Fathom announces top recreational activities in the Dominican Republic

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 21 December 2015 21 December 2015

Fathom, the pioneer in social impact travel and Carnival Corporation’s 10th and newest brand, announced today a line-up of fun and memorable recreation, leisure and sightseeing activities available to Fathom travelers to experience in the Dominican Republic when not participating in social impact projects. Whether exploring ancient ruins, interacting with the abundant marine life in the crystal clear water, lounging along the sun-soaked stretches of surf and sand, or participating in social impact activities, travelers will have the opportunity to make the most of their experiences in the Dominican Republic.

Fathom travelers visiting the Dominican Republic can customize their trip to include a variety of unforgettable recreational activities and social impact experiences – including projects focused on educational, environmental and economic development – that perfectly match their interests and desired activity levels. In addition, travelers who prefer to break from scheduled activities during their stay may simply relax and enjoy the island’s rugged mystical terrain and fertile valleys, its breathtaking turquoise waters, enchanting waterfalls and tropical rainforests, as well as its predictable weather and scenic beauty.

“At Fathom we are creating purpose-driven impact experiences for our travelers that will make a lasting difference in the lives and the communities in the in the Dominican Republic,” said Tara Russell, president of Fathom and global impact lead for Carnival Corporation. “While at the same time, we want our travelers to know there also are many opportunities for them to explore, unwind and recharge during their free time.”

Top recreational activities recommended for Fathom travelers include:

– Traditions and Local Flavors – Puerto Plata is home to the first fort built by European settlers in the New World and is one of the many scenic areas on the island. Travelers can explore the city’s historical features and shop in the bustling downtown area, which boasts numerous artist studios, rum and cigar factories, and the famed Malecon, a three-mile-long open air beach-side boardwalk with numerous restaurants and shops.

Fathom travelers can also stroll through the historical city and visit the San Felipe Fortress, Cathedral San Felipe, Vrugal rum factory, Plaza Independencia and other museum attractions.

– La Isabela, Columbus History and Folklore – The historic town of La Isabela, one of the first European towns in the Americas, gives travelers the opportunity go back in time and walk through nearby ancient ruins to learn about the history of the island and its first inhabitants.

– Beginner Scuba Diving – The country’s ample marine life and warm waters make it a prime location for those curious to explore the island’s lush underwater world. Whether swimming alongside sea turtles and schools of colorful fish or exploring world-class reefs, a beginner scuba diving course will introduce travelers to the basic safety guidelines required to do a dive with an instructor.

– Two-Reef Snorkel by Catamaran – A day onboard a modern and luxurious Catamaran is the perfect way to discover the beauty of Sosua Bay. Calm waters, diverse species of fish and intricate reef formations make this a great place to put on the flippers and go for dip.

– Countryside Zipline Adventure – Crisscross from platform to platform soaring through the treetops to gain a new perspective on the Dominican Republic and its breathtaking views from the island canopy.

Fathom’s Adonia will dock at the recently opened Amber Cove located in the Puerto Plata region where travelers will have access to select Amber Cove shore excursions. The port will offer numerous sea and landside experiences, including several beach getaways, kayak, paddle board and snorkeling tours, ATV-like terracross buggy expeditions, Puerto Plata tours, helicopter rides, fishing trips, horseback riding, deep sea fishing tours and catamaran sailings.

Prices for the seven-day trips to the Dominican Republic start at $974 per person, excluding taxes, fees and port expenses and including all meals on the ship, onboard social impact immersion experiences, three onshore social impact activities and related supplies. Prices will vary by season. To secure a spot on future sailings, a fully refundable $300 per person deposit is required for all cabin categories and occupancy levels. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba start at $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees and port expenses and including all meals on the ship, onboard social impact immersion experiences and on-the-ground cultural immersion activities. Prices will vary by season. To secure a spot on future sailings, a fully refundable $600 per person deposit is required for all cabin categories and occupancy levels. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. To reserve a spot on future sailings, travelers may call 1-855-9Fathom or work with a travel professional.

Sture Myrmell appointed as President of P&O Cruises Australia

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 17 December 2015 17 December 2015

P&O Cruises Australia has announced the appointment of a full-time President, reflecting its massive growth in 2015 and its overwhelming success as Australia’s major cruise line.

Sture Myrmell, who is currently Senior Vice President P&O Cruises, will take responsibility for managing the brand’s operations, effective January 1, 2016.

Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry, who has been leading the day-to-day activities of P&O Cruises for the past eight years as well as driving strategy for the region’s brands, will become Carnival Australia’s Executive Chairman.

She will continue to have strategic oversight across the seven cruise lines that operate in this region under Carnival Australia’s umbrella, coordinating direction, management and advocacy on major issues.

Since joining Carnival Australia in 2007, Sherry has reshaped the cruise category and driven the company’s success in the region from two locally-based full-time ships to nine across all the brands, including five P&O Cruises' ships.

Another five Carnival Australia ships are deployed in the region seasonally on top of the visiting international ships during the summer peak.

"I am very proud to hand the day-to-day operations of P&O Cruises to Sture, who has been so integral to the evolution of the brand since joining in 2007," Sherry said.

"Sture’s appointment is a vote of confidence in P&O Cruises and a demonstration of its overwhelming success as Australia’s major cruise brand and the backbone of the industry in this region.

"All of Carnival Corporation’s brands around the world have a standalone President, and Sture’s appointment is recognition of the value and power of P&O Cruises in Australia and New Zealand.

"Importantly, it is also wonderful acknowledgement of Sture’s leadership in transforming P&O Cruises into a product that is like no other in the marketplace and one that truly reflects modern Australia.

"In many ways, Sture’s success is a turning point for the industry because it cements the success of a home-grown brand."

Myrmell, who first started working onboard ships 22 years ago, has worked across almost every facet of the cruise business. He is currently responsible for P&O Cruises’ Commercial, Guest Experience and Product Development areas.

"My appointment is the result of many people’s dedication and hard work over many years to get us to this point, and is proof that the brand has matured and holds its own in the global fleet," Myrmell said.

"I have enjoyed working alongside Ann over the past eight years and have learnt from the best. Ann is at the forefront of industry advocacy and debate and is passionate about pushing hard to ensure cruising reaches its potential.

"I am delighted that with Ann stepping up to the role of Executive Chairman for Carnival Australia, I continue to have the opportunity to work in partnership with her."

Mr Myrmell will report to Holland America Group CEO Stein Kruse.

The seven cruise lines under the Carnival Australia umbrella are P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Cunard, P&O Cruises World Cruising and Seabourn.

Costa Group to deploy humanoid robots on its ships

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 17 December 2015 17 December 2015

Alan Lam reporting

Costa Group has signed an exclusive agreement, worth more than a million euros, with the French company ALDEBARAN, a subsidiary of the SoftBank Group, for the deployment of “Pepper” robots on its ships.

Pepper is the world’s first robot capable of human emotions. He is, according to Costa, “ideally suited to help and delight guests on board of cruise ships”. The group hopes that the robot will improve guest experience and provide help and entertainment on board both AIDA and Costa branded ships.

Launched in June 2014 in Japan by SoftBank and ALDEBARAN, Pepper is the first humanoid robot in the world capable of recognising main human emotions, taking its environment into account and proactively responding accordingly.  It is well equipped with features and a high-level interface for communicating with those around him, to move fluidly and analyse expressions and voice tones using the latest advances in voice and emotion recognition.

The robot has already completed an onboard trial on AIDAstella, demonstrating its seaworthiness while engaging with customers and crew.

The first batch of Peppers will join the crew on AIDAprima and Costa Diadema in Spring 2016. Their duty will be to guide guests when they embark and while onboard. They will also be on hand to provide recommendations and tips on restaurants, events and excursions. They will be able to speak German, Italian and English.

By the summer of 2016 the rest of the robots will be joining the crew aboard the Costa and AIDA fleet.

“With an emotional robot on board our cruise ships,” said Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group, “we are once again continuing our tradition of innovation. For us, this is an important step towards a digital future for our brands. I am confident that our guests will love Pepper.”

“I am very happy that the Costa Group gave us this opportunity,” said Fumihide Tomizawa, President of Aldebaran and SoftBank Robotics Corp. “Pepper is built to interact with humans, their emotions and needs. We hope that it will help to improve AIDA’s and Costa’s travellers’ experience.”

Pepper in figures:

• Measures 120cm in height and weighs 28kg
• It has17 joints for graceful movements    
• Three omnidirectional wheels to move with agility
• One 3D camera for detecting people and movements
• A 10-inch touch screen

Andy Harmer to take up CLIA Europe role

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 16 December 2015 16 December 2015

CLIA announced today that Andy Harmer, UK & Ireland Director, will take on a new European role within the association beginning 1 January, 2016. Harmer takes up the position of CLIA Europe Vice President Operations with responsibility for the strategic development of CLIA’s travel agent programme.

Harmer will continue to oversee the advancement of CLIA within the UK and Ireland whilst taking on responsibility for the expansion of CLIA events across Europe and building a European travel agent community which at its heart will be the training and professional development of travel agents.

“I am delighted to be taking on this new role at a time when CLIA is making great progress in expanding the agent offering," said Andy Harmer, Vice President Operations, CLIA Europe. “We want to share the great wealth of resources and information that we have in the UK with our European colleagues as we know that with the right support and resources, we can help grow an agent’s business.”

“Andy has a track record of achievements including the creation of the largest cruise travel agent event in Europe, the CLIA Conference, which each year attracts record numbers.” said Cindy D’Aoust, CLIA's acting CEO. “He has a wealth of knowledge and expertise and is passionate about the industry and has grown the number of travel agents who are experts in selling cruise holidays.”