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Silversea Cruises taps Barbara Muckermann as new Chief Commercial Officer

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 June 2021 23 June 2021

Silversea Cruises, the leading global, ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, today announced the promotion of Barbara Muckermann to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective immediately. In her new role, Muckermann, who most recently served as the line’s Chief Marketing Officer, will focus on strengthening the company’s guest-centric approach across the sales and marketing channels to further enhance the cruise experience for patrons of the Monaco-based luxury line.

As part of her expanded responsibilities, Muckermann will oversee all aspects of Silversea’s guest relations, sales and marketing, revenue management functions, strategic communications, and brand recognition. Muckermann’s strategic duties will encompass initiatives that will enhance the customer experience across operations for Silversea Cruises, a subsidiary of the Royal Caribbean Group.

“Barbara’s unparalleled experience and extensive knowledge of the luxury travel industry, paired with her intimate understanding of guests’ and travel advisors’ needs, make her the perfect leader to drive the profitable growth of Silversea Cruises globally,” says Jason Liberty, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Royal Caribbean Group. “Barbara has a proven track record of success and is deeply respected across the industry. Her expertise will prove pivotal in strengthening Silversea’s presence on the global stage as the recognized leader in ultra-luxury and expedition travel,” adds Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea.

Muckermann joined Silversea Cruises in October 2001, returning in 2016 after stints with multiple luxury and cruise brands from 2005. She was at the forefront of Silversea’s brand evolution, helping to establish Silversea as the world’s leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line. Muckermann spearheaded numerous successful marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships, including Silversea’s ongoing collaboration with iconic photographer Steve McCurry. She pioneered such product innovations as the Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) deep-dive culinary program, the most immersive travel concept at sea, among others.

“I am truly honored to work with such a talented senior leadership team at one of the world’s most iconic brands, recognized as the pinnacle of luxury travel,” says Muckermann. “This is an exciting year of opportunity for the company, and Silversea is uniquely positioned within the industry’s return to service to capture growth in the global market, placing our guests at the center of the luxury experience.”

An accomplished professional in the luxury travel and hospitality industry, Muckermann brings more than 25 years of experience to her new position. She has been an innovator and leader in the cruise industry. Muckermann is a Doctor in Political Sciences and Economics, and holds a joint MBA from the London Business School and Columbia University.

Helsinki Shipyard launches SH Minerva

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 June 2021 23 June 2021

Helsinki Shipyard is currently building a three-ship series for the cruise shipping company Swan Hellenic. The first ship in the series got water under its keel on Wednesday, 23 June. At the same time, the hull of the second ship, which already has a ship shape, was floated in the dry dock. The production of the third vessel in the series started on June 10.

The ships being built at Helsinki Shipyard are designed to meet the latest emission standards in order to minimize their impact on the environment. Preparations are made for implementing battery technology, which would make it possible to operate also silently. This allows the vessel to move, for example, in sensitive polar nature with minimal disturbances. The vessels are equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced treatment system for wastewater and storage facilities for waste that are required for operating in sensitive polar areas.

The state of art infotainment system provides the cruise passengers with a personal experience and a possibility of sharing their experiences in real time. The ship facilities with open views are designed to provide excellent opportunities to experience the nature surrounding the ship. Onboard you will find also an expedition laboratory and library for studying marine life, and in the observation lounge lectures are held by the experienced expedition leaders and specialists. Expedition day trips on the rubber boats to interesting surrounding areas are central part of the program onboard. Available also kayaking, trekking and other activities. Available also gym, spa & sauna, top quality restaurant and club lounge, as well a pool deck with bar.

“The vessel, which has now been launched, is a forerunner in many respects. The ship’s ice class says its structure is top-notch and is guaranteed by Helsinki Shipyard’s solid experience in building ice class vessels. The ship is designed for top class cruising, with small amounts of passengers, giving a prestigious cruising experience for intelligent customers.” says Esko Karvonen, CEO, Helsinki Shipyard.

The first of the ships under construction at Helsinki Shipyard will be handed over to its client in Fall 2021, the second in Spring 2022 and the third in Fall 2022.

Carnival Cruise Line to grow fleet by two additional ships by 2023

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 June 2021 23 June 2021

Carnival Cruise Line announced plans today to grow its fleet by two additional ships by 2023, taking the delivery position of an Excel-class ship that had previously been assigned to sister line AIDA Cruises that will arrive in late 2023, as well as taking ownership of Costa Magica from another of its European sister lines, with that ship going through a dry dock, renaming and Carnival-branded conversion and joining the fleet by mid-2022.

These two ships are in addition to the new capacity growth represented by Mardi Gras, Carnival's first Excel-class, liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship which starts sailing from Port Canaveral on July 31 and her sister ship, Carnival Celebration, which will be delivered and sail from Miami starting in late 2022, as part of Carnival's 50th birthday festivities.

The addition of these four ships will bring the Carnival fleet to 27 by year-end 2023, and these ships bring many new amenities and features for guests, as well as environmental benefits and enhancements as Carnival continues to exceed and expand targets for emissions efficiencies.

"We are excited about these additions to our fleet which reflect the strong position that Carnival has established in the U.S., the pent-up demand we continue to see for cruise vacations, and the overall plans by Carnival Corporation to optimize capacity and growth in key markets," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "While our immediate focus is on our restart of guest operations this summer, this is another cause for excitement at Carnival, and we will be announcing more detailed plans about homeports, itineraries and ship names very soon."

Atlas Ocean Voyages to offer first dedicated Solo Suites

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 June 2021 23 June 2021

Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced that the luxe-adventure cruise brand designed for fun-seeking, discerning travelers, is introducing the industry’s first dedicated Solo Suites. Solo Suites will be available for booking aboard World Navigator voyages departing March 22, 2022, and onward, and offer individual travelers the suite-level experience without a single supplement. Appointed in retro-chic, simply elegant décor, Solo Suites measure 183-sq.-ft. and will be among World Navigator’s four categories of suite accommodations, which provide guests an even more lavish experience on their once-in-a-lifetime, luxe-adventure journey to remote and captivating destinations around the world.

“We are always searching for ways to elevate and innovate the luxe-adventure experience,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “As the first new luxury product in the industry for more than two decades, Atlas is already poised as the industry’s most-inclusive luxe experience. Atlas’ new Solo Suites is another example of how we are catering to the new lifestyles and preferences of the modern luxury traveler.”

Each Solo Suite features a plush queen-size bed, flanked by twin nightstands with embedded USB and power outlets, and lay opposite a 42-inch, flat-panel television and infotainment system. The suite is illuminated with sconces and recessed ceiling lights for a soothing ambience, while a large, picture-frame window hangs over a rich-wood desk, which also encloses a mini-fridge stocked with the guest’s personal beverage preferences. The en suite, marble-paneled bathroom features L’OCCITANE bath amenities and is accentuated with a mosaic-tiled shower with surround body jets and rain shower for a restorative, spa-like experience in the privacy of the Solo Suite.

Ample storage is also built into the Solo Suites. In addition to two closets for clothes, guests also enjoy an additional shoe closet to hold footwear for the many possible luxe-adventure experiences in port.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure expedition cruise brand designed for discerning, fun-seeking travelers to immerse in unique and awe-inspiring moments in remote and captivating destinations. World Navigator fosters a refined and convivial ambience and features the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her state-of-the-art design. At 9,930 gross tons, World Navigator features SeaSpa, the first L’OCCITANE spa at sea, and is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified. World Navigator will be joined by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.

Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All The Way provides all guests a complete and seamless experience by including complimentary round-trip air travel, choice of a shore excursion at every port, prepaid gratuities, polar parkas, emergency medical evacuation insurance, premium wine and spirits, international beers and coffees, Wi-Fi, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, and regionally inspired gourmet dining. In every stateroom, guests enjoy binoculars to use on board, en suite coffee, tea and personalized bar service, and butler service in suites.

P&O Cruises presents winter 2021-22 roadmap to resume more operations

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 June 2021 22 June 2021

P&O Cruises, the UK focused contemporary market unit of Carnival Corporation & plc, has published its expected deployment and phased re-start plan for the remainder of 2021 and into early 2022.

This entails four of the six ships of the line, with Aurora’s winter deployment due to be published soon. This leaves only Arcadia without a published itinerary to resume cruising

Britannia will begin the planned western Mediterranean itineraries on September 25 and Iona will start her Atlantic coast holidays from the same date. These cruises will follow the series of UK coastal cruises beginning in June, the company said in a statement.

Ventura’s first cruises will be the planned programme of Atlantic islands holidays from October 3.

Following the Mediterranean season, running until October, Britannia will reposition to the Caribbean for her winter season as scheduled, followed by Azura which will begin Caribbean fly/cruises slightly later than published from December 10, 2021.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “We are very much looking forward to getting Britannia and Iona back to sea for the series of UK coastal cruises – staycations at their best - which are certainly proving very popular and then beginning our international re-start as we phase in each of the other ships.

“As we know the UK Government has developed a traffic light system for holidays abroad this summer. The current situation means that whilst unfortunately there will be a number of cancellations of itineraries on some ships, we are looking ahead and planning for the future with vigour."

"We are confident that destinations will soon open up their borders both for UK travellers and also for cruise ships. Spain and its islands and the Caribbean are both looking very positive and we are seeing, one by one, countries publicly looking forward to welcoming us back,” he said in the statement.

The length and complexity of Arcadia and Aurora’s planned long haul cruises from January next year has forced their cancellation and these two ships will not begin sailing until next year. However a replacement itinerary for Aurora, with winter sun appeal, will be announced shortly.