At a recent press briefing, Pullmantur’s new president and CEO, Jorge Vilches, and its director general, Sonia Prieto, announced the continuing changes the company was making. Alan Lam reports.

In regard to its approaches, the primary philosophy of the line will remain one of offering its passengers “a home away from home” service, aiming at proving them the same degree of comfort they’ll find at their own homes.

Jorge Vilches underlined that, as from next season, the “all inclusive” concept would disappear; instead the customers would be offered a choice of two variations of the concept at additional costs: the options of “All Inclusive Plus” and “All Inclusive Premium”; the costs of which would be €15 and €30 per person per day upon booking at the travel agent or €18 and €35 if the passenger decided to take up this offer after coming on board.

The presence of the Monarch in the Americas underlines the line’s commitment to the New World. Pullmantur continues to increase its presence in countries like Brazil and Colombia by opening up offices there. In the Caribbean, it will introduce two new itineraries, namely “Caribbean Maya” and “Mayan Coast”, with cruises to Yucatán, Central America and the Bahamas.

The line will place equal emphasis on the Old World. During the Northern Hemisphere summer months, it is introducing a new “Midnight Sun” programme. The itinerary will include Norway, Russia and the Artic Circle. The package will also include flights from Spain.

To facilitate its new objectives, Jorge Vilches announced the introduction of a new ship in 2016. It is possible that the Sovereign class Majesty of the Seas will be transferred to Pullmantur.

Up till now, Pullmantur has been known for being a cruise line exclusively catered for Spanish-speaking clientele. This will change, as the line will also target other nationalities, such as German and British.