‘The holiday experience of a lifetime for both of us’ – TravelManagers agent takes mum on Silversea famil for her 80th birthday

TravelManagers’ Carl Retschlag has been specialising in selling luxury cruise holidays for more than twenty years, so he knew he was in for a treat when he received an invitation to spend sixteen idyllic nights aboard the ultra-luxurious Silver Nova, sailing from Auckland to Melbourne.

He describes his morning coffee ritual as one of the many highlights of his onboard experience: “My butler ensured I had a flask of boiling water delivered to my suite before bed, ready for me to prepare my own coffee in the morning. It was this attention to detail that truly elevated the onboard experience.”

Retschlag and fellow personal travel manager (PTM), Amanda Ralph, each earned a place on the January 2025 cruise at the conclusion of a Silversea sales incentive programme that ran during 2024.

“The prize was an incredible trip for two, staying in a luxurious suite and enjoying all the hallmark Silversea flourishes, from incredible dining experiences to personalised butler service,” Ralph explains.

According to Retschlag, the atmosphere on Silver Nova offered everything needed for a journey that combined lavish comfort and space, with professional but friendly service.

“My mother was celebrating her 80th birthday the day before the cruise began, so having her as my travelling companion was the perfect gift. It was certainly the holiday experience of a lifetime for both of us, and I am grateful to both TravelManagers and Silversea for orchestrating what has truly been the most unforgettable experience of my travel career.”