RINA certifies commitment to environment and safety of Carnival Maritime

RINA Services, a world leader in marine classification and certification, recently awarded Carnival Maritime GmbH ISO 14001 and BS OHSAS 18001 certificates.

Now the Carnival Maritime office in Hamburg as well as 26 ships in Carnival Maritime’s fleet have been awarded environmental management ISO 14001 and occupational health and safety management BS OHSAS 18001 certifications. The certified fleet includes Costa and AIDA ships.

Initially only ships belonging to Costa Crociere were included in RINA Services scope of work. This was then expanded to include AIDA Cruises ships, in order to incorporate best practice across both fleets.

Not only do these new certifications make Costa Group’s fleet greener and safer, but also more cost effective. “RINA Services was invaluable to us during the execution of this project. We were confident that they could easily adapt to certify our newest ships as well. We have an integrated fleet that allows us to put sustainability and safety management at the heart of our business,” said Lars Ljoen, Managing Director Carnival Maritime GmbH.

The certifications were presented by Michele Francioni, CEO, RINA Services to Lars Ljoen, Managing Director Carnival Maritime at a ceremony in July.

“We are very pleased that we were able to help Carnival Maritime with this project. Not only did it build on our relationship with Carnival Maritime, but it also further supported our strategy to become a hub for marine certification services in Eastern and Western Europe” said Michele Francioni, CEO, RINA Services. RINA Services is currently working to support Carnival Maritime across several projects in Germany.

RINA Group, the parent company of RINA Services, opened a new office in Germany, Hamburg earlier this year to support its German clients with new specialist expertise, including Asset Integrity Management and Technology Qualification.

Today, the Group is able to provide enhanced marine services, business assurance certification and consulting engineering to German and North European companies. RINA Group was also recently permitted to certify energy management systems according to the ISO 50001 standard, which makes it easier for organisations to integrate energy management into their strategy to improve quality and environmental management.

Carnival Corporation opens Arison Maritime Center for world-class safety training

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest leisure travel company, last week announced the official opening of the Arison Maritime Center, its world-class facility dedicated to providing rigorous safety training for its bridge and engineering officers responsible for the navigation and operation of the world’s largest fleet of cruise ships.

The new 75-million-euro facility in Almere, Netherlands, just outside Amsterdam, was celebrated with a ceremony honoring longtime board chairman Micky Arison and his father Ted, founder of the company, that was attended by the company’s global leaders, board members and government, community and business officials.

The centerpiece of the seven-acre campus is a new and more than two-times-larger Center for Simulator Maritime Training Academy (CSMART), Carnival Corporation’s world-renown maritime training, professional development and research facility that began operations in Almere in 2009. The center will feature bridge and engine room simulators that utilize the most innovative technology and training solutions in the maritime industry, modeled closely after the technology and practices used in the airline and other industries.

“The opening of the new Arison Maritime Center and expansion of our CSMART Academy is a major milestone in our company’s history and an exciting day for all of us at Carnival Corporation,” said David Christie, senior vice president of maritime quality assurance for Carnival Corporation. “The safety and comfort of our guests and crew is our most important priority, and the Arison Maritime Center underscores the depth of our commitment to making sure our ships sail as safely as possible. Our bridge and engineering officers are the heart and soul of our ship operations, and this center takes to a new level our dedication to providing our officers with the maritime industry’s most comprehensive and progressive safety training.”

Added Christie: “With 10 cruise line brands sailing 11 million guests a year to over 700 ports around the world, we take tremendous pride in having a team of highly trained, skilled and prepared officers operating the bridges and engine rooms on our ships. With the new Arison Maritime Center and CSMART Academy officially up and running, our tradition of excellence and continuous improvement in safety training is stronger than ever.”

At 110,000 square feet, the environmentally friendly facility is more than double the size of the company’s current facility, allowing Carnival Corporation to provide annual training to over 6,500 officers and engineers across the company’s 10 cruise line brands. It will also include an advanced medical center and an 11-story, 176-room hotel for Carnival Corporation trainees.

World-class training at CSMART Academy

The CSMART Academy will feature four full-mission bridge simulators and four full-mission engine room simulators designed to provide a wide array of programming and simulated exercises that can recreate an extensive range of maritime scenarios. The new five-story facility will also include 24 part-task engine simulators, eight debriefing rooms and eight part-task bridge simulators -- all designed to provide participants access to the visual elements of 60 ports around the world including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Singapore and Glacier Bay, Alaska.

The state-of-the-art technology provides high-quality maritime training services that reflect real-world scenarios and sea conditions including ship traffic, aircraft interference, weather events and wildlife circumvention. Modeled after the newly designed bridge of the Koningsdam from the company’s Holland America Line, CSMART Academy’s full-mission bridge simulators provide an authentic shipboard experience for participants to build skills in navigating complex control and automation systems.

Like the bridge simulators, the full-mission engine room simulators are based on actual ship layouts and systems, scaled to size and representing a diesel electric engine room comprising six diesel generators and two propulsion motors, along with ancillary and auxiliary equipment. The simulators allow trainees to navigate their way around the actual engine room of a ship to operate and repair equipment, with the genuine sights, sounds and even temperatures found in a cruise ship’s engine room.

The new facility and team of highly experienced CSMART Academy instructors have developed a curriculum that sets the industry standard for safety and maritime training and keeps pace with advances in ship technology, fostering critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making and confidence.

The CSMART Academy has played a leading role in developing and refining a function- and team-based bridge and engine room management system on a large scale. This approach is based on roles rather than ranks, with officers operating as a coordinated team, with each officer assigned a role for specific functions. It also includes encouraging team members of all ranks and seniority to speak up to challenge or question a decision.

In keeping with the faculty team's leadership, the Arison Maritime Center will provide the additional space needed to implement the industry's first Proficiency Training and Assessment (PTA) program. The week-long course is based on a specially developed curriculum that annually refreshes and then evaluates each of the corporation's maritime officers.

With its scale, technology and equipment, and innovative training approach, the new facility will be the most progressive maritime center of its kind in the world for training and continually improving industry-wide safety and excellence.

Honoring ongoing legacy of the Arison family

Following a speech by Carnival Corporation’s CEO Arnold Donald at the last week's ceremony, the center was dedicated to honor the legacy of the Arisons, the first family of cruising. Micky Arison has been chairman of the board of directors for Carnival Corporation & plc since 1990. He began his career at Carnival Cruise Line in 1972 and was appointed chairman of Carnival Corporation in 1990, a title he still holds today. Considered one of the most respected leaders and experts in the cruise industry, Arison's vision and leadership played the central role in building Carnival Corporation into the world's largest cruise company and helping grow cruising from a niche holiday to one of the most popular vacation experiences available.

His late father, Ted Arison, founded the company in 1972 with one ship with the firm belief that cruising is one of the best ways to enjoy a vacation and a commitment to making cruising available to people from all walks of life. Referred to by The New York Times as "the godfather of the modern cruise industry," he is credited with building cruise operations that give travelers the opportunity to enjoy a cruise vacation with prices that range from affordable to upscale. Today, the company has 101 ships, over 120,000 employees and welcomes 11 million guests annually. About one of every two travelers who go on a cruise vacation do so on a Carnival Corporation ship.

Investing in training through an investment in the Netherlands

The official grand opening of the center was commemorated last week with a ceremony, tours and a celebration at the facility attended by Carnival Corporation’s global leadership team and board members as well as government officials, including Maarten Camps, secretary general of the ministry of economic affairs for the Netherlands, and Franc Weerwind, Mayor of Almere.

Carnival Corporation worked with Dutch property group AMVEST Vastgoed B.V. to purchase the seven-acre plot of land in Almere Poort called the DUIN, a planned business and residential community in Almere, one of Europe's newest and fastest growing cities. The center's campus and buildings were designed by Dutch architect Paul de Ruiter, and the Dutch construction company Dura Vermeer built the CSMART Academy and hotel. The design and construction were built to meet rigorous environmental and sustainability standards that will achieve "LEED Gold" certification, and the campus will fit esthetically into the Duin environment, per AMVEST'S original plan for the development.

Carnival Corporation and the Arison Maritime Center, including the CSMART Academy, produce a significant economic impact in Almere and the greater Amsterdam region. It is estimated that Carnival Corporation and the Arison Maritime Center will generate an annual estimated economic impact of up to 17.5 million euros for the local community and region.

Carnival Corporation & plc names Helen Deeble to board of directors, announces quarterly dividend

Carnival Corporation & plc on July 14 announced that on July 13, 2016, Helen Deeble, CEO of P&O Ferries Division Holdings Ltd., has been appointed to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. The announcement was made following the quarterly meeting of Carnival Corporation’s board of directors held in Amsterdam.

Deeble, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in retail, shipping, logistics and leisure travel, will serve in a non-executive capacity on Carnival Corporation’s 10-member board of directors. She will also serve on the board-level Health, Environmental, Safety and Security Committee.

"We are very pleased to welcome Helen as an exceptional addition to our board of directors,” said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc’s chairman. “Helen brings extensive experience from her leadership roles across several industries, including decades of work in the maritime and travel sectors, and valuable time spent in consumer retail. We look forward to working with her closely and gaining insights from her unique perspective as we continue growing demand for our 10 global cruise line brands and delighting our guests with great vacations at an exceptional value.”

Since 2006, Deeble has been CEO of P&O Ferries Division Holdings Ltd., a pan-European shipping and logistics business, following stints as the company’s chief operating officer and chief financial officer starting in 1998. Prior to that, Deeble was chief financial officer for Stena Line UK Ltd., a Swedish-owned ferry operator, and held several financial roles with the retailer Sears plc in the UK. Deeble has served as a non-executive director for the Port of London Authority and The Standard Club since 2014.

There is no other information required to be disclosed pursuant to LR9.6.13R in respect of Deeble.

Following board meeting, Carnival Corporation also announced that it has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share. The company’s board of directors approved a record date for the quarterly dividend of August 24, 2016, and a payment date of September 16, 2016.

Holders of Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ADSs will receive the dividend payable in U.S. dollars. The dividend for Carnival plc ordinary shares will be payable in U.S. dollars or sterling. In the absence of instructions or elections to the contrary, holders of Carnival plc ordinary shares will automatically receive the dividend in sterling.

Dividends payable in sterling will be converted from U.S. dollars at the exchange rate quoted by the Bank of England in London at 12 noon on September 1, 2016. Holders of Carnival plc ordinary shares wishing to receive their dividend in U.S. dollars or participate in the Carnival plc Dividend Reinvestment Plan must elect to do so by August 24, 2016.

Seven Seas Explorer officially christened in Monte Carlo

Godmother of Seven Seas Explorer, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco, cut a red velvet ribbon which sent a Primat bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne smashing against the ship’s hull to officially christen the newest member of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet. The gala christening ceremony took place on July 13 in Monte Carlo, one of the world’s most glamorous cities, and included a special private concert by world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco delivered the traditional maritime blessing before the bottle of champagne broke against the ship’s hull, officially christening the vessel. The jubilation of the bottle breaking moment was followed by a spectacular 40-minute private performance from musical maestro Andrea Bocelli, capping an incredible evening for a ship that sets new benchmarks for luxury.

“This is truly a special moment, not only for the Regent Seven Seas Cruises brand, but for the entire Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings family,” shared Frank Del Rio, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president and chief executive officer. “Tonight we celebrate the realization of our vision. Seven Seas Explorer is not only the world’s most luxurious ship - she sets a new benchmark for luxury vacations and lays the foundation from which Regent Seven Seas Cruises will continue to build. We have already begun a massive $125 million refurbishment effort to ensure every ship in our fleet matches the luxury standard found on Explorer, and will introduce a sister-ship in 2020.”

During his christening remarks, Del Rio reflected upon the humanitarian efforts undertaken by Her Serene Highness as part of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to save lives by teaching children and adults basic water safety techniques.

“It is an honor to be the Godmother of this magnificent ship, Seven Seas Explorer. I am also thrilled by the discussions taking place between my Foundation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to implement my Water Safety program on all their ships. Developing awareness of the risks attached to aquatic environments is, for me, a cause of most importance,” stated Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene.

Seven Seas Explorer delivers an unrivaled luxury cruise experience. The ship features extravagantly designed theaters and lounges, an unparalleled collection of opulent and spacious suites, five lavish gourmet restaurants and an unprecedented level of personalized service. At 55,254 gross-registered tons and carrying only 750 guests, the all-suite, all-balcony ship boasts one of the highest space ratios and lowest crew to guest ratios in the cruise industry, not to mention the largest private verandas in the cruise industry and a new category of luxury suite, the nearly 4,500-square foot Regent Suite. The luxury liner’s maiden voyage will take place July 20, 2016, and will spend its inaugural season in Europe before heading to Miami for a series of Caribbean voyages.

“Seven Seas Explorer is the most luxurious ship ever built, and we are truly grateful and privileged to have Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco serve as the ship’s godmother,” added Jason Montague, president and COO, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Our guests have waited patiently for over a decade for a new Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship, and once they sail Seven Seas Explorer I’m confident they will agree it was well worth the wait."

Seabourn's John Delaney moves to Windstar Cruises

John Delaney is new president of Windstar Cruises. The seasoned cruise veteran will chart a course for the boutique, small ship cruise line that prides itself on a casual yet elegant approach to smaller harbors, in-port overnights and personalized experiences around the world. His first day in office will be on July 19.

Delaney, formerly SVP of Global Marketing and Sales for Seabourn Cruise Line (a Carnival Corporation), also has significant tenure with The Walt Disney Company and Holland America Line.

“We are very pleased to welcome John on- board. Cruise vacationers and our guests have every reason to expect a new era of exciting, wonderful and memorable vacation experiences on our yachts and in the ports Windstar visits,” said Andrew N. Todd, chief executive officer of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, parent company of Windstar Cruises. “Windstar just welcomed back the renovated Star Pride, and since taking ownership of Windstar in 2011, we have invested more than $40 million into our three sailing yachts and three motorized all-suite yachts, so this is an ideal time for John to join the company and contribute to its success.”

From 2011 through June of this year, John was the senior vice president of global marketing and sales for Seabourn Cruise Line. Prior to that he also held a number of positions at Holland America, including vice president of revenue marketing, director of special projects at corporate audit services and manager of management advisory services.

Before working for Carnival Corporation, he spent six years at The Walt Disney Company starting as a financial analyst in food operations at The Disneyland Resort and working his way up and through various departments including senior business planner for theme park operations revenue and manager of marketing finance. After a brief stint with Gateway Business, he returned to The Walt Disney Company at Disneyland Resort culminating as director, financial planning and analysis.

John earned his BS in Business Administration and Accounting from California State University in Long Beach, California, and resides in Seattle.