SOURCE Silversea Cruises

FAQ

Who is the new Global Head of Food and Beverage at Royal Caribbean's Silversea (RCL)?

Gianluca Sparacino has been appointed as Silversea's new Global Head of Food and Beverage, effective August 18, 2025. He joins from Four Seasons Resorts with over 35 years of hospitality experience.

What experience does Gianluca Sparacino bring to Silversea (RCL)?

Sparacino brings over 35 years of hospitality experience, including collaboration with dozen Michelin-Starred restaurants and leadership roles at Four Seasons Resorts as Vice President of Food and Beverage for Americas and EMEA.

What is Silversea's S.A.L.T. program?

S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) is Silversea's immersive dining program that offers culinary experiences curated by top chefs, featuring regionally inspired menus focused on authenticity and connection to destinations.

What recent changes has Silversea (RCL) made to its culinary leadership team?

Besides Sparacino's appointment, Silversea recently welcomed Anthony Maubossin as Director of Culinary Operations & Innovation and Jordan Bernstein as Director of Food and Beverage Operations.